Willie C

I attended a couple of classes during my visit to Tampa and had an amazing experience. Emiliano, Kyle, staff, and students were all fantastic and made the classes very enjoyable. They also provided a Gi washing service so if you're visiting Tampa and want to train daily, you won't have to worry about finding a place to wash your Gi. I will definitely return during my next trip to Tampa. Highly recommend 10/10!!

Instructors Classes Atmosphere

Posted 1 year ago

Yazan A.

I had a fantastic experience at Gracie Martial Arts Tampa Jiu Jitsu and Self Defense! The owner, staff, and everyone at the gym were incredibly friendly and welcoming. From the moment I walked in, I felt like part of the community. The training was excellent, and the environment was positive and supportive. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced, I highly recommend checking this place out!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 1 year ago

Barry Ml

I attended a few Combatives classes during a week while I was staying in Tampa on business. Professional instructors, wonderful front desk staff. Emiliano (owner) was friendly and engaging when we met. If I'm in the area again, I'm definitely returning!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 1 year ago

Jason Smith

Great spot and good area too! Very good spot to attend classes if you're looking to get into martial arts

Facility Classes Location Atmosphere

Posted 1 year ago

Hector Ventura

Excellent staff! They have a beginner friendly environment. I’ve learned a lot with their instructors!

Instructors Atmosphere

Posted 1 year ago

Nayeli Fernandez Sostre

Been to 3 classes so far and I got nothing but great things to say about this place. Their trial option is amazing you get to try a little bit of both classes and choose which one you like or both if you want to. The instructors are amazing, James and Kyle love them! Jessica has been a great help throughout the whole process and the owner is so nice. All the other students you can tell they’re more advance but they will walk you through everything and they’re very patient. Very glad I took the first time and that I chose them for this journey.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 1 year ago

Jose Cortes

Training with Coach Mr. Emiliano Cardona was excellent 👌 learned a lot. He's extremely knowledgeable and have lots of experience in this field of Combat Self Defense Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. ALL his Staff are really professional and disciplined.

Instructors Classes Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Josh Phebus

If you’re going to roll around, roll with the best of them 🤘🏻

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Philip Carkhuff

I train at another Gracie Certified Training Center and was fortunate to be able to participate in a Master Cycle session as a visitor— just phenomenal instruction from Saulo, Kyle, and James. They went went above and beyond to welcome me in and it felt like I was “one of the family”. I’m so thankful I was able to join in. Great people to roll with and learn from!

Instructors Classes Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Joshua Giuseppe Fontanella

Im visiting from England and this was a great gym to visit while staying in Florida. Very friendly staff and gym members, what more can I say check them out you won’t regret it!

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Posted 2 years ago

Carlos Garcia

Amazing place with a great teaching staff that makes you feel comfortable.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Jennifer Mahoney

My first experience learning Jiu Jitsu at Gracie Martial Arts Tampa has been better than I expected. The Women empowered class has me wanting to come back every week for more. Everyone encourages each other through the class. If you are unsure about joining like I was, try out a class and you will keep coming back for more!!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Brittany Fontana

Love the Women Empowered class! Everyone is super nice and helpful!

Instructors Classes Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Neese

I had the pleasure of attending a women empowerment seminar and it was amazing!!! Such friendly and helpful teachers/staff! Props to Matt at the front desk for being such a welcoming person, and Saulo for creating such a fun enviornment.

Instructors Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Jason Jeske

Gracie Martial Arts Tampa, led by Emiliano, is an exceptional place to learn the original and modern forms of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. Having had the opportunity to compare it with other noteworthy schools, I found that this one particularly appeals to me. The program is well-structured, easy to follow, and the membership includes access to the outstanding online resources of Gracie University, especially the Combatives 2.0. It boasts a great atmosphere, and the people there create an ideal environment for learning one of the most effective self-defense martial arts available to everyone

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Posted 2 years ago

Ian Valentine

Haven't done martial arts since high school. Been going a month and I'm already feeling addicted. Started bringing my brother.

Facility Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Peyton Gallagher

Such a fun and informative class! Totally recommend to anyone who’s interested in trying it. Would definitely go again!!

Instructors Classes Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Gabriella Alba

I had an amazing time! Incredible instructor.

Instructors Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Nina Della Valle

I went with my sorority sisters and we had an amazing time! they were great!

