We want you to see and experience what brings people from all walks of life through our doors to learn and grow together. At our academy, you’ll experience authentic Royce Gracie Jiu Jitsu and striking instruction from experienced and down-to-earth instructors. You’ll learn practical self-defense, get in shape, build confidence and see why so many people make training a part of their lives.
From the cleanliness of our facilities to the attention and care our instructors provide to students of all levels, we take pride in giving our members an exceptional experience they can’t get anywhere else. The proof is visible every day on the mats.
We have members with decades of experience alongside brand new students learning jiu jitsu and striking techniques with the common goal of improving themselves each day. With top notch instruction, pristine facilities and a welcoming community, we are certain once you visit you won’t want to go anywhere else.
In the earliest UFC events, Royce Gracie shocked the world by defeating much larger, stronger opponents using Royce Gracie Jiu Jitsu.
Instead of relying on athleticism or brute force, he demonstrated that proper technique, leverage, and timing could overcome size.
Today, that same philosophy is taught through the official Royce Gracie curriculum, giving everyday people practical skills they can use for life.
Always assume your opponent will be bigger, stronger, and faster—so you learn to rely on technique, timing, and leverage
Learn how leverage, timing, and positioning allow a smaller person to control a larger opponent.
Every technique is designed for practical self-defense—not flashy tournament moves.
Train under certified Royce Gracie instructors using the authentic curriculum taught throughout the Royce Gracie network.
At Royce Gracie Academy we teach the official Royce Gracie Jiu Jitsu 360 curriculum. It’s a comprehensive multi-level program designed by Royce Gracie himself and rooted in the self-defense principles established by his father, Grandmaster Helio Gracie. It’s focused on practical real-world application of techniques and age-appropriate programs for children. Our program is designed to provide a clear path for growth for all levels of experience. Each lesson develops effective skills to prepare for situations where they matter the most.
Our academy proudly teaches the only official curriculum of the Royce Gracie Network. The authentic instruction preserves the Gracie family’s proven approach to self defense.
Our striking classes offer effective training derived from a diverse background of Dutch-style kickboxing, western boxing and Muay Thai techniques. Both adult and children’s classes are led by skilled instructors who make safety and good form a priority to ensure all students have a positive experience regardless of skill level. Each class is designed for all levels of experience to provide a comfortable environment for students to build up their technique, confidence and burn some calories in the process.
Unlike many academies that focus primarily on sport competition, Royce Gracie Jiu Jitsu teaches a complete system designed for practical self-defense, confidence, and lifelong learning.
Royce Gracie Jiu Jitsu Academy of Raleigh is proud to be the only official Royce Gracie Jiu Jitsu Network school in Raleigh, North Carolina, offering instruction through the authentic Royce Gracie curriculum taught by certified Royce Gracie instructors.
Royce Gracie Jiu Jitsu Academy of Raleigh was the first Royce Gracie affiliated school in Raleigh, and our instructors are certified by Royce Gracie, with the Gracie family that pioneered Royce Gracie Jiu Jitsu at the root of everything we teach.
A welcoming place to learn practical skills, build confidence, improve your fitness, and become part of a community that wants you to succeed.
Receive structured instruction from certified teachers following the authentic Royce Gracie system.
No previous martial arts experience is required. Beginners are introduced step by step and progress at a comfortable pace.
Supportive teammates help you learn, improve, and feel welcome from your very first class.
Classes follow a structured path that develops practical skills without throwing beginners into the deep end.
Age-appropriate classes help adults and children develop fitness, confidence, discipline, and useful skills.
A spacious, clean, and organized academy gives students the right setting for focused, consistent training.
Our students include complete beginners, busy professionals, parents, children, first responders, military members, and adults starting later in life.
You will not be expected to know anything before you arrive.
Come experience your first class. We think you will be glad you did.
Whether you are stepping onto the mats for the first time or working toward your next belt, you will be learning from one of the earliest black belts promoted by Royce Gracie himself.
Billy Dowey is the Owner and Head Instructor of Royce Gracie Jiu Jitsu Academy of Raleigh. He earned his black belt directly under UFC Hall of Famer Royce Gracie in 2008, which puts him among the earliest names on Royce Gracie’s official black belt list.
Billy has competed in mixed martial arts as both an amateur and a professional, and he has joined Royce Gracie on the mats as an assistant at Royce’s training events. He brings that real-world experience to every class he teaches.
Whether your goal is self-defense, fitness, personal growth, or long-term mastery, Billy and his team of Royce Gracie black belts are committed to helping you become more capable on and off the mats.
