3873 Avalon Park E Blvd, Orlando, FL 32828, USA
Gracie Combatives® self-defense for adults, Gracie Bullyproof® Kids program, and Women Empowered® – real-life self-defense for women by women. Non-competitive, safe, and fun training. No Experience Necessary!
The team at Gracie are wonderful and so patient with the kids. It was a great way to start building confidence and teach basic defense skills to my daughter that she can use for life. I highly recommend jiu jitsu and especially this facility for anyone looking to start!
I have been coming here for years and it has been nothing but the most welcoming, respectful, and helpful environment to learn! All of the instructors are amazing and are genuinely invested in helping you succeed. I absolutely recommend this training center to anyone interesting in learning jiu-jitsu, whether you are an experienced student or just getting started for the first time.
Caught a class while I was in town. Great instructors and great facility. Highly recommend. I'll come back here every time I'm in Orlando.
Best Place to Learn Jiu-Jistu. This Gracie Academy is the most fun filled environment to begin learning self-defense. This training center uses the Gracie curriculum to makes the process of learning Jiu-Jistu exciting, predictable, and easy to comprehend. This training center made me excited to wake up at 5am, which was not an easy task for a college student. The people of this training center are incredible make you feel as if you are entering a family just by entering in the front door. One of the most welcoming environments I have ever been a part of. I have recommended all my friends and family to start learning here. Joining this training center makes every day feel like an adventure and I think every person should try it! 10/10
If you’re looking for a jiu-jitsu facility that not only hones your skills but also uplifts and empowers you, this is the place to be. Their women’s empowerment program is truly exceptional. The instructors are phenomenal! They are knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely invested in your growth. They pay close attention to each participant, offering tailored guidance to ensure you’re performing at your best, whether you’re a beginner or advanced. Their dedication to fostering both confidence and skill is unparalleled. Fellow members are encouraging and create a safe space where women can push boundaries, celebrate victories, and learn from challenges! For anyone seeking a place to build strength, resilience, and camaraderie while mastering the art of jiu-jitsu, I 10/10 recommend this location! It’s not just a gym—it’s a transformative experience!
Best Jiu-Jitsu Training Center in East Orlando! Incredibly friendly instructors and can accommodate lessons for anyone, and I mean ANYONE to participate. I’ve been in the program for a while and James along with other instructors ensure that you are never left behind, can ask any questions you need, and above all that you are comfortable and safe. From someone who had never done martial arts I can say with certainty that it is beginner-friendly. James and the instructors never failed to check in to see how I was handling things in jiu-jitsu and personal as well. I have never felt embarrassed or uncomfortable which means a lot to me as a woman. I brought my own sisters to the center because they have invaluable information and techniques that give you the mindset and skills to defend yourself. Highly recommend for anyone wanting to keep themselves and their families safe.
James and the other trainers are amazing. They keep the kids engaged and focus on the importance of integrity and self-defense... they focus on changing the heart of a bully or other adversary, versus causing pain. They do this through encouraging communication and immobilization, giving the adversary a chance to backdown in a safe way. James is genuinely caring, he worked one on one with my daughter with a specific challenge and helped her with trauma that she faced.
The most welcoming and beginner friendly training environment I've ever been to. Safety is their first priority, and all the instructors are kind, patient, and take their craft seriously. If you're looking to start training Jiu-Jitsu I highly recommend checking this place out.
I am a visiting black belt from Toronto, Canada. My sons and I contacted Coach James for some mat time and supplementary training. From the start, James was very accommodating and understood our needs. We visited his academy for a morning session. The students were very humble and welcoming. The facility is very clean and beautiful (the storefront window is so nice and inviting). James ran a great morning session. He has such a kind and welcoming demeanour when he teaches. Thank you for the great training session Coach James! We will be back to visit often!
I’ve been coming here for over 2 years and there’s no other place like it. I highly recommend it for all ages. Great instructors, curriculum and all around vibe. The instructors work at your pace and the classes are broken down to where you can easily begin no matter what level you're at. If you are in the Orlando area, check it out, you will not regret it!
