20733 Center Oak Dr, Tampa, FL 33647, USA
Reviews from Jiu-Jitsu Blog members who have trained at Marcio Cruz Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu New Tampa. Member recommendations raise an academy's Jiu-Jitsu Blog Score.
Best school in the area!
Attending the summer camp has been an amazing experience for my children. They've grown not just in skill but also in confidence.
I can't say enough good things about the summer camp here. It's well-organized, educational, and super fun for the kids!
This jiujitsu academy has a welcoming environment where everyone, regardless of age or skill level, can thrive and improve.
The after-school program is exceptional. It's a great way for kids to burn off energy and learn something valuable at the same time.
Every session is filled with energy and a sense of progress. Joining this jiujitsu academy was the best decision for my physical and mental health.
The instructors at this academy are not just teachers, they are mentors who foster a true love for jiujitsu in their students.
Amazing staff and a very supportive environment! The summer camp offers diverse activities that keep the kids engaged and eager to learn more.
Incredible atmosphere and serious training—whether you're here for general fitness or competitive training, this academy offers the best of both.
This jiujitsu academy is well-known for its high-level coaching and community spirit. Every class feels personalized and challenging.
The summer camp was a major highlight for us this year. My children developed new skills and made new friends, all under the guidance of expert instructors.
If you're looking for a comprehensive jiujitsu program that also offers great summer and after-school activities, look no further. This academy covers it all.
Professor Renan is the best! Amazing kids classes and an awesome after school and summer camp. Excellent!!!!
The after-school program here is a lifesaver for working parents. It's reassuring to know the kids are learning discipline and respect while having fun.
The summer camp at this academy is incredible! My kids learned so much and had a blast. It's the perfect mix of fun and learning.
Fantastic experience! The instructors at the academy are not only highly skilled but also incredibly patient with beginners. Highly recommend!
Joining this jiujitsu academy has been a game-changer for my fitness and confidence. The community is welcoming and the instructors are top-notch.
I love training here and have had a great experience here, 100% would recommend!!
After training here for 8 years, I couldn’t explain a better experience. The coaches for kids and adults are amazing and teach all their classes quality jiu-jitsu. Everybody is so kind and it is truly an amazing academy. I couldn’t praise this place enough.
This place is your second family. Great professors and great students. This school is very clean and well-organized that includes world class champions as professors who are very knowledgable. They teach Muay Thai and Jiu-Jitsu, where you can learn the best self-defense there is from top-level professors. There is no ego here. Everyone is there to help and improve together.
The coaches are great specially Keith , chase , Ethan and sadie
My son has been training here for almost a year. We love this school & the instructors!
Marcio Cruz BJJ is the best place to train if you really want to improve at Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The environment is competitive but supportive. Additionally, the after-school program is a jewel in the community, teaching kids not just Jiu-Jitsu, but important life lessons.
I’m extremely pleased with the afterschool program at Márcio Cruz BJJ Academy. My both sons have been attending, and it's been a fantastic experience. The program not only provides a safe and nurturing environment but also focuses on valuable skills and discipline. They are very good for one on one training for beginner- especially for very young kids to make them comfortable. I love the sparring time they have for my ElderOne. Both of my kids have got good conference after starting this academy.
This place has amazing training! Very worth it!
My son and I been training here for years! The staff and environment is as high quality as the teaching and training itself. Everyone involved here is incredibly friendly and inviting. Safety is the ultimate priority here. In terms of quality of training, the results from competitions speak for themselves here with kids & adults. Can’t recommend this place enough! Best gym in the city!
Marcio Cruz is awesome, the instructors and the community that’s built there, really makes it feel like a family.
Best academy in Tampa, no level of training in the area comes close !!
Muai Thai Class is awesome. Professor Big is knowledgeable and strong muai Thai fighter. The bests couch in Tampa area!
Love the Muay thai class I have learnt alot from coach big and definitely expect to keep coming and training with the class 100% recommend
It’s a really good place to train and it’s fantastic.
