Gracie Jiu Jitsu for Adults
Come by and try a free class and meet our helpful students and coaches!
Get in shape & harness your body's capabilities
Adult Brazilian jiu jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art and fighting technique that is designed to help people of any size defend themselves. It’s also a terrific way to tone and firm your body and reap the health benefits of martial arts.
BJJ is a unique form of martial arts that teaches students to leverage their body weight to use in the ring or against an attacker. A descendant of Judo, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is both a sport and a martial art – and it’s fun to learn because it engages both your body and mind.
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Gain the confidence & ability to defend yourself
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Lose weight, tone muscles & strengthen your core
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Reduce stress & improve your mental health
15+ Classes Every Week
There are plenty of opportunities to catch a class every week. All of our membership plans include unlimited classes, so you could come multiple times a day if you wanted to!
Morning & Evening Classes
We know each person has a different schedule and preferred time to train. That's why we offer early morning, mid-morning, and evening classes throughout the week.
Wear What's Comfortable
At Gracie Bradenton, we train all no-gi and don't have any clothing restrictions or requirements. You're an adult—wear what you want to wear.
Go at Your Own Pace
At Gracie Bradenton, we like to say that you're not competing against other students, but against yourself. The goal is to make incremental improvements to be better tomorrow than you were yesterday.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu provides an intense, full-body workout that’s the perfect way to lose weight, increase your muscle mass, and get into great shape. By combining cardiovascular training with toning and training, jiu jitsu students push their bodies hard and learn what they are capable of. It’s a great way to burn calories in a fun and supportive setting that encourages all students to do their best.
Jiu Jitsu for Law Enforcement
Gracie Bradenton owner Sonny Parlin considers teaching law enforcement officers one of the most important aspects of his job. It's rewarding to know that we can make a difference by keeping both officers and members of the community a little safer.
If you're a LEO living in the Bradenton area, please know that Gracie Bradenton is here for you, and our lowest prices are reserved for first responders. We also take time after class to run LEOs through specific drills and techniques that could potentially save their lives.
Law enforcement agencies across the country are starting to explore jiu jitsu as a valuable training tool to protect officers while also using it as a de-escalation tool.
If you're in law enforcement, come visit us and try a free class!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to know jiu jitsu or Judo to study Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?
No, you don’t. There are beginner classes available and many of the people who study Brazilian Jiu Jitsu have no prior martial arts training.
Will taking Brazilian jiu jitsu classes help me lose weight?
It can, particularly if you combine Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes with a healthy diet and lifestyle. Brazilian jiu jitsu provides a great, full-body workout that burns calories, builds muscles, and boosts the metabolism.
Can Brazilian jiu jitsu help me defend myself?
Absolutely. It’s one of the world’s most effective self-defense techniques and is often preferred because it teaches students to leverage their body weight to defeat larger opponents.
As a beginner, do I need to spar?
Live grappling (or rolling) isn't required, but it is recommended. It's how you take what you've learned during class and try it out in real time. Rolling during open mat is where you're going to improve and make progress.
You actually become better at jiu jitsu by losing — a LOT! If you're nervous about live grappling, ask a coach to pair you up with an experienced partner. They'll be able to work with you at a slower pace and give you the chance to practice.
Do I need any special equipment to study Brazilian jiu jitsu?
We are all no gi, so there's no uniform needed. You may want to wear a mouth guard, but that's personal preference.