Home › Florida › Tampa › Gracie Tampa South MMA and BJJ
Gracie Tampa South MMA and BJJ
4.9 ★★★★★ 187 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
- 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
- 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
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule gracietampasouth.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (813) 319-5800
Hours
| Monday | 10 AM–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 10 AM–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 10 AM–9 PM |
| Thursday | 10 AM–9 PM |
| Friday | 10 AM–9 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM–9 PM |
| Sunday | 10 AM–9 PM |
The classes they run
“The coaches go above and beyond to create a positive, safe space where kids feel supported and motivated.”
“The kids program has a lot to offer (jiujitsu, judo, wrestling and kickboxing) plus a fantastic after school, summer camps and the opportunity to compete in regional tournaments.”
“The way that David gives one-on-one time with each student to ensure that they understand is outstanding.”
“As a beginner, the structured curriculum made me comfortable with the basics before I moved into more advanced classes.”
Other martial arts here
“The kids program has a lot to offer (jiujitsu, judo, wrestling and kickboxing) plus a fantastic after school, summer camps and the opportunity to compete in regional tournaments.”
“The kids program has a lot to offer (jiujitsu, judo, wrestling and kickboxing) plus a fantastic after school, summer camps and the opportunity to compete in regional tournaments.”
“The kids program has a lot to offer (jiujitsu, judo, wrestling and kickboxing) plus a fantastic after school, summer camps and the opportunity to compete in regional tournaments.”
What members say
“Gracie Tampa South is the best gym ever, I really love being able to train at such an amazing gym with amazing coaches.”
“As a beginner, the structured curriculum made me comfortable with the basics before I moved into more advanced classes.”
“From the moment I walked in the door, everyone from the front desk staff, to the coaches and students were super accommodating and friendly and helpful.”
“It’s not just about the jiu-jitsu techniques they are learning (though the instruction here is absolutely top-notch and so well-structured).”
“The kids program has a lot to offer (jiujitsu, judo, wrestling and kickboxing) plus a fantastic after school, summer camps and the opportunity to compete in regional tournaments.”
“The kids program has a lot to offer (jiujitsu, judo, wrestling and kickboxing) plus a fantastic after school, summer camps and the opportunity to compete in regional tournaments.”
From the reviews
I have been to a number of different schools and they were all great, but this is just at a completely different level. I’ve been blown away by everything from the facility itself, the warm welcome, constant and consistent support, the professionalism, humbleness and knowledge of the instructors, and the overall…
Gracie Tampa South is the best gym ever, I really love being able to train at such an amazing gym with amazing coaches. I have been training here at Gracie Tampa South for a couple of years and I love it here.
This is the best kids martial arts gym in Tampa. Both of my sons train here, one for 1 year and the other for over 4 years. The kids program has a lot to offer (jiujitsu, judo, wrestling and kickboxing) plus a fantastic after school, summer camps and the opportunity to compete in regional tournaments.
I've trained jiujitsu here 2 years and I highly recommend this school. (I have 23 years experience in martial arts and am a teacher with 20 years experience.) You can trust the teachers here. They will get you exactly what you are looking for. GTS has something for everyone.
New to BJJ? Start at Gracie Tampa South MMA and BJJ
Gracie Tampa South MMA and BJJ comes up as a beginner-friendly gym, going by their listing and members’ reviews. 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 Tampa South MMA and BJJ
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.
More BJJ gyms near Tampa
Ybor City Jiu-Jitsu Club
5 ★★★★★ 92 reviews
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site
Gracie Martial Arts Tampa Jiu Jitsu and Self Defense
4.9 ★★★★★ 116 reviews
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site
Martial Arts Advantage
5 ★★★★★ 93 reviews
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site