Gi and no-gi jiu