Gracie Brandon
10528 Lake St Charles Blvd, Riverview, FL 33578, USA
Gracie Brandon is a MMA facility specializing in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, MMA, and Wrestling, for Kids an Adults.
10528 Lake St Charles Blvd, Riverview, FL 33578, USA
Gracie Brandon is a MMA facility specializing in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, MMA, and Wrestling, for Kids an Adults.
This is the best gym I could have ever asked to be a part of. The most welcoming owners and workers and it’s truly a family environment. If you have kids and want to get them into self defense or simply make friends, this is the place to go. Coach Ian and Coach Richard are THE BEST.
Posted 1 year agoGracie Brandon redefines the concept of a martial arts gym, providing a welcoming atmosphere that resembles a family unit. My family participates in the kids' and adults program on a weekly basis. The instructors are highly respected for their expertise, patience, and professionalism. A variety of programs and training camps are offered, tailored to suit individual training requirements. This gym has played a pivotal role in enhancing my family's confidence and skill set, offering a unique community that fosters meaningful connections. Robby and Terri Donofrio are exceptional individuals who genuinely care about the well-being of each student. For those seeking improved confidence, grappling and fighting skills, and a supportive community, Gracie Brandon is an outstanding choice.
Posted 1 year agoI have been training here for years and have built life long friendships and more confidence in my self than ever best gym around by far !
I began training here three years ago after moving to the area, and it quickly became my second home. The coaches are outstanding, the atmosphere is amazing, and the training area is always clean. Highly recommend checking the gym out if you’re in the area 🇺🇸
Signed my son up at 5 not knowing anything about jujitsu and we are so glad we did. Coach rich and coach Ian and great with kids. The environment is super uplifting for our son. All the parents and kids are supportive. After a year of watching my son do it I signed up as well and I received the same treatment. Even if I’m not in a class I find myself there just hanging around the coffee shop. Would definitely recommend for kids or anyone looking for an active hobby
I can't say enough great things about Gracie Brandon! As a former high school wrestler returning to the Mat after 20 years away from the sport, I was nervous about starting back up. However, the moment I walked into the gym, I was greeted with warm smiles and genuine kindness, which instantly made me feel welcome. All my apprehension was gone. The owners and instructors are not only incredibly skilled in their craft but also amazing people who truly care about each individual who walks through their doors. Their passion for teaching and fostering a supportive environment is unmatched. Gracie Brandon is perfect for anyone looking to get in shape and connect with friendly, like-minded people. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or someone completely new to the sport, this is the place for you. Highly recommend!
This place is amazing! I’ve been training at Gracie Brandon for a few years and their instructors are top notch! Also, I consider this place a home away from home. I developed many friendships and would say this is my second family!
Gracie Brandon is the best gym in this area. Everyone here is like family.
Love this gym. Has been a great community for my son and myself to train and hangout.
If you're looking for a top-notch Jiu Jitsu and MMA gym, Gracie Brandon is the place to be! The staff here are incredibly knowledgeable, passionate, and truly dedicated to helping you succeed. From the moment you walk in, you can feel the welcoming and supportive atmosphere. The instructors are not only experts in their craft but also amazing teachers who take the time to ensure each student grasps the techniques and concepts. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced fighter, you'll feel challenged and encouraged every step of the way. The gym’s culture emphasizes respect, discipline, and camaraderie, making it an ideal place to grow both as an athlete and a person. I couldn’t recommend Gracie Brandon more highly! Take it from someone who has and family has trained here for 11 years!
We absolutely love Gracie Brandon! From day one, the instructors have been patient, encouraging, and incredibly skilled at teaching kids of all ages. They make the classes fun while also focusing on discipline, respect, and teamwork. The progress my child has made in both confidence and skills is amazing to see. The facility is clean and well-organized, and they foster such a positive environment. It's more than just a martial arts school—it's a community. I highly recommend this school to any parent looking for a great place for their kids to learn and grow.
Joining has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. All classes push me mentally and physically. All coaches are helpful and dedicated to your success. I reccomend ut for anyone.
