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Tactics Jiu Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 49 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
- 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 5–12) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Women's classes dedicated women's BJJ classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
- 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 tacticsjiujitsu.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (813) 785-5440
Hours
| Monday | 6–7 AM, 7:30–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 6:30–7:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 6–7 AM, 7:30–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 6:30–8:30 PM |
| Friday | 6–7 AM, 6:30–7:30 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM–12 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“We went from one kid in jujitsu to all 3 of our girls are now doing a mix of kids classes and my older 2 are starting adult and womens classes.”
“We went from one kid in jujitsu to all 3 of our girls are now doing a mix of kids classes and my older 2 are starting adult and womens classes.”
“Joey is a great coach for someone just getting started in jiujitsu, or a high level competitor.”
“Attended my first open mat at Tactics recently and was blown away.”
“The atmosphere is welcoming and supportive, making it a fantastic place for beginners and advanced practitioners alike.”
Other martial arts here
What members say
“Professor Joey Best is an incredibly talented instructor that has a great way of breaking down even the most complicated aspects of BJJ in a way any level student can understand.”
“If you are looking for high quality instruction in an environment that is safe and welcoming I highly recommend Tactics Jiu Jitsu.”
“Despite his belts, he’s maybe the most humble person I’ve ever met, a patient and precise teacher, friendly as hell, and an absolute nerd about jiu jitsu.”
“I was immediately impressed by the attention to detail in every technique taught and he was very attentive to every student, whether new or seasoned.”
“Joey is a great coach for someone just getting started in jiujitsu, or a high level competitor.”
“Joey and Amanda put so much work into this place - it’s colorful, air conditioned, and clean as hell (how does it smell so good after a class?”
From the reviews
I have been training under Professor Joseph Best for over 11 years. I received my blue, purple and brown belt under him. His unique and brilliant approach on his instructions regardless of a student’s skill is on a level of its own. If you are lucky enough to train under him, take in all you can from this opportunity.
Welcoming facility and incredibly CLEAN! I’m confident Mr. Best is one of of the most knowledgeable Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belts in Florida and everyone at the gym was more than kind to me.
I’ve been learning Jiu Jitsu from Joey since 2015 and ive been at Tactics since the first day it opened. I’m a business owner who is extremely picky about who and what I pour into because like most people I consider my time valuable.
With a great culture and the best instructor you won’t find a better spot to train! The atmosphere is welcoming and supportive, making it a fantastic place for beginners and advanced practitioners alike. The instructor's expertise is unmatched, providing top-notch training and guidance.
New to BJJ? Start at Tactics Jiu Jitsu
Tactics Jiu Jitsu 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 Tactics Jiu Jitsu
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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