About Us
Gracie Barra Anniston/Evolution Strength and Conditioning has all the resources for your Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training, fitness, and nutrition needs. Gym owner Lance Hagan leads our staff with 25 years of Jiu-Jitsu and training experience. Our staff’s balanced knowledge base allows you to always have an expert ready to assist you with your specific needs. This happens before you ever start training! We work with you to ensure your physical movements are correctly detailed and ready for proper training. Our specific training extends to multiple unique programs we offer. We have law enforcement training (TACP), Green Beret for a Day, and a women’s self-defense seminar. Join us for physical training that will make you a little better every day! We have partnered with Jacksonville State University and offer the following training courses Tactical Apprehension and Control Procedures, Women’s Self Defense Seminars, And Wellness Seminars for law enforcement throughout the state of Alabama. Soon we will be offering Green Beret for a Day training course that encompasses fitness, shooting, and combatives.
Take a look at our schedule!
Check out our schedule and pick a time to begin your training journey!
Jumpstart Your Journey
Ready to roll? Whether you’re looking to try a free class, become a member, explore our schedule, or find the right program—we’ve got everything you need to get started. Dive into the experience that fits your goals and start your training the right way!
Our Programs have
Something for Everyone
From Kids and Adult Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to Strength Training, Women’s Self-Defense, and Pilates—we’ve got programs for every goal and every body. Explore all we offer and find your perfect fit.
Sign Up for Our Membership
Join the Team
Becoming a member means unlocking full access to our programs, expert coaching, and one-of-a-kind facility. Whether you’re here to train hard, recover right, or grow your skills—we’re ready when you are!
Class Schedule
Find Your Time to Train
Your routine, your rules. With flexible class times across all age groups and experience levels, it’s easy to find a session that fits your lifestyle. Check out our full schedule and pick your perfect time to get started.
Free Trial Class
Try Before You Commit
Curious about training? Jump into a free trial class and get a feel for the energy, instruction, and community that sets us apart. No pressure—just a chance to experience the vibe and see if it’s right for you!
Meet the Crew That Moves You
Meet the Team
Behind every great workout is a great coach. Our team of passionate instructors is here to guide, support, and challenge you—on the mat, in the gym, and every step of your journey. From Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to strength training and Pilates, you’re in expert hands.
Lance Hagan
Owner/Professor/Personal Trainer
Lance has been training in combat arts since he was a kid. Starting out in Tae Kwon do, then boxing, and later found Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Lance has been training Jiu-Jitsu since 2001 and has trained with some of the top Jiu-Jitsu practitioners and competitors in the world.
Lance joined the US Army right out of high school and enlisted on a Ranger contract. Upon completion of his first enlistment, he went to selection for the US Army Special Forces (Green Berets). Lance was assigned to 10th SFG right out of the qualification course and later was assigned to 20th SFG. During his time there, Lance began contracting for the US Government and has been deploying to austere environments for over 20 years.
Lance wanted to bring a Jiu-Jitsu community to Anniston so he opened Evolution Strength & Conditioning/ Gracie Barra Anniston in 2014. Lance is a black belt under Kaliffa Oliveira and has been mentored in Jiu-Jitsu by Kaliffa Oliveira, Chad Pittman, Greg Thompson, Romero “Jacare” Cavalcanti, Lucas Lepri, and Rubens “Cobrinha” Charles. Lance is also a Personal Trainer, Sports Performance Coach, and Nutrition Coach. Lance has been mentored in strength and conditioning by Joe Defranco, Jim Smith, Phil Daru, EXOS, and Gym Jones. Lance has his nutrition certification under Precision Nutrition.
Daniel Paul
Assistant Instructor
Since stepping on to the mats in 2017, Daniel has embraced Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as both a physical challenge and transformative lifestyle. Achieving his brown belt in September of 2024, he transitioned from student to mentor, coaching with a mission to help others unlock their potential through the art’s principles of discipline, respect, and resilience. Daniel’s classes blend technical rigor with a supportive atmosphere, reflecting his belief that BJJ strengthens not just the body, but the mind and community. For Daniel, coaching is about sharing the knowledge and tools that shaped his journey.
Beau Hamlin
Assistant Instructor
Beau Hamlin began wrestling in the 3rd grade, wrestled for Piedmont HS and was part of the 2009 AHSAA State Championship Team. He won or placed in almost every tournament he ever wrestled. Despite having wrestling scholarship offers, Beau joined the US Army right out of high school and has been serving honorably for over 16 years. Beau tried several different martial arts but decided on Jiu-Jitsu for its practicality and has been training for 6 years. Beau is currently a purple belt under Lance Hagan.
Chad Barnett
Assistant Instructor
Off the mats, Chad stays busy with his wife, Taylor, and four kids. He also runs the #1 real estate team in Calhoun County. Chad has been training Jiu-Jitsu since 2017 and contributes it to the great community we have in our facility. Chad contributes Jiu-Jitsu to what keeps his mind and spirit straight, along with the help of his faith. Chad teaches the lunch class on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Respecting that everyone is on a time crunch during the work day, Chad does a great job at putting out detailed instruction and allowing sparring to take place all in a 75-90 class time in order to get people on their way and feeling great the rest of the day.
Stephen Garmon
Assistant Instructor
Stephen began training Jiu-Jitsu under Lance Hagan in 2018. Prior to that, Stephen had 7 years of wrestling experience. He is currently a purple belt and our morning class instructor. Stephen says that Jiu-Jitsu compliments his professional career as a Criminal Investigator and as an assistant commander of the SWAT team for Calhoun County Sheriff’s Department.
Conner Owen
Kids Instructor
Conner comes from a wrestling background and began his Jiu-Jitsu journey in 2015. Conner immediately started competing winning two IBJJF championships and won a few other tournaments at different belt levels. Conner started Jiu-Jitsu as a way to continue his grappling after wrestling and to sty in shape. Conner urges everyone to give it a try bc it’s benefitted his life in more ways than one and is a fun way to get in and stay in shape.
Dani Sulenski
Women’s Instructor
Dani is a 20yr old college student aspiring to someday be a vet. Dani has found a passion for Jiu-Jitsu, has been training about a year and half and she rarely misses classes. Dani has recently taken on the role as our female only class instructor helping other ladies get started on their Jiu-Jitsu journey.
Why We Do
What We Do
At Gracie Barra Anniston/Evolution Strength and Conditioning, we’re more than just a gym—we’re a community built on discipline, support, and personal growth. Whether you’re here to master Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, build strength, recover smarter, or simply start moving again, our team is committed to helping you succeed. No matter your starting point, this is a place where you can train with purpose, push your limits, and become your best self.
What Our Students Are Saying
Everything we do is for your personal growth. Gracie Barra Anniston/Evolution Strength and Conditioning is the place for you to become your best self physically and mentally. And don’t just take it from us. See what our customers have to say about our supportive community and high-level programs.
Take advantage of our special offer!
Try us out with a free trial class, or buy a uniform and get your entire first payment waived!
Contact Us Today!
Gracie Barra Anniston/Evolution Strength and Conditioning welcomes everyone in Anniston and those in Oxford, Jacksonville, Gadsden, and Pell City. We are located in Historic Downtown Anniston on the 9th block Noble Street!