My family and I have been training at Gracie Brandon since March 2022. This community has become our extended family and home away from home. Our family has enjoyed boxing, wrestling, muay thai, and jiu-jitsu classes. The expert instructors are down to earth yet still remain passionate and curious about their craft. They are continually looking to improve on what they already know and have experienced. The instructors are also great at connecting with students at every level to help each one on their own personal journey of becoming a better version of themselves. This is a safe, family atmosphere that looks out for one another on and off the mats. Life eventually throws some real difficulties our way and can hand us some potentially devastating losses. It's great to be part of a community that rallies around those who are going through it. It's also great when we gather at a competition or to watch our fighters on the screen. We cheer on from near and far as our peers compete at state and national wrestling tournaments, ADCC competitions, and sanctioned MMA, muay thai, and boxing. Personally, I have lost 15lbs and have kept it off at 50 years old. I have gained strength, flexibility, and endurance and am in far better condition than I was even 10-15 years ago. I have watched my teen and adult daughter's get stronger and more confident in all areas of their lives. My wife and out of state family come and train here occasionally as well. We have also had some great bjj seminars here with Nicky Rodriguez, Giancarlo Bodoni, and most recently, Andrew Tackett, all within the past two years! If you're looking for a place to connect and be a better you then come check out Gracie Brandon!
Awesome gym! Welcoming, clean, and great staff. Love that it is connected to the coffee shop. Feels like a strong "community" and 'home." Many different times for lessons/flexibility. Coaches are really there for the team when they compete!
I have been training at Gracie Brandon for about 3 years, and it has been an outstanding experience. The gym is well-equipped, clean, and fosters a welcoming environment for practitioners of all levels. The coaches are incredibly knowledgeable and dedicated, offering personalized guidance and pushing each student to reach their full potential. Their expertise in Muay Thai is evident, and they ensure that every session is both challenging and rewarding. One of the highlights is the strong sense of community. Fellow members are supportive and motivated, creating a positive and energetic atmosphere that makes training enjoyable. Classes are varied, incorporating technique drills, sparring sessions, and conditioning workouts, which keeps the training dynamic and engaging. The gym also offers flexible schedules, making it convenient for anyone with a busy lifestyle. Overall, Gracie Brandon is an exceptional place to train Muay Thai, whether you're a beginner looking to learn the basics or an experienced fighter aiming to hone your skills. Highly recommended!
I've been attending Gracie Brandon for a few weeks now and I would highly recommend it. The staff has been extremely nice and attentive to me throughout the whole process considering I am new to this. I appreciate them for taking the time out to not only teach me the ways of BJJ but also give me the best hospitality possible!!
In January, 2023, I decided to start training in BJJ and after one year, I can say that joining Gracie Brandon is the best thing I've done for myself. I'm learning a very valuable skill, I've made great friends, and am in the best shape I've been in years. Gracie Brandon has classes throughout the day and evening for adults and kids, and are taught by great instructors.
When I signed up for my membership back in February, I calendared: "Do I want to cancel my Gracie membership? If so, need to do that today pursuant to contract." It popped up today and when I saw it I let out a little smirk. Hell no! Never! I'm so glad to have become a member of this community. It's a great place to learn, grow, and be around some of the best damn people I know. I appreciate what Robby Donofrio has put together here out in Brandon, and highly recommend it to anyone thinking about coming in.
They have a variety of trainer's for wrestling, jujitsu, MMA, and more. They offer bundle packages. The more people that sign up in your family you will get mote of a discounted rate. Our son loves it and keeps him pretty busy and involved with something positive and being around people to help shape him into the person he is intended to be. Very family friendly definitely recommend if you need a outlet with encouraging positive energy.
I can’t say enough about Gracie and the people here. This is truly my happy place. I have been coming now for almost 12 years and have made some of the best friendships here. The training is head and shoulders above anything else. The head instructor Robby is an ADCC champ and one of the best black belts in the country. They have programs for all levels. I turned 54 this year and I feel comfortable here. I highly suggest checking them out. Also the coffee shop attached has great products and is a very comfortable place to watch or decompress
Love the morning classes. Great way to start the day!
I've been coming here for 2 months now as a beginner in jiu jitsu and Muay thai. I love the classes/instructors, the place is always clean, and everyone is super friendly! ☺️
Attended while visiting family on vacation. Very kind. Great instructionals and allowed me to come in between classes and work on my skills privately. Highly recommend for anyone in the area.
