BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU CLASSES IN FRANKLIN, TN
WORLD-CLASS
MARTIAL ARTS
BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU CLASSES IN FRANKLIN, TN
WORLD-CLASS
MARTIAL ARTS
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YOUR PREMIERE BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU GYM IN FRANKLIN, TN
TRUSTED LOCALLY, RECOGNIZED INTERNATIONALLY
Triangle Academy is your premier destination for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Wrestling and Kickboxing! Founded by Owner & Head Coach Clay Mayfield, Triangle Academy opened its doors on October 1, 2018. Since Day 1, our mission has been to provide world-class training in Franklin, TN and the surrounding areas.
We are committed to maintaining a clean and safe environment, and creating a supportive, healthy culture in our gym and community. Our team of amazing instructors are passionate about sharing their knowledge and expertise with students of all ages and skill levels.
There is no single ‘type’ of person who trains BJJ, and there are no experience or athleticism requirements to join our team - just a good attitude and work ethic!
Each class represents a wide spectrum of professions and personalities, from nurses and teachers to college students and welders. We have professional athletes, stay-at-home moms, and everything in between. The common denominator is simply that every person is working hard to be a better version of themselves.
Whether you're seeking self-defense, physical fitness, or a challenging team environment, our Programs are designed to help you achieve your goals!
CERTIFIED COACHES
CHAMPION ATHLETES
WORLD RENOWNED TRAINING
HARD TRAINING. GOOD CULTURE. NO DRAMA.
HARD TRAINING. GOOD CULTURE. NO DRAMA.
CHECK OUT OUR BJJ CLASSES!

ADULT BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU
Our Adult Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program offers a path for every individual seeking to enhance their fitness, self-defense skills, and overall well-being. Whether you're a beginner stepping onto the mats for the first time or a seasoned practitioner looking to refine your techniques, we have a program tailored to your needs. Choose from our two distinct tiers:
- Fundamentals Program: With absolutely no experience required, this is the perfect place to start for those new to BJJ or seeking to solidify their foundational skills. Our Fundamentals Classes provide a comprehensive introduction to the basic techniques and principles of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo and Wrestling, emphasizing safety & proper execution.
- Mastery Program: Designed for intermediate / advanced practitioners who want to take their Jiu-Jitsu journey to the next level, our Mastery Classes delve deeper into the technique chains, concepts and strategies of grappling (with a special emphasis on Takedowns), pushing your limits and unlocking your full potential!
In addition to our group classes, we also offer Private Lessons for those seeking personalized attention and accelerated progress. Our experienced instructors can work with you 1-on-1 to address specific goals, shorten your learning-curve of the basic techniques, or personalize a game plan tailored to your strengths & weaknesses

KIDS BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU
Our Kids Jiu-Jitsu Program is thoughtfully designed to foster your child's growth and development through the martial arts. Wrestling basics are heavily incorporated into our BJJ curriculum to develop well-rounded young athletes, and we offer these classes in two age-appropriate tiers:
- Ninjas Program (Ages 5-8): Our Ninjas Program introduces young children to the fundamentals of grappling in an engaging and safe environment. This youngest age-group learns primarily through fun drills & matches that build their coordination, focus, and self-confidence.
- Juniors Program (Ages 9-12): Juniors Program (Ages 9-12): Our Juniors Program builds upon foundational skills, teaching older beginners slightly more advanced techniques, strategies, and the importance of discipline and respect.
In addition to these Ninjas & Junior Beginner Classes, we also offer a very competitive
Advanced Kids Program. These classes focus on more detailed techniques, drills, and high-volume Live Training to push the more experienced young competitors to the next level.

Kickboxing Program
Our Kickboxing Program is designed to offer the basics of striking proficiency to our students! Drawing from Western Boxing and Muay Thai Kickboxing, these classes teach punches, kicks, knee and elbow strikes, as well as clinch-work and defense.
- Adult Fundamentals: The most basic tier of experience, these classes focus on the basics of stance, combinations and pad-work. Under the eye of our experienced coaches and fighters, you'll develop strong foundational habits AND get an amazing workout!
- Adult Advanced: Designed for athletes with striking experience or fighting experience, our Advanced practices include higher-level training and sparring.
- Kids Fundamentals: Our Kids Kickboxing Program focuses on basic combinations, conditioning and light sparring.
This program is open to students with 6 months of Jiu-Jitsu experience, and offers an additional dimension of training and challenge!
PSF TEAM
The team that Triangle Academy represents, Pedigo Submission Fighting is named after our founder Heath Pedigo. Heath began his training in the early 1990’s, and was one of the first-generation pioneers of BJJ in MMA, with an undefeated record. He received his black belt from Rickson Gracie’s student Rodrigo Vaghi, and runs the PSF “Daisy Fresh” headquarters in Mount Vernon, Illinois.
Pedigo training rooms are legendary for their hard-working team members, and emphasis on relentless drilling and conditioning. Though a relatively small organization with just a handful of affiliates (including Triangle Academy), the PSF team has produced a staggeringly high ratio of Pan-American & World Champions and ADCC veterans, and is widely regarded as one of the most dominant up-and-coming American confederations on the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu scene.
Triangle's head coach Clay Mayfied joined the Pedigo Submission Fighting team as a brown belt, and trained at the Daisy Fresh HQ for several years before moving to Tennessee to open this gym.