I must say that from the first day I set foot in the dojo I had the best experience as a mother, I was informed of everything my daughter could achieve and how she would do it, my daughter obtained incredible physical preparation. She learned self-defense techniques that help her get home safely, self-control techniques, always emphasizing teamwork. All the instructors are of high level, with incredible human quality, they are all a big family. The best academy in Orlando.
Awesome place! The trainers give your children individual attention and truly care about giving them worthwhile life skills. My daughter is more confident and has a great time learning to protect herself.
This place is great! James is very friendly and helpful.
These guys have some of the most skillful, professional, and welcoming instructors over had the pleasure to train with. Class is designed very well for nee and experienced practitioners. The facility is obviously loved and cared for by both staff and trainees as everything is extremely well maintained, cleaned, and sanitized. Greatly enjoyed my time at this gym
I have had nothing but great experiences at Gracie Jiu Jitsu. The instructors are all so kind and meet you were you are. It’s very beginner friendly and they understand physical limitations and help you to work around them.
I came here for a free women's self defense class and ended up enrolling for more classes. Not having any experience whatsoever they made feel at home and comfortable. I gained so much confidence and power. James and his staff and trainers are the best. It has been a great experience!
Just had my first class at this gym. Great experience, great professors. As someone who has trained for some time I can highly recommend the culture, knowledge, and welcoming attitude of this gym. Try them out!
If you’re looking for a place to learn BJJ for the first time but are nervous about trying something new, the instructors here are very very welcoming and go step by step to help you start and get acclimated. Everyone there, including others training along side of you, are very helpful in helping you become proficient. Recommended 100%
Great place to train! I stopped in as an “out-of-towner” and Mr James welcomed me like I was family! His students are obviously of the same character, as they all showed a welcoming smile. Great group of dudes and ladies! This is definitely going to be my spot to train anytime I’m in Orlando.
James and his co-instructors are amazing. They really take the time to bring a new person off the streets unto the mat and make them feel like they belong. Not once did I feel out of my comfort zone and they make sure I was getting great training. Do yourselves a huge favor and go in and roll with James and his co-instructors.
Visited this gym while on vacation. Very friendly and welcoming environment. James was quick to introduce himself and be encouraging. Would definitely visit again.
As a beginner and nervous about going to an in-person training facility, Gracie East Orlando welcomed me with open arms. It couldn't have been a better experience from the wonderful and experienced instructors (Jesse and James). The class was very informative, supportive, and challenging all at the same time. I don't think there could be a better place to train in the Florida area!
Our family came to visit while we were in FL for vacation. We belong to a CTC in our hometown but wanted to visit James at his CTC in East Orlando while we were in town. We've never met James until the day we visited but it was as if we already knew each other when we came in! The environment and culture of his school is very welcoming! The school is clean, bright, and everyone makes you feel right at home. We look forward to training here again when we're in the area. 10/10!
If you want to learn self-defense that is applicable in real world scenarios, this is the place to learn! Instructor James, is very effective at teaching jiu-jitsu and will make you feel comfortable learning new unfamiliar movements. All the techniques learned during class are available online (videos) and simple to review. Also, if you have previous injuries, the training mat at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu East Orlando is high quality, thick foam and clean! Best mat I have trained on.