I’ve been training jiu jitsu for 2.5 years now and I can say that this location has top tier level jiu jitsu and instructors. In the 4 weeks I’ve been here, my game has leveled up tremendously and Robby is the man to be under if you’re serious about being highly skilled.
I had the pleasure of training at GB for a little under a year and received my blue belt under Mike Parsons. What a phenomenal experience it was! Robby is truly a master of his craft and I’d recommend this school to anyone that’s looking to compete or just to get in shape.
Best mma gym around!! Coaches are top notch, competition is great, and everyone at the gym is very welcoming. Having the coffee shop attached doesn’t hurt either!!
Signing up with Gracie Brandon was the best decision we made moving to Florida! They have the BEST coaches that truly care about their students growth and knowledge. Watching my son grow and come to love the sport over the last year has been the best thing for him mentally and physically. He is always encouraged and pushed to work harder when he thinks he can’t. Everyone there has truly become our second family!
Fun training with excellent coaches. Amazing group of people to train with!
Absolutely amazing instruction from elite level coaches who genuinely care about your progression and well being. Everyone at Gracie Brandon is so helpful and invested in your development it’s no surprise it’s the best network in the state. Give it a try I can promise you that you will not be disappointed.
Gracie Brandon has a great community and knowledgeable instructors. Lots of mat space and perfect for all skill levels. Everyone was super welcoming and I've continued to learn a lot from the high skill level. The attached coffee shop is a sweet set up as well.
Just visited Gracie Brandon academy and from the minute I stepped on the mats I felt welcomed. Great environment great vibes and most importantly very clean. Thank you for the great roles and making me feel comfortable.
The best jiujitsu in central Florida
I Have know Rob and his crew for years, def one of the top bjj players in florida, dont think twice if you're looking for a awesome place to train, you will not be disappointed 💪💪
TOP NOTCH! This is a well organized, clean, and professional Martial Arts gym. From the minute I inquired, I was greeted and my son was scheduled for a free intro class. We did go and search out other places, BUT had to come back here. The other places weren't near as nice and the coach to student ration was about 1/20 kiddos, unlike GRACIE BRANDON the ratio is about 1 coach to 5 kids. With this being such an intense sport, good coaching and a quality atmosphere is important. I HIGHLY recommend Gracie Brandon!
Love this gym! It’s my sons first month and the coaching is amazing. We’ve tried other facility’s and these guy are our choice and worth the extra drive for sure. What I love most is the coaching/student ratio. In a class of 20 kids there are 4-5 coaches. Very professional, very clean and my son would go every day if he could and if our schedule would allow it.
The energy at this gym is amazing. Family oriented and ALL instructors are VERY knowledgeable. Will definitely be going back.
I had a great time here! Instructors were so helpful and friendly.. it was alot of fun! I am a beginner and felt super welcome. Very friendly atmosphere ❤
Absolutely top of line! Great instructors, Beautiful facility! if you bring a guest... comfortable coffe shop! a very unique concept.
Beautiful, spacious, and clean facility. The classes were informative and fun, led by energetic instructors. And you get some delicious coffee options in the attached coffee shop.
The atmosphere that this gym has is second to none. I have trained at many other places and I find this gym to be one of my favorites. All and all this is an amazing business/family. I highly recommend anyone and everyone see for themselves.
Had the opportunity to train at Gracie Brandon on several occasions. I’ve trained at several jiujitsu schools across the United States and can honestly say Gracie Brandon is top tier! The gym is well maintained, the mats are super clean, the instructors are phenomenal, and the gym environment super welcoming. Whether you’re a seasoned jiujitsu competitor, or new to the art… you absolutely need to check this place out. Shoutout to Ian and Robbie for sharing their knowledge and improving my game!
I have never tried Jui Jitsu before I came to this gym and had been welcomed with open arms. The teachers, staff, and other students have been very kind and I've learned so much. Been here for about 2 months!
Great gym! Everyone is respectful and skillful. Great location & the coffee bar is an awesome place to relax as well. Good/tough rolls and family oriented.
High quality training partners. If your in the Tampa area this is a great spot to train at for NoGi and Leg Locks. #1 pick for the area.