WHEN TO START BJJ? IT'S MORE THAN JUST GRAPPLING ...
Work ethic, tenacity, discipline, and kindness.
Beyond mastering intricate techniques, students cultivate a potent blend of work ethic, tenacity, discipline, and kindness. These invaluable life skills, honed through rigorous training, extend far beyond the mats, empowering individuals to excel in all aspects of life.
There is no better time to start than NOW!!

WHERE WE SERVICE
MEET OUR CERTIFIED BJJ COACHES!


BLAKE BROWN
ADULT COACH / VARSITY DIRECTOR

ZACH HEATH
ADULT COACH

FOSTER EHRIE
HEAD KIDS COACH
CLAY MAYFIELD
OWNER
HEAD COACH

JUSTIN CLAPHAN
ADULT COACH / SENIOR KIDS COACH

RISHI MARTINEZ
KIDS COACH

ALEXANDRA JOHNSON
KIDS COACH
MEET OUR CERTIFIED BJJ COACHES!

CLAY MAYFIELD
OWNER / HEAD COACH

BLAKE BROWN
ADULT COACH / VARSITY DIRECTOR

ZACH HEATH
ADULT COACH

FOSTER EHRIE
HEAD KIDS COACH

JUSTIN CLAPHAN
SENIOR KIDS COACH

RISHI MARTINEZ
KIDS COACH

ALEXANDRA JOHNSON
KIDS COACH
READ OUR REVIEWS
5.0

Reviews on Google
ANDREW DO
I reached out to Clay through the website about dropping in the day before, and he was super responsive and welcoming. He went over the house rules ahead of time and made everything easy.
When I showed up, Clay and Adrianna greeted me and gave me a quick tour. The facility was clean, organized, and clearly well taken care of.
The class was great and really informative. Clay checked in on me throughout to make sure everything made sense and that I was good as a visitor. Everyone was friendly and respectful, and the rolls were tough in the best way, which I definitely appreciated.
Top notch academy. I will for sure be dropping in again anytime I am in town.
LYNNSEY MCCARTER
I come from a jiu jitsu family that all trains competitively and I just recently started myself. Was in town for 2 weeks for work and wanted to get some classes in. My professor recommend me reach out to Coach Clay and team and I am so glad I did. As a newer female, coming into a gym where you do not know anyone can be intimidating, however I felt so welcomed the entire time. Learned lots of new skills and walking away with some new friends. Will always drop in when I am in town.
Great gym, amazing instructors and very welcoming. Thank you for having me❤️
LITA FLORES
Triangle Jiujitsu is a great place to train at. My Son trained there for a little bit during a transition in school and they very welcoming. They helped him get ready for kids pans. They push the kids to be the best they can and still have fun doing it. If your in the Franklin area and looking for a place to train I highly recommend Triangle.
BRANDON SMITH
Coach Clay & Coach Justin are great! The culture around the gym is awesome, and the facilities at the gym are clean and top notch. Really enjoyed my time here.
ALAA ALLEN ELBANNA
Very technical and hard working academy. Dropping in was a wonderful experience. I was treated like a regular member as soon as I walked in.
BRIAN RALSTON
Coach Clay and the entire coaching staff at Triangle are outstanding. They create a incredibly friendly and welcoming environment for athletes of all skill levels. The gym fosters a strong sense of community, support, and networking, where everyone is genuinely willing to help one another on and off the mats.
ANDREW DO
I reached out to Clay through the website about dropping in the day before, and he was super responsive and welcoming. He went over the house rules ahead of time and made everything easy.
When I showed up, Clay and Adrianna greeted me and gave me a quick tour. The facility was clean, organized, and clearly well taken care of.
The class was great and really informative. Clay checked in on me throughout to make sure everything made sense and that I was good as a visitor. Everyone was friendly and respectful, and the rolls were tough in the best way, which I definitely appreciated.
Top notch academy. I will for sure be dropping in again anytime I am in town.
LYNNSEY MCCARTER
I come from a jiu jitsu family that all trains competitively and I just recently started myself. Was in town for 2 weeks for work and wanted to get some classes in. My professor recommend me reach out to Coach Clay and team and I am so glad I did. As a newer female, coming into a gym where you do not know anyone can be intimidating, however I felt so welcomed the entire time. Learned lots of new skills and walking away with some new friends. Will always drop in when I am in town.
Great gym, amazing instructors and very welcoming. Thank you for having me❤️
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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What Is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art and combat sport that focuses primarily on grappling and ground fighting. It emphasizes technique and leverage over size and strength, making it effective for people of all shapes and sizes. BJJ training develops physical fitness, flexibility, coordination and strength, and is fantastic for improving mental focus, discipline, and reducing stress.
Jiu-Jitsu is particularly powerful for children, which is why our Kids Classes are so packed!!
In addition to the physical benefits, training helps children develop social skills, build confidence in themselves, and learn self-control.
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I'm Completely New To Martial Arts. Will I Be Able To Keep Up In BJJ Classes?
Absolutely! Most folks coming in for the first time have *never* trained before, and our Fundamentals program is specifically designed for beginners with no prior experience.