Brand new adult guy white belt student here that just signed up after 10 free days of class to give my review. My review comes from my view, a mid life guy that's had various martial arts on and off my whole life. I've long been researching and looking for an exceptional self-defense system with an emphasis on ground techniques, because the few fights I've ever been in always went to the ground pretty quickly leaving most of my striking techniques almost entirely useless. #Facts This place is absolutely fantastic! Adult classes are gender neutral. I think anyone over 16 years old can attend, but it might stay at 13. If you're interested in learning BJJ (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu specifically Gracie Combatives that you can easily find on YouTube to check out), you NEED to see when you can line up at least a single class or a few classes in 10 days of your life to see if this is for you completely for free! Max *currently* will be 9 free 1 hour classes between 5 nights, 3 mornings and 1 or 2 Saturdays but they're growing pretty quickly so that's likely going to grow in even more classes. Sign up options for Gracie Combatives afterwards are either 2 or 3 days a week or unlimited classes. There's no high pressure sell or any off-putting stuff like that. To me it felt like they genuinely just want to meet interested people, nicely show people what their school and lineage represents and the fun and effectiveness you get in the school. I've been attacked numerous times and it rarely worked out super well for me. If I couldn't escape, I always got hurt, once pretty badly. There's not much worse than being an efficient striker while a grappler drops you on your back, mounts you and starts reigning down an endless flurry of punches to your head. Learning an effective reversal to these dominant ground techniques is mandatory in any legitimate self-defense training. Why not take the best possible training? For fun and education I've spent years watching UFC and YouTube fights trying to better understand what would work for me and grappling was almost always the top of my list, specifically BJJ and the Gracie name was always the top. My research has long lead to me believing Gracie Combatives as the absolute best place for me to start. I'm not training for competition but my mind might change later. I'm just interested in realistic self-defense that's highly effective and can be learned quickly. To me, Gracie Combatives is a hands down no-brainer place to start for effectiveness, fun and avoiding injury I personally signed up for a full year unlimited classes because I've done so much research and know this is absolutely what I want in my life. I don't necessarily recommend that level of commitment for the average person. Maybe instead see about 2-3 classes a week for a few months or half a year to see if it's still something you'll love to continue doing unless you're like me and know you want it all lol James, Chris, Jesse and Alex are absolutely awesome coaches/teachers! Super chill guys with a lot to share and provide lots of personal attention to every student. James Wife helps run the school and is a real pleasure to work with. She's also in the Women's Empowerment self-defense class. Every single student I have worked with has been absolutely incredible people to practice with. There's no bullies or jerks here. Everyone is just really super cool, friendly and helpful. When I get to class, the kids class is wrapping up and they're doing similar stuff we adults do and it looks super fun. After my classes, ladies take over for their self-defense classes and we leave quickly to give them their privacy. 5 stars!!!
Excelente place to bring your kids, where they learn how to defend themselves from bullies, not only physically, but verbally to, and have fun at the same time. The coaches here have so much patience and work great at making sure all kids are learning the techniques. I take my grandkids here, and coach James has helped them boost their confidence and strength. The Gracie system is the best way to introduce your child to Jiu Jitsu. A+
As a beginner who had never tried Jiu Jitsu before, I felt welcome here and have had a great time learning the fundamentals! The facility is clean, the instruction is personalized for all levels, and the classes have been a great place to meet friends and challenge yourself. James and the rest of the instructors have been awesome to work with, and you won't find a better crew to help you be the best you can be on the mat!
Absolutely wonderful experience. Thank you for welcoming me with open arms. Special thanks to the instructor James for making me feel at ease so far from home.
