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Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

We offer flexible membership options to fit different budgets and commitment levels. Membership prices range from $30/day to $200/month depending on the plan you choose. We also offer family and multi-member discounts. Contact us at (904) 605-4684 or visit our Programs page to find the right option for you.

No experience is needed at all. Our adult program (GB1) and kids program (GBK0, GBK1, and GBK2) are built for complete beginners as well as intermediate and advanced practitioners. Every class covers the fundamentals of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, so you'll start building real skills from day one — regardless of your fitness level, age, or athletic background.

Yes! We offer one free trial class so you can experience our training environment firsthand before committing to a membership. Visit our Programs page, select the program you're interested in, and book your free class directly. You can also call us at (904) 605-4684 to reserve your spot.

Wear comfortable athletic clothing — a t-shirt or rash guard and shorts without pockets, zippers, or belt loops, and easily removable footwear such as sandals or crocs. Remove all jewelry before class. If you continue training, you'll need a Gracie Barra gi (uniform), which can be purchased at the academy.

You can sign up by visiting our Join Now page on the website, calling us at (904) 605-4684, emailing info@gbjacksonville.com, or stopping by the academy in person at 8210 Cypress Plaza Dr, Suite 104, Jacksonville, FL 32256. We recommend trying a free class first to make sure it's the right fit

Programs and Training

We offer a full range of martial arts programs including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for kids ages 3-4 (GBK0), ages 5-8 (GBK1), and ages 9-14 (GBK2), adult BJJ for ages 15 and up (GB1), a women-only BJJ program (GBF), Kickboxing and Muay Thai for ages 12 and up, and the Applied Pressure Wrestling program for ages 8 and up. Visit our Schedule page for class times.

Our youngest program, GBK0, is designed for children as young as 3 years old. At this age, the focus is on developing motor skills, coordination, balance, and body awareness through games and basic Jiu-Jitsu techniques. Kids who start early build a strong foundation that prepares them for more advanced training as they grow.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu focuses on ground control, submissions like joint locks and chokes, and using leverage and technique to overcome larger opponents. Wrestling emphasizes takedowns, pins, and controlling your opponent from the top position. Both are grappling arts, but they have different rule sets and strategies. At Gracie Barra Jacksonville, we offer both BJJ and the Applied Pressure Wrestling program, so students can train in either or both.

Karate and Taekwondo are primarily striking arts that focus on punches, kicks, and blocks from a standing position. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a grappling art that teaches you how to control an opponent on the ground using leverage, joint locks, and chokes — without relying on size or strength. BJJ is widely considered one of the most effective martial arts for real-world self-defense because most physical confrontations end up on the ground.

Yes. Our GBF (Gracie Barra Females) program is a women-only Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class for ages 12 and up. The program covers self-defense techniques from both standing and ground positions in a supportive, empowering environment. Come try a class and train alongside other women who are learning to handle themselves confidently in any physical situation.

Absolutely. Our GBK0 Little Champions program is specifically designed for children ages 3-4. Classes focus on fun, age-appropriate games that develop coordination, balance, and basic movement skills. There is very little sparring at this level — the emphasis is entirely on motor development, teamwork, and building a love for martial arts in a safe environment.

Applied Pressure is widely recognized as the best wrestling club team in Northeast Florida. Our wrestlers train alongside elite, state-ranked athletes, and we regularly host clinics with collegiate wrestlers to prepare our athletes for the next level. The program is open to ages 8 and up and accommodates everyone from beginners with no experience to seasoned competitors.

Yes. We encourage students who are interested in competition to test their skills in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournaments such as the IBJJF, Abu Dhabi World Pro, Jiu-Jitsu World League, and others. Competition is never required, but our instructors and training environment fully support those who want to compete. Our coaches have extensive competition experience at the highest levels.

Yes. Our head instructor, Professor Roberto Cuartero III, is an experienced MMA coach who has trained over 100 amateur and professional fighters in leagues including the UFC, Bellator, PFL, and Combat Night — with an 83% winning percentage and 85% finish rate over 15 years. Between our BJJ, Kickboxing, and Wrestling programs, we provide comprehensive training for anyone interested in MMA.