I have trained here for almost 2 years and I love it here. From the classes to the instruction is very nice. I noticed the after school program is very organized and well constructed
Great experience very knowledgeable and friendly professors, best jiu jitsu school i’ve been to
Coach BIG is the greatest coach. I learned so much in these 7 months. Marcio Cruz is 🔥🔥🔥
The Marcio Cruz Jiu Academy has helped my daughter learn how to defend herself, Increase her self-confidence, and build a new group of friends
Our daughter has grown in confidence since starting BJJ. We love seeing how excited she is for her classes. The coach engagement and dedication to each student in the class is wonderful. We are so thankful to be apart of the Marcio Cruz BJJ fam.
I would like to express my appreciation for the effort made by Marcio Cruz Team especially Prof. Big is amazing !!! . my kids very happey and Very excited.
Highly recommend this school,everyones treats each other like family.love the way the kids program is set up.
Been going to this gym for almost three years now , there is no better place in Tampa if not the country . Marcio and his son renan are true champions and it shows in their training and coaching , my kids go here and I am so grateful for the confidence they get from training . The coaches are kind and really care about the development of my kids and my kids love going here . The afterschool program is amazing and it has relieved so much stress and responsibility from my plate knowing they take care of everything . Can’t say enough about this place ! Proud to represent marcio cruz Bjj
I have had my 9 yr old son at this school for one year and could not be more pleased. They can be serious when they need to be, and also make it fun for the kids. We had our son in other schools prior to coming to this academy and none of them compared. I highly recommend!
Great family atmosphere. Clean facility. Approachable instructors for every class. 5/5 would recommend.
Couldn't be more happy with the experience! Friendly and cool environment. It seams like everyone is ready to assist you. They really make me feel home! Happy to be part of the Marcio Cruz BJJ
I’ve been coming here for almost 4 years now. Marcio Cruz BJJ is the best BJJ instruction in the area, and such a nice facility! All of the instructors are awesome, and really know their stuff. There are 2 mat areas, so they can even hold multiple classes at the same time. The BJJ and Muay Thai classes are top-notch, and an excellent way to stay in shape!
I’ve had two kids enrolled for approximately two years. I’ve noticed a boost in their confidence and social skills as they learn self defense. I strongly recommend!
Amazing teachers, trainers, coaches! My daughter has been training & my husband trains here as well. It becomes family that’s growing and learning beside each other. When you come, they explain everything to you. Nothing is ever hidden. We signed a contract for our family and are obligated to what we agreed to. It’s a sacrifice for our family but it’s for the best!! There are moments we have to freeze the account because life gets busy but that’s what we signed up for and understand what we agreed to. When we come back everything is the same. Back to training Back to hard work Watching my daughter compete and watching her grow inside and out is the best thing in the world. If you have worries or concerns they are always available to speak with. There is absolutely no bullying, respect is taught & given, discipline is taught & modeled. I’m proud this gym is here for my family.
This is by far the best academy in every regard. Whatever you're looking for in a martial arts gym can be found here. Very clean facility and mats, super friendly and world class instructors, and a great team of people who want to push you further and truly work to make sure you improve. It's a great family environment and I would recommend to anyone who wants to improve, learn self defense, or just to have fun. The jiu jitsu and Muay Thai programs are excellent and taught by great professors.
I highly recommend this gym. Coach Kevin is the best. Definitely a family atmosphere with serious training.
I love being a part of this family being able to grow with others while learning new things everyday!!!
By far the best BJJ school in the area! Excellent kids program, world class training for adults. If you want to make friends that are more like family, become the best version of yourself, and learn the skills to kill...this mat is the right place for you.
All of the staff are very welcoming. The instructors keep the student disciplined and stick to their word when students aren’t listening. They teach technique and discipline which is essential for bjj. The staff is caring and it shows. My kids really enjoyed going here and I highly recommend it to anyone!! Love this place
Nick loves the competition. It builds her confidence. She talks about her classes and how informative they are.