I just love mixing it up with James and his instructors at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu East Orlando. They are passionate about teaching anyone of any skill or fitness level the joys of this martial art in a very friendly and safe environment. They are a Certified Training Facility in the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu family and follow the same excellent structure, goals, and advancement standards found across the world. As they are a CTE for Gracie Jiu-jitsu it is not about competition and prepping for a competition, but is all about learning skills that can help build confidence and strength to handle any potential situation someone comes across. The emphasis is also not on “the fight” but being prepared to handle yourself when “the fight” happens. I love the training style and methods; they use a variety of methods to instruct and make sure the lessons are fun and interactive by the students. They essentially follow the EDGE method of teaching (Explain, Demonstrate, Guide, Enable), in my opinion the best method to instruct someone on a new skill. They highly encourage the students to help each other out and explain things from different points of view, this really reinforces the instruction, helps students understand the nuances of each of the techniques, and helps all students improve their skills. They also encourage students to partner up with different people to practice the techniques with different body styles and shapes. They also teach children as well as teenagers how to become “Bullyproof” with the same structure and organization as the adults, but at an age-appropriate level. Their patients is phenomenal with the kids and they keep it light, fun and enjoyable. The Bullyproof program also includes fun games that give the kids opportunities to improve their fitness, agility and awareness of their surroundings. The training facilities are very inviting and spacious enough to support large groups of students, and they host guest instructors at least twice a year. Their schedule is always posted each month and students can know in advance what techniques they will be learning. In summary here are the highlights of why I have enjoyed my time and highly encourage anyone interested in learning a mixed martial art give Gracie Jiu-jitsu East Orlando a try: • Patient, passionate, and friendly Instructors • Teach any skill level, any fitness level • I personally like the Gracie “non-competitive” approach to learning martial arts • Clear Advancement goals and criteria • Nice structure to the lessons • Multiple different teaching methods used to really reinforce and practice each skill • Students encouraged to teach each other and share their understanding of the lessons • Occasional mix up of practice partners to ensure students learn how to execute against different body types • Teaches adults and children and has age-appropriate training routines • Facilities are inviting and large enough to support big groups • Twice a year guest instructions are always AWESOME
This was a great place to train at. I came from a different ctc location and the main instructor james was very friendly and made me feel welcome as a visitor. He was inquisitive of my training background and the ctc i came from and it was nice to talk to him about those kinds of things. His gym is very clean i was pleased to see his students and him clean the mat appropriately and effectively. His gym interior was beautiful and well kept. Every student i encountered was very pleasant and good training partners. The knowledge and teaching of the demonstrated techniques were outstanding and i picked up details i had not seen before. If/when i come back to orlando this is the kind of place i want to train at. 10/10
Great experience on my first class! Instructor(s) are very nice and helpful in person and if you message the Gracie Jiu-jitsu east Orlando FB page.
My two boys really enjoy the classes. The instructors make it fun while also teaching the kids to listen along with principles of the bully proof program. Studio is also very clean and welcoming.
Great vibe. Great instruction. I’ve been to Jiu Jitsu gyms from Southern California to Vegas to Oregon and as far away as London. Coach James was fantastic. Highly recommended.
My girls sat in on the young kids class at 4:30 and the instructors Chris and Miguel were awesome. They kept the class engaged and focused on core skills and manners. My girls were looking forward to rolling but I don’t think that was in the curriculum for that age group, at least not in that class. Overall a great place for your kids to learn BJJ, well run and tidy. The owner, James, is a great guy also, thanks for letting my 2 get some class time in!
A fantastic addition to Avalon Park. James and staff are great with the kids, no matter skill set. Kids learn a skill the very first class, as each class is it’s own lesson. No breaking fake boards and kicking air in this place, they teach functional bjj moves.
This is an awesome place to learn at! They are a great group if trainers-class acts. Very skilled in their knowledge and humble with it. We give them 5 stars without a doubt! Highly recommended.
We were so happy we found this gem in Avalon Park! This is the perfect Saturday morning activity for our 6 year old daughter. The instructers are great with kiddos & so welcoming! Highly recommend.
Absolutely amazing. James and the rest of the instructors provide an elite level service. The perfect introduction to BJJ.
The Gracie Jiu-Jitsu team in East Orlando is like a big family. My son was embraced and encouraged from the very first session. He was understandably nervous but everyone patiently worked with him, allowing him as many do-overs as necessary to ensure that his form was correct. This peer to peer interaction built a sense of camaraderie that allowed him to flourish mentally and physically which ultimately made him more self assured and increased his engagement. There are also video tutorials that students can access from home to further hone their skills. I must admit to not being as eager to being "practiced" on (i.e., put in various submissions) as the guys at the dojo but the option to continue to learn away from the center, whether on vacation or just on a sleepless night, was integral to my son's development. The instructors were very knowledgeable and patient. They routinely worked with students before and after sessions to ensure progress. For those reasons, I wholeheartedlly recommend Gracie Jiu-Jitsu East Orlando to anyone seeking the knowledge to defend themselves or boost their child's self confidence through the Gracie combatives curriculum.