Instructors Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Camryn Moorefield

amazing group classes!

Classes Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Abigail Lockhart

Amazing atmosphere and staff!

Instructors Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Daniel Canon

I highly recommend GMAT to anyone interested in learning self-defense but intimidated by what they see on TV (UFC, MMA, etc.). The instructors are highly professional, know their stuff, and can explain each move with a level of detail that is highly beneficial for any beginner of the art or practitioners trying to improve their skills. All instructors make you feel welcome and encourage an atmosphere of cooperation and mutual learning that is hard to find in many schools. GMAT is certified by the Gracie family and follows their curriculum, which is easy to follow and allows you to build on each lesson, teaching moves that can be used in a street fight and not moves that can only be used in competitions. You get access to videos of each lesson so you can practice on your own and go over each move before and after class. I am a Law Enforcement Officer; I trained in a different school for 6 months and was discouraged by the lack of a true curriculum I could follow, the fact that you start rolling with any belt after three classes, never having enough time with the basic moves to do anything other than get beat on every roll for six months and get injured often, and the total emphasis on competition versus real-life applications left me wondering why I was spending so much time and money doing this. This is how many schools operate, and there is nothing wrong with that; it is just not what I was looking for or needed. I drive 45 min each way to GMAT, I have already used many of the things I learned here in real life in law enforcement with real people, and I can tell you that this program works! Give it a shot. You won't regret it.

Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Alyssa Sanchez

The experience here is absolutely first class! The teachers: Emiliano, James & Kyle took us through a lovely class on standing guillotine choke and punch block series 1-4. We train at a Gracie Certified Training Center in Orlando and this was a day visit to Tampa and we are so glad we joined in to their welcoming community! Definitely will be back to visit again next time we’re in Tampa!

Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

Johann Arias

What a wonderful experience! The attention, the schedule and the training program are amazing. Truly a great place to begin or continue your Martial Arts training. The structure of the training really has the Gracie Branding. The objective here is to help people and to empower them to become better. There is a program for everyone. Highly recommended.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

Kyle Webb

I looked at a lot of options before deciding to settle down here. I pulled the trigger and haven't looked back. All the instructors foster a constructive learning environment and are great teachers too. They know how to teach in a way that keeps your attention, and ensures the key points of a lesson are cemented in your mind. Also every instructor brings their unique personality and individual touches to the lessons as a whole and techniques themselves. This means that you are able to see several perspectives from them and they each emphasize different aspects of each technique. This means you get a very well-rounded and thorough look at the moves you are trying to learn. I cant think of how they might teach better - other than private lessons which they also offer. Additionally, no other school in the Tampa area offers as many classes as are available here. Right off the bat they have 9 classes per week for beginners, and they add two more after you have become familiar with all the beginner techniques. That's 11 opportunities to train every week. The best I could find anywhere else was 8 classes a week, and 4 of them were during work hours, so if you have a job, you would only have access to the other 4. The other members are also a big benefit here. Everyone is willing to help you achieve your goals, and you don't find the big egos like at other training facilities that I won't name here. No one here is out to prove that they can beat you down (but make no mistake, they certainly could). Rather, they want to see you learn and grow. Emiliano and his team do a great job of fostering a positive, constructive and effective gym culture that welcomes everyone. Another big plus in my opinion is that the beginner course is focused on strategies to combat an unskilled opponent not a BJJ practitioner. This means that you are learning effective self defense strategies from day one. This means that you will be prepared to use what you have learned in a real situation (hopefully you will never have to) far sooner than otherwise would be the case. Since this course focuses on fundamentals, they lay the groundwork for a deep understanding of the underlying principles of BJJ rather than throwing you in the deep end to learn by getting your face smashed in over and over. That said, there are opportunities to learn a little that way here if you seek them out. We each have our preferences, and some of us just really want to roll.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

Beøbe

A master class in submission. 🐺

Instructors Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

Drea

I didn’t need a week's free trial to know that this place was the right fit for my five-year-old son. The receptionist was accommodating and answered all of my questions, and I caught a good vibe from the instructor. I’m excited for my son!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

Ashley Williams

Wonderful gym, amazing staff!!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 4 years ago

Moises Lanzas

This is an outstanding school with amazing professors! I love working with Emiliano and the other students in the class.. The instructors are very detailed, family oriented, and extremely friendly.. The school is also squeaky clean.. I recommend anyone in the area interesting in learning jiujitsu to come to this school.. 10/10

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 4 years ago

Kevin Janicki

Awesome instructors and ego-free environment. Emiliano and Saulo are very professional, very friendly, and truly care about their students as people. I'm so glad I started my jiu jitsu journey with them, and I plan to be there for many years to come, Lord willing.