The best Jiu Jitsu school in Florida!, excellent and personalized attention to each family. We are very graceful with Ariana since the first time that we met her, her guidance and dedication was key helping our daughter in a very big change in her life. Our daughter started 2 month ago and she just love it, she wants to be the first one arriving to the class and she is learning very important things about Jiu Jitsu and about the life itself, like dedication, respect, discipline, etc. The couches are not only excellent professionals they are excellent humans being. We want to take this opportunity to thank all the couches for the excellent work and dedication in every class, and specially to couch Craig for all the support and empowerment that he gives to our daughter during her first steps and till today.
Best academy in FL treat you like family and make you feel at home. The last gym I trained at would have you live sparring on your first day training without prior teaching of basic defense. Since making the change here at MCBJJ my grappling has improved rapidly, the instructors all dedicate their time to truly make you understand Jiu-Jitsu in all aspects to keep you safe and make sure you can develop your Jiu-Jitsu the most effective way possible.
Being a student at Marcio Cruz's BJJ academy has been a game changer for me. The physical benefits of training in BJJshould not require much explaining as there's plenty of videos demonstrating this. A benefit I'd like to share is that of Mental Clarity. Marcio Cruz's academy is training me to be comfortable while being in an uncomfortable situations. While I don't get arm-bar'd at work, I do get involved in tense, high visibility, critical situations where time and stress management is key. The mental game that is played while rolling has many parallels to what I do in my profession while designing, implementing or troubleshooting complex data networks where stress management and keeping a collected mind is key.
This place is awesome!! Probably HANDS DOWN the best BJJ in the whole Tampa area. I see a lot of BS reviews on here and you either couldn't handle the training or couldn't afford it in the first place....whatever it is your wrong!
I have 2 kids that go here, the instruction is top notch and every promotion is earned, not bought and paid for. The person who wrote the one star review is ridiculous, writing accusatory statements about a place they have never trained at. This is a family run business that is always looking to improve. They ask that you schedule an appointment in advance so that they can dedicate time to you and discuss the options available to you. There may have been some miscommunication due to a language barrier but I assure you, if you or your kids want to learn BJJ this is the place.
This is an amazing academy! The whole family trains here and loves it. The professors, coaches, and administration are great! They treat you like family. I was nervous at first, being an older female, to start Jiu Jitsu. My husband and kids trained for a while before I decided to give it a shot. At MCBJJ I always felt comfortable and the staff made me feel that I belonged on the mat. I would recommend this gym to anyone interested in Jiu Jitsu.
As a business student, I admire how this Academy is well-organized. MCBJJ is definitively not Americanized because the quality is their focus, and I could see it when I did the intro class. Moreover, The instructors are patient, and they love what they do. I am happy with the investment I made here :)
Great academy with down to earth and professional instructors. The gym is always kept clean. All members of staff are easy to get a hold of and every interaction I have had with them has been pleasant. I would recommend Marcio Cruz Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy to anyone who is interested in learning BJJ.
I just started training at MCBJJ and can’t say enough nice things about them. The gym is always clean. The Professors and Coaches are so knowledgeable and you can tell they actually care about their students. Everyone treats each other like they are family and willing to help you learn. Thank You for being a Great place to train!
I was very impressed from the very first moment I walked into Marcio Cruz BJJ. My first impression was how professional the organization was. In my experience with other martial arts, the workouts were good but the business operation wasn't run well. With Marcio Cruz BJJ I could tell how much detail and planning went into place to make the business run as successful as it is. Even before taking the first class my respect was earned! Introductory class was very structured, fun, and beneficial. More importantly for me, I walked away with wanting to know more. The instructors not only show the move of the day but they take time to break down the technique. Special shout out to coach Mauricio. He does an amazing job at teaching and pushing you to your full potential. If you've been thinking about trying something different, regardless of martial arts experience, this the place. The environment is positive and motivating with zero- egos! When I walk in the feels like I'm working out with family. I highly recommend just trying a class! You'll get hooked...
