Hosford Jiu-Jitsu Academy
Jiu-Jitsu in Knoxville – Welcoming, Family-Friendly, Calm
Welcome To
Hosford Jiu-Jitsu Academy
Welcome to Hosford Jiu-Jitsu Academy – a family-owned, father-son Knoxville Jiu-Jitsu academy! We are a direct affiliate academy to the Pedro Sauer Jiu-Jitsu association and Jeff Curran’s association. Here, everyone is welcome to join us, regardless of background, experience, or skill level. The more perspectives, the better! This is a joyful environment where you can learn, grow, and have fun alongside like-minded individuals. Our training is centered around self-defense mastery while also incorporating sport Jiu-Jitsu into class. Students are encouraged to work on their personal development, including building up their discipline, confidence, and ability to be comfortable while uncomfortable. We invite you to join us for a great experience in our Hosford Jiu-Jitsu Academy family!
Fill out our FREE trial form!
Are you interested in a week of FREE Jiu-Jitsu classes? Then fill out the form to get started!
Who We Are at
Hosford Jiu-Jitsu Academy
Our School
Everything we focus on at Hosford Jiu-Jitsu Academy is centered around setting up our students for success. This starts with our fun culture, allowing everyone to train in a stress-free environment. On top of that, the expertise we bring to the mat is among the best around. John Hosford is a 4th-degree black belt – one of the highest ranks in the area – under Pedro Sauer. In addition to John’s years of experience, his son Gabe became one of the youngest black belts in the area! They bring a technique-based style to the mats that doesn’t require high-level athletic ability. Anyone can come in and build their game through hard work and determination. We pride ourselves on being a home for all at Hosford Jiu-Jitsu!
History
John Hosford opened his first Jiu-Jitsu academy in 2001, around the same time his son Gabe was born. With his dad’s time as a Jiu-Jitsu instructor, Gabe Hosford grew up on the mats and began training at a young age. Around 20 years after the first academy opened, the father-son duo opened their academy together in 2021. It was the start of another chapter in their Jiu-Jitsu journeys.
This all began in a garage with John and Gabe laying mats on the ground and helping students practice Jiu-Jitsu once or twice a week. In 2023, they upgraded to the present-day location and have been able to impact even more lives. With John’s 4th-degree black belt and Gabe’s first-degree – along with the lifelong friends they’ve made training Jiu-Jitsu in Knoxville – the Hosford father-son duo has devoted their time to changing lives through the wonderful art of Jiu-Jitsu in Knoxville.
Our Academy Schedule!
Go take a look at our class times at Hosford Jiu-Jitsu Academy.
We are open six days a week for you to get on the mats!
Meet the
Hosford Jiu-Jitsu Team
Our academy is led by the father-son duo, John and Gabe Hosford. Their journey together began when John opened an academy in 2001, when Gabe was born. This began a journey which has now led them to help the Knoxville community through Jiu-Jitsu. John and Gabe make sure to bring a fun, positive energy to every day of training, helping students find their best selves on the mat. Check out their bios to learn more!
John Hosford
Head Instructor | co-owner
Gabe Hosford
Lead Instructor | co-owner
Our Jiu-Jitsu
Programs
Each of our programs provides students with a path to reach their personal goals. We have Jiu-Jitsu training that is personalized to your individual needs. And don’t forget our Wrestling classes! Take a look below to find the right program for you and your family!
Kids Jiu-Jitsu (ages 8-15)
Our Kids Jiu-Jitsu is centered around teaching children self-defense. Students learn valuable life skills while working on their standing and ground self-defense techniques. It’s an all-around experience where they can make friends while working on their personal development.
Adult Jiu-Jitsu (ages 16+)
There is training for everyone in our adult program. This includes two different classes for different skill sets. Our Fundamental Jiu-Jitsu classes on Mondays and Wednesdays allow newcomers to build foundational skills in a beginner-friendly environment. Meanwhile, we also have Open Rank classes that apply more sport techniques with some self-defense.
Wrestling (ages 10+)
We offer more than just Jiu-Jitsu! Our Wrestling program provides kids and adults with a great workout and skill development course. We take a deep dive into technical aspects while applying live rounds to build out our skills.
Words from Our Community
Our father-son Jiu-Jitsu academy is a home for all. We have dedicated our time to help students improve their mental health, physical fitness, self-defense skills, and competitive capabilities. There is something for everyone in the Knoxville community! And it’s not just us saying it – you can check out what our students have said about their time training with us!
“Hands down the best gym I’ve ever trained at. The level of knowledge these guys display is seemingly never ending, and I learn something new every time I step on the mat.”
“A true come as you are place with a very welcoming environment for newcomers. Trained at this school for almost 2 years now and wouldn’t recommend any other place.”
“For me, its definitely the best jiu jitsu in town because John and Gabe help ensure that what I am learning is applicable for my body size. I would 100% recommend them to anyone.”
Contact Us!
Come join us for Jiu-Jitsu in Knoxville! We welcome everyone from Carter, Maryville, Powell, Farragut, and nearby areas. You can find us off exit 394 on I-40. Take a left off Asheville Highway and find us near Stormer’s Hardware!