Instructors Atmosphere

Posted 4 years ago

Natalie Bardin

This summer I have loved working with Emiliano and James to learn Women Empowerment before leaving for college. Though I was apprehensive at first, there was a welcoming and encouraging environment that made me eager to go to class every week. The instructors pay lots of attention to detail and are not afraid to help when you make a mistake. I would recommend going to Gracie for anyone who is interested.

Instructors Classes Atmosphere

Posted 5 years ago

Jessica Jean

I'm sure that everyone has their own reasons to why they start taking Self Defense Classes. For some it may be due to some unprecedented situation and for other's maybe just for the sport; and all of those reasons, far, wide , and in between are welcome here. In the studio, you not only get to work with amazing individuals, but you can be assured that the skills and techniques that you learn are: Practical, Reasonable, and Applicable. In every way, the instructors ensure that they are communicating effectively and with detail so that you are assured in not just your safety, but also for those who are around you that you may be working with (Aka: Pairing). Know that when you come (cause I'm super hoping that you will), that your questions are welcome here, the schedules are flexible, and well....I can't really find a reason why you shouldn't come. :)

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 5 years ago

Gustavo Jimenez

Amazing professionals, great environment, upstanding guidance! They have top notch teaching skills and tools, Gracie online university is a wonderful complement to the already wonderful instructors! My only regret is that I didn’t sign in years ago...

Instructors Classes Atmosphere

Posted 5 years ago

Joanna Marie Garcia

Definitely continuing classes for my kids!

Classes Atmosphere

Posted 5 years ago

Jaret Norman

This is a great school with outstanding instructors! I had no previous martial arts experience so I didn’t know what to expect. The staff are very knowledgeable and hospitable. The classes are well structured and broken down in a way that makes it easy to build a foundation. If you’re looking for a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu school come see what it’s about with a trial.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 5 years ago

Brittany Zinkhan

I’ve been taking the women’s empowerment and combatives classes and I love it! Instructors are skilled and knowledgeable. Great for any skill level!

Instructors Classes Atmosphere

Posted 5 years ago

Alitza Navarro

I have been coming for private classes for self defense for a few months now and it’s been the best experience of my life! The staff is so friendly and very welcoming they take the time to make sure everyone feels safe and that everyone is doing the Movement right! I will continue coming and I encourage you start doing the same! James is my instructor for my private classes and he is amazing he is committed, Professional, kind, and very caring!

Instructors Classes Atmosphere

Posted 5 years ago

chad L

My experience with Gracie Martial Arts Tampa Jiu Jitsu and Self Defense over the past 1 1/2 years has been transformative. I've lost 20+ lbs and am getting healthier and more flexible everyday. I highly recommend anyone of any size, shape or age (I'm over 50) give it a try.

Facility Atmosphere

Posted 5 years ago

Grace Lewis

If you are looking for a focus on realistic application, concepts, and details - I highly recommend Gracie Martial Arts Tampa Jiu Jitsu Self Defense. I primarily work on No-Gi moves, or moves that can be transferred in some way over to No-Gi, but I appreciate both aspects of Jiu Jitsu. One of the few Gi techniques that I had been working on were cross chokes. I was able to muscle my way through most of the chokes with some general understanding of the techniques, but had not broken down each part of the cross choke. I knew to set the hands and curl the wrists, but did not know how to finish beyond that. Emiliano’s 4 steps of a cross choke allowed better understanding of the details and finish of the cross choke. It was also good to see different variations of cross chokes standing and on the ground, and to see how they transferred over to each other with the same concepts. Trust the choke was also an important concept, and something that definitely needs improvement. I’ve gotten to rear naked chokes on the back, and then transitioned back to mount since I had assumed the choke was not effective. I need to get better at using some energy to maintain the position but little energy during the choke in order to conserve. The focus on concepts and details was immense. Rolling there was awesome too. I’ll definitely try and incorporate that Omaplata and some of the surprise escapes. Awesome training and highly recommended if you are ever in the area!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 6 years ago

Ramar Russell

Very welcoming and patient group.