If you're wanting to get into BJJ or have interest in your kids going, you've come to right place. By far the best coaches I've ever come across. They have a way of working with children that I have never seen before. Swing by and try a class, you won't be disappointed.
Quality instruction provided by quality instructors. Instructors are friendly and pay close attention to students. Student safety is a high priority. Excited to see this academy grow and prosper.
The instructors at this Certified Training Center are incredible. They are attentive, welcoming, and know their stuff! The gym is clean, well-organized, and overall, a very nice training environment. James, the head instructor, has great energy and will make you feel so welcome! Alex and Chris are top notch instructors; they are very thorough and clear in providing instructions for each technique. I visited this Gracie Jiu Jitsu Orlando in Avalon Park for 2 classes, while I was visiting grandparents in the area. If I lived in Orlando, hands-down I'd attend this CTC regularly. There is no question about that! If you're serious about learning jiu-jitsu and you want top training, this is the place!
Training with the Gracie Orlando crew has reignited my passion for Jiu-Jitsu. Recommended to everyone with an interest in martial arts
Great place to to go to to learn especially if you're a new to Jiu-Jitsu. Excellent teachers!!
Professional, indepth teaching with very passionate people.
I had a great experience with Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. The instructors are great at teaching, and the emphasis on safety and slow repetition really helps you learn. A great place to go if you’re serious about learning Jiu-Jitsu.
I come from a background of karate and boxing, so the world of BJJ was completely new to me. I felt like a white belt again, but these folks did a great job showing me the ropes. Instruction is clear and I appreciate their emphasis on safety; on the mat and on the street. James, Miguel and the other instructors have built an environment where not only they are teaching, but your fellow peers guide you along as well. Just by walking into the school, you get a sense of the community and family that have built. Everyone is welcome under their roof. I highly recommend you visit this school, especially if you are taking your first steps into martial arts.
Very knowledgeable great atmosphere great studio love taking a class down there look forward to returning The next time I am in Orlando
I dropped in while visiting from Seattle and was greeted by lead instructor James and his assistant Miguel. Both blue belts and excellent teachers in the Gracie CTC system. Class was 12 strong and I was invited to roll with open arms with them. Level of instruction was top notch and I felt as though it was an extension of my home CTC in Seattle. If you are new to jiu-jitsu or a seasoned practitioner looking to learn Gracie jiu-jitsu, I highly recommend you going in and training with James!
Gracie Jiu Jitsu & James saved my life Coming off of a hospital shift at night I was randomly attacked in the parking lot while getting food. Instantly I was in danger and suddenly had to depend on my training to protect myself. Gracie Combatives taught me the fundamentals to protect myself in such a situation, ultimately allowing me to end the night with minimal injuries. James and his team are some of the most kind-hearted and professional people you will meet. From all ages, from little tykes to retirees, they will nurture your interest and growth in a safe and collaborative environment. Ultimately you will have the opportunity to work with some of the best there is and will leave not only with strong fundamental self-defense skills but a family who will welcome you with open arms.
Amazing atmosphere. I'm an overweight 50 year old with everything that comes with that and of course, even though I'm an old fan of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, I was very skeptical that I could do this. Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Orlando with my awesome instructor James proved me wrong - and I stand corrected. This sport is for all ages and all physical conditions. Safety is paramount here. I felt not just welcomed: They wanted me here! Because of my crazy schedule I'm taking private lessons which I highly recommend. The group lessons were also great. Great energy, compassion, and positive can-do attitude. Really enjoy myself here and feel part of a growing community when I thought we couldn't do more than stay in my couch. Thanks so much James and the rest of the instructors.
Visiting from VA. This is a hidden gem in Orlando. Great location and excellent instructors in Gracie Combatives System.
Such a great crew running this operation! True professionals that care about the clients (kids and adults). You couldn't get more seasoned professionals and truer experts if you're looking for the real Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Would highly recommend for the value and quality above all others!
