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Carlson Gracie Gainesville
5 ★★★★★ 44 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Gainesville, Florida
Part of Carlson Gracie
Affiliated academy — reviews and the gym's own info point to a recognized BJJ lineage or affiliation (think Gracie Barra, 10th Planet, Renzo Gracie, Alliance, Atos or Checkmat). If lineage matters to you, ask which affiliation the academy belongs to and under whom the head instructor earned their black belt.
Plan your first class
- Free trial or intro class most gyms welcome new members with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
- Beginner-friendly all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
- Kids & youth classes kids and youth BJJ classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Women's classes dedicated women's BJJ classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
- Private lessons private, one-on-one coaching available — a focused way to start or to work around a busy schedule; ask about availability and rates
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule carlsongraciegainesville.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (352) 747-9062
Hours
| Monday | 6:30–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 6:30–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 6:30–8 PM |
| Thursday | 6:30–8 PM |
| Friday | 6:30–8 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM–12:30 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“I and my daughter will definitely be back for more instruction at this clean, inviting facility with a great coach and assistants.”
“Every class, I am absolutely amazed at the level of knowledge, skills, and one on one Master Class instruction that is offered.”
“If you resonate with detail oriented instructions and a deeper understanding of human anatomy and how that applies to self defense, craig sainz is the instructor for you.”
“He makes students at all levels of experience feel welcome and introduces new comers to the etiquette and traditions of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.”
Other martial arts here
“I have been a fan of Martial Arts since I was very young, getting involved in Judo when I was 9-10.”
What members say
“I and my daughter will definitely be back for more instruction at this clean, inviting facility with a great coach and assistants.”
“He makes students at all levels of experience feel welcome and introduces new comers to the etiquette and traditions of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.”
“If you are looking for that Next level of your life's journey, you will be welcomed onto the mats by not just Craig Sainz and the Carlson Gracie Team, but by a Family.”
“If you resonate with detail oriented instructions and a deeper understanding of human anatomy and how that applies to self defense, craig sainz is the instructor for you.”
“I recently took a self defense class at Carlson Gracie Gainesville and found it very practical and applicable to real life scenarios.”
“I and my daughter will definitely be back for more instruction at this clean, inviting facility with a great coach and assistants.”
From the reviews
I’ve been taking jujitsu self-defense classes from Craig for over 2 years. His inaugural women’s self-defense clinic at his new gym today didn’t disappoint, as usual. I always learn new things with each session.
I absolutely love training here! Craig is an awesome instructor who really takes the time to explain things and break down complex moves so they make sense. He pushes everyone to keep improving but always keeps it fun and supportive.
Craig's self defense class for women today was amazing. Participants ranged in age from young teens to 83 (me) and Craig's teaching style ensured that we all learned skills that we can actually use, in an environment that was supportive and friendly for everyone.
Craig provides a hospitable , respectful atmosphere along with comprehensive instruction with training tailored to the individual. He makes students at all levels of experience feel welcome and introduces new comers to the etiquette and traditions of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
New to BJJ? Start at Carlson Gracie Gainesville
Carlson Gracie Gainesville comes up as a beginner-friendly gym — noted on their own site. If you've never rolled or set foot on a mat, that's exactly who a good beginners program is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit or flexible to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and coaches scale the intensity to you. Second, you won't be thrown into hard rolling — reputable gyms build fundamentals (positions, escapes, and basic submissions) for weeks, live rolling eases in gradually, and tapping early keeps every roll safe. Third, all levels really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners or fundamentals class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out, and leave your ego at the door. Most gyms are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.
Your first BJJ class at Carlson Gracie Gainesville
Nervous about walking into a BJJ gym for the first time? Almost everyone is, and good coaches expect beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, then drilling basic positions and escapes with a partner — not hard sparring. Rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: athletic wear you can move in (or a gi if you have one); you'll train barefoot on the mats. What to bring: water and a mouthguard if you have one — many gyms lend a loaner gi for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own gi (or a rashguard and shorts for no-gi) and a mouthguard. Live rolling eases in gradually, once your fundamentals are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the coach. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.
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🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site