Instructors Atmosphere

Posted 6 years ago

Brian W Piper

Excellent instructors and training environment. Came down to visit family in Tampa and it's great to be able to visit other schools. I train at another CTC in NY and the Gracie community is always open and welcoming. Wonderful class and other students. Looking forward to coming back again!

Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere

Posted 6 years ago

Brian Piper

Fantastic school and great people. I came down from another CTC and was welcomed to the studio with open arms. Great learning environment and wonderful instructors and other students.

Instructors Atmosphere

Posted 6 years ago

Derric Crothers

Emiliano and his instructors and students were very friendly and welcoming! Family friendly environment, felt just like home!

Instructors Atmosphere

Posted 6 years ago

Ayman Armoush

Great experience, Emiliano and his staff welcomed me like I was part of the family from day one. I’m learning lots of real world self defense tactics, a skill that is invaluable. I love how they really care that you are learning a specific move not just going through the motions. They put lots of time and energy in perfecting your technique. I’ve had wonderful success here, I think everyone should learn Gracie Jiu Jitsu. Overall 5/5 experience, be sure to come check out the 10day free trial.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 6 years ago

Matthew Moench

Incredible place to start learning Jiu Jitsu! I've never done Jiu Jitsu before, so finding a gym with a good vibe that is safe, supportive, and fun, but also vigorous where I can progress under good instruction was essential. This gym is all those things and more. Emiliano and everyone I met (especially Joe and Trenton) were fantastic - safe, welcoming, and great teachers. By the way, I'm not a shill/fake reviewer, I just really think this place is the perfect school for me. The Gracie combatives curriculum is also awesome to me; I'm glad to learn enough techniques before starting to roll hard to be safe and not just get crushed constantly. That said, if you're eager to try rolling like I was, some of the advanced belts would be happy to go with you so you can feel it out - I asked to roll with them nice and easy. I felt completely safe the whole time and had a blast. Emiliano even let me try the technique we learned in class while we were rolling. No ego, just great teaching. Of course, when he wanted to, Emiliano quickly and decisively put me in submissions, because he's a trained killer. I'm pretty sure he can help me get there too, and you as well if we put in the work. Highest recommendation!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 6 years ago

Tim McTague

After training here for the last few months and trying out some other schools, I can say confidently that the team here is the most focused, detail oriented and technique focused group I have found. I love it here, and we grow slowly, but with proper techniques and in turn I feel like I am learning at a much more qualified rate. This place is great.

Instructors Atmosphere

Posted 6 years ago

Shannon Sapourn

My office did a Women's Self Defense class Emiliano and his team, and it was great! It was informational, realistic and fun. I'd highly recommend this to those looking to book an office outing or team building event.

Instructors Classes Atmosphere

Posted 6 years ago

Luke Senko

The environment is nothing short of welcoming. As a beginner, it was important for me to understand the basics and start to build from there. The team at this dojo is allowing me to do that within my own limits. I originally came in hoping for an alternate form of exercise to put along side strength training. I found that and a whole lot more. S/o to Trent, Emiliano and Andres for putting together a great atmosphere.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 6 years ago

Christian Thomas

One of the best martial arts schools I have been to in years. Not a rigid dogma on martial arts but a eclectic view on effectiveness. Learning takes place in a safe environment where technique and not brute strength is the emphasis

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Posted 7 years ago

Curt Fornolles

Emiliano is a great instructor, very technical and fun to learn from. The school is very welcoming great energy overall. Highly recommend checking this school out.

Instructors Atmosphere

Posted 7 years ago

Jonathan Enriquez

Amazing people and training! From the moment I walked in everyone was incredibly friendly and welcoming. The instructors are very knowledgeable and helpful to learners at every level. A safe and fun environment. Thank you for the great training!!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 7 years ago

Dave A.