Gracie Brandon is the best accident that happen to me in a long time. I stumbled across this gym almost 2 years ago. The environment is amazing. Super friendly. Everyone (not just the employees) here truly cares about you as a person and martial artist. The head instructor and owner is one of the best jj players in the world. And as an instructor/friend/mentor he is even better. All the instructors here are amazing and when you decide to take that step the gym will feel like family in no time. They all will give the same or more into you as you do to the art.
This academy is excellent, high level instruction and super welcoming atmosphere. I have trained in other great academies before and I have been training for some years now, so I do have an idea of what good instruction and good atmosphere are. They always have a no-commitment try a free class going in case you are not sure, if you have any doubts do this before joining. I joined almost a year ago and I had such good references from everybody I know in BJJ that I did not even do the free try class thing, I stepped in and registered. Turns out everything I had been told was correct, first class session and I already felt at home. The mats, the restrooms and the whole place are super clean ALWAYS (if you've done bjj before you know this is important, if you're new, trust me this is important) and there is always parking available. There is a coffee shop right next to it with TV broadcasting what is going on on the mats, so say a parent comes with their kid can read the news, have a coffee and watch the kid do the class. The head instructor spends time at the academy and teaches several classes a week (also important) and all instructors are high level practitioners in bjj or the discipline they teach. The students are humble, open to learning and friendly to new students (this attitude comes from the top). Higher belts have been taught to always look out for and take care of the new students. And as a bonus there is usually at least one student that speaks Spanish on the mats. In summary, if you "just want to learn" (this is me) or you want to be a high level competitor... this is the place. It is that simple.
Great atmosphere, awesome coaches, and you will learn great BJJ here!
I've been at Gracie Brandon for about a year and a half so far. From the start I've felt apart of a very "team building" atmosphere. There are some very skilled martial artists that train here, and yet there's no room for ego; from the bottom up everyone that trains here (and persists in their training) helps everyone that he/she works with to get better. What I see demonstrated in the instructors and students is this "iron sharpens iron" mentality, and I think it plays out nicely. For example, let's say student A is more skilled/experienced than student B. At Gracie Brandon, student A helps student B to increase their skill. As student B becomes more formidable, student A begins to have difficulty grappling/sparring with student B. Student B recognizes this (because ya know, we talk) and in turn imparts his/her knowledge to student A, which helps student A to become more formidable as well. In summary, this cycle continues to repeat and even branch out, and everyone benefits from this. It's a simple formula, so long as everyone's on board. I believe that the leadership and atmosphere at Gracie Brandon does, and will continue to promote and support this "iron sharpens iron" belief. And that, along with the positive atmosphere (let's not forget the coffee bar as well) are among the reasons I am proud to call this place my home gym.
Our family has been training here for a year and a half and we absolutely LOVE this place the team of coaches and the owners are the absolute greatest. The quality of instruction is without a doubt the best in the area, the facility is always spotless, and all the fellow students are incredibly welcoming. Highly recommend!!!
Dedication to the craft and promotes an open door environment regardless of skill level. Robbie, Mike, Ian and Amanda are all amazing. I am constantly challenged to always encouraged. If you are looking for a place to train casually or competitively then reach out and come try a class. I promise if you do, I'll see you the following class as well! It's my second home.
They are very professional. The work they do in community aswell is amazing !! I recommend 💯 percent !!
Very welcoming team. Very knowledgeable of their craft. Patient with beginners like myself. They made the decision to commit an easy one.
This place is amazing I was putting pressure on myself to come here. Once I came here it was pressure free and just the most relaxed environment I’ve probably ever been at. If you want a great work out without the pressure, come to Gracie Brandon like for real.
This place is amazing I was putting pressure on myself to come here. Once I came here it was pressure free and just the most relaxed environment I’ve probably ever been at. If you want a great work out without the pressure, come to Gracie Brandon like for real.
Literally the best place to train and they have the best coffee
I went to Gracie Brandon for a trial day and I got nothing but positive vibes. Everybody was super nice and helpful. I learned a lot and didn’t feel like an outsider even on the first day. I wasn’t able to enroll right away because of some personal issues but definitely plan to do so as soon as possible.