I have been training here for over a year and love it. Everyone, staff and students alike are so helpful. Don’t hesitate. Bring your whole family and learn from the best. Your health and self confidence will improve as well. If I could describe my experience at this gym I would say it is life changing.
My son has been coming to this school for almost a year now, and he really feels that he is in the right place with the right team. The coaches, and administration are excellent. My son is looking forward to compete, and thanks to the training he gets he has the confidence to participate at world class level jiu jitsu.
We absolutely love MCBJJ!! Our daughter started first, then my husband and I started after. Even though we train in a group we still get the 1 on 1 attention that we need. And we love the fact the MCBJJ a family run academy!
My son has been a student at MCBJJ for nearly a year now and in that time he has grown not only in jiu-jitsu, but also in respect, dedication and self-esteem. Coach Mike and Professor Josh are fantastic instructors, helping the kids not only with skills on the mat, but also helping reinforce skills that help them off the mat.
Marcio Cruz BJJ academy is amazing! I signed up for the complementary class to teach me the basics and more about the beautiful sport of Jiu-Jitsu. From there I was instructed by some of the most educated BJJ Professors/Coaches. Very well organized and strategic planning behind each move you learn. Coach Mauricio is the best coach a student could ever ask for. He is a well respected young man and athlete in the sport himself. Quoted “I would never put my own training over my students training”. Which is a fact. Fast forward one month later, attending 5-6 classes a week and absolutely in love. My favorite part of the day is putting on that White Gi and belt then getting on to that mat leaving all my worldly problems behind it just zone in on what we are learning then try applying it. Each student is respectful and helpful yet highly competitive. “Iron sharpens Iron” as coach would say. More confident and my body is leaner then ever before. Definitely not afraid to go outside alone any longer which is also a plus.
Great school !!!!
I've really been enjoying my time at MCBJJ. The gym itself is clean and pleasant, and the instructors are excellent. If you want to get in shape, and you are a competitive person, this is the way to do it. You will burn calories, make friends, stretch your limits, and learn about yourself, all while having fun.
Our kids have been attending this academy for about a year and it has been a very pleasant experience. The instructors are very professional and knowledgeable. They have promotions which keep the kids motivated. They also have game time at the end of the training session to help the kids blow off some steam. I will sign for another year!
Our family's experience at Marcio Cruz BJJ has been awesome. My son has been here for over a year and he LOVES it!!! The instruction is top notch, and the professor and coaches take time to reinforce the skills with the students when they drill. Time is taken every lesson to teach life skills of respect, honor, and hard work. Students are taught a skill, given time to practice, then they have 2-3 sparing matches where they are able to put the skills they've learned to the test. He has had the opportunity to compete in several tournaments. The coaches were there to support him and coach him through his matches where he has come away with gold and silver medals. Students are recognized and awarded for displaying respectful attitudes on and off the mat. And all of this is done in a way that is exciting and fun for the kids. Our son has been at MCBJJ for over a year, and we are now planning to sign up our 5 year old daughter. We love MCBJJ!!!
I just started training about a month ago. I've never trained BJJ and didn't know what to expect...other than knowing I didn't want to deal with egos! I must say the instructors are very helpful and you can see they truly have a passion to teach. If you're looking for a great place to train..... regardless of your age and level of experience. I highly recommend Marcio Cruz BJJ!!!