Black Belt Under Royce
Amateur & Pro Fighter
Certified Black Belt
Black Belts on Staff
Almost everyone who walks through our doors says the same thing: “I wish I had started years ago.”
Whether you are completely new to martial arts or simply looking for something different, we will guide you through every step. No pressure. No intimidation. Just a welcoming introduction to Royce Gracie Jiu Jitsu.
We will greet you, answer your questions, and give you a quick tour of the academy.
No uniform yet? No problem. A clean loaner gi is available for your introductory class.
Practice a few beginner-friendly techniques with patient instruction and an appropriate partner.
Walk out knowing exactly what training feels like and whether Royce Gracie Jiu Jitsu is right for you.
Your only job is to show up with an open mind. We will take care of the rest.
Choose a convenient time, meet the team, and discover how welcoming Royce Gracie Jiu Jitsu can be.
Whether you want practical self-defense, a challenging new way to get fit, greater confidence for your child, or focused one-on-one coaching, there is a program designed around your goals.
Build practical self-defense, full-body fitness, confidence, and problem-solving ability through structured, beginner-friendly training.
Effective striking drawn from Dutch-style kickboxing, western boxing and Muay Thai, taught with safety and good form as the priority.
Help your child become more confident, focused, physically active, and prepared to handle difficult situations without becoming aggressive.
Work individually with an experienced instructor to accelerate your progress, improve specific techniques, or receive personalized self-defense instruction.
Request a trial class and we will help you choose the best place to start.
Every student starts for a different reason—better fitness, practical self-defense, more confidence, or a positive activity for their child. These are the experiences that matter most.
Experience the academy, meet the team, and take the first step toward your own progress.
Royce Gracie Jiu Jitsu teaches practical self-defense using leverage and technique rather than strength or athleticism. You’ll learn the same principles Royce Gracie used to change martial arts forever, in a structured, beginner-friendly environment.
That’s completely normal—most new students feel the same way. Our instructors and students are friendly, supportive, and understand what it’s like to be new. We’ll guide you every step of the way so you can relax and enjoy your first class.
No, beginners are not required to spar in their first class. You will first learn fundamental techniques before gradually participating in live training (rolling) after you master the basics.
Absolutely! Royce Gracie Jiu Jitsu is one of the most effective martial arts for real-world self-defense. Our curriculum includes practical self-defense techniques that are useful in real-life situations.
Yes! Royce Gracie Jiu Jitsu is designed to be a controlled and safe martial art. Our instructors emphasize proper technique, controlled sparring, and injury prevention. However, as with any sport, minor injuries may occur. We have many professionals training with us, from doctors to teacher and lawyers. We all need to show up for work in one piece, and prioritize training safely above all else.
No prior experience is required! Our classes cater to all skill levels, from complete beginners to advanced practitioners. Our instructors will guide you at your own pace.
Not at all. We have students who began training in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond. Royce Gracie Jiu Jitsu is based on technique rather than strength, making it a great choice regardless of age.
Not at all. In fact, many students starting in our adult martial arts classes would describe themselves like that before they started. So you will fit right in! Give yourself some time, and you will be astounded at how much you improve! You’ll find that our very experienced martial arts instructors are trained to keep their teaching simple and easy to follow. So even the most uncoordinated person will develop complex skills over time! Come see for yourself!
We’ll contact you to confirm a convenient class time, answer any questions you have, and let you know exactly what to bring. When you arrive, we’ll introduce you to your instructor and make sure you feel comfortable from the moment you walk in.
Your first class is relaxed, welcoming, and designed for complete beginners. We’ll introduce you to your instructor, provide a loaner uniform if needed, and teach a few fundamental techniques at your own pace. You won’t be expected to spar or fight on your first visit. Our goal is simply to help you experience authentic Royce Gracie Jiu Jitsu in a safe, supportive environment.
No. Many students join because they’re looking for a fun way to get in shape. You’ll improve your fitness naturally as you train, and you’ll work at a pace that’s comfortable for you.
For your first class, wear comfortable athletic clothing such as a t-shirt and shorts or leggings. We will lend you or your child a uniform for the first class! Be sure to bring a water bottle. You will find Royce Gracie Raleigh has martial arts classes for kids and adults that are a great workout and lots of fun!
No. We provide a complimentary loaner uniform for your first class, so all you need to bring is comfortable athletic clothing and a water bottle. If you decide to continue training, we’ll help you choose the right uniform.
Whether your goal is confidence, practical self-defense, better fitness, or helping your child thrive, your first class is the perfect place to start.
Take the first step today—we’d love to welcome you to the academy.
Join students and families who have discovered greater confidence, practical self-defense, better fitness, and a welcoming community through authentic Royce Gracie Jiu Jitsu.
