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Fernandina Dojo

5 ★★★★★ 33 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Fernandina Beach, Florida

BJJ gym Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens Competition team

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 (ages 4–12) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule fernandinadojo.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 904-310-6673

Hours

Monday 2:30–8 pm
Tuesday 2:30–8 pm
Wednesday 2:30–8 pm
Thursday 2:30–8 pm
Friday 2:30–8 pm
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed

Hours shift for holidays, seminars, and open-gym times — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The classes they run

BJJ classes on the schedule at Fernandina Dojo, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids BJJ 25 mentions

“If you’re looking for a place where discipline and heart coexist, where children and adults alike grow in confidence and character, Fernandina Dojo is exactly that place.”

All gyms that run kids bjj →

Teens BJJ

“The exception is the teens/adults, which are grouped together, and any Saturday special classes.”

All gyms that run teens bjj →

🏆 Competition Team

“The competition team and the adult classes are equally impressive: focused, high-quality, and taught with the same depth of knowledge and integrity.”

All gyms that run competition team →

Other martial arts here

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

🎽 Karate 8 mentions

“There are classes in karate, iaido, aikido, and jiu-jitsu, so there is likely a style that you can learn that suits you.”

Other gyms that also teach karate →

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 33 Google reviews — in their own words.

🤝 no-ego, friendly academy 10 mentions

“Sensei Watkins leads with a steadiness and poise that anchors the whole Dojo, yet there’s a welcoming warmth woven through every movement and moment.”

📘 strong technique & fundamentals 4 mentions

“He teaches several different styles so you can learn alot of different techniques.”

🧒 strong kids program 4 mentions

“My son loves being a “Power Dragon” at Fernandina Dojo.”

🧠 builds confidence & discipline 20 mentions

“I've never seen someone blend building relationships, discipline, and education at the level that he is capable of doing, Sean is elite.”

From the reviews

I knew a minute into observing his first Power Dragon class, this was the place for my son. Sensei Watkins is incredibly kind and patient with the kids. He pushes them to be their best self in and outside of class, while also laying a solid martial arts foundation the children can utilize when they are ready to move…

★★★★★ — Jennifer, Mar 2019

My son has been attending here since about July and it has helped him gain confidence in himself. The training and instruction are top notch. Sensei Watkins is very patient with students and he really wants them to thrive as martial artists and as humans.

★★★★★ — Keith, Dec 2025

My son Jerónimo and I love Sensei Watkins' dojo. He doesn't just teach karate techniques; it's so much more than that. He teaches the children discipline, the value of family, and the importance of sharing. And most importantly, my son loves being at the dojo and learning something new every day.

★★★★★ — Jero, Dec 2025

This dojo is truly exceptional. Not only does it teach martial arts at a very high level, but it also shapes character in the most meaningful way. Sensei Watkins is an incredible human being who goes far beyond technique - he teaches honor, respect, discipline, and confidence, and you can see how these values…

★★★★★ — Pixel, Dec 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 33 reviews →

New to BJJ? Start at Fernandina Dojo

Fernandina Dojo 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.

See their beginner class info

Your first BJJ class at Fernandina Dojo

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 Fernandina Dojo

1211 Amelia Plaza, Fernandina Beach, FL32034

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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.