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Gracie Barra Seminole | BJJ Academy
5 ★★★★★ 80 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Longwood, Florida
Part of Gracie Barra
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
- 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
- Open mat open-mat rolling sessions for members to practice live — always optional and at your own pace
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule graciebarra.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 321-972-4693
Hours
| Monday | 12–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 6:30 am–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 6:30 am–8 pm |
| Thursday | 6:30 am–8 pm |
| Friday | 12–8 pm |
| Saturday | 12–2 pm |
| Sunday | 12–2 pm |
The classes they run
“High-level coaching, strong fundamentals, and a great environment for both adults and kids.”
“Both me and my 7 year old daughter, who attends the kids classes, greatly enjoy training at GB Seminole.”
“Definitely recommend for kids, teens, and any adult interested.”
“The private lessons are excellent, and the kids classes are amazing—my family has had a great experience.”
“Family friendly BJJ gym with great instruction, plenty of time for open mat sessions, and competitive partners.”
“Not only are you learning the art of Jiu Jitsu but you are also learning self-defense.”
“Coming from someone who’s been there since 2023, this is a great school for beginners and someone who needs a new hobby, a third space, or just looking for community.”
What members say
“Professor Rodrigo is an excellent and very knowledgeable instructor who truly cares about his students’ progress.”
“Coming from someone who’s been there since 2023, this is a great school for beginners and someone who needs a new hobby, a third space, or just looking for community.”
“If you want an amazing atmosphere to train jujitsu, grow your skills, and have your jujitsu family grow… this is the place!”
“As someone who values technical, detailed Jiu-Jitsu, I’ve been incredibly impressed with the instruction at Gracie Barra Seminole.”
“It’s rare to find an academy where I can get a world-class workout while knowing my kids are developing genuine confidence and life skills in a safe environment.”
“As someone who values technical, detailed Jiu-Jitsu, I’ve been incredibly impressed with the instruction at Gracie Barra Seminole.”
From the reviews
I train at Gracie Barra Seminole, and I would not consider anywhere else. The coaching sets the standard for Central Florida. Professors Rodrigo Costa and John Montaldo are outstanding. Rodrigo’s instruction keeps you engaged every minute on the mat. He teaches what matters and explains why it works.
Jiu Jitsu was never on my radar until I met Professor Rodrigo. Professor Rodrigo was so kind and invited me to the complimentary class to try my hand at the sport/art. At 62 years old I consider Jiu Jitsu my prescription for good health. Do not fear this sport if you are a little past your prime.
Gracie Barra Seminole is the best BJJ gym in Florida, maybe the US. They promote learning, fitness, humility, and are always welcoming and helpful. I’d refer anyone that wants to learn self defense, get in shape, or just have fun challenging them selves to come, it’s always a welcoming and supportive place, meeting…
Gracie Barra Seminole is the real deal. High-level coaching, strong fundamentals, and a great environment for both adults and kids. The private lessons are excellent, and the kids classes are amazing—my family has had a great experience.
New to BJJ? Start at Gracie Barra Seminole | BJJ Academy
Gracie Barra Seminole | BJJ Academy 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 Gracie Barra Seminole | BJJ Academy
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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