UNITED WE ARE STRONG (Gracie United)

UNITED WE ARE STRONG (Gracie United) brings Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training to 1739 S 4th St Building 2 in Jena, LA with a clear focus on practical martial arts, structured coaching, and a welcoming training environment. The academy’s lineup covers Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), gi and no-gi grappling, self-defense, sport grappling tournaments, MMA, cardio kickboxing, and martial arts school instruction, giving students a wide range of ways to build skill and confidence on the mat. With Professor Rafael Ellwanger and Rafael Ellwanger listed among the instructors, the gym combines experienced leadership with a program mix that serves beginners, competitors, and families alike.

One of the standout qualities of UNITED WE ARE STRONG is its emphasis on straightforward training without unnecessary barriers. The academy promotes a week of training absolutely free, with gear provided for the trial week, along with a free uniform. It also highlights no gimmicks, hidden contracts, or registration fees, plus no belt test fees and a 60-day cancellation option. For students looking for a place that keeps the process simple and transparent, those details make the academy especially approachable. The presence of modern, professional, and clean facilities adds to the experience, making it easy for newcomers to step in and feel ready to train.

The academy also stands out for its scale and community reach. With over 34 locations, UNITED WE ARE STRONG operates within a larger network while still offering the kind of family oriented atmosphere local students often appreciate. Its largest women program in the south is a notable feature, signaling a strong commitment to accessible training and a welcoming environment for women who want to begin or continue their martial arts journey. That kind of breadth can be especially valuable in a local BJJ community, where students may be looking for both high-level instruction and a supportive room to learn in.

For Jena-area students, the practical advantages are easy to see. Whether the goal is competition, self-defense, conditioning, or cross-training through gi, no-gi, or MMA, the academy offers multiple paths to stay engaged and progress. Sport grappling tournaments in gi and no-gi give more competitive practitioners a place to sharpen their game, while the self-defense and fundamentals-based training help newer students build useful skills from day one. Backed by world class instructors and a clear training philosophy, UNITED WE ARE STRONG presents itself as a polished, community-minded academy with enough variety to appeal to a broad range of martial arts students.