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Gracie Martial Arts Tampa Jiu Jitsu and Self Defense
4.9 ★★★★★ 116 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Tampa, 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 3–13) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Women's classes dedicated women's BJJ classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
- 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
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule graciemartialartstampa.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (813) 851-2828
Hours
| Monday | 5:45–7:45 AM, 3:45–9:45 PM |
| Tuesday | 5:45–8:15 AM, 3:45–8:45 PM |
| Wednesday | 5:45–8:45 AM, 3:45–8:15 PM |
| Thursday | 5:45–8:15 AM, 3:45–8:45 PM |
| Friday | 5:45–8:45 AM |
| Saturday | 7:45 AM–4:30 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“It boasts a great atmosphere, and the people there create an ideal environment for learning one of the most effective self-defense martial arts available to everyone”
“The instruction is structured, professional, beginner-friendly, and still challenging and practical at the same time.”
“One of the things that means the most to me is now seeing the kids in my family training here as well.”
What members say
“A huge shout‑out to the team members — Jessica, Saulo, Kyle, and James — for creating such a welcoming environment and making my Jiu‑Jitsu journey even more enjoyable.”
“Great atmosphere, everyone was very nice and welcoming, which I think is so important when you’re trying something new and are already anxious about doing it on your own.”
“I appreciate the structure of the curriculum and the level of detail that our instructors go into in order for us to grasp the techniques.”
“I’ve been interested in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu for years, but between work schedules, finances, and life in general, it took me a long time to finally commit to training consistently.”
“I have been a member since June of last year, taking part in both the Women Empowered and Gracie Combatives programs.”
“Whether your goal is self-defense, fitness, discipline, confidence, or personal growth, I genuinely believe this is an amazing place to train.”
From the reviews
I have been a member since June of last year, taking part in both the Women Empowered and Gracie Combatives programs. I honestly wasn’t expecting to love Brazilian jiu-jitsu as much as I do now. I have worked with James, Kyle, and Saulo the most, and they have been amazing!
Coming here makes me happy. Saulo, James, and Kyle are phenomenal instructors and will find their way into the crevices of your heart as they correct your technique for the 1,000th time and then repeat the cheesiest jokes you've ever heard. Emiliano has certainly brought in a great crew.
I tried this location and they are awesome. From day 1 everyone was friendly and welcoming. The instructors and class mates had just met me and they treated me like a friend. I highly recommend them for anyone looking to learn self defense skills while achieving a moderate workout and making new friendships.
I’ve been interested in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu for years, but between work schedules, finances, and life in general, it took me a long time to finally commit to training consistently. Joining Gracie Martial Arts Tampa has honestly been one of the best decisions I’ve made for myself.
New to BJJ? Start at Gracie Martial Arts Tampa Jiu Jitsu and Self Defense
Gracie Martial Arts Tampa Jiu Jitsu and Self Defense 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 Martial Arts Tampa Jiu Jitsu and Self Defense
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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