I’ve been training here for about 7 months under the Gracie Combatives program. As a law enforcement officer for over 17 years, this is by far the most realistic self-defense program I have participated in. The instructors genuinely care about teaching and ensuring their students have a firm grasp of the techniques. It is a family friendly environment, and there are no egos to contend with.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 7 years ago

Samantha Tierney

What an incredible place! Everyone is so welcoming and professional! I was incredibly impressed with how great the trainers for Women Empowered class were in particular! They teach women excellent defenses for real life scenarios and I feel more prepared mentally and physically as a result.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 7 years ago

Allison Sheldon

Joining the Central City Jiu-Jitsu and Self Defense has been the best decision I’ve made for myself and my family. It’s very rare to find a place that values its customers as family and puts their safety before making money. Head Instructor Emiliano Cardona is one of the most stand up down to Earth person you will ever meet. He has managed to build a community of people that have no ego and are a testament to his teachings of the Gracie Lineage. It’s truly a privilege to call this place my second home and second family.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 7 years ago

Barney Martin

Welcoming school with excellent instruction and a family friendly environment. School offers opportunity to learn and work hard and balances it well with fun and great sense of community. Curriculum can be reviewed online for added at home learning and facility is clean and professional.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 7 years ago

Katherine Gamboa

Excellent Bully Program for children of all ages. My son has really learned some positive life skills and best non violent practices for resolving conflicts with his peers. Instructors are patient and detailed with the kids. Location is convenient and safe.

Instructors Classes Location Atmosphere

Posted 8 years ago

Peter “Deuce” Bradshaw

A great, large, open space for training. A lot of places are cramped, but Central City is great because there’s space to actually do work. The facility is clean and well maintained. The instructors are solid. Emiliano is a great teacher and his skills, when combined with the Gracie Academy curriculum make this a superior place for beginning students. The Gracie Combatitives are street effective and made for protection. One of the other things that make this great are the students. Everyone is there to learn and patient in going through the techniques properly.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 8 years ago

Robert Chortkoff

This is an intense, rigorous course specifically designed for bigginer to intermediary developed practitioners who are seriously serching to progress there skills in a comfortable and stable environment. Private lessons available for those who require one on one special attention.

Instructors Classes Atmosphere

Posted 9 years ago

Steven Cox

Come here for a welcoming, fun environment where you will be challenged to live up to what you are capable of. I recently needed to find a new place to train Jiu Jitsu and tried a couple places out and what I found at Central City was very enjoyable. From my interaction with Orlando who helped answer all my questions to Emiliano’s training and graciousness and the clean functional training center my expectations were certainly exceeded. Thank you Central City Jiu Jitsu, I am looking forward to a long relationship with you.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 9 years ago

Hugo Fernandes

I visited Central City Jiu-Jitsu over President's Day weekend and it was amazing. I worked with the head instructor Emiliano Cardona for 90 minutes and it was worth every second. He's excellent at picking up flaws in your techniques and helping you work through them. He gave me so many useful tips and helped me work through a major problem area that he upped my jiu-jitsu game in one afternoon. I highly recommend you pay the academy a visit. You will not be disappointed.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 9 years ago

Boyd Staszewski

Awesome people and instructors who care about my kids. Very positive with my son in his self defense training. My 7 Year old son has needed "focus training" since his early childhood and Andres does an excellent job. I especially like the after school program where they pick up my son from Lee Elementary. Good solution for two working parents instead of an ipad or tv at home. Highly recommend Central City Jiu Jitsu and Self Defense.

Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere

Posted 10 years ago

Eliana A Davidson

Central City Jiu Jitsu is a friendly environment including the mats. Training Jiu Jitsu here is very comfortable, classmates offer guidance when you need help. Classes are explained thoroughly with all details to provide for the best outcome. Throughout my experience I have processed how moves fit into each other and learned new moves with better understanding.

Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 10 years ago

luis martinez

I am the 1st blue belt at Central City Jui jitsu and I must admit that it has changed my life for the better on and off the mat. It such a special place to come learn and train with the best of Tampa. I couldn't ask more out of Emiliano Cardona. Best mentor and teacher any practionar can ask for. Also love the camaraderie of these guys I circle myself around. In this dojo there is no losing You either win or learn and remember keep it playfull and real.

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere

Posted 10 years ago

Veltri Brothers

Try It For Yourself!

Instructors Facility Location Pricing Atmosphere

Posted 10 years ago

Kasiner William

Great family atmosphere, at a great price, and some terrific yoga classes to go along with good, fundamental Brazilian Jiu-jitsu.

