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Olivera Jiu Jitsu Academy
4.9 ★★★★★ 89 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Bradenton, 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
- 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
- Website & schedule oliverabjj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 941-465-6037
The classes they run
“As a white belt, I appreciated that they take care to give their beginners a clear foundation in the fundamentals, but also put it in context too.”
“We have been to a few gyms and Olivera stands out for their encouraging and family oriented environment and their ability to teach and work with kids.”
“I showed up for open mat and had a blast with many of their fierce competitors.”
“I showed up for open mat and had a blast with many of their fierce competitors.”
“As a white belt, I appreciated that they take care to give their beginners a clear foundation in the fundamentals, but also put it in context too.”
What members say
“Krissy and Coach O and has formed a great relationship with them.”
“As a white belt, I appreciated that they take care to give their beginners a clear foundation in the fundamentals, but also put it in context too.”
“We have been to a few gyms and Olivera stands out for their encouraging and family oriented environment and their ability to teach and work with kids.”
“As a white belt, I appreciated that they take care to give their beginners a clear foundation in the fundamentals, but also put it in context too.”
“Through the Olivera’s our son has gained confidence, self discipline, as well as respect.”
“The mats were clean, the people were friendly, and overall it was positive experience.”
From the reviews
Owners are great people! My son has sensory issues and dyslexia and they were very sensitive to his needs and even during group activities made sure he was comfortable. My husband has even done classes and his training has been excellent!
My Son goes here and attends there camp over the summer. They are an amazing family and business. My son struggles in communicating and expressing himself. To see Krissy and Mr. O get on his level and help him through it and to let him know that they are listeneing. Is truly heart warming!!
I dropped in for a class while on vacation in the area and was really impressed! Good people, good vibe. Very clean facility, friendly and responsive staff. Zach Jr. was leading class and gave really clear and useful instruction.
While vacationing on Anna Maria Island (Xmas and New Years 2024) I decided reach out to this near by school and left a voicemail for when they might have classes over the holidays. Mrs. Krissy Olivera reached out to me via text and made me feel so welcome before I even walked through the door.
New to BJJ? Start at Olivera Jiu Jitsu Academy
Olivera Jiu Jitsu Academy 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 Olivera 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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