745 Merritt Capital Dr, Wake Forest NC (919) 800-2021
★ Now enrolling all ages Español
HeritageJiu Jitsu
Free Week →
Wake Forest, NCAll Ages Welcome

No Gi.
No Limits.

Where kids and adults build real confidence on the mats. Woman-owned, no-gi, and beginner-friendly from your very first class.

Claim Your Free Week → (919) 800-2021
100+
5★ reviews
All
Ages & Levels
20+
Classes a Week
1
Free Week Trial
Coach Jamie smiling with a young student at Heritage Jiu Jitsu Coach Austin leading a kids no-gi class at Heritage Jiu Jitsu
Built for all ages

Where kids grow into their confidence

Our mats are full of kids and teens, and that is on purpose. Heritage is where young students build focus, discipline, and real self-belief, guided by coaches who know every name.

  • Confidence that carries off the mat. Focus, respect, and resilience that show up at school and at home.
  • Coaches who show up for your kid. Small, structured classes and genuine relationships, never a crowd.
  • A family on and off the mats. In-house tournaments and socials that make every kid part of the team.
Start your kid's free week →
Loved by local families

Trusted by families and athletes alike

Over 100 five-star reviews from Heritage families on Google, Facebook, and Yelp. Here are a few.

★★★★★
My 8-year-old has been going since February and absolutely loves it. Coach Jamie really works with the kids to build their confidence. If you're thinking about starting your kid in jiu jitsu, this is the place.
Maya G.Google
★★★★★
Exactly what I was looking for to build self-control, confidence, and self-esteem in the kids I see in my psychology practice. I'll be referring many more!
Amy R.Google
★★★★★
My children have gained confidence, focus, and even great friends. Coach Jamie strikes the perfect balance of encouragement and challenge.
Ana C.Google
★★★★★
My kid had zero experience with martial arts. The instruction is step by step, so it was no problem at all. Clean, safe, and fun. Definitely recommend!
Margo K.
★★★★★
Our two sons (5 and 10) have shown tremendous growth on and off the mats. Coach Jamie sets expectations high and helps each student reach them.
Ashley F.Google
★★★★★
I'm so grateful Jamie opened the homeschool class. My boys have never been more excited about a sport, and she makes it so fun while teaching real life skills.
Nicola H.
★★★★★
We toured three or four gyms, and my son chose Heritage without hesitation. From the first phone call, Jamie was welcoming and kind.
Martha S.Google
★★★★★
We feel Heritage is the place for our 7-year-old daughter. It has improved her confidence, body language, and eye contact. An A1 from our point of view.
Derek M.Google
★★★★★
My boys absolutely love it here! The coaches are amazing and go above and beyond. We are so thankful to be part of something great.
Lindsay N.
★★★★★
As a woman-owned business, Jamie truly loves and cares about what she does, and it shows. The youth program is amazing and the space is always clean and welcoming.
Madison S.Google
★★★★★
Our son had never done martial arts, but he's fallen in love with it. It feels more like physical education and less about being overtly aggressive.
Bobby J.
★★★★★
After moving, I reached out for a trial. I attended a 6am class and was welcomed as if I'd been there for years.
Darin D.Google
★★★★★
We gave the afterschool classes a try and have absolutely enjoyed it. Coach Jamie has a childhood education degree and has been teaching kids for decades, which brings a firm and supportive atmosphere. We would recommend Heritage to anyone.
Vanessa J.Yelp
Claim your free week →
Programs

A program for every age and goal

Every program is age-appropriate and skill-progressive, designed to challenge beginners and seasoned athletes alike.

Kids & Teens

Skill-progressive classes that build focus, discipline, and physical confidence, with in-house tournaments to put it all to the test.

Ages progress by group

Women's & Girls' Classes

A supportive, all-levels women's class led by a woman instructor, plus the Girl Jitsu Club for ages 6-14 on Saturday mornings. Real self-defense skills and confidence in a welcoming, encouraging room.