Love this gym!! My son has been attending for more than two years and he loves it. Very professional staff and amazing coaches. An awesome environment and everyone is great. If you are considering it, definitely give it a try, you won’t regret it. Best decision we made!
I have been training at this gym for 6+ Months. The instructors are high quality experts, and effective at teaching the intricacies of Jiu Jitsu. They offer a wide assortment of classes including Gi, and no Gi bjj, wrestling classes, and kick boxing. the variety of classes enable to students to become well rounded competitors or effective at self defense, whatever their goal is. There are students at all different levels of proficiency which makes for a great diverse environment. If you want to be a competitor and grind you can find it here, but if you just want a good workout and to pick up some self defense knowledge you will also find Gracie Brandon to be an accommodating place. The instructors always show up to teach, and the classes especially in the evening are always packed which is great because everyone gets to practice with different partners constantly. I would highly recommend this gym to any novice or expert.
Great gym, large mat area with good instructors and a cool coffee shop next door
Went to Chill Cafferty in Gracie,Service was great,Drinks where great,Atmosphere great fun place,able to get Kratom and CBD in my tea.They had great fancy drinks with ice cream and whip cream,yum.Great experience
Gracie Brandon is a professional, clean, and welcoming place to train with high class instructors. Definitely would recommend training here!
Gracie Brandon is an amazing company! The professors and coaches are all top notch at their craft and amazing people as well. I thoroughly enjoy the family atmosphere that they have cultivated here and I find myself craving these classes after work has taken me away for extended periods of time. The owner, Professor Robby , is an amazingly talented teacher and every time I leave a class or a private lesson, I feel so refreshed and proud of myself for learning the day's lesson, whatever it may be. I would highly recommend Gracie Brandon to anyone who wants to improve their self confidence, mental health, physical stamina and endurance, techniques and skills, humility... the list really goes on and on. The atmosphere has attracted a wonderful group of students as well. There have been so many times while working a drill that a more experienced student has slowed me down and taken their time to ensure that my technique was correct so that I didn't move on with a poor foundation and understanding of what is being taught. I really can't say enough good things about this group of people and I'm so happy that I took the leap and decided to do something that made me uncomfortable. Thanks Robby and everyone else at Gracie Brandon for welcoming me into the family!
Robbie is a very kind and professional jiu jitsu instructor. My kids and I go to his gym, nothing but the best in mixed martial arts training. Clean, friendly and the hours work with our schedules. My boys have more self confidence and can’t wait to go to another class or open mat. The culture is one of learning, I’ve been to other gyms where open Mat is “go hard” but here everyone leaves their ego at the door and learning is possible without injury. Robbie is a black belt under rob Kahn who is the first American black belt under Royce Gracie. The jiu jitsu lineage is top notch at this school. You have people that want to learn self defense, some are competitors and some have gone to the UFC. I would recommend Gracie Brandon to any one looking for a fantastic martial arts school for their kids or themselves. Call and speak with Robbie he is a great guy that has a passion for people and jiu jitsu.
Robbie Is a great BJJ coach and good person. If you want a family atmosphere and top level jiu-jitsu this is the place to go! I can’t believe there would even be a negative review? It has to be jealous competitors!
I first came to GB after 3 plus years with another gym. I was a struggling single dad starting a new job and wasn’t able to comfortably afford the classes. Robby offered an alternative that I be responsible for cleaning up the gym in return for his classes. The guy cares about your journey and understands the importance of mental health grappling gives us. I was there only a few months and had to stop due to increased work load and general life struggles. Now I have returned, able to pay tuition and my first day back was like I never left. I was greeted with handshakes and hugs along with camaraderie that is difficult to find just anywhere. I’m forever grateful for finding this crew of people.
Since 2017, the Gracie Brandon family (I like to call my tribe) has grown to be a huge part of my family's life. We spend a large part of our week training and spending time with our partners. Robby Donofrio has cultivated a very unique and talented team here and I love walking into my gym. I've never had a place where I felt completely welcomed and simultaneously was looking forward to challenging myself. If you're even considering getting into a martial art for any reason, my advice to everyone is just try it to see if it fits. I dabbled in martial arts as a kid and you'll come to realize that the cookie cutter martial art business does not actually teach you to defend yourself, it teaches kids discipline and adults how to have confidence. Gracie Brandon will not only do that, but you will actually know how to handle yourself in a bad situation. I'm glad I've made such a large investment of my time here because I genuinely believe I've come to not only make myself better, but believe in myself.
