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Fabio Novaes Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

5 ★★★★★ 101 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Lakeland, Florida

BJJ gym Free trial Affiliated Beginners welcome Kids & teens Competition team

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
  • Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
  • Website & schedule fabionovaesbjj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (863) 944-4543

The classes they run

BJJ classes on the schedule at Fabio Novaes Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids BJJ 19 mentions

“Last but not least, the instructors at both schools for the Women’s and Kids classes are top notch group of talented BJJ practitioners.”

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🏆 Competition Team 4 mentions

“They have both coached him at tournaments where he placed, their teaching methods and kindness are one of a kind.”

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🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

“Fabio Novaes BJJ is, by far, the finest self defense school in central Florida.”

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🌱 Beginners 2 mentions

“The hardest part about jiu jitsu is walking through the doors the first time, if you’re thinking about doing it, you should, it will change your life.”

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Other martial arts here

BJJ gyms are usually multi-discipline. Here's what else members mention training under the same roof at Fabio Novaes Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu — mined from their reviews and the gym's own info.

Disciplines are mined from reviews and the gym's own info — they show what members have trained, not a formal class guarantee. If you specifically want MMA, muay thai, or wrestling alongside your BJJ, confirm the current schedule with the gym.

What members say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 101 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, high-level coaching 3 mentions

“Fabio is an extremely skilled instructor with a very high level of technical knowledge.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 6 mentions

“The hardest part about jiu jitsu is walking through the doors the first time, if you’re thinking about doing it, you should, it will change your life.”

🤝 no-ego, friendly academy 19 mentions

“The atmosphere is welcoming and all the students help each other, which creates a family atmosphere that keeps me coming back each week.”

📘 strong technique & fundamentals 2 mentions

“I've trained in so many gyms across the US and even internationally, and Fabio brings the best culture, best technique, and best energy to every single class he teaches.”

🧒 strong kids program 5 mentions

“We’ve had our son at their gym for over a year and the confidence we’ve seen him gain is amazing.”

active competition team 4 mentions

“They have both coached him at tournaments where he placed, their teaching methods and kindness are one of a kind.”

From the reviews

Best Jiu Jitsu school in central Florida for sure, and I’d argue in all of Florida, I might be a little biased. Fabio and Roberta have changed my life for the better, because of the loving people that they are and the amazing jiu jitsu they teach. World class jiu jitsu from a black belt world champion.

★★★★★ — Matt, Feb 2025

My kids and I have been training here for a few months now and it is such a great place! The owners Fabio and Roberta are amazing people. Fabio is a jiu jitsu wizard and teaches well. Roberta teaches the kids classes along with a few other instructors and they are all very good with kids. They are tough but fair.

★★★★★ — Yarley, Aug 2022

Absolutely love training here. I've trained in so many gyms across the US and even internationally, and Fabio brings the best culture, best technique, and best energy to every single class he teaches. Great gym to train at no matter your reason or motivation to train.

★★★★★ — Carlos, Aug 2022

The best jiu jitsu coach you’ll find. Him and his family are amazing people. Great atmosphere, great students, and a competitive but safe environment. Fabio and Roberta really treat you like family! I highly recommend FNBJJ!

★★★★★ — Chase, Feb 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 101 reviews →

New to BJJ? Start at Fabio Novaes Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Fabio Novaes Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu comes up as a beginner-friendly gym, going by their listing and members’ reviews. 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.

See their beginner class info

Your first BJJ class at Fabio Novaes Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

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.

BJJ is a contact sport. Ease in, tap early and often, listen to your coaches, and if you have any injuries or health concerns, mention them before class and check with a doctor if you're unsure.

Where to find Fabio Novaes Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

845 Creative Dr #1, Lakeland, FL33813

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and member reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this gym? Claim your listing — it's free.