Our instructors break down techniques step-by-step, ensuring you learn the basics first and build a strong foundation. Every one of our experienced coaches once took their own first class, and are here to guide you through every step of your journey!
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What Should I Expect At My First BJJ Class?
Your first class will typically involve a warm-up, an introduction to basic BJJ movements and positions, and some light drilling with a partner. You'll learn fundamental techniques like how to breakfall safely, and how to escape from common grappling positions. Most importantly, you'll get a feel for the training environment and our supportive community!
If you're just starting out with no prior Jiu-Jitsu experience, you'll do several weeks of only technique-class before starting the Live Training (sparring) portion of practice. Taking that time to get your body familiar with the training and learn some of the basics first will help ensure that you stay injury-free and on the mats for as long as you'd like!
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What Should I Wear To My First Class?
If you’re starting your Intro Trial, your Gi (uniform) will be waiting for you to change into! Just bring a water bottle and flip-flops/slides. (Ladies - be sure to bring a sports bra and compression shorts to wear under the uniform)
For Kickboxing Classes, just wear normal gym clothes, such as workout shorts w/ no pockets or yoga pants, and a t-shirt. Loaner gloves & shin-guards will be provided for your first two classes!
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What Should We Expect At My Child's First BJJ Class?
Lots of fun!! Our Kids Program is a great balance of high energy and self control. The first class will involve stretching, warmup drills (such as learning to fall safely), practicing a sequence of simple but exciting techniques from our experienced coaches, a Character Talk, and more. Children just getting started will not participate in the Live Training (Sparring) portion of practice for their first week - but they will be prepared for it soon!
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What Should My Child Wear To Their First Class?
If they are starting their Intro Trial, their Gi (uniform) will be waiting to change into! Just arrive a few minutes early
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Will I Get Injured Training BJJ?
Injuries are a possibility when training combat sports, but we have carefully designed a training approach that minimizes the likelihood. Occasional bumps and bruises are part of the journey, but with attention to detail and proactive safety policies for how we train, serious injuries are extremely uncommon.
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Is BJJ Safe For Children?
Yes - Jiu-Jitsu is safe for children when taught in a controlled environment by experienced instructors. At Triangle Academy, safety is our top priority. We emphasize proper technique, respect for training partners, and correct supervision.
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My Child Is Shy. Will They Be Comfortable In A Jiu-Jitsu Class?
Absolutely! It is very common for little ones to be tentative about stepping on the mats for the first time. Our instructors are skilled at creating a welcoming class environment where all children feel comfortable. BJJ is fantastic at helping shy children build confidence and social skills over time!
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Will Training BJJ Make My Child More Aggressive?
No, quite the opposite! When training combat sports, you very quickly learn that - no matter how tough - you are never the biggest dog in the room. While BJJ teaches self-defense skills, it also emphasizes respect, discipline, and self-control. Children learn to channel their energy constructively, and Jiu-Jitsu helps them become more confident and less likely to engage in aggressive behavior.
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What Is Your Drop-In Policy?
We love having guests from other gyms, and never charge "mat fees" for cross-training. We simply ask that visitors follow our Uniform Requirements (see below), and contact us via phone/email to schedule your first visit!
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What Are The Gym's Uniform Requirements?
Triangle Academy Uniform Requirements
- White, Blue or Black Gi only (IBJJF-compliant colors)
- No Shirt/Rash Guard allowed under Gi (sports bras required for female athletes)
- No profanity on NoGi apparel
- Mouthguards required for Live Training
Still have questionS?
MEET OUR SUCCESS STORIES
STEVEN C.
"Training at Triangle Academy of Jiu-Jitsu has transformed my lifestyle both mentally and physically. When I first walked in the door, I wanted to try to have a more active lifestyle, but I quickly fell in love with the sport and the community. The strenuous and rigorous classes challenged me both physically and mentally, pushing me to stay active and engaged.
Throughout my first 18 months training at Triangle, my life has
drastically changed (along with self-confidence), losing nearly 100 pounds!
While it may be easy to say the body transformation was all by myself, I can’t. The sense of camaraderie within the Triangle classroom is unmatched. There is encouragement for everyone from everyone to improve their skills and stay committed to their goals.
Triangle Academy of Jiu-Jitsu has significantly improved how I look and feel on a daily basis"