Best place to learn BJJ. Great coaches and students.
This is a great academy with alot of strong teachers and students.
Really nice kids and the staff is great! Best move we’ve made for 2019!
Our daughter has been with Gracie Brandon for one year now. She was diagnosed with significant neurological medical conditions and we as parents debated long and hard as to whether or not to continue with BJJ. Gracie Brandon's coaches are incredibly skilled and dedicated, and they push our daughter in the best way possible. She has grown from having no athletic experience to being part of the advanced kids class. They have gained our trust, which isn't an easy thing to do when you have a child with medical issues.
I love this place, and I hope everyone else sees that. This is were I met my boyfriend
Awesome trainers! Robby knows his stuff. The teachers are very patient and fluent to make sure every student is getting the technique down. Overall great staff and competitive student that push you to do better every step of the way.
I had my grandchildren for 3 weeks this summer. I put them in Gracie Brandon while I worked! What a wonderful program! The children loved it and didn't want to go home. Next summer when I have them I'll definitely be placing them in Gracie Brandon again!!!! The counselors are wonderful and the kids loved them. I would highly recommend this facility to families. Thank you
I have trained with head instructor Robby on a few occasions, and you cannot go wrong with his world class knowledge and instruction.
My daughter attended Gracie Brandon briefly until my work schedule and her desire to try out basketball facilitated a long layoff and having to go to another school for her grappling training. I have to say that my experience with the school's cancellation policy was vastly different from the recent review. I was informed upon signing up that I needed to send an email a month in advance, I also was reminded of that when I told Coach Robbie we might be taking a break. I followed the procedure, and sent the email and there were absolutely no problems with Gracie Brandon still charging me afterwards. Coach Robbie doesn't even have a contract! Just send the man an email 30 days in advance and you won't be charged. It's pretty simple. Despite my daughter being an active competitor enrolled in another school, we remain extremely friendly with Gracie Brandon and visit whenever the schedule allows. Coach Ian is absolutely an amazing kid, and even though he's young, he is one of the most talented competitors around and excellent with the kids. I think his youth helps in that aspect. Look...I'm sorry about the bad experience the other reviewer had, but from my personal experience with the cancellation process and still seeing Gracie Brandon members at tournaments and during visits at least once or twice a month, I felt the need to share our first hand account on the subject. Coach Robbie is definitely looking to grow a business, but who isn't? One thing the man absolutely isn't though, is a thief. If you are in the area and looking for a great place for yourself or your family to train, then give this place a shot.
Gracie Brandon is an excellent Martial Arts Training Facility for kids and adults! You can tell from the first visit and first discussion with the owner Robby Donofrio that his passion is the Martial Arts and the people that come in to train. This place is the total package as they focus on producing an all-around well trained and better person. Unlike many other Martial Arts schools in the Tampa area that are only focused on making money and by doing so they advance the students quicker than they belt was supposed to be obtained thus degrading the respect given to such a belt and putting the student in a position to be hurt during competition or in life if they are challenged by someone who obtained the same rank the correct way. I highly recommend anybody of any age to come down and take a trial class. You will come back and it will be the best money you spent all month!
It's great, it's fun and the coaches are all expeirienced ju-jitsu practitioners. ju-jitsu is not only an effective self defense martial art, but it is also an intense work out. The owner of the gym, coach Robbie, is a very talented high level instructor. coach Ian does a great job teaching youth classes. Great for people of any age. Highly recommend Gracie Brandon.
The instructors were very friendly and I enjoyed the class I took. Sadly I am not able to attend because they do not offer weekend classes or morning. The building was a little run down and I wasn't expecting quality teachers. However after doing a class I was very impressed by the teaching style, and the amount I learned in a very short time.
The head instructor, Robby Donofrio is a first class instructor with a calm demeanor and remarkable coaching style. You can't go wrong with training at any of the Gracie Tampa affiliates as Rob Kahn will not allow his students to open a school unless they are elite practitioners and teachers. If you want to take your jiu jitsu to the next level or just starting out, do yourself a favor and check them out.