MCBJJ is hands down the best academy in the area for those wanting to train BJJ. Professor Marcio Cruz is a very well known and respected BJJ practitioner/World Champion. I was looking for a place to enroll my daughter and reached out to Professor Josh Souder, who immediately welcomed us with open arms. He and the other coaches are INCREDIBLE with the kids programs and are instrumental in keeping them engaged and maximizing the learning process. I have witnessed various methods of instruction over the years and to keep groups of kids engaged, interested and enthusiastic is no easy feat, but Professor Josh and his crew do it effortlessly. Seeing how much fun she was having and recognizing that I was letting myself go, I decided I could benefit from BJJ as well. Without a doubt, BJJ has positively impacted every facet of my life and I am in such a better place because of Professor Marcio Cruz and the rest of the staff. Their instruction is very detailed and they make sure each student understands the technique. From Day 1, I was welcomed with open arms and received tips and advice from Professors, Coaches, and students alike to help me achieve my personal goals and I have never felt out of place. Regardless of what your overall goals are (fitness, weight loss, self defense, cohesion, competition, etc.), MCBJJ is definitely where you want to be.
Amazing experience. There's no where to do serious Jiu-Jitsu where I live, but over the summer I has the opportunity to attend some classes while staying in Westley Chapel with family. They worked out a deal with me for a little package for the couples weeks I would be there, and I loved every session. Professor Josh, Coach Mike, and Coach Mauricio were all excellent and super informative. From what little time I spent there, I learned a lot and won't be skipping any chance to go back and attend more classes!
My son has learned so much and the way they teach is that of traditional martial arts, all about respect for coaches and fellow students.
Hello, I would like to share to you all that this place is GREAT! My son is going now on his 5th year at Marcio Cruz Jiu Jitsu Academy and he likes very much. When he started 5 years ago, I just bought 1 GI and after his first year he was doing so well that I purchased 7 GI with different sizes just because I saw in my son that he was very committed to keep doing Jiujitsu. Marcio Cruz Academy definitely helped to reach a strong self confidence in my son's life. He is not afraid to compete with big kids or even adults, but also helped him to respect martial arts on a different powerful level. We as a family, enjoy the friends that we made at our Jiu Jitsu Academy. I wrote our academy because we are one beautiful Jiu Jitsu family. This school is not about money or selling belts to parents to give to their kids, this school is sharing the knowledge and helping our kids to achieve higher expectations in life with a beautiful and powerful thing. But also this school is about THE LOVE FOR JIU JITSU. And finally, I would like to say thank you Marcio and Ariana, you guys are doing a GREAT JOB and I can't wait to go and celebrate with you and our JIU JITSU FAMILY our 6th anniversary next month at the Star Ship Cruise.
The best place to learn jui jitsu in the area, with one of the best of all times ,Marcio Cruz from adults to kids it won't get any better than this, come and traing with professor Cruz and his great stuff of couches .
My second home! BJJ legend in Tampa of all places. Top!! Show de bola!! Knowing that I am learning from one of the best, it's up to me to take advantage of the huge opportunity to learn from Pe de Pano. I've learned not only jiu jiu-jitsu, I learned how to apply those principles on and off the mat. The people training here are a great group of people and there are no big egos here. If you live within 100 miles of Tampa, you need to train at MCBJJ.
My son attends the kid's programs (jiu-jitsu & muay thai). Great coaches provide a fun, yet structured & disciplined environment. Top-notch instruction! Two thumbs up!!
They are very kind and professional people. Even if they didn't know me (I was traveling trough Florida) they hosted me to workout with them. It was very good for me to have the opportunity to meet Marcio Cruz and Joshua Souder. Joshua was very helpful with me. All their students are nice people! I suggest you to workout there! Danilo Capuzi, multiple medalist in heavyweight Chinese boxing Champion
I have had the pleasure of training at Marcio Cruz BJJ for little over two years. I can honestly say I feel blessed and honored to be instructed by a six time BJJ World Champion. Besides the caliber of instruction, Marcio and Ariana always make you feel welcome as part of their family. Its nice to go train at a school where everyone is polite, cordial and respectful; that includes the students!! Come check us out and see for yourself.