James Bejer is a veteran, a family man, and his work ethic is hard as nails. I would recommend training with his dojo to all my friends and family! The self defense programs that he offers aren't easy to find either. Diamond in the rough here!
I was looking to get my children into a sport where their instructors/coaches actually care and help develop their skills. The coaches here are all super sweet and very encouraging. Mr. J constantly uses words like "outstanding" each time one of the kids complete a move. Today he told my son "we fight fire with water" and that really stood out to me since I'm pretty sure he could kick some serious a*s. But they all fully encourage using your words before using your hands. I look forward to watching my boys grow with gracie!
This is a wonderful facility...very clean + positive + family friendly environment. The staff is very professional and caring. Added bonus- James, the owner, is a veteran...can't get any better than Gracie JJ! Definitely recommended!
I was hesitant at first, but as soon as I walked through the door all of my doubts were quickly dissolved. The environment is friendly and clean. I felt accepted right away especially since I have no martial arts experience at all. It was definitely a judgement-free zone. The owner and staff are extremely knowledgeable and actively listen to my concerns and offer ways to work through tough situations as well as defend myself if needed. I look forward to continuing to work with them!
The instructors were so welcoming and really take their role seriously. There is a positive and safe culture within this gym and I would recommend this place to anybody seeking to practice jiu jitsu.
This place is great. The teachers were wonderful. My daughter took gets lessons here. All the teachers have been great to her. Mr. Miguel is her favorite. My daughter isn't the biggest fan of structure but all the instructors here were very patient with her and did a great job guiding her and keeping her focused on the lessons.
Just trained here and the experience was fantastic! Extremely friendly and experienced instructors. I’ve trained BJJ all over the states and I have to say this one of the better places. Highly recommended for the beginner and anyone who wants to learn the most proven self defense system correctly
I have been training with James, Miguel, Chris, and Alcito for about three years and I cannot praise them enough. They are dedicated to what true self defense means - being prepared for real life physical altercations while maintaining a clear head. The instructors have proven themselves to be able to educate anyone regardless of their strength, speed, or physical ability. It has always been obvious to me that their goal is to make Brazilian Jiu Jitsu accessible to everyone while still providing a challenge to help their students grow. I recommend this facility to all of my friends and family and I hope anyone reading this review, chooses this gym.
GJJ Orlando is a great gym. I've trained with all the people involved for more than a year in their previous space; they're very knowledgeable and dedicated. James, Miguel, Alex, and all the rest, they're awesome. As training partners, safety is #1 and these folks are super safe. Over the course of a year I completed a combatives a belt with them - great foundation for JJ for years to come. I think it's a fantastic place to learn self-defense JJ, with a progressive, explicit curriculum so you can learn step by step. I'm not involved anymore since the travel time doesn't work for me, but if I was nearby I'd definitely be there.
Amazing!! Gracie JJ exceeds my expectations in not only training self defense but in community! The instructors are friendly, family oriented and knowledgeable in JJ. The academy is kept clean and organized. Will be recommending to my lady friends who need insight on self defense!
An exceptional team of professionals here at Gracie Orlando. Very family oriented and the instructors are well engaged and passionate in teaching, educating and training. This is definitely a standard setting program in the making!
Headed by educated and friendly instructors! Great atmosphere and great addition to the community.
Very welcoming, friendly and safe place. Will definitely recommend!!
Best decision I ever made to join this studio. Veteran friendly and I love the culture. This is where you want to be if you want to learn Jujitsu.
Wow, what a great place! The staff and culture here are second to none. Everyone is friendly at this academy, they care about safety and making sure everyone is having fun while learning practical self defense strategies. Definitely recommend checking this place out if you're a lover of Jiu Jitsu or just curious about what they can offer for you and your family. You can't go wrong with them! 10/10
Signed up for this class via Classpass. Drove 40 minutes and the lights were off and door was locked. No notice of cancelling the class. Really disappointed
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