Carlson Gracie South Lakeland - Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Kickboxing, Physical Fitness, Preschool Martial Arts & Combat Training

5285 Florida Ave S, Lakeland, FL 33813

5.0 (60 reviews)

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Enroll your child in Winter Haven or Lakeland FL's Top rated BJJ, Boxing, Martial Arts & After School Program! Build confidence, discipline & fitness wih Kickboxing & More

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Jacob Soto

I've been training daily for two months since day one, the abient was excellent and after that first class i fell completely in love with the sport. The coach knows what he does and makes sure that the whole group does the training safely and with good technique I recommend it 100%

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Posted 1 year ago
Gina Rivera

Well first and foremost, Coach Marc is the absolute best! He’s definitely helped my son tremendously with his confidence (my son is a smaller guy) and has assured me that my son doesn’t have to worry about any type of bullying while in their facility and in coach Marc’s presence. If I had any concerns Marc has squashed them immediately and never left me hanging on any questions I needed answered regarding pick ups/tuition/ or questions about my son’s progress. He’s been very responsive and attentive which I’m grateful for. I feel like most places get too ahead of themselves and all communication gets lost but not with this place. My son has attended this gym for a little over two years now & absolutely loves it. Coach Marc picks up my son from school and it allows me to finish my duties for the day. This gym has brought many friendships into my son’s life! The gym is also clean and very well organized. If you are looking to put your child into an after school activity I would 100 percent recommend talking to the owner or Marc and getting your little one signed up right away. They also do summer camp so if you are a working parent during the summer, they take your kids to many places to assure they also have their summer fun! Thanks to the Carlson Gracie team my son looks forward to his after school care and his classes where he is progressively getting better everytime with his jui jitsu skills!

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Posted 1 year ago
Joseph Pileggi

Great place to train. Everyone always friendly and the training is top notch.

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Posted 1 year ago
tristen harrison

The Carlson Gracie Team is certainly above the rest in many aspects. Having Marc as a BJJ instructor during classes and one-on-one training has elevated my performance both on and off the mats. Marc also does exceptional work when he works with kids who attend his after school and homeschool programs. You, and or your family will not be disappointed while being a part of this flourishing community.

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Posted 1 year ago
Saúl Samuel Torres

Carlson Gracie South Lakeland is an amazing place to learn jiu jitsu. The instructors are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate, and they create a supportive and welcoming environment for students of all levels. Marc and Rafa are particularly exceptional. Marc has a unique ability to break down complex techniques into easy-to-understand steps. He is also very patient and encouraging, and he will always take the time to help you improve your skills. Rafa is a great mentor and teacher, and he is always there to support his students and he makes class fun and enjoyable. The students at Carlson Gracie South Lakeland are also amazing. They are all very friendly and supportive, and they are always willing to help each other out. The class is like a family, and it is a great place to learn jiu jitsu and make friends. I highly recommend Carlson Gracie South Lakeland to anyone who is looking for a great jiu jitsu school.

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Posted 1 year ago
Joshua Johnson

Awesome place to train for all skill levels from beginner to advanced. Everyone is positive, encouraging, and wants to see you succeed.

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Posted 1 year ago
Curtis Beals (CSBeals)

I've been training with Carlson Gracie South since the inception off of Cleveland Heights. We have expanded into the plaza off of Florida Ave. There are not many places to practice jiu jitsu that are air conditioned in Florida and we are getting spoiled. Our team has grown considerably since the time I started and everyone is friendly. Coach Marc has put a great amount of work into the gym and I am always looking forward to the next roll!

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Posted 1 year ago
Edward Hardee

Words don’t explain what Coach Marc & the Carlson Gracie Lakeland has done for me. At 37 years old, I was in a mid life crisis, stagnate and put on 30+ pounds. Not only did I lose the 30+ pounds of fat, I gained an entire brotherhood of great people that have became family!

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Posted 1 year ago
Matt Shelton

Amazing gym, well versed instructions, family atmosphere. Marc is an amazing coach for children and adults alike! If you want to start your jiu-jitsu journey on Southside of Lakeland Carlson Gracie South Lakeland is your spot!

