The Forge Gym & Roger Gracie Dubai Academy

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This Jiu-Jitsu academy truly feels like a second home—a melting pot of different people and cultures united by a shared passion for the sport. The coaching team is outstanding, offering expert instruction for all levels, from complete beginners to advanced competitors. They have dedicated fundamentals and advanced classes, ensuring everyone progresses at their own pace. Co-founder and head instructor Marcos is an elite competitor and an even better coach—friendly, knowledgeable, and always supportive. The academy is also incredibly safe and well-maintained, with a clean training environment and a strong focus on injury prevention. Kids are welcome, making it a great place for families. The atmosphere is amazing, and the training is top-notch. Highly recommended!

One of the best and most professional gyms I’ve been in. The coaches are extremely knowledgeable and can definitely teach you the keys to being successful in every martial arts sport from BJJ to Muay Thai and much more. Not only that they also have a weight lifting and cardio gym with top notch changing rooms and showers. The staff is extremely helpful and friendly. And don’t make me talk about the forge cafe cuz they provide it all from hydration drinks to protein milkshakes.

Team of professional trainers & staff, my son has been training kids jiu jitsu here since 2024, it has helped him build self confidence & defense. The gym is conveniently located in Al Barsha, with an adults gym & dedicated classes where you can and your child can exercise at the same time.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I’m truly grateful for the incredible experience I’ve had at this academy. Mr. Mansour leads the team with great professionalism and vision, creating a respectful, motivating environment for everyone. Coach Marcos Santana brings unmatched energy and expertise to every session—his passion for Jiu-Jitsu is contagious. Coach Sam is incredibly detail-oriented and patient, helping us grow not just as athletes but as individuals. The reception team is always kind and helpful, especially John, who goes out of his way to make sure everything runs smoothly and everyone feels welcome. It’s more than just a place to train—it’s a space where you feel supported, empowered, and part of a true community. Highly recommended!

First Class Training Facilities and Exceptional Coaches and Staff. I was on vacation and was looking for a good academy to train at. Being 4 weeks into my Jiu Jitsu journey, I wanted to ensure I picked an academy that was comfortable allowing me to train as I was still very new to the art. From every social and online interaction, the team could not have been more accommodating. From John who leads the front of house team to the Muay Thai coach's, I wasn't even training Muay Thai and the coach's still welcomed me in and said to shout if I needed anything. I was shown round the facility, which had everything you would need for your chosen discipline. All bookings can be done via an App or at the reception, all of which is very easy to do. I signed upto the Fundamentals class, which is at 6pm every working weekday. The class had lots of mixed belts, ranging from white to purple. I attended 4 Fundamentals classes which were led by Profeasor Sam Mosquito Teague. Every class was carefuly lead and planned, with a wwarm-up, technique training, drilling and specific training. Professor Mosquito, makes sure to spend enough time with each individual and corrects and assists each of his students and the group on areas that require improvement. It should be noted that this is a "No Ego" academy, everyone I trained with even the higher belts were all friendly and acomdating to my skill level and respectful to each other. The academy is led by Professor Marcos Ratinho, who I had the pleasure of training with twice, extremely friendly and very helpful. I would thoroughly recommend training here for anyone of any skill level. Higher belts (lots of black belts in this class) typically training in the advanced class, with some doing the Fundamentals and the advanced. I will be sure to visit again when I am next in dubai, big shout out to John on reception, Professor Marcos for welcoming me and allowing me to train, despite being a novice and of course Professor Mosquito, who took me ...