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Gracie Barra St. Petersburg
5 ★★★★★ 22 Google reviews · BJJ gym in St. Petersburg, 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 (ages 3–15) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Women's classes dedicated women's BJJ classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule gbstpetersburg.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 727-405-8248
Hours
| Monday | 6:30–7:30 am, 12–1:30 pm, 3–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 12–1:30 pm, 4–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 6:30–7:30 am, 12–1:30 pm, 3–8 pm |
| Thursday | 12–1:30 pm, 3–8 pm |
| Friday | 6:30–7:30 am, 12–1:30 pm |
| Saturday | 9 am–12:30 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“They even offer free coffee with a wide variety for students and parents, plus a kids play area, which makes it perfect for families.”
“Since joining, my child has gained confidence, discipline, respect, and valuable self-defense skills in a safe and supportive environment.”
“Whether you’re a beginner or advanced, you’ll feel yourself improving quickly under his guidance.”
What members say
“Professor Lucas and Coach Eli are patient, knowledgeable, and truly care about helping each child grow both on and off the mat.”
“The staff creates a welcoming atmosphere where kids feel encouraged to do their best while having fun.”
“Professor Lucas runs a passionate and dedicated community, and if you are looking for a great place to train with positive and supportive vibe, this is it.”
“He breaks techniques down in a way that makes them easy to understand while still maintaining an incredibly high level of Jiu Jitsu.”
“Since joining, my child has gained confidence, discipline, respect, and valuable self-defense skills in a safe and supportive environment.”
“My son is going on 2 months of attending Gracie Barra and we couldn’t be happier with our experience!”
From the reviews
Wonderful kids program. Best in the bay and I love my kids are being trained by a real Brazilian black belt in jiu jitsu and not a lower belt or another kid. Very structured and organized and the kids know exactly what they need to do to get promoted and be successful.
I was looking for a place for my son to have discipline guidance and to learn obedience and how to protect himself from bullies and learn life lessons that can save him, but to also have control and know went to avoid fights and my son has learned so much from the time that he's been there which has been 3 months now.
I highly recommend Gracie Barra jujitsu! Professor Lucas is absolutely amazing and very professional. He really takes his time with each one of his students making sure they are learning each technique accordingly. Very clean dojo and a great family environment.
Lucas has created an incredible jiu jitsu experience at Gracie Barra St. Pete! He knows how to deliver an exceptional experience that has brought me drive, discipline and focus that extends into my personal life. I’ve gotten stronger and built new connections in just a few months. It’s such a great community here.
New to BJJ? Start at Gracie Barra St. Petersburg
Gracie Barra St. Petersburg 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 St. Petersburg
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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