Great to have one of the best BJJ players in the world right here in Tampa
I love the school atmosphere here. I have great training partners of every size and shape; and Professor Cruz is a fantastic instructor and BJJ Mentor. His experience and insight into the subtleties of technique cannot be obtained anywhere else in Florida. -Keith Drummond
I travel a lot for work and have had the chance to train at many places. For me when I find world class instruction i know it and this is the place. Great place to learn and improve your skills. Marcio is world class when it comes to his instruction and willingness to share his experiences. Everyone is friendly and trains with the intention on better jiu jitsu every day.
Seemed nice. Everbody there was nice. 1 year contract if you join. If you break year contract you pay a third of the remaining time. Looked like pricing ranged from 1.2k to 1.5k for a year. They have specials and military discounts which was nice being a veteran myself. I did the intro class, told him id like to start in 3 weeks after my family vacation, seemed like an issue to them and i never recieved a call back. Weird. O well theres others out there.
Very good instruction, but predatory contracts even after 1 year commitment is up and month to month they charge extra month after you cancel just to gouge for my two kids that was almost $300 for a month we couldn't even use. We were planning to return after summer travel but will not return. It seems loyalty only flows one direction at MCBJJ.
Just trying to find a gym to train at in central Florida and scheduled an intro for me and 2 friends who have experience in grappling... They said we could join an advanced class instead of an intro class to see if we like the gym... waited a week for the class then we were informed it would be $135 in drop in fees since we aren't taking an intro class... Wait what?? $45 per person for one class! That's more than most seminars cost. I know quarantine hit gyms hard, but gouging fellow grapplers who are looking for a place to train is just bad business ethics. If anyone knows of a gym near north Tampa lemme know.
Called to ask when a good time would be to bring my family up to look at the facility and to get pricing information and they gave us a time frame that we showed up in. Once we arrived, very unorganized. Once we found the office and spoke with the first lady she explained a little bit about the class times. Once we asked about pricing another lady came in and said we were going to interrupt her schedule for her to talk with us if she gave us prices then. She told us we had to come in for a consultation for private lesson and we would find the price out on that scheduled day. Why would we sign up for something that they wont provide prices for? Seems like a waste of money and not a legitimate learning organization but more of a "buy your belt" not earn your belt program. Fastfood martial arts 101 right here. What happend to traditional martial arts. Very disappointed.
Very disappointed, I can't say anything bad about the coach and trainers, but I need to write my disappointment with the administration in this place, my son was there for 10 months and his contract was finishing in January 2017. I was forced to cancel the contract today, two months before the contract expired due to my son was ill and in the hospital (ICU) for medical issues that stop him for being able to continue with this activity. I walk in to the office and was welcom by a young girl that explain, I could freeze the account for $50 a month but with a doctor notice, this fee could be waive or I could cancel paying 1/3 of the remaining get balance that was $218.00. (So 1/3 will be approx $72.00). When I was ready to make the decision another lady took the lead and advised ,if I freeze the contract ,she will have to charge me $50 since I don't have the dr. notice with me (no that I couldn't bring it later due to I have records from the hospital and doctors) but anyway she said will waived next month, if account needs to continue been frozen but not this month or I could cancel paying 1/3 of the December payment and the full payment to for November since I didn't give a 30 days notice . I couldn't understand how I was suppose to let her know 20 days ago that in the future my son was going to be admitted to the hospital , expend 3 days in the ICU and will be walking out of the hospital with a diagnosed that will change his life forever. Like I could know that will be happening!! so because I couldn't predict the future of my son's health I have to pay $145.00 they charged me to cancel , indteaf of the fair and reasonable amount of $72.00. She said charging the $145 was doing the right thing 🤔. Right for who? I guess for her and the business, because I couldn't see the human sense in that. She was very heartless and cold. I guess since my son wasn't going to be a student any longer , the only thing important was to collect the much money they could.
I can not comment on the instructors due to the drop in fee. If you plan on dropping in, it will cost you $50 for one class.
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