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Ocala Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy
4.8 ★★★★★ 98 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Ocala, 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 (ages 5–13) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule bjjocala.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 352-622-6562
Hours
| Monday | 2–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 2–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 2–6 pm |
| Thursday | 2–9 pm |
| Friday | 2–6 pm |
| Saturday | 10 am–12 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Professor Matt is awesome with the kids, my boy loves him.”
“I started coming here in my sophomore year of high school, and it is no doubt the best gym in Ocala.”
“All while learning self defense in jiu jitsu.”
“While I’m still just a beginner, as fresh as they come in every way except my age, I never once felt even the slightest bit looked down on.”
What members say
“Matt himself is a great instructor whose lessons are clear and decisive while making sure his lessons are understood by everyone involved.”
“Professor Matt and everyone really were super welcoming and I can say I’m really impressed with the caliber of the students skill and again welcoming vibe.”
“Professor Matt and everyone really were super welcoming and I can say I’m really impressed with the caliber of the students skill and again welcoming vibe.”
“The class format is perfect for retaining what you learn- and you’ll want to because the techniques are game changing.”
“Many people who train here place well in competitions, including several higher belt holders who are always willing to help out beginners.”
“Great space, plenty of room to roll without being on top of each other.”
From the reviews
The Ocala Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy is a certified polished gem. I think that as many people get older, friends move away, and schedules get complicated, we lose an important sense of community and belonging. Coach Matt provides an environment that fosters exactly that and more.
This is a great gym! Professor Matt is incredibly knowledgeable and teaches new moves every week, which are usually tied to a greater theme. The group that trains here is full of great men and women who are here to learn and support each other to grow. There are no "mat bullies" here.
My husband and I have been training here for the past few winters. We love it! It is a great environment whether you just started or have been training your entire life. The students are welcoming, and the gym is super clean.
I’ve trained at a lot of gyms over my 16 years of jiu jitsu and Ocala BJJ was one of the most knowledgeable, inviting gyms yet. Most gyms you know right when you walk in what you’ll be getting. I immediately felt welcome by Professor Matt and his students.
New to BJJ? Start at Ocala Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy
Ocala Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy 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 Ocala Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy
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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🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site