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Welcome to Midtown Grappling Academy

Our world-class Brazilian Jiu Jitsu program is located in the heart of Midtown in Memphis, TN. The team is led by Alexandre Meadows, a black belt in the art under Marcelo Garcia.

Our Programs

  • Two men practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu on a mat, one in a white gi and the other in a black gi, engaged in a grappling maneuver.

    Adult Gi

    Our adult gi BJJ classes offer comprehensive instruction in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu fundamentals and advanced techniques, combining movement, specific drilling, and live sparring. Whether you're a complete beginner or experienced grappler, you'll develop practical self-defense skills, improve your fitness, and join a supportive community dedicated to continuous learning.

  • Two men practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu on a mat, one applying a choke hold on the other, with storage shelves in the background.

    Adult No Gi

    Our adult no-gi classes focus on fast-paced grappling without the traditional gi, emphasizing positional control, wrestling takedowns, and dynamic submission chains. Perfect for MMA enthusiasts or those seeking a different challenge, these classes build explosive cardio, adaptable technique, and a modern approach to submission grappling.

  • Two children in judo uniforms practicing a bow in a dojo.

    Kids BJJ

    Our kids BJJ classes teach practical self-defense and grappling techniques in a fun, engaging environment that builds confidence, discipline, and respect. Through age-appropriate instruction, interactive games, and supportive coaching, children develop physical fitness, problem-solving skills, and lasting friendships on the mat.

See Our Schedule

Train with your kids!

Why not make jiu-jitsu a family activity? Our kid’s class starts on the front half of the mats at 5:30pm and adults class starting at 5:45 on the back half of the mats. Rather than dropping your kid off for class, stay for the hour, join the adult’s class and get your own workout in. Besides there is nothing better than threatening an arm bar when they are acting up!

Join Us
Two women practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu on a mat, one woman in a white gi with a black belt applying a choke, the other woman in a white gi with a purple belt in a defensive position, in a martial arts training facility.
A man and a young boy smiling and standing together in a martial arts dojo, both wearing judo gis, with other people practicing martial arts in the background.
A woman in a black jujitsu uniform with a white belt smiling and hugging two children, one in a white jujitsu uniform and one in a blue jujitsu uniform, inside a martial arts gym with punching bags.
A man and a young girl sitting on the floor of a gym or training area with punching bags and a clock in the background. The man is dressed in a black athletic outfit, and the girl is wearing a red jacket and dark pants, both smiling at each other.
An adult and child practicing judo in a training space, holding each other's arms.

About the Gym

  • Located in the historic Midtown neighborhood of Memphis, MGA boasts one of the largest mat spaces with the largest volume of jiu jitsu competitors. MGA also pays homage to the Professor Alex’s jiu jitsu lineage through Professor Marcelo Garcia.

  • We live by the credo that “Iron sharpens iron”, and stepping into MGA, you will notice high level talent teaching and training here daily.

    We prioritize excellent technique, high level conditioning, and a competitive mentality for both those who complete around the world, and those looking for a healthy and fulfilling way to stay in shape.

    MGA offers 3 days of Gi, and 2 days of dedicated No Gi training every week and we pride ourselves in encouraging students to pursue the sport in the way that interests them the most.

  • Alex is the first grappler in Memphis to compete at IBJJF and to become IBJFF World Champion (No Gi brown belt absolute as a light weight) and 2x Pan Ams

    He has worked and help develop other gyms in the area before opening his own in 2016. Since then, this Brazilian from Rio de Janeiro, who is a black belt under the legendary Marcelo Garcia and currently has competed and won titles at the Black Belt level:

    3 x No Gi IBJJF Pan Ams Champion

    Nationals Champion

    Boise (absolute)

    Nashville Open

    2 x bronze medalist at the Rio International Open (2017, 2023).

    Most importantly, Alex is still an active competitor providing battle proven jiu jitsu skills.

“There is nothing impossible to
him who will try.”

— Alexander the Great