If you’re travelling to Da Nang and want to keep up your training during your trip, look no further than Renzo Gracie Da Nang. This gym is by far my favourite place to train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) in Vietnam.
The academy has two locations: one focused primarily on BJJ and grappling, and another dedicated to striking and MMA training. In this review, I’ll focus on the BJJ gym, as it’s where I have the most experience.
The gym is located in Hải Châu District, the main city centre of Da Nang. It’s around a 10-minute motorbike ride from My Khe Beach, making it a convenient option for travellers staying near the coast.
Finding the entrance
The gym is located next to a large stadium, which is in disrepair and no longer in use. However, it can be used as a helpful marker if you get lost.
Directions
- Head down Đ. Chi Lăng Street
- Enter the complex when you see the stadium
- Follow the road to the end
- The gym will be on your right-hand side
Renzo Gracie BJJ Da Nang mat space
Pricing and membership options
There is a range of different membership options at a fair price for the level of training and facilities which you have access to.
I have highlighted the ‘one week unlimited‘ option that would likely be ideal for those who are stopping by for a short trip.
There’s also a promotion where you receive a free Gi when signing up for a 3-month membership.
Buying a Gi in Vietnam can be difficult for Western sizes, so this is worth considering.
- Gi purchase: 1,200,000 VND
- Gi rental to 100,000 VND.
| One day pass | 250,000 VND |
| One week unlimited | 600,000 VND |
| Eight times a month | 850,000 VND |
| Twelve times a month | 1,050,000 VND |
| One month unlimited | 1,600,000 VN |
Class Schedule & Training Options
I have included a photo below, which details the class schedule (as of 27 March 2026). The gym opens it’s doors at 5 AM Monday to Saturday, which is great if you’re looking to get an early cardio or weight training session done. There is an extensive range of training equipment available at the gym.
There are plenty of BJJ classes for kids and adults which run each day that range from beginner to intermediate level. Additionally, there are several standing related classes including judo and wrestling sessions. Another big positive of this gym, is there are women only focused classes which run daily and are taught by highly decorated instructor and black belt Minh.
Please read my section on my review of each class that I have experience with and more information on the coaches at the gym here.
Gym equipment
Although the gym is a grappling and MMA focused gym doesn’t mean there isn’t an excellent range of good quality gym equipment that can even be hard to find at establish gyms in Da Nang.
- 2 squat racks / power racks
- Dumbbells up to 30kg
- Kettlebells up to 24kg
- Lat pulldown & rowing machine
- Cardio equipment
Facilities
Toilets & showers
There are two toilets at the gym with accompanying showers. Unlike some gyms I have visited in Asia its not your standard hose outside, both showers offer hot water and there is free to use shampoo and body wash available. However, generally I opt for the cold water bucket, the humidity in Vietnam can be challenging at times so this is a good way to cool off after a hard training session
Air conditioning
Due to the size of the gym it’s not really feasible to have proper air conditioning, which I must admit coming from a cold country this level of heat and humidity took some adjusting to. There are several large fans dotted around the gym and one large air conditioning unit which is placed next to the main mat area.
Refreshments / drinks
There is a fridge with a selection of drinks that you can buy. Occasionally, there are fresh coconuts available which is the best recovery after a long sweaty session.
My jujitsu experience
Before, I go on to detail my experience at some of the classes run at the gym. I think it might be useful to give some background on my training experience. I have been training BJJ (gi and no-gi) for over 4 years starting at my home gym LowTide BJJ, Edinburgh Scotland. Over this time I have competed in several competitions and earned my blue belt back in August 2023.
Class review
I have been training at Renzo Gracie Da Nang for around 1 year and 6 months. I have been semi consistent, generally trying to get down to the gym 3 times a week.
Important note: BJJ classes are taught primarily taught in English and depending on the coach there will be Vietnamese and even sometimes Russian translation.
Fundamental no-gi Monday, Wednesday, Friday (2:00 – 3:30 PM)
Now, I will preface this by saying although this class is labeled as a fundamental no-gi class in reality it’s more a mixed level class. That is not to say that class isn’t welcoming to day one beginners, it’s more that the class covers a range of techniques from beginner to advanced.
Coach Jeff, what can I say about this legend. He is an American from Chicago, who has a wicked sense of humour, he’s patient and incredibly knowledgable. Thank you for leveling up my top pressure and single leg x game and I appreciate all the advice and laughs along the way.
Class structure, the class generally begins with a standard BJJ focused warm up and then moves towards positional sparring rounds. In my opinion, I think this is the best way to warm up for BJJ and gives you an opportunity to test out whatever guard pass or sweep you have watched on YouTube recently.
Technique portion, Jeff’s classes will usually follow a structured 4 week block, that will focus on a specific position (side control, mount etc…). Jeff will explain the basic fundamental principles of the technique/position, but will also field questions and add extra details for those with more experience.
Rolling/sparring, the class will end with around 5 rounds of sparring. Generally the first two of rolls will start in the position that we have been focusing on and the last three will be open.