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Posted 1 year ago
austin butler

Love this great! Instructors are awesome! Marc Spiro is an awesome instructor! Rafa is incredible. And Eddie Sebastia is not only a champion but a kind hearted soul willing to teach all who are ready to learn. Great crowd

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Posted 1 year ago
Alivia Kay

What warms my heart the most about this location is when ALL (3) of the Coaches are on the floor with the littles (5-7) and I'm certain they're the same way with all ages. In just a short period the Coaches connect with each student. The energy in the atmosphere alone draws a connection with anyone who walks through the door. I have my son in this for self-defense and in as little as the first couple of weeks when he started, I've noticed a difference in him. Although he was already confident going in, this puts the icing on the cake for him and fills the gap with a well-rounded extracurricular activity and something he will use for the rest of his life. Our travel time one way is 45 minutes but well worth the trip for a 30-minute class. Coach Marc leads an award-winning program for all ages.

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Posted 1 year ago
Katherine Rivera

Coach Marc is amazing with the kids. I put my 6 year old in the after school jiujitsu program and they are great at assuring there’s pick up on time, the kids get exercise before class and a whole session. I especially like how they are teaching him routine and how to respectfully address one another. They have one on one sessions to assure the weekly moves are being completed. My son loves it and has learned so much!!! Highly recommended!!

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Posted 2 years ago
KJ Hillard

**5 Stars – Fantastic Martial Arts and Fitness Training!** Carlson Gracie South Lakeland is hands down one of the best places for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, kickboxing, and combat training in the area. From the moment I joined, I felt welcomed by the friendly, knowledgeable instructors who are truly passionate about what they do. The training environment is top-notch, whether you're a beginner or more advanced, and they cater to all skill levels. The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes are exceptional, with a strong emphasis on technique, discipline, and self-defense. The kickboxing and combat training sessions are equally great, offering intense workouts that push your limits and improve physical fitness. What’s even more impressive is their preschool martial arts program, where they teach kids discipline, respect, and basic martial arts skills in a fun and supportive way. The sense of community here is unbeatable – it feels like a second family. If you’re looking for a place that will challenge you both physically and mentally while fostering personal growth, Carlson Gracie South Lakeland is the place to be. Highly recommend for all ages!

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Posted 2 years ago
samantha hagans

Absolutely amazing institution! My son loves going here and loves everyone who works here. Coach Marc is one of my son's favorite people on this planet. I would recommend 1,000 times over.

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Posted 2 years ago
Joanna Angeles

My son absolutely loves his jiu-jitsu class! The coach is incredibly patient, and I highly recommend this program for any child.

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Posted 2 years ago
Darren Moreno

I have been bringing my 6 year old son to this school for almost a year now and my son has completely transformed from a shy kid to a smiling confident kid with some quality Jiu Jitsu skills. I can’t thank Coach Marc enough with how much he has helped my son. He has helped him with how to handle his anxiety in new situations and has helped him make some new friends. If you’re looking for a coach who runs a disciplined class and cares about his students, look know further than Carlson Gracie in South Lakeland.

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Posted 2 years ago
Kristen Nice

Such a great place. The coaches work so well with my autistic son and it’s incredible to see the growth in him the last year since we’ve been practicing with Coach Marc

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Posted 2 years ago
Christina Moreno

Coach Marc at Carlson Gracie JuJitsu has been fantastic for our son. He is an excellent coach - very attentive to all the kids needs- highly recommend this place!

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Posted 2 years ago
George Marrero

Amazing for kids! My kids (like any other child that has never done martial arts) we terrified at first. Coach mark took his time and showed them patients in learning techniques. Fast forward to a year later, my kids are obsessed with jiujitsu, their confidence has gone way up, they’ve become more patient in solving difficult problems and challenges.

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Posted 2 years ago
Cesar Vargas

I recently visited and was very impressed by Coach Marc. I felt very welcomed by the coaches. The students were very friendly as well. I was visiting from out of town, I cross trained with the group and felt very safe. It’s a knowledgeable group, with a great practice. Marc is patient and very much enjoys coaching. I witnessed his approach with the kids Jiu Jitsu class as well. He is not only a great Jiu Jitsu coach, but he instills great values and will be impacting these children’s lives in a positive manner. Highly recommend the South Location and Coach Marc is a must!

