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Gracie Barra Palmetto Bay

4.9 ★★★★★ 64 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Palmetto Bay, Florida

Part of Gracie Barra

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 (ages 4–11) — 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 gbpalmettobay.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (305) 600-9149

Hours

Monday 6–7 AM, 12–1 PM, 4–8:30 PM
Tuesday 6–7 AM, 12–1 PM, 4–8:30 PM
Wednesday 6–7 AM, 12–1 PM, 4–8:30 PM
Thursday 6–7 AM, 12–1 PM, 4–8:30 PM
Friday 6–7 AM, 12–1 PM, 4–8:30 PM
Saturday 11 AM–1 PM
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 Gracie Barra Palmetto Bay, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids BJJ 19 mentions

“All three of our kids train here, and we couldn’t be happier with the instructors, the structure of the classes, and the positive environment they’ve created.”

All gyms that run kids bjj →

🏆 Competition Team 2 mentions

“Whether you’re looking to train a few hrs a week, or compete, Prof.”

All gyms that run competition team →

🛡️ Self-Defense

“I recommend it very much to kids as their first combat sport and to adults who want to learn self defense while staying in shape👍.”

All gyms that run self-defense →

🌱 Beginners 2 mentions

“He does not shame students, and encourages the beginners in an encouraging way.”

All gyms that run beginners →

What members say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 64 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, high-level coaching 6 mentions

“Professor Julio, Professor Juan, and Coach Stephanie are incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely invested in every student’s progress.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 7 mentions

“I live no where near Palmetto Bay, but make the drive due to the quality of instruction and the welcoming environment , nobody is a stranger here.”

🤝 no-ego, friendly academy 22 mentions

“We all spar and train very hard and get together as a one big community/family at every belt ceremony to congratulate each other’s hard work.”

📘 strong technique & fundamentals 6 mentions

“Whether you are age 6 or 60, Professor Julio commits a level of patience and attention to detail to each and every student, helping them find their individual strengths.”

great workout & conditioning 3 mentions

“Training is great exercise and the instructors teach them to listen while keeping them engaged.”

active competition team 2 mentions

“Whether you’re looking to train a few hrs a week, or compete, Prof.”

From the reviews

A review cannot possibly convey how great this place is. Whether you are age 6 or 60, Professor Julio commits a level of patience and attention to detail to each and every student, helping them find their individual strengths.

★★★★★ — Danny, Apr 2021

Professor Julio Guerra’s indefatigable work ethic, professionalism, and interpersonal skills sets this academy apart from the rest. Whether you’re looking to train a few hrs a week, or compete, Prof.

★★★★★ — Simon, Sep 2020

Coach Julio is an extraordinary professional and teacher. He goes above and beyond for his student in every single class. My son have been in the Gracie barra for more than one year and we had saw results in every aspect of my little one.

★★★★★ — Bruna, Oct 2020

Professor Julio is a simply amazing. He’s professional, patient, dedicated and truly loves what he does. The second you walk into Gracie Barra Palmetto Bay you are greeted like family. My son joined in March and is absolutely loving it. He’s eager to get to class on time and see all his jiu jitsu friends!

★★★★★ — Jessenia, Jul 2021

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 64 reviews →

New to BJJ? Start at Gracie Barra Palmetto Bay

Gracie Barra Palmetto Bay 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.

Check beginner classes on their site

Your first BJJ class at Gracie Barra Palmetto Bay

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 Gracie Barra Palmetto Bay

17377 S Dixie Hwy, Palmetto Bay, FL33157

Get directions Instagram

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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.