Gracie Barra Clearwater
1490 N Belcher Rd. # I, Clearwater, FL 33765, USA
Gracie Barra Clearwater Brazilian jiu jitsu martial arts gym offers adults & kids at all levels daily jiu jitsu and self defense classes.
1490 N Belcher Rd. # I, Clearwater, FL 33765, USA
Gracie Barra Clearwater Brazilian jiu jitsu martial arts gym offers adults & kids at all levels daily jiu jitsu and self defense classes.
I started taking both my son and daughter to this academy without any previous experiance with any sort of martial art or grappling. In the beggining my kids were very apprehensive and uncomfortable (I would have been also). I was/am absolutely impressed with the way the coaches treat the students. Very engaging, patient and capture respect in the most elegant way. They keep it fun and fresh all while maitaining true professionalism. Very glad this is the academy we chose on a whim and I'm hoping this review helps someone else find these guys. (Im not just saying these things because these guys could tie me in a knot! Promise.)
Came in while on vacation. Great class, with great instruction !
I wanted to leave a review specifically for women out there looking to learn martial arts. I’m about 3 months into training here and I wanted to say this is the best place to learn self defense. I come from a background of random martial arts and fitness, I did Shaolin kung fu, CrossFit, capoeira and parkour and was always the stereotypical “patient” athlete because I was injured all the time. In the 8-9 months before trying BJJ, I got 2 concussions, a dislocated shoulder and a torn hamstring, I liked learning different disciplines but their lack of safety and poor quality instruction left me more sick than trained. More over, despite learning all those I never got to sparr against any resistance and never learned actual defense, it was just art or fitness. Then the worst happened, I was attacked by my own house, I got home while our house was being robbed and the person “ on the look out” which happened to be a woman, was by my front door. Unknowingly I came up and asked who she was, she proceeded to throw gravel in my eyes and tackled me, making me fall to the ground and hit a fence behind me. Unable to see my hand searched for something on the floor to grab and defend myself, I felt a metal bar, I picked it up, managed to get up and started swinging blindly left and right. I hit the attackers face. She ran just as her accomplices of whom I was unaware of the time ran from the backyard. I was terrified but they all ran. That day I realized I wasted my life learning martial arts and all these disciplines that did not benefit me when I actually needed it. I decided to find something that could have kept me safe, and prevented me from using the violence I was forced into. I regret that I ruined the attacking girl’s face, I wish I knew how to control her and wait for police to do justice instead. The search lead me to this Gracie gym and in the 3 months I was there I learned more of actual self defense than I did in my life. The experience and safety measures of the instructors is incomparable to any place I been to, they truly care not only about teaching you techniques but they make sure you are safe while learning them, understand what you are doing and able to utilize it when you needed it most. I havent been injured this whole time and can now see the huge difference between random martial arts places and this gym. As a girl, I hesitated going, expecting a bunch of men who’ll make me feel intimidated, but instead I found an awesome group of people with friendly female members who stick together, excellent and experienced instructors, and peace of mind knowing that what now Im learning is real self defense, and investment for my future that will keep me safe when I need it most in this world full of unpredictability.
Nice classes. Good, profesional and friendly instructors.100% recommend the women's Self-defense classes
Phenomenal spot. John is an incredible instructor that creates a great atmosphere for everyone to learn and get better. Highly recommend!
This place has the best instructors for jujitsu and grappling
I've been coming to this school for over a year now.. It wasn't until I visited some other gyms that I realized how good I had it here. Thankful for John and his experience and the camaraderie we have between everyone here at the gym.. Love this place
We did a lot of research and this is our favorite place in Pinellas county. Our daughter started her classes there at only 3.5yo and absolutely loved it. She is still looking forward to them and doesn't want to ever miss one. Also, you get a really good value, only 99usd per month for 2 classes per week (45min). But most importantly, the teachers are patient and friendly and the kids are having a lot of fun.
I came to this school nervous because I am overweight and out of shape. On the other hand. I wanted to make sure it was a solid program that would challenge me. I checked out all the schools in the area and I really feel that the instruction and the people here are amazing. John, Ben and Anne use a structured class and take care to show the techniques, the tricks and the safety tips to make sure we can learn, get better and stay as injury-free as possible while we do that. The self defense classes prepare you for the advanced classes, and the the variety of gi and no-gi classes as well as open mats, wrestling, a kids program and an all-female self-defense class make this the best school in town.
One of the best environments around! Everyone pushes each other to be great, no ego, just hard work. John is always looking out for his students safety and improving their skillsets.
Professor John is is awesome. Great calm demeanor and always open to a question or comment. Happy to be part of the class.
