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GTK Academy of Martial Arts
4.9 ★★★★★ 13 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Palm Bay, Florida
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
- No-gi no-gi grappling classes — training in a rashguard and shorts, with faster scrambles and a natural bridge to MMA
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule gtkmartialartsacademy.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (571) 322-1722
Hours
| Monday | 5–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 5–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 5–9 PM |
| Thursday | 5–9 PM |
| Friday | 5 PM–12 AM |
| Saturday | 12–9 AM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“No contracts, no gimmicks—just real, effective martial arts instruction.”
“Whether you are seeking self-defense skills, personal development, or a deeper martial path, Sensei Godfrey provides the guidance and leadership to help you progress.”
“Every class is structured yet adaptable, allowing beginners to feel welcomed while challenging more experienced practitioners to refine their technique and mindset.”
Other martial arts here
What members say
“I have been to other gyms, but particularly love training here for the great instruction and expertise he can bring to martial arts.”
“Every class is structured yet adaptable, allowing beginners to feel welcomed while challenging more experienced practitioners to refine their technique and mindset.”
“What stands out most is the training atmosphere he creates: focused, supportive, and rooted in traditional martial values while remaining accessible to modern students.”
“Every class is structured yet adaptable, allowing beginners to feel welcomed while challenging more experienced practitioners to refine their technique and mindset.”
“Sensei Godfrey teaches more than physical movements he emphasizes awareness, discipline, and respect, helping us understand the philosophy behind each form and application.”
From the reviews
Excited about taking private self defense classes with Godfrey Knowles a Master in Martial Arts. The environment is clean, comfortable and relaxing. I give this place 5 stars!
Training under Sensei Godfrey has been an exceptional experience. His instruction in Bujutsu and Tate-Jutsu reflects a deep mastery of the arts, balanced with patience, clarity, and genuine care for his students’ growth.
I have been training with Professor Knowles for about a month. I have been to other gyms, but particularly love training here for the great instruction and expertise he can bring to martial arts. He is continuously developing my skills and also cares about his students development.
GTK Academy in Palm Bay offers top-tier, practical martial arts training. Master Godfrey Knowles has decades of experience and multiple black belts, and it shows in every class. No contracts, no gimmicks—just real, effective martial arts instruction. Would definitely recommend!
New to BJJ? Start at GTK Academy of Martial Arts
GTK Academy of Martial Arts 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 GTK Academy of Martial Arts
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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