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Posted 2 years ago
Junior Vasquez

I began my journey at Carlson Gracie South Lakeland in May 2023, stepping onto the mat with no prior training at 33 years of age. From the very first moment, I was engulfed in an atmosphere that was not only welcoming but also incredibly nurturing. The coaching here is, without exaggeration, top-notch. The instructors possess a profound understanding of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, coupled with an ability to teach, and inspire. More than coaches, they are mentors who guide you through every step of your journey; specially Coach Marc who has taken me under his wing. The community at Carlson Gracie South Lakeland is something truly special. It's rare to find a place where every single individual is not only encouraging but also genuinely supportive. The people here are beautiful humans, inside and out, creating an environment that fosters growth, learning, and mutual respect. The positive attitude that permeates the gym is infectious, making every training session not just a workout but a genuinely enjoyable experience. As someone who started from zero, the transformation I've experienced has been remarkable. Not only have I seen significant improvements in my physical capabilities, but my confidence and mental resilience have also soared. The welcoming nature of both the coaches and my fellow practitioners made it incredibly easy to integrate into the community, and the encouragement I've received has been a driving force in my progress. Carlson Gracie South Lakeland is more than just a martial arts gym; it's a family. The exceptional coaching, the supportive community, and the positive atmosphere make it an ideal place for anyone looking to start or continue their Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey. I am profoundly grateful to be a part of this incredible community, and I look forward to many more years of growth and learning at Carlson Gracie South Lakeland.

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Posted 2 years ago
S W

Great gym. Laid back but tough and challenging at the same time.

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Posted 2 years ago
Eskimov

Love the people, Love the coaches, Love the gym. Met some of the best people I know from here and it’s why I always keep coming back.

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Posted 2 years ago
Matthew Petrokus

Great coach, definitely recommend anyone looking to get into jiu jitsu.

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Posted 2 years ago
Hattan

My 6 yr old daughter started here in the afterschool program the beginning of the school year. As a Marine Veteran it was important to find a good school. I feel we have done that. I am very impressed how coach Marc teaches the little ones and how it’s a mix of fun and technique. She loves it and we are glad to have found the school for sure.

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Posted 2 years ago
Sarah Crowder

I absolutely would recommend this academy to anyone visiting Lakeland or who wants to get started in jiu jitsu. I am a 135lb purple belt and my husband is a 165lb black belt, and we had the pleasure of training here for a month while visiting town. No matter your belt level you will get high quality training here. Coach Marc went out of his way to make us feel welcome in his training room and to share techniques with us. The classes are well run, the academy is clean and well maintained, and my husband and I were both able to get great, technically challenging rounds here. We also got to meet and train with Coach Rafa, which was a great experience. He is an exceptional leader for his students and coaches. We will definitely be back, and if we lived locally I would be thrilled to get to train here and at the North location full time.

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Posted 2 years ago
Samantha Pascasio

This gym is so amazing for the kids! Coach Marc is superior with them and you can tell they look up to him so much! His patience and understanding doesnt go unnoticed. This gym is clean and kept up with shows the pride they put into their work!!! Definitely recommend this place to learn self defense or even book a private class with the best!!!

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Posted 2 years ago
Drew Westerman

I had the pleasure to train at Carlson Gracie South Lakeland for the month of August while visiting family. What an amazing family oriented gym with top notch instruction from coaches who's love for teaching is evident. If live in the area or are just passing through, I can't recommend Carlson Gracie Polk County enough! Huge thanks to coach Marc for having me. I look forward to popping in everytime I'm in Florida!

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Posted 3 years ago
Chalyna Armstrong

Coach Marc does an amazing job teaching the kids! My boys are in the 5-7 age group, and they have learned a lot about basic jujitsu techniques/takedowns. They always look forward to going to practices!

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Posted 3 years ago
Eliza Núñez, MBA

Great instructors

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Posted 3 years ago
PatRJ B

Love this place 😀. Thank you Mark for all you do for RJ 💞

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Posted 3 years ago
Patrick Jones

My son has been attending since last year and he loves spending time here. We have watched his self-confidence really grow along with his abilities. Coach Marc runs a fun, structured class that allows them to be kids but also has expectations for how they treat each other and their gym. He has built a great community here that welcomes all skill levels.

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Posted 3 years ago
Julie Steele

My son has been going here for about 7 months and he absolutely loves it. With some sports we did in the past, he didn't want to go to every practice, but with Carlson Gracie jiu-jitsu he asks when he can go back. Coach Marc has been really great with him, teaching him new skills, and helping him gain more confidence. The kids in the class have a lot of respect for each other and I love how they shake hands at the end of each class. Highly recommend this place!