Our granddaughter looks forward to this class three times a week. She is completely engaged with it. The couches are amazing and have patience with these children.
My stepdaughter and I love this place. The other students are very respectful and easy to work with. John is a fantastic instructor. He is a very humble, kind man and his technical breakdowns are easy to follow and well-taught. Can’t wait to go back to Gracie Barra!
Professor John is an amazing coach. Highly technical, knowledgeable, funny, kind and patient. He has created an amazing culture at this gym with tons of friendly and positive people that are always willing to help you get better at Jiu-Jitsu. My wife and I along with our 2 kids have been training here for about a year and a half and it has been absolutely incredible, fun and a positive impact on all of our lives. If you’re looking for a place to train in Clearwater this is the place to go. The coaching, training partners, culture and atmosphere are top notch!
Fantastic Academy, Professor John, made a great place to train. Safe for kids and adults.
Had a chance to visit this school. Very friendly, family atmosphere and big and clear gym
Professor John and his team are very detailed and patient teaching experienced and new beginners. My son and husband both train with him and are both happy to be a part of his Jiu Jitsu school. I highly recommend John and his coaches.
John and his instructor staff do a great job with the kids, as well as providing practical self defense classes for adults. My daughter and I both train here and enjoy learning each class.
John is such an awesome instructor! Super technical with really smooth delivery. I’m grateful to be able train here. I’ve been fortunate to have some really solid training partners. My experience has been pretty outstanding thus far!
Professor John is Professional and welcomes everyone regardless of age,athletic ability in a safe,fun,and clean environment. He is always learning and growing and goes above and beyond for his students. I have trained martial arts my whole life and I am a professional dance coach. I trust him with teaching my two boys and can’t recommend his school enough if you want to learn self defense and the fun sport of jujitsu.
I came to visit from Maryland and asked Professor John if I could come in and train while I was in town. He was really welcoming as well as the other guys that train there. I went a couple of times and really felt comfortable and at home. Wish I could’ve gone more than I did. Will definitely go back when I return. Thank you Professor for welcoming me in. I truly appreciate it.
I've learned soo much from professor John in my 8 months in this school!!!! Don't hesitate if you want to try bjj! That's the right place!
Coach John and his students were very welcoming and hospitable while I visited for a class. Top of the line culture and I couldn't recommend a better place in Clearwater for jiu-jitsu!
In town during vacation, came for a drop in class, great guys, very technical and welcoming. Would train here without hesitation if I lived here.
I was visiting Clearwater for vacation and joined this location to continue my training. I was so pleasantly surprised of how nice everyone was. Prof. John was very welcoming and helped in improving my Jujitsu skills and answered any questions that I had. Thank you Gracie Barra Clearwater for wonderful experience.
Professor Keller is the best! He works with everyone, wherever they are at physically. Very friendly and laidback environment. Everyone is super nice and have helped me to learn BJJ. Highly recommended!!!!
John is a just a top-notch teacher. Extremely patient and he takes into account what your personal goals are in teaching you. He bent over backwards coming in early morning for special classes for years and gave everyone who stuck with it wins and certainty in physically handling others if necessary. He is very knowledgeable and professional in his technology and is always looking to learn more himself. You can tell he simply loves teaching others what he has learned. I cannot recommend jiujitsu and this school strongly enough you would like to learn how to take all uncertainty out of defending yourself. Garrett
Im visiting from out of town. Great experience. Friendly environment. Great instruction. Can't wait to make it back.
My son started in January for his 5th birthday; we both love the program! John uses such a simple and well thought out program that all the kids have fun, learn new things and enjoy every class. Highly recommend for kids and parents to check it out and see for yourself.
John Keller is a great communicator and technical instructor of Brazillian Jiu Jitsu. Very humble gentleman. I would highly recommend training here.
John is an excellent instructor. The classes are well organized and each student gets ample attention and help.
My whole family trains here. It has brought us closer together. They offer a high level of self defense and tournament level training. It’s the real deal.
I've been at Gracie Barra Clearwater for almost a year now, this is a great place to train. Professor John is an awesome instructor regardless of your skill level. Very family friendly and safe environment, overall a great place to train for anyone. Highly recommend.
This is an excellent place to come to learn self defense and the fundamentals of Jiu-Jitsu for yourself and your kids. The classes are fun, professional and tailored specifically for the type of training you are seeking, wether it is self-defense or sport/competition Jiu-Jitsu
Visiting student from Pittsburgh. Great school, great instructor. If I lived here this is where I would be attending. Highly recommend.