Core members, as Da Nang is a popular tourist attraction there is often a lot of drop in’s. However, there is a strong core of members who attend Jeff’s classes, these guys and girls are incredibly friendly and seriously skilled jujitsu practitioners. Im happy to call them my friends and I am certain that they will welcome you, so don’t feel apprehensive, everyone is really nice. Shout out to Kesh, Alex, Bao, Steven and Tudor if you’re reading this!
Intermediate no-gi Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday (9:30 – 11:00 AM)
I have been attending the intermediate no-gi morning classes in recent weeks due to a change in my schedule. These classes are an excellent place to develop your jujitsu game under a knowledgeable and friendly coach. These classes are busier than the aforementioned fundamentals class and I would define them as technique centric with hard rolling.
There is also the same class which runs in the evening from 6:45 – 8:15 PM, which is a great option if you want to escape the daytime heat.
Coach Thanh, head trainer at Renzo Gracie Da Nang is a superb coach, who boats an extensive background in both BJJ and Judo. Thanh is incredibly friendly and approachable person who makes all members feel welcome in his class. Thanh provides very detailed instruction during his technique demonstration. I personally really appreciate this attention to detail, as we know in BJJ some of the smallest details can make a huge difference.
Class structure, the class will start with a BJJ related warm up similar to the fundamentals class. Then we will move on to drilling a specific sequence, for example a sweep or guard pass for 20 times and then switching position. This is aimed at getting you familiar with the position of the day and acts as a good prerequisite.
Technique portion, begins with Thanh showing the technique that we are focused on, with specific emphasis on specific details. Similar to the fundamental classes there will be a focus on a specific technique or position for a number of weeks.
Rolling/sparring, the class will end with hard sparring, generally the first two rounds will be positional. The sparring is quite intense at times, with very short rest periods between rounds. One of the things that I like about these sessions is that Thanh will push you even when you’re tired. Something he said recently really resonated with me,
“when you’re tired that’s when your jujitsu really comes into play, no strength, just technique”.
Core members, these classes are busier and have a solid group of upper belts who regularly attend the classes. There are also some serious BJJ and MMA competitors who are more than happy to put you through your paces. The class atmosphere is very friendly and welcoming. It’s not unusual for everyone to be chatting and cracking jokes after class. However, I would recommend to get a shower in quickly… don’t be that guy.
Intermediate gi Monday, Wednesday, Friday (9:30 – 11:00 AM)
I started my BJJ journey in the Gi back in Scotland. However, since moving to Vietnam I have struggled with getting back into Gi due to the high humidity, instead opting towards training no-Gi.
Recently, I have been training more in the Gi and really enjoyed trying to slow down my game to avoid gassing out in the first round.
There is also the same class which runs in the evening from 6:45 – 8:15 PM, which is a great option if you want to escape the daytime heat.
Coach Thanh, teaches the Gi classes and all the same praise as I have given still applies to his teaching methods in the Gi, but are amplified due to his background in Judo and competitive background in the Gi.
There are plenty of details, which are easy to miss if you’re not focused. Specific grips, sequences and movement, which make a big difference when applying the techniques introduced in the class.
Class structure, again the class will start with a BJJ related warm up similar to the other classes that I have covered, but with some Gi specific moves such as grip breaks included.
Then we will move on to drilling a specific sequence, for example a sweep guard pass for 20 times and then switching position. This is aimed at getting you familiar with the position of the day and acts as a good prerequisite.
Technique portion, begins with Thanh showing the technique that we are focused on, with specific emphasis on specific details. For me, this is more present in the Gi due to the complexities which arise when you’re wearing the pyjamas. The same principles apply to these classes, with a focus on a specific sequence for several weeks.
Rolling/sparring, the class will end with hard sparring, generally the first two rounds will be positional. The sparring can again be quite intense, but not as hard as what you can expect in the no-gi classes.
Core members, are a range of upper belts and a few white belts in the mix. It’s not uncommon to encounter a travelling black belt, which is always a treat to pick up some new techniques from across the world. The upper belts in this class are very accommodating and are more than happy to pass on their knowledge of how they smashed you so easily. I really enjoy attending these classes it always good vibes with and I have definitely improved my energy management in the Gi to avoid gassing out.
Merchandise
There is a large selection of no-gi training gear available at the gym. It’s not your standard boring gym merch, with some really unique and cool designs. If you’re looking for a cool souvenir to bring back from your travels to Vietnam, this might not be a bad idea.
Final Verdict: Is Renzo Gracie Da Nang Worth It?
If you’re looking for:
- High-quality BJJ training in Da Nang
- A welcoming international community
- Excellent coaching staff and facilities
- Flexible membership options for travellers
Then Renzo Gracie Da Nang is one of the best BJJ gyms in Vietnam.
More information
If you need more details on class schedule or would like to speak to Thanh directly then I would encourage you to contact them via Facebook or Instagram.