Everything You Need to Know

We offer 8+ martial arts programs including TaeKwonDo, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (Gracie lineage), HapKiDo, Tai Chi, Wing Chun, KumDo (Korean sword fighting), self defense, and grappling. We have classes for all ages starting at 3 years old, plus dedicated kids programs, adult classes, and family training options. Our head instructor holds a 9th Degree TaeKwonDo Black Belt and an IBJJF BJJ Black Belt with over 50 years of teaching experience.

Your first class is completely free with no commitment required. Just wear comfortable clothes — we provide everything else. Our instructors will guide you through the entire session from warm-up to cool-down, regardless of your experience level. After class, we’ll talk about which program might be the best fit for your goals.

You can book your free trial class by visiting our contact page, calling us at (615) 989-7945, or emailing info@gmagallatin.com. Just let us know which program interests you and we’ll find a class time that works. Walk-ins are welcome too — arrive 15 minutes before class starts.

For your first visit, comfortable athletic clothing is all you need — T-shirt, shorts or sweats, and bare feet on the mat. Once you enroll, a uniform (dobok for TaeKwonDo, gi for BJJ) is required and available through the school. No jewelry or watches during training.

We’re located at 509 Garnet Ct, Suite 100 in Gallatin, Tennessee and serve families throughout Sumner County and the greater Nashville metro area. Students come from Gallatin, Hendersonville, Goodlettsville, Whitehouse, Bethpage, Castalian Springs, Lebanon, and surrounding communities. Our after school program includes pickup from local Gallatin schools.

We offer flexible tuition plans based on the number of classes per week and program type. Family discounts are available when multiple family members enroll. Your first trial class is always free. Contact us or visit our school to discuss pricing options that fit your budget.

We offer both paid-in-full options and discounted 6, 12, 24, and 36 month contract plans. We also offer paid-in-full short-term programs and cancellation options. A contract helps students stay committed to the goal of reaching Black Belt — learning martial arts takes years of dedication and consistency, and a structured plan helps families stay on track.

The cost varies based on the instructor’s credentials and experience, the quality of facilities and equipment, and the depth of the curriculum. At GMA, you’re training under a 9th Degree Black Belt with 50+ years of experience, in a fully equipped facility with multiple training areas, under instructors who hold high-level certifications from international organizations. The quality of instruction directly impacts how fast you learn and how far you go.

We recommend at least 2 times per week to progress at a normal rate. Training 3 to 5 times per week will accelerate your development significantly. The more you train, the faster you’ll build skills, confidence, and fitness. Once-a-week attendance makes it difficult to retain techniques between sessions.

We accept students as young as 3 years old in our Little Lions program. Our kids martial arts classes build confidence, discipline, focus, and anti-bullying skills in a safe, structured environment. We’re Safe Sport Certified and offer specialized programs for children with special needs. We also offer kids martial arts classes for all age groups through teens.

Yes. We have helped hundreds of children build focus, discipline, and confidence through structured martial arts training. Our program has a proven track record with children who have ADD, ADHD, and other behavioral challenges. When you visit, our instructors will assess whether our program and child development approach are the right fit for your child’s needs.

Absolutely. We have experience working with children across a range of special needs and developmental differences. Our instructors are patient, trained to adapt their teaching methods, and committed to creating an inclusive environment where every student can succeed at their own pace. We’re Safe Sport Certified and all instructors are background checked.

Yes — many of our families train together. We offer family TaeKwonDo classes where parents and kids train side by side, and family discounts are available when multiple family members enroll. Training together builds a shared experience and strengthens family bonds through discipline and mutual encouragement.

TaeKwonDo is a Korean martial art known for dynamic kicks, fast footwork, and both hand and foot techniques. Karate is a Japanese martial art that tends to emphasize hand strikes and linear movement. Both build discipline and fitness, but TaeKwonDo’s emphasis on kicking techniques gives students exceptional balance, flexibility, and leg strength. If you’ve been searching for karate classes, we invite you to try a TaeKwonDo class — many students who start looking for karate discover they prefer TaeKwonDo.

Absolutely. Our BJJ program welcomes complete beginners through advanced competitors. We teach Gracie Jiu Jitsu with direct lineage to the Gracie family, and our instruction is led by IBJJF certified Black Belts. We offer both Gi and No-Gi classes for adults and kids. For a deeper BJJ experience, our dedicated GMA Team BJJ program offers fight team training and competition preparation.

Yes. Our self defense classes are open to women and men of all experience levels. You’ll learn practical, real-world techniques drawn from 50+ years of martial arts expertise — including situational awareness, escape techniques, and strikes that work regardless of size or strength. No martial arts background is required to start.

Yes — our Tai Chi classes are perfect for beginners and older adults. Tai Chi uses slow, flowing movements to improve balance, reduce stress, increase flexibility, and build strength gently. It’s low-impact and adaptable to any fitness level. Many of our Tai Chi students have never done martial arts before.

It typically takes 4 to 5 years to earn a 1st Degree Black Belt in TaeKwonDo or Kung Fu if you’re coming 2 or 3 times a week. If you only come once a week, it will take longer. In Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, expect about 7 to 8 years. There are around 10 levels of Black Belt beyond 1st Degree, and reaching the highest levels takes a lifetime of dedication. Black Belt is not easy — it requires consistent training, discipline, and perseverance.

Yes. All students must attend the required number of classes for each belt level and demonstrate mastery of the curriculum. Children who earn a Black Belt before age 16 receive a Poome (Junior Black Belt) ranking. At age 16, their rank transfers to an Adult (Dan Level) Black Belt. In Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, only students over 16 can achieve blue belt or higher and work toward Black Belt levels. Starting young is a great advantage — it builds leadership skills and gives kids a stronger edge in life.

Yes. We have students who compete in TaeKwonDo tournaments and BJJ competitions at local, regional, and national levels. Competition is optional — many students train purely for fitness, self defense, or personal growth. For serious BJJ competitors, our GMA Team offers dedicated fight team training and competition preparation.

Our after school program provides daily pickup from local Gallatin schools, homework help, snacks, and martial arts training — all in one program. Kids learn TaeKwonDo, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and life skills including discipline, respect, and leadership. The program runs Monday through Friday during the school year. Visit our After School Program site for full details and enrollment.

Yes. Our accredited K-12 homeschool program combines academic curriculum with martial arts training. Students receive a full education through our partnership with accredited curriculum providers, plus daily martial arts instruction. It’s an alternative to traditional school that builds both academic skills and physical discipline. Visit our After School Program site for homeschool details.

Yes — we offer summer camps and off-school day camps throughout the year. Camps include martial arts training, games, activities, and character development. It’s a great way to keep kids active, learning, and building friendships during breaks. Check our After School Program site for upcoming camp dates and registration.

Our founder KwanJangNim Spillmann holds a 9th Degree TaeKwonDo Black Belt and an IBJJF Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt with over 50 years of experience. Our BJJ program is led by Professor Konrado with direct Gracie lineage. All instructors undergo background checks, maintain current certifications, and our school is Safe Sport Certified. We were voted one of the top martial arts schools in Sumner County.

Safe Sport Certification means our school meets national standards for athlete safety, abuse prevention, and child protection. All instructors complete Safe Sport training, background checks are required, and we follow strict policies designed to create a safe training environment for athletes of all ages — especially children.

Yes. Our kids programs are specifically designed for young bodies and developing minds. Classes are age-appropriate, progressive, and supervised by certified instructors. We emphasize technique, control, and discipline — not rough contact. Our Little Lions program (ages 3-6) focuses on coordination, listening skills, and basic movements before introducing more advanced techniques as kids grow.