Instructors Facility Classes Pricing Atmosphere

Posted 10 years ago

Edward m Whitney

I had the pleasure of working with the head instructor Emiliano today. I would recommend this jiu-jitsu training facility to anybody in the Tampa Florida area.

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere

Posted 10 years ago

Alden T-man

This is a new school with so much possibility! It has a solid curriculum where you will learn Gracie Jiu Jitsu!

Instructors Classes Atmosphere

Posted 10 years ago

michael heredia

I have been absolutely blown away by my experience at Central City Jiu Jitsu! I could write a detailed review on the cleanliness and organization, the parking, bathrooms, neighborhood, etc... but what really makes this place great is the program and the people. Instructor Emiliano Cardona is warm and inviting. He creates an environment where everyone feels welcome and safe. Instructor Cardona takes what he's teaching very seriously and works to ensure that all participants are focused, and engaged. His attention to detail and concentration on proper execution add a level of professionalism sometimes missing in other schools. In the Gracie Combative's course that I enrolled in, Instructor Cardona follows a time tested and proven program for teaching the fundamentals of Jiu Jitsu self defense. His 20 years of experience are evident but there is no arrogance in the way he interacts with the students. He creates an atmosphere where everyone is welcome, from the first timer to the seasoned vet- all are made to feel welcome and engaged at this school. Additionally, Instructor Cardona has created an environment where students help each other learn. He makes it clear that he is not the only instructor in the building, all students are helping to coach each other- this creates an atmosphere of camaraderie and community that elevates the whole experience. If you're a beginner looking for a place to learn what Jiu Jitsu is all about, or you've got years of experience- this school is for you. Instructor Cardona makes it easy to love Jiu Jitsu.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 10 years ago

Debbie Sandoval

Awesome experience my children and Husband had. Wonderful instructors and very family oriented. Lots of FUN !!!!

Instructors Atmosphere

Posted 10 years ago

Brian O'Hara

I trained with the owner a few weeks ago while in town for work and let me tell you this is THE place to go for Jiu-jitsu and Self-defense training in the Tampa Area. Excellent technique and instruction are at the core of this facility. There is quite a lot of focus on teaching kids too, which is great. The gym is bright and clean with showers and dedicated men and women restrooms. Plenty of parking in a good area of town just 2 blocks from the water. I highly recommend if you are interested in learning Jiu-jitsu or Self-defense that you check out Central City.

Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere

Posted 10 years ago

Danny Pelaez

Comfortable environment with great instructors.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 10 years ago

DJVet1

Made us feel like family..great place to sharpen your skills.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 11 years ago

JP Mendoza

I would recommend Central City Jiu-Jitsu just on a pure base that Emiliano Cardona is the owner and head instructor. He is a great person and if I still lived in the area I would train with him and at his school regularly. His classes are centered around the basics of pure Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. They are structured classes with out egos and tough guys. Emiliano is not only a certified Gracie JJ instructor, but he also does a great job with his children's program as well. The school is HUGE, a lot of mat space, CLEAN, women's and men's bathroom, and a fridge for cold drinks. Tampa finally has a Gracie certified training center and I'm glad Emiliano is the one running it.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 11 years ago

Jennifer Luedke

Amazing instructors. My son especially likes Dave. They are so patient with kids and have tons of fun!!

Instructors

Posted 11 years ago

Carla Murray

Best place to go for kids and adults, these people really care about their clients. Emiliano is patient and thorough and I can't say enough good things about anyone who wants to train, whether just learning or at any level!

Instructors Atmosphere

Posted 11 years ago

the three van musketeers vanpelt

as someone who studied martial arts in the past I find a teaching style here wonderful Sensei Emiliano Cardona is wonderful with the children he is patient and calm and an absolute blessing to have involved as a teacher in my children's lives they are learning not only to protect themselves but to stand up to bullies they're learning self worth confidence and compassion they're being taught leadership skills at such an early age that will benefit them their entire lives I highly recommend central city jiu-jitsu for children and adults

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 11 years ago

Delier Diaz Jr.

