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Marcio Cruz Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Carrollwood

4.7 ★★★★★ 50 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Tampa, Florida

BJJ gym Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens Competition team

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
  • Women's classes dedicated women's BJJ classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
  • Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule marciocruzbjjcarrollwood.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (813) 406-4449

Hours

Monday 7–8:30 PM
Tuesday 4:30–8:30 PM
Wednesday 7–8:30 PM
Thursday 4:30–8:30 PM
Friday Closed
Saturday 11 AM–1:30 PM
Sunday Closed

Hours shift for holidays, seminars, and open-gym times — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The classes they run

BJJ classes on the schedule at Marcio Cruz Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Carrollwood, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids BJJ 13 mentions

“My grandsons love training here, the coaches and professors are amazing, the environment is positive, and they always leave with big smiles.”

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🏆 Competition Team

“Both of my kids have had great success being part of the competition team.”

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🛡️ Self-Defense

“I’ve gained confidence, discipline, and solid self-defense skills here.”

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What members say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 50 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, high-level coaching 8 mentions

“Professor Marcio Cruz and all of the instructors provide World class instruction in a safe and family setting.”

🤝 no-ego, friendly academy 15 mentions

“The culture is that of a family, the instruction is from world class practitioners, and overall a safe place to learn.”

📘 strong technique & fundamentals 2 mentions

“I decided to get back in the mats myself and couldn’t be happier, Professor Rodrigo is a super nice guy with amazing techniques and always looking to help you during class.”

🧒 strong kids program 2 mentions

“My kid loves it here the professors are very caring and do an amazing job at teaching the kids.”

🧠 builds confidence & discipline 5 mentions

“I’ve gained confidence, discipline, and solid self-defense skills here.”

From the reviews

This gym is awesome, my kids have been training with them for 3 years and they loved it. This gym has helped them so much, Professor Marcio and all the coaches are amazing.

★★★★★ — Augusto, Jan 2020

Great staff, great coaching, ample time for the class and for fun. I took my children and couldn't be happier. They promote accountability and discipline. Great promotions to get people started and continuous support. They even create incentives for children to move up quicker with good grades in school.

★★★★★ — Jose, Feb 2023

What an outstanding facility! We have been part of this family for almost 5 years. The benefits to both our children have been incredible. Increased confidence and focus. Greatly enhanced physical fitness. And of course, the BEST Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instruction available.

★★★★★ — Jason, May 2018

All the coaches of both facilities are excellents, my favorite is Arianna since she is a woman like me and is always willing to help in any way so that students can improve in the art of Jiu-Jitsu.

★★★★★ — Angeline, Dec 2019

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 50 reviews →

New to BJJ? Start at Marcio Cruz Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Carrollwood

Marcio Cruz Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Carrollwood 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.

See their beginner class info

Your first BJJ class at Marcio Cruz Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Carrollwood

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.

BJJ is a contact sport. Ease in, tap early and often, listen to your coaches, and if you have any injuries or health concerns, mention them before class and check with a doctor if you're unsure.

Where to find Marcio Cruz Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Carrollwood

14612 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL33618

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and member reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this gym? Claim your listing — it's free.