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Gracie Jiu Jitsu Sarasota Academy
4.6 ★★★★★ 31 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Sarasota, 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
- Open mat open-mat rolling sessions for members to practice live — always optional and at your own pace
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
- Website & schedule graciejiujitsusarasota.net — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 908-797-7245
The classes they run
“My kids have been going here for over a year now and they love it.”
“He provides quality Gracie Jiu Jitsu training for self defense and competition training.”
“The class was very well taught, you could tell Professor Brian cares about his students and their advancement in both competition jujitsu as well as selfdefense.”
“I have a background in wrestling which drew me to Jiu Jitsu, but I think everyone from beginners to those looking to get back into the sport would enjoy training here.”
Other martial arts here
“I have a background in wrestling which drew me to Jiu Jitsu, but I think everyone from beginners to those looking to get back into the sport would enjoy training here.”
What members say
“It’s an awesome place to learn and challenge yourself with an incredible instructor and a great group of people.”
“I have a background in wrestling which drew me to Jiu Jitsu, but I think everyone from beginners to those looking to get back into the sport would enjoy training here.”
“Friendly and inviting atmosphere for the littles and adults regardless of where they are at when they first come.”
“I am a disabled Marine Veteran who was looking for an academy that emphasizes in the roots of traditional Helio Gracie jujitsu fundamentals.”
“The class was very well taught, you could tell Professor Brian cares about his students and their advancement in both competition jujitsu as well as selfdefense.”
“I am a disabled Marine Veteran who was looking for an academy that emphasizes in the roots of traditional Helio Gracie jujitsu fundamentals.”
From the reviews
I am a disabled Marine Veteran who was looking for an academy that emphasizes in the roots of traditional Helio Gracie jujitsu fundamentals. I searched and called many local schools but in the end only one was friendly and informative on joining.
If you want to learn from one of the best professors in the entire country, come here (seriously). I could write a huge rant on why, but this is one of things you have to come see. I'll keep it short and sweet: Visited a lot of academies and schools in my travels, and there are certainly good black belts out there...
I started at Gracie Sarasota in January with no background in martial arts. It’s an awesome place to learn and challenge yourself with an incredible instructor and a great group of people. Brian is knowledgeable, patient, and incredibly talented.
I love Gracie Jiu Jitsu. I started right before covid and it is one of the best decisions I've ever made. Professor Brian is a skilled teacher and black belt. Can't wait to get back to training. If your looking to learn a martial art and/or learn how to defend yourself then you've found the right place.
New to BJJ? Start at Gracie Jiu Jitsu Sarasota Academy
Gracie Jiu Jitsu Sarasota 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 Jiu Jitsu Sarasota 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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