I love this place. Great place to learn gracie jiu jitsu and self defense. Definitely feel welcome when i'm here. The same is done to everyone who comes in.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 11 years ago

sam wrains

Central City Jiu Jitsu is a great place to train, definitely one of the very best I've been to. Emiliano is a very patient and thorough instructor with the skills to roll with anyone out there. I am 46 years old and my window for competing in the octagon closed a long time ago. I train for fitness and to learn martial skills that are applicable on the streets. Central City won't teach you how to score points, they'll teach you how to properly defend yourself from an attacker. I'm a huge fan of Emiliano and his entire operation.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 11 years ago

marc knowles

Central city jiu jitsu is a great place for real life jiu jitsu and self defense. Not teaching you stuff to score points but to defend yourself and get out of trouble. Emiliano is really passionate about this school. I also did a midday yoga class there on Tuesday. That was great too. Very relaxing but energizing as well.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 11 years ago

jon ashley

Great experience, great instructors, no nonsense! I'm certainly going to try and fit this into my schedule!

Instructors Atmosphere

Posted 11 years ago

Kyle N

I've never been to the school but I became a certified instructor with Emiliano and had the privilege of rolling with him. He is one of the most kind and caring people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. His instruction is second to none and he has a genuine interest in helping students be the best they can be. I am absolutely certain that if you train with him you'll have an amazing experience and learn some incredibly valuable skills. Check him out! PS- I'm from the Canadian prairies and Emiliano got me up on a surfboard in less than half an hour, so you KNOW he can teach.

Instructors Atmosphere

Posted 11 years ago

Orlando Romero

Central City Jiu Jitsu and Self Defense is one of the best school you could go to, Emiliano Cardona Jr is one of the few teachers that truly will do anything to teach his students the art of Grace Jiu Jitsu and Self Defense !! If you are looking to study this art there is NO better place !!!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 11 years ago

Donna-Lee

After an assault in public from a stranger where I froze up from the encounter, I felt compelled to learn how to train my mind and body so that my go-to response would not be to shut-down, rather, defend myself with confidence. I opted to start the Women's Defense training, starting with a trial period. Prior to arrival, the gym advised I could start the program at any point, although I would be starting toward the end of the training cycle where some more advanced techniques (beyond the basics) were being taught. During my first class I felt very welcomed by all of the staff, instructors, and even classmates. I enjoyed the experience thoroughly and went back for a 2nd trial class. During my 2nd trial class, I was paired with someone that was perhaps not a good fit for me. I am not sure if there was a weight disparity or a technical one, but during a back-mounted choke hold where I was mounting, my partner rolled us to the mat and we landed on our sides (as was supposed to happen). The first thing that hit the mat was my lower ribs, with all my weight, and, my heavy partner's weight. I felt and heard a loud POP! in my lower rib cage and knew that something was not right... I have never broken a bone before so I thought it if was broken it would hurt a lot more in the moment, so I made light of the injury. A day later upon touching the area, it felt much worse, so I went to Urgent Care to get an xray, and, it was a contusion with a possible hairline fracture of the cartilage. Per doctor's orders, "No strenuous activity for 4 weeks. Definitely no Jiu Jitsu." I informed the gym I was injured and expressed I wish that as a beginner jumping in, I had some more fundamental training such as "how to brace for impact" to learn "how" to roll, but, I know I also signed a waiver and I was liable for my own health and safety. I am not blaming the gym specifically for my injury, however, I think the constructive criticism could be helpful to try to prevent beginner injuries to others, in the future. Just check out Reddit and you'll read that the broken rib is an unfortunately very common beginner injury. I enjoyed the gym VERY much and I would like to go back, though, I would caution any true beginners joining the class to please ASK to review the basics with an instructor or advanced attendee before trying to perform more advanced rolls, even if they seem easy and fun (like I did). I didn't foresee merely rolling in a controlled manner on my side could so easily break a rib! So please just begin with caution and care for yourself so you can continue to enjoy the sport, without having to take time out for recovery. Beyond my personal misfortune, I would otherwise recommend the gym, and again, I really enjoyed the studio.

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Posted 3 years ago

Heath Kruse

My young sons attend their program and love it. This is the first sport activity that they have fully embraced. The staff is friendly and professional and great with the kids. We will continue on with their program for years to come.

Instructors Classes Atmosphere

Posted 11 years ago

Gracie Martial Arts Tampa Jiu Jitsu and Self Defense

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Willie C

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