TRAIN WITH WORLD-CLASS COMPETITORS AT ASHEVILLE'S PREMIER JIU-JITSU ACADEMY

Whether you're stepping onto the mats for the first time or preparing for your next competition, Asheville's Northside Jiu Jitsu welcomes you.

Start Your Journey TODAY!

Your Path to Mastery Begins Here

Step 1: Reach Out

Fill out our quick contact form or call us at (828) 279-3404. We'll answer any questions and help you schedule your free trial class.

Step 2: Your First Class

Arrive 10 minutes early to meet your instructor and get signed in. We'll provide a loaner gi (uniform) and introduce you to the basics. No pressure, no expectations—just a welcoming environment to start your journey.

Step 3: Find Your Path

After your trial class, we'll discuss your goals and help you choose the right program. Whether you're interested in self-defense, competition, or fitness, we'll create a path that works for you.

What to Bring:

  • T-shirt and shorts

  • Water bottle

  • Positive attitude

We provide everything else you need for your first class.

OUR PROGRAMS

Adult Fundamentals

Perfect for beginners. Master the core techniques of jiu-jitsu in a structured, supportive environment. Clear progression path with regular feedback and guidance.

Kids Program (Ages 5-12)

Build confidence, discipline, and physical skills through age-appropriate training. Fun, engaging classes that develop both character and capability.

Teen Program (Ages 13-16)

Bridge the gap between kids' and adult classes with training specifically designed for teenagers. Develop practical self-defense, competition skills, and mental resilience while training with peers your own age. Our teen program focuses on building confidence, character, and capability during these crucial developmental years.

Women's Program

Dedicated classes focusing on technique, real-world self-defense, and fitness in a comfortable, supportive setting.

Competition Team

Train alongside elite competitors. Develop advanced techniques, competition strategies, and peak performance mindset.

OUR SCHEDULE

MEET YOUR INSTRUCTORS

Paddy Dodd

Owner & Head Instructor

Paddy Dodd is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt under Master Shaun Dillon, a 3rd-degree black belt from Ricardo Liborio of American Top Team. Paddy began his Jiu Jitsu journey in 2011 in Memphis, Tennessee, under Chad Chilcutt, a black belt under Royce Gracie, and has been training continuously ever since.

In 2014, Paddy and his family relocated to the beautiful mountains of Asheville, North Carolina, where he began training at American Top Team Asheville. By 2017, his dedication and skill led him to begin teaching there, and he quickly became known for his creative, effective, and engaging teaching style.

After nearly a decade of training and teaching at American Top Team, Paddy opened Asheville’s Northside Jiu Jitsu in December 2024 to bring his passion for Jiu Jitsu to a new community.

Paddy has competed at every rank and achieved the impressive accomplishment of being ranked 5th in the world in the IBJJF Heavyweight Brown Belt division. Known for his pressure-heavy game and focus on fundamentals, Paddy creates engaging, fun, and accessible classes for all skill levels.

At Asheville’s Northside Jiu Jitsu, Paddy combines his extensive competition experience with over a decade of training to help students build a strong foundation and achieve their personal goals in Jiu Jitsu. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced grappler, Paddy’s classes promise to challenge, inspire, and elevate your Jiu Jitsu skills.

Caleb “Peanut” Hansley

Assistant Instructor

Caleb “Peanut” Hansley has been dedicated to his Jiu Jitsu journey for the past two years, earning his blue belt under Coach Paddy at American Top Team in Asheville, NC. Known for his methodical and disciplined approach to the art, Peanut stands out as a student who absorbs and applies techniques with remarkable speed and precision.

As an assistant instructor at Northside Jiu Jitsu, Peanut’s ability to connect with kids and foster a fun, supportive learning environment sets him apart. His gentle teaching style, paired with his passion for the sport, makes him a favorite among younger students.

Peanut’s commitment to growth and his exceptional talent make him an invaluable part of the Northside Jiu Jitsu family. The future is undoubtedly bright for this young rising star!

The Northside Difference

At Asheville’s Northside Jiu Jitsu, we've created something different. Your instructors aren't just teachers—they're IBJJF top-5 ranked competitors bringing world-class instruction directly to Asheville.

Here, you'll learn jiu-jitsu that works everywhere, whether you're competing on the mats or need it in real life.

We understand that starting martial arts can be intimidating. That's why we've built a space where complete beginners train alongside experienced practitioners, each getting exactly what they need to progress. Our structured curriculum ensures you're not just learning random techniques—you're building a complete game from the ground up.

From kids classes that build confidence through pure fun, to competition training that forges champions, to practical self-defense that just works—we offer something for everyone. But what truly sets us apart is our community. Family-focused, ego-free, and dedicated to growth, Northside is where serious training meets genuine support.

This is jiu-jitsu done differently. This is the Northside way.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • Absolutely! Our programs are designed to meet you at your current fitness level. You'll build strength, flexibility, and endurance gradually as you learn.

  • Not at all. Our fundamentals program is specifically designed for complete beginners. Many of our most successful students had never trained before joining.

  • Your first class will focus on basic movements and positions. You'll work with experienced partners who understand what it's like to be new. The pace is controlled, and there's no pressure to do anything you're not comfortable with.

  • We recommend 2-3 classes per week for beginners. This gives you enough consistency to progress while allowing proper recovery time.

  • Safety is our top priority. We maintain a controlled training environment, emphasize proper technique, and have a structured curriculum that introduces concepts gradually. All sparring is optional and supervised.

    • Kids classes: Ages 5-12

    • Teens: 13-16

    • Adult classes: 16+

  • Yes! We have special family rates and multiple class packages. Ask about our family plans when you visit.

Sign up for free trial class today!

Take the first step—we'll guide you the rest of the way.