Home › Florida › St Cloud › Genesis Academy Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Genesis Academy Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 51 Google reviews · BJJ gym in St Cloud, Florida
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
- No-gi no-gi grappling classes — training in a rashguard and shorts, with faster scrambles and a natural bridge to MMA
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule genesisacademyusa.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 689-272-9692
Hours
| Monday | 10:50 am–1 pm, 5:30–8:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 10:50 am–1 pm, 5:30–8:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 5:30–8:30 pm |
| Thursday | 10:50 am–1 pm, 5:30–8:30 pm |
| Friday | 10:50 am–1 pm, 5:30–8:30 pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Through my dedication to BJJ, I aim to visibly demonstrate this invaluable strength of persistence to my children, reinforcing the very values he so powerfully instilled in me.”
“They have a women’s class and its been an amazing way ease my way into the sport.”
“He is very confident, a competitor, a good student and always gives his best in everything he does.”
“The class sizes are typically manageable, allowing for effective one-on-one guidance.”
“Jiujitsu is more than self-defense, it also teaches you how to be humble, discipline, persistence, respect & more.”
“The atmosphere is welcoming and family-friendly, making it a great place for both beginners and experienced practitioners.”
What members say
“Professor Marcel is an incredibly skilled and knowledgeable instructor, always breaking down techniques in a way that is both accessible and challenging.”
“The atmosphere is welcoming and family-friendly, making it a great place for both beginners and experienced practitioners.”
“Dear Professor Marcel, I am writing to you today with a heart full of profound gratitude and respect, extending this appreciation not only to you but to your entire family.”
“It’s more than just a place to learn techniques; it has become a true sanctuary, a cornerstone in my personal journey, especially in navigating significant health challenges.”
“I have three of my kids there and we love the environment of discipline and hard work.”
“Whether you’re training for competition or fitness, the supportive atmosphere helps motivate everyone to improve.”
From the reviews
My son started training with Marcel in May of 2022 and my daughter in January 2023. I have nothing but wonderful things to say about him as a professor and a man. He truly cares for his students and not only teaches them jiu-jitsu skills but life lessons as well.
Genesis Academy provides an exceptional and family-friendly training atmosphere. Professor Marcel stands out with his extensive knowledge, professionalism, and excellence. His passion and expertise as a Jiujitsu coach shine in each session.
I can’t speak highly enough of Professor Marcel and his wife Mari at Genesis BJJ. Professor Marcel is an incredibly skilled and knowledgeable instructor, always breaking down techniques in a way that is both accessible and challenging.
To say this is the BEST jiujitsu academy in town would be an understatement! My 8yo has been training with Prof. Marcel since January 2022, just before he turned 7. We started for the same reason many parents do…he was getting picked on at school. I couldn’t believe it, he was just a 1st grader.
New to BJJ? Start at Genesis Academy Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Genesis Academy Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu 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 Genesis Academy 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.
More BJJ gyms near St Cloud
New Journey Jiu Jitsu & Grappling LLC
5 ★★★★★ 94 reviews
Dennis Jiu Jitsu Club St. Cloud
5 ★★★★★ 42 reviews
White House Jiu Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 163 reviews
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site