All levels · Women Wednesdays · Girls Saturdays

Adults

Morning, midday, and evening classes for every level, from your very first day on the mats through advanced and competition training. Come for fitness, self-defense, or the sport itself.

Fundamentals to advanced · 6 classes a week
New

MMA & Striking

Add striking, takedowns, and clinch work to your grappling for a complete system. We focus on technique, timing, and control in a safe, structured setting.

Stand-up · Complements No-Gi
Why no-gi

The only fully no-gi academy in Wake Forest

Gi and no-gi are both great paths in jiu jitsu. Heritage focuses fully on no-gi: the fast, athletic style built for modern grappling, self-defense, and MMA.

Practical for self-defense

Real situations and MMA don't involve a gi to grab, so no-gi keeps your control based on what is always there: the body itself.

Easier to start

Just a rashguard and shorts, and a style that is quick to pick up. Kids and beginners are moving and having fun from day one.

Fast and athletic

A flowing style built on movement, timing, and control. It is dynamic, it is fun, and it is what many of today's top grapplers love to train.

Your coaches

Led by people who care how you grow

Experienced, credentialed, and genuinely invested in every student who steps on the mat.

Coach Jamie Rodriguez

Jamie Rodriguez

Owner & Head Coach
Purple Belt2026 NC State · Absolute Advanced No-Gi GoldB.S. EducationKids Program SpecialistHabla Español

Over five years on the mats, with a real gift for coaching kids and building confidence. Jamie leads our youth and women's programs, plus the family-first culture that makes Heritage feel like home.

Coach Austin Blanks

Austin Blanks

Adult & Advanced Coach
Brown Belt2026 NC State · Absolute Advanced Gi Gold, No-Gi SilverTraining since 2012MMA & Wrestling Base

Training since 2012 across Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Virginia, and North Carolina. Austin brings a realistic, detail-obsessed approach to no-gi grappling, takedowns, and MMA.

Weekly schedule

Find your spot on the mats

Kids, teens, adults, and a women's only class throughout the week. Today is highlighted, and anything running right now is marked live.

Coaches listed are who usually teaches that class, and can change if someone is out or covering. Class times can change for holidays and weather.

Call or text (919) 800-2021 to confirm before your first visit.

Gear

CombatCuff, wear your rank in no-gi

Our patent-pending rank anklet for jiu jitsu, submission wrestling, and MMA, in kids and adult sizes. Rash guards, shorts, tees, and academy gear are on the way.

See the gear
Questions

New here? Start with these

My child has never done martial arts. Is that okay?

Absolutely. Most of our students start with zero experience. Classes are taught step by step and are beginner-friendly from the very first day.

What should we wear to the first class?

Just a t-shirt or rashguard and athletic shorts or pants. Please leave jewelry at home. No gi is needed, and there is nothing to buy to get started. We recommend slip-on shoes. Shoes never go on the mat, so easy on and off keeps trips to the bathroom simple. We will walk you through everything on day one.

Is it safe for kids?

Yes. Kids never train on the mats with adults. Our youth classes run at their own times and are grouped by age, so your child is always working with kids their own size and skill level. Classes are small, structured, and closely supervised, and coaches mix in jiu jitsu games that keep it genuinely fun while teaching control, respect, and sportsmanship.

Do you have classes for adults and women too?

We do. Heritage offers classes for every age and level, including a women's class and early-morning adult sessions.

Do you offer advanced and competition training?

Yes. Alongside fundamentals, Heritage runs dedicated advanced classes, live sparring for approved students, and competition prep, led by experienced coaches. Serious grapplers have a home here too.

How do we get started?

Claim your free week. Call or text (919) 800-2021, or stop by the academy at 745 Merritt Capital Dr, Suite 118 in Wake Forest and meet the team.

Call or text (919) 800-2021
Your first week is on us

Claim your free week of classes

A full week of classes on us, no experience and no pressure.
Call or text to reserve your spot, or stop by the academy and meet the team.

Call or Text (919) 800-2021
745 Merritt Capital Dr, Suite 118 · Wake Forest, NC 27587