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Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Emerald Coast
5 ★★★★★ 44 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Destin, 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 (ages 3–12) — 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 gracieuniversity.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 850-805-5582
Hours
| Monday | 9 am–10 pm |
| Tuesday | 9 am–10 pm |
| Wednesday | 9 am–10 pm |
| Thursday | 9 am–10 pm |
| Friday | 9 am–10 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am–3 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“My son has been attending this jiu jitsu school for some time now, and the transformation in him has been remarkable.”
“The school offers a Women only classes as well as children classes & co-adult classes.”
“The curriculum is well thought-out, methodical and comprehensive, and is geared towards teaching real world self defense skills in a safe and empowering manner.”
“Everyone here—from beginners to advanced practitioners—shares an infectious enthusiasm for training, making each class both challenging and fun.”
What members say
“Amazing instruction, facility and most of all people!”
“Our boys were a little hesitant & nervous at first, but the instructors are so friendly and welcoming that the boys felt at home right away.”
“The focus in this school is on safety first and learning the techniques the way the founder of the art and his family teach them.”
“Once enrolled the students have online access to "Gracie University" where students can review techniques w/videos, curriculum & find other Gracie school locations.”
“Right now my kids are attending the kids classes, and they are great with my kids, they love coming to class!”
“The very first place we came to was Emerald Coast Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, and enrolling our boys here has been one of the best decisions we’ve ever made.”
From the reviews
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Emerald Coast is an absolute gem! I was in town for two weeks, and I can’t wait to return the next time I’m in the Destin area. From the moment I walked in, I was blown away by the welcoming and positive atmosphere.
We found this gym while walking to Tropical Smoothie on vacation for a month. We weren’t sure how many classes my 6-year old could attend so we signed up for a month unlimited.
My family & I highly recommend Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Emerald Coast. The owners/instructors Megan, Frank & Mary are exceptional at what they do. They provide thorough/detailed instruction with a kind and family-friendly attitude. They’re very knowledgeable, organized, and thoughtful. I’m so glad we gave this place a try.
I attended my first Women Empowered class and loved it! Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Emerald Coast is a new Certified Training Center and is clean and spacious. The ladies who teach are very knowledgeable and instruct the class in a way that made me feel comfortable. Every woman I know could benefit from this!
New to BJJ? Start at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Emerald Coast
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Emerald Coast 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 Jiu-Jitsu Emerald Coast
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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🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site