I have attended Gracie Barra Clearwater since 2006. This place is like home to me. It has really maintained legit BJJ. There are so many schools in town that cut corners. You just can't beat the family, the open, and safe environment to learn the gentle art. I also signed my children up for this school and it has been wonderful. Professor Kevin and Randy are so good with kids, it really makes all the difference in the world. They take time with the children, they are funny, and you can tell they care being parents themselves. I also feel the environment is very safe for boys and girls as well. Lastly, I would say this is the cleanest BJJ school in town, which is rare. Being a clean school is priceless. Some schools don't even care about cleaning the mats, the bathrooms, the locker rooms, not this school. Cleanliest school around! You will not find better Jiu Jitsu in the county. HIGHLY recommended. Professor, Good Fight.
Started Jiu Jitsu two years ago overseas. I have since had to spend long periods in Clearwater to look after my aging parents. I decided I’d continue learning and practicing JiuJitsu while I am down here. After researching the BJJ gyms in the area, I chose Gracie Barra Clearwater. I couldn’t be more pleased. The Instructors are Top Notch. The gym is spacious and clean. Great people and Great JiuJitsu. Recommend it highly.
Awesome work out and discipline for children and adults! Friendly and firm trainers.
It’s a great place!! Everyone in there is welcoming. All the professors are awesome. My entire family does it from our younger child to my wife. Highly recommended it.
Best place for jiu jitsu around. I started training here since I was 8 years old and I've stayed with them for 12 years. Such a great environment and so many different styles of teaching and fighting.
I could progress very well here. Was great to learn from 3 different professors. Also the monthly fee is reasonably cheap compared to other schools in the area.
This past weekend I made my yearly pilgrimage to Clearwater, Florida. Gracie Barra Clearwater is always one of my favorite stops. Great people who train hard. If you live in the Clearwater area and are considering BJJ, you have to check these guys out. I promise it will change your life for the better…
Very relaxed and chilled environment. Top level coaching. Was made welcomed right from the start.
Excellent school! I've trained at two other schools and this one is the best by far. Outstanding black belt instructors. The school is well-kept and always clean. Great mix of all Jiu Jitsu belt levels. I would highly recommend this school, especially if you have never trained but wanted to start.
Great group, supportive, and fun. Emphasis on technique. I would encourage women to try Jujitsu, you'll be hooked.
Great place to train! Amazing professors, coaches, and teammates.
Great instruction, positive energy with the students, and clean facility.
I'm not in Florida to see my son's classes every week. But my son reports to me that he loves the classes and thinks the coaches are great. I have observed a few classes during visits to Florida and was impressed with the attentiveness of the teachers to each student. The classes are challenging, fun and seemingly skill appropriate. That is, the students are matched with others at their own skill levels. It seems to me that the classes have also contributed to my sons maturation process as a person.
I was on vacation with the family in Clearwater and looking for a place to train. Contacted Gracie Barra Clearwater and couldn't be happier I did. Highly knowledgeable instructors and first-class training facility! I did 2 private lessons and it was great. I have been training for about 5 years now and was able to take away lots of new techniques and also able to refine some of my current techniques. Highly recommended! Thanks again for the great lessons and welcoming environment.
My daughter (age 8) has been training there for almost two years. They have great teachers that are patient and understanding to be able to provide the needed instruction for children!
I have only been to class for two days and I have already learned so much. The instructors are incredibly nice and patient. The things that we are learning are so useful and Randy and Kevin make them extremely simple. I have not had any problem with them and I don't think I ever will.
Well managed & top-notch instructors!!! A comfortable place to train whether you're just starting out as a white belt, looking for new challenges, health & wellness, or to compete in BJJ tournaments. Even a great place to make friends!! Ju Jitzu for everybody!
Great academy with awesome instructors and Professor Eduardo De Lima (4th degree blackbelt under Carlos Gracie Jr), who is the head instructor, is as much a positive lifestyle guru as he is teacher. The school has now moved to 1088 Kapp Dr (near Hercules and Palmetto) and is better than ever! Come try it for free!
Well the instructer was very nice , I have trained in bjj for 13 years and have trained all over and this school is by far the best school I have ever trained at.. I did the fundamental class and loved how he showed the basics and self defense move also making it very complete. The instructer has a very spiritual presence which makes you feel comfortable. The instruction was very detailed and they were very patient. This place is top notch anyone who wants to learn jiu jitsu this is the place.
This is the best jiu jitsu academy in FL.
The Jiu jitsu is out of date, John says “tighten the Americana dude” (Tell me how to do it tighter). I was told I could try a class and not told when to pay/where to pay. John told my son to grow a pair after he was submit with a arm lock. Bad experience don’t go here unless you can deal with tough people.
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