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Posted 3 years ago
Randy Belli

Coach Mark does a brilliant job with our two kids. They have grown so much in the past few months due to his consistent teaching and caring for them!

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Posted 3 years ago
Eliza De La Portilla

Great place with great instructors!

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Posted 3 years ago
Daniel Roman

Coach Marc is so amazing with kids of all ages and skill levels. He does an amazing job of taking kids from where they are and challenging them just enough to make them better without making them feel like they can't do it. He did such a great job I decided to join the adult class and am loving the workout and camaraderie

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Posted 3 years ago
Matt Stone

I've known and trained with Marc and Rafa for a few years. Great people that genuinely care and love the sport. Highly recommend.

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Posted 3 years ago
Derek Walker

Carlson Gracie Lakeland is everything you need in a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Gym. Wonderful people connected all over. Genuine Jiu-Jitsu backed up by the legendary Carlson Gracie Lineage.

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Posted 3 years ago
Eric Edelman

A must-visit gym for those looking for high-quality instruction, great training partners, and a family-friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Incredibly gracious and hospitable to those visiting and looking for a place to train. Cannot recommend enough.

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Posted 3 years ago
Megan Figarella

My two children (5 and 7) attend and have had an amazing experience working with Coach Mark! He has a gift for working with young children and runs a structured, fun class. The kids have a great time while learning valuable skills. Coach Mark is a class act! I highly recommend this establishment to all.

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Posted 4 years ago
Chris Pugh

Our son has been attending here for about 6 months and has loved it from day 1. The class is fun and instructional, builds confidence, strength, and technique. Coach Kyle is great with the kids and I can't wait to see this gym continue to grow.

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Posted 4 years ago
Lexi Santana

My son started BJJ here and his confidence has gone up dramatically. Children learn so much more than just self defense. This place has taught him discipline, determination, and what benefits come from being consistent. Also, Coach Kyle is seriously AMAZING with kids. Does a great job at explaining and gives each one equal attention.

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Posted 4 years ago
chris lowe

Outstanding Head Coach Kyle Klos I’ve been on his team for 10 years and I can’t recommend him enough for yourself or family!

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Posted 4 years ago
G P

Great family environment. You won't find a better group of people.

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Posted 4 years ago
David Holton

The instructors are very knowledgeable and considerate. Good and clean gym. 5 Stars👍🏻

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Posted 4 years ago
Vanessa Maikisch

If you’re looking for a great place to work out with a sense of community this is your place. Coach Kyle is dedicated to teaching the best skills and making it feel like family.

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Posted 4 years ago
Matt Shelton

Great addition to the Carlson Gracie network of Bjj! Kyle has a beautiful school with classes that fit everyones schedule. I love training at this location when I'm in the neighborhood!

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Posted 4 years ago
Brandon Simmons

Coach Kyle has a gift for teaching the art of jiu jitsu, regardless of talent or ability when you come in! He was the first one to teach me all the basic takedowns, sweeps, passes, guards, submissions, etc. I’ve had the pleasure of training with him and most the other students at South Lakeland over the past year and I wouldn’t trade it for anything! 100/10 recommend coming in and putting in that work!

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Posted 4 years ago
ANTHONY Horne

Carlson Gracie Jujitsu South Lakeland is Very family oriented and one feels at ease upon entering the facility.The Instrctors are knowledgeable and willing to spend extra time to teach the technique and answer any questions you may have. Jujitsu is a very fluid martial art. If you are looking for a place to learn jujitsu I would definitely recommend Carlson Gracie Lakeland. The are three locations in north Lakeland south Lakeland and Winter Haven. Try it out I m sure you will love it.

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Posted 4 years ago
Jamee Lopez

My kids have been a part of the Gracie family for just over two years. We love the coaches & the atmosphere - it has been so rewarding watching the kids grow and learn while having fun and being guided while challenged. I definitely recommend Carlson Gracie to any and everyone looking for a positive experience and change.

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Posted 4 years ago
Alexis Arroyo

The staff there is awesome! The coaches know how to make you feel welcome and really help build self confidence.

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Posted 5 years ago
Mario Hernandez

Great community of people. Everyone feels welcome. And the training is top tier.

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Posted 5 years ago
Caleb Dyer

Excellent instructors and a positive environment. If you or your children are interested in learning Brazilian JuJitsu you should come see coach Kyle and give it a try!

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Posted 5 years ago