Happy New Year! We hope your holidays were filled with joy, relaxation, and plenty of great memories. As we kick off 2025, we’re excited to share some incredible updates and plans for the gym.
Renovations are Underway!
We’re starting the year with a fresh look! Here’s what’s in store:
- New Mats: Get ready to roll on brand-new mats, providing better cushioning and grip for your training sessions.
- Bathroom Upgrades: We’re making improvements to provide a cleaner, more modern look and feel.
- Epoxy Floors: We plan to install durable, easy-to-clean epoxy flooring to give the gym a sleek finish.
- Ceilings and Decor: Updated ceilings and refreshed decor will create a more vibrant and motivating atmosphere.
We’re also thrilled to announce the upcoming Gracie Parrish location! This new gym, led by head coach Travis Prentice, will bring the same high-quality training and community-focused environment to Parrish. Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to the opening date!
Community Events
We’re also planning more ways to bring our community together outside of training. Mark your calendars—dates will be announced soon!
- Parents Night Out: Enjoy a well-deserved evening off while the kids have fun at the gym.
- Fight Nights at the Gym: Join us as we transform the gym into the ultimate fight-night venue! Watch UFC fights on our projector screen and cheer on your favorite fighters with teammates and friends.
- Special Classes and Seminars: Learn new techniques and strategies from guest instructors and top-level practitioners.
- Competitions and Events: Participate in tournaments and friendly in-house competitions to test your skills and have fun with teammates.
- Fun Challenges: Take part in fun challenges throughout the year for a chance to win one month FREE on your membership!
- Friday Night Competition Training: Join us every Friday night for focused competition training. We’ll teach you about the different rulesets in jiu jitsu competitions and how to use those rulesets to your advantage.
Bring a Buddy Program
We’re excited to launch our Bring a Buddy Program! If you bring a friend to class and they sign up, you’ll receive one month FREE on your membership. It’s a great way to train with friends and grow our community—spread the word and invite your buddies to join us!
Attendance Tracking for Promotions
Starting this year, we will be taking attendance regularly. Attendance records will be used to determine your eligibility for belt promotions, so make sure to stay consistent with your training and check in using the iPad on the front desk. Not sure how to check in? Ask and we'll show you how!
2025 Promotion Ceremony Dates
Here are the dates for all the promotion ceremonies for the upcoming year. Additional details will be available as the dates get closer.
- Kids Promotions: Friday, January 24th at Gracie Bradenton from 5-7pm
- Adult Promotions: Saturday, June 21st (time and location TBD)
- Kids Promotions: Friday, July 25th at Gracie Bradenton from 5-7pm
- Adult Promotions: Saturday, December 6th (time and location TBD)
Welcome our Newest Students
Let's give a warm welcome to our newest members!
If you see new students on the mats, introduce yourself and invite them to roll.
- Brady Clayton
- Matthew Vajanyi
- Brandon Beals
- Kristine Carey
Recognition for Two of Our OG Members
This year marks Gracie Bradenton's 10th year in business and we'll be celebrating in different ways throughout the year. But first, we wanted to highlight two members who have been with us since March 2015: Sal Misenti and Mike Garasic.
Sal Misenti and Mike Garasic have been part of the Gracie Bradenton family for 10 years, each leaving their mark in different but equally meaningful ways. Sal’s dedication to training and continuous improvement has made him a role model for consistency and hard work.
Mike, as a correctional officer, has demonstrated the practical value of jiu jitsu by applying it effectively in real-world situations, showcasing its power as both a tool for safety and control. Both men exemplify the impact jiu jjtsu can have—whether through personal growth on the mats or professional application in high-pressure environments. We’re proud to have them as part of our legacy!
New System Update
We’re almost fully transitioned to our new system! About 90% of our students have already moved over, but we still have 15 to 20 people left to update their information. Keep an eye on your inbox for login information. We'll also be following up with everyone who still needs to be added.
Stay Connected
Make sure to follow us on social media and check your email for updates on renovation progress, upcoming events, and more. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram (@graciebradenton) to stay in the loop and see the latest updates.
We’re thrilled about what’s ahead for Gracie Bradenton and can’t wait to share it all with you. Thank you for being part of our family and helping us make 2024 such a fantastic year. Here’s to an even better 2025!
See you on the mats!