Our son loves the program and the coaches. He is excited when he comes home from school to go. Coach Robbie is very nice and talked through with us what he would be doing and what other programs were available. My son has worked with Coach Ian the most and loves him. I have viewed Coach Ian with the kids and have to say he has amazing patience.
My son has been taking BJJ at Gracie Brandon for just over 6 months and we have had a lot of great experience at Gracie Brandon. The Teens class is lead by Ian Murry who is not only a great instructor, but also one of the top competitors in Florida. We couldn't be happier with the Gracie Brandon Family!
Gracie Brandon is an amazing gym, from the owner Robbie, to the coaches and even the members, there truly is a family closeness in the gym. Being new to Brazilian jiu-jitsu the gym is so welcoming to new members. Even the higher level belts are helpful in training and friendly to new members. If you are looking to start on the road to being a professional fighter, or just looking for a new amazing workout to get back in shape and learn something new, Gracie Brandon is the first and last place you will want to check out.
My boys attended Gracie Brandon for several months. While we do not have any negative feedback regarding the instruction, there were several factors that ultimately led us to cancel our membership and joining another BJJ facility. We move around frequently due to my husband's job. Our boys have been to several gyms across the country. Gracie Brandon, by far, has been the most overpriced, for the least amount of training. We were paying nearly $400 for both of them to train for 3 days a week, at only 45 mins per lesson. We didn't mind the cost initially, until we suddenly received a bill of $55 for our son's belt promotion. I can understand if this was done to offset the cost of the belt, but not when that belt costs $15.50. It makes sense why nearly every child was promoted that day. The nail on the coffin... Our oldest son has expressed on several occasions his desire to participate in a BJJ tournament. He was elated when he learned that Gracie Brandon was hosting an in-house tournament. My husband and I planned on signing him up until we realized that not only would Gracie charge for his participation in the tournament, but also for each spectator (INCLUDING PARENTS) who came to watch. It’s almost laughable. At the end of the day, we understand this is a business and they can do whatever they want, and charge whatever they want. But to us, it felt like they were more interested in squeezing every dime out of you at every opportunity they could, than preserving the culture of jiujitsu. My review of Gracie Brandon is not intended to dissuade anyone from joining the gym. It is simply to provide my honest feedback so that others can take these points into consideration when looking around for a BJJ facility. We are now at another Gracie location where we are paying half the cost for both of our boys and receiving more instruction.
Posted 1 year agoHad high hopes but apparently they don't need my money or me there. Didn't feel welcoming at all. I attempted to sign up 3 times over 9 days and was told I would be called only to finally go in for another class to see if I could sign up and was essentially ignored. I don't get it, 25 years ago Rorion Gracie personally spoke with me on my first time in about the benefits and his passion of Jiu Jitsu and then gave a free 1 hour private class. That's not happening here. No acknowledgement or even care that you show up. Maybe the classes are good, but I'll never know. 🤷♂️
DO NOT ATTEND! I'm not the type to ever leave a bad review, but let this be the first. My daughter did not want to go back after the staff left her feeling unsafe. They charged my credit card 2x without my authorization after I told them I was not happy with the service they provided. They did not contact me and try to make things better, ask any questions, ask if I wanted to continue, ask to charge me after I made a one time payment. They do not care about their customers, they just care about your payments into their pockets. I DO NOT recommend! Please share.
Posted 1 year agoAvoid bringing your kids to this school. What is advertised is completely the opposite of what goes on in this place. This place promotes a culture of bullying, the owner himself told my child that he would kick him out if he cried again. Crying for being bullied by the kids this people coach. He got thrown off of a swing and kicked in his private parts. To add more heat to the situation, after my kid stopped going to this place, the school kept charging my account. Just the same way another reviewer pointed out. No response from the owner (but I’m sure I will get one here). Better go to an honorable martial arts academy where the teachings are in accordance with what MA is supposed to teach.
Unprofessional to say the least.
Horrible place if you are looking for real mma , they teach you a lot of stuff that is not need in the real event of a Fight , don’t waste your money
More BJJ in Florida
Find more academies and competitions in the area.