At Foothills Martial Arts, you’ll learn realistic and practical self-defense skills in a safe and friendly environment, taught by Professor Jerry Burns, a first-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Jiu-Jitsu is life-changing, and the benefits are not just physical. This gentle art will also increase your focus, concentration, patience, mood and confidence. Strength and flexibility also increase.
Foothills Martial Arts is located in Maryville, Tennessee. We welcome beginners and advanced skill level children and adults from Alcoa, Townsend, Friendsville, Walland, Seymour, Knoxville and surrounding areas.
Whether you want to learn the art of jiu-jitsu to compete or just want to get in shape, our adult classes provide training for those of any age, size, and experience level. You will learn real-world, proven self-defense techniques from our first-degree black-belt professor.
Our certified LEO Defensive Tactics Instructor offers ongoing training geared specifically toward police officers and first responders. Our LEO training is unlike anything else offered in Blount County.
Give your child an authentic jiu-jitsu experience. We work with children age 6+ and will help build their confidence by teaching them fun and practical self-defense techniques.
Jerry Burns is a first-degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under the legendary Master Luiz Palhares, who was trained directly by the Gracie family. His grappling experience began over 20 years ago. Throughout his martial arts career, Jerry has competed in countless jiu-jitsu grappling competitions and is a retired mixed martial artist with 31 professional matches.
Dedicated to protecting our community, Jerry served as a law enforcement officer for 15 years. Today, he continues that dedication by teaching police officers self-defense techniques as a certified law enforcement defensive tactics instructor.
Jerry’s focus is now on Foothills Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, where he teaches both adults and children the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in addition to practical, real-world self-defense techniques.
Our classes remain authentic to the Original Program Developed by Master Luiz Palhares, who teaches his own prestigious Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Jacksonville, Florida. Palhares was trained directly by the Gracie family, first under Rolls Gracie, then later under Rickson Gracie.
He was awarded his black belt by Helio Gracie and Rickson Gracie in 1984. He has since won many high-level competitions and was the 1998 Brazilian National Champion in both the heavyweight senior and open divisions.
Foothills Martial Arts is a proud affiliate of the Adopt A Cop Program. Please see us for officer reimbursement details.
Call us at (865) 446-0031 or fill out the form below to try a free trial Gracie Jiu-Jitsu class. Sign up only if you enjoy it. We are confident you will love it here!
I have known the owner for a few years now. Utmost professionalism and knowledge in the arts is amazing. Success with training up and coming fighters, while teaching integrity in winning as well as defeat. Definitely recommend to anyone!!
Went for a seminar and felt right at home. Everyone was welcoming and the jiu jitsu was on point. If you're in the area try this place out!
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is a great group to train with. They’ve been welcoming, helpful, and encouraging. If you’re looking for a place to learn and grow you should check them out.
My son takes classes every Tuesday and Thursday and looks forward to it every week! Jerry is very professional and such a great teacher. My son has already progressed in a short period of time. I would recommend his classes to anyone