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Gracie Westchase
4.9 ★★★★★ 88 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 — 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
- No-gi no-gi grappling classes — training in a rashguard and shorts, with faster scrambles and a natural bridge to MMA
- 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 graciewestchase.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (813) 465-9081
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM–12 PM |
| Sunday | 9 AM–12 PM |
The classes they run
“Tristan Jackson, my wonderful autistic kid, recently discovered a new passion—learning Jitsu.”
“A few months later, I ended up taking a few private lessons with one of their instructors.”
“The first time I ever came to Gracie Westchase was for an open mat.”
“Pro fighters train here as well so its a blast to get to train with all levels and know that there will always be room to grow and be challenged.”
Other martial arts here
“I have been attending jiujitsu classes for roughly 5 months with some Muay Thai in between and I must say I couldn’t be more stoked with my experience.”
“Also seemed to have incorporated some wrestling aspect to their jiu jitsu, which made for a really well-rounded grappling experience.”
What members say
“Bamboo is a great instructor who demonstrates an admirable ability to flow from one technique to another.”
“Pro fighters train here as well so its a blast to get to train with all levels and know that there will always be room to grow and be challenged.”
“We have been apart of the Gracie Westchase family almost 8 years now & I can easily say it was one of the easiest decisions.”
“I was a little nervous starting out as a beginner, but he thoroughly explained every technique and helped with my form.”
“I would highly recommend Gracie Westchase to anyone who is looking to start their journey in martial arts or to expand their existing knowledge base.”
“They ALWAYS keep the place clean , and everyone (coaches and students) are very professional and respectful.”
From the reviews
We LOVE Gracie Westchase!!!! The schedule allows for training at all different hours throughout the week. They have special occasions that involve EVERYONE including clients not just employees. The Owner Bamboo and his wife Robin are absolutely amazing people!
The first time I ever came to Gracie Westchase was for an open mat. Immediately, I loved the vibe of the team, and began making connections right away. A few months later, I ended up taking a few private lessons with one of their instructors.
Gracie Westchase is a great place to train! Bamboo’s knowledge and experience are remarkable, and it’s reflected in all his martial arts programs. The instructors provide high level training in a welcoming environment which fosters learning at any skill level.
I have been attending jiujitsu classes for roughly 5 months with some Muay Thai in between and I must say I couldn’t be more stoked with my experience. The owner Bamboo has a reputation that truly speaks for itself. He is dedicated to teaching students of all levels, from beginners to pro fighters!!
New to BJJ? Start at Gracie Westchase
Gracie Westchase 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 Westchase
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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