Practical and Logistics

We are located at 8210 Cypress Plaza Dr, Suite 104, Jacksonville, FL 32256. There is plenty of free parking available in the plaza parking lot right outside our door. You can reach us at (904) 605-4684 or info@gbjacksonville.com.

We offer classes throughout the day, Monday through Sunday, with options for kids, adults, and specialty programs. Visit our Schedule page for the most up-to-date class times. If you have questions about which class is right for you, call us at (904) 605-4684 and we'll help you find the best fit.

Yes, we offer discounts for families and households with multiple members training at the academy. Many of our families train together — parents in the adult program while kids train in one of our youth programs. Contact us at (904) 605-4684 or stop by the academy to discuss family membership options.

Yes, visiting practitioners are welcome. We charge a small drop-in fee for guests. Please contact us ahead of time at (904) 605-4684 or info@gbjacksonville.com to arrange your visit. Bring your gi and let us know your experience level so we can point you to the right class.

For your first class, you just need athletic clothing. If you continue training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, you'll need a Gracie Barra gi (uniform), which is available for purchase at the academy. For Kickboxing, you'll eventually want gloves and shin guards. For wrestling, wrestling shoes are recommended. Our staff can help you figure out exactly what you need based on the program you join.

Progress and Results

On average, it takes about 1 to 2 years of consistent training to earn a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Progression depends on how frequently you train, your dedication, and how quickly you absorb techniques. At Gracie Barra Jacksonville, our instructors provide clear expectations at each belt level and will guide you every step of the way.

The adult belt system in BJJ progresses through white, blue, purple, brown, and black belt. Each belt represents a deeper understanding of techniques, strategy, and mat time. For kids, there is a separate system with additional belt colors that recognize progress at each age level. Promotions are based on skill development, consistency, attitude, and time on the mat — not just tournament results.

Absolutely. BJJ is one of the best full-body workouts you can do. A typical class combines cardiovascular conditioning, functional strength, flexibility, and coordination. Many of our students see significant improvements in body composition, endurance, and overall health within the first few months. The best part is that you're learning a real skill while getting in shape — it never feels like a treadmill.

parent's concerns

No — in fact, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu teaches the opposite. BJJ emphasizes control, discipline, respect, and knowing when to walk away. Children learn how to manage their emotions and handle conflict without aggression. Our instructors reinforce these values in every class, and parents consistently tell us their kids become calmer, more focused, and more respectful at home and at school.

Very much so. One of the core components of our kids' programs is anti-bullying education. Children learn practical self-defense skills that give them confidence, but more importantly, they learn how to carry themselves in a way that deters bullying in the first place. Knowing they can protect themselves — without having to — gives kids a quiet confidence that changes how they interact with the world.

Many parents of children with ADHD or anxiety have found Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to be incredibly beneficial. The structured environment, physical engagement, and requirement to focus on technique can help kids develop better concentration, emotional regulation, and impulse control. BJJ also provides a healthy outlet for excess energy. While it's not a medical treatment, we've seen real improvements in many of our students.

Safety is our top priority. In our younger programs (GBK0 and GBK1), sparring is limited and closely supervised — the focus is on games and controlled drills. In our GBK2 program for ages 9-14, children are gradually introduced to more sparring under direct instructor supervision. Our coaches match students by size and experience and teach them to practice with control and respect for their training partners.

Beyond self-defense, children who train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu develop discipline, respect, perseverance, focus, and emotional resilience. They learn how to set goals, handle adversity, work as part of a team, and carry themselves with confidence. These skills transfer directly to school, social situations, and eventually the workplace. Many of our parents say BJJ has been one of the most positive influences in their child's life.

account and membership

Please fill out our Exit Form Questionnaire to begin the cancellation process. We cannot start the cancellation process unless the form is completed. Contact us at (904) 605-4684 if you need assistance.