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The Grappling Academy Bradenton
5 ★★★★★ 59 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Bradenton, 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
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule grapplingacademybradenton.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 941-500-3601
Hours
| Monday | 9 am–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 9 am–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 9 am–9 pm |
| Thursday | 9 am–9 pm |
| Friday | 9 am–9 pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“We have some older guys that are just there to get in shape, all the way to young kids with big dreams and aspirations to make it to the octagon.”
“I have a young teen enrolled in the kids' class here.”
“He would always spend extra time after his classes answering questions and working intently with both competitors and hobbyists.”
“The focus on technique, discipline, and real-world application makes every class both challenging and rewarding.”
“The guys were all beyond welcoming to both of us, and the level of talent was very solid—especially amongst the beginners, who felt well beyond their time on the mats.”
What members say
“Coach Dan is patient but focused, and coach Julie is so great with the kids and my son is always looking forward to seeing her.”
“The guys were all beyond welcoming to both of us, and the level of talent was very solid—especially amongst the beginners, who felt well beyond their time on the mats.”
“The guys were all beyond welcoming to both of us, and the level of talent was very solid—especially amongst the beginners, who felt well beyond their time on the mats.”
“Ive been a black belt for over a decade and I was super impressed with Dan’s instruction (detailed, but didn't carry on too long) and the structure of his classes.”
“if you're looking to bully proof & teach your kids discipline.”
“He would always spend extra time after his classes answering questions and working intently with both competitors and hobbyists.”
From the reviews
Dan is the absolute best instructor you can work with and that should not be questioned. He has competed for years at the highest of levels against some of the top grapplers in the world. He brings a wealth of experience to the mats and really enjoys teaching you the fundamentals and the most advance techniques.
Dan is an amazing coach and dedicated gym owner. He provides top-notch instruction and a welcoming environment to all. It's the perfect place for anyone looking to take their Jiu-Jitsu to an ADCC level or just looking for a new hobby.
When I moved to Bradenton 6 months ago, I decided to join the Grappling Academy after looking around at several other gyms. I chose this gym because of Coach Dan’s phenomenal teaching, good mat space, and friendliness of all of the members.
Visited this gym when on a trip from out of town and had an amazing experience. The owner/head instructor was very technical, an awesome teacher and very nice and welcoming. All the students I met were great rolls and super nice and welcoming.
New to BJJ? Start at The Grappling Academy Bradenton
The Grappling Academy Bradenton 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 The Grappling Academy Bradenton
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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