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
Where kids and adults build real confidence on the mats. Woman-owned, no-gi, and beginner-friendly from your very first class.
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.
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.
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!
My children have gained confidence, focus, and even great friends. Coach Jamie strikes the perfect balance of encouragement and challenge.
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!
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.
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.
We toured three or four gyms, and my son chose Heritage without hesitation. From the first phone call, Jamie was welcoming and kind.
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.
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.
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.
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.
After moving, I reached out for a trial. I attended a 6am class and was welcomed as if I'd been there for years.
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.
My two daughters have flourished since joining. As a girl dad I wanted them to learn to defend themselves, and it has become more than techniques on a mat. They have gained confidence, discipline, and a new level of work ethic with their school work.
Coach Jamie is absolutely incredible. She balances patience with confidence and encouragement, makes sure everyone understands, and still challenges students to do their best. Joining was an easy decision.
I filled out the contact form and Jamie called me back within 30 minutes. After the very first class my son knew he wanted to do it. Memberships are structured more than fairly, and Coach Jamie and Coach Austin are truly exceptional.
A fantastic gym with a welcoming environment and expert trainers. It was the first on my shopping list for fight gyms and I did not feel the need to look elsewhere.
My children honestly did not want to go, but Coach Jamie made them feel very welcome. Now they love going to Heritage. They have gained so much confidence and skill. I would recommend this place to anybody.
Great place for kids! My son has so much fun while learning valuable skills.
My two daughters have flourished since joining. As a girl dad I wanted them to learn to defend themselves, and it has become more than techniques on a mat. They have gained confidence, discipline, and a new level of work ethic with their school work.
Coach Jamie is absolutely incredible. She balances patience with confidence and encouragement, makes sure everyone understands, and still challenges students to do their best. Joining was an easy decision.
I filled out the contact form and Jamie called me back within 30 minutes. After the very first class my son knew he wanted to do it. Memberships are structured more than fairly, and Coach Jamie and Coach Austin are truly exceptional.
A fantastic gym with a welcoming environment and expert trainers. It was the first on my shopping list for fight gyms and I did not feel the need to look elsewhere.
My children honestly did not want to go, but Coach Jamie made them feel very welcome. Now they love going to Heritage. They have gained so much confidence and skill. I would recommend this place to anybody.
Great place for kids! My son has so much fun while learning valuable skills.
Every program is age-appropriate and skill-progressive, designed to challenge beginners and seasoned athletes alike.
Skill-progressive classes that build focus, discipline, and physical confidence, with in-house tournaments to put it all to the test.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Experienced, credentialed, and genuinely invested in every student who steps on the mat.
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.
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.
Coach Jamie Rodriguez is the owner and an instructor at Heritage Jiu Jitsu, where she blends professional teaching expertise, personal resilience, and a deep passion for martial arts. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education specializing in Spanish Education, with a minor in Piano, and brings a structured, thoughtful, and engaging approach to every class she teaches.
She has trained Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for over five years and has spent nearly that entire time as an instructor. Jamie holds a purple belt and competes as well as coaches: in July 2026 she took gold in the Women’s Absolute Advanced No-Gi division at the Newbreed Jiu Jitsu Federation North Carolina State Championship, taking the open division against every weight class in the advanced bracket. Her ability to connect with young students, adapt to individual learning styles, and create a positive, structured training environment has made her central to the youth program at Heritage.
As both coach and business owner, Jamie leads with warmth, determination, and a commitment to community. She stepped into ownership with a clear vision: a school where every student, especially children and women, is safe, taught well, and leaves knowing they can handle themselves. Her classes are rooted in clear instruction, emotional intelligence, and values that carry well beyond the mat.
2026 North Carolina State Championship, Absolute Advanced: gold in gi, silver in no-gi.
"I started training jiu jitsu and MMA in 2012, and I really credit it with teaching me to keep my head down and work on progressing even if I didn't get immediate gratification. Most of my friends at this point I know from training, and jiu jitsu has been a really big part of my life.
I've trained at gyms in Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Virginia, and North Carolina since I started. I started at an MMA gym with heavy wrestling, so I like to keep a realistic approach to jiu jitsu as a martial art, especially for kids classes, but I also appreciate and enjoy the sport specific side of things for competitors.
In my day job I'm a mechanical engineer and designer for a small manufacturing company. For fun when I'm not doing jiu jitsu I work on cars or play board games with friends."
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.
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.
Absolutely. Most of our students start with zero experience. Classes are taught step by step and are beginner-friendly from the very first day.
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.
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.
We do. Heritage offers classes for every age and level, including a women's class and early-morning adult sessions.
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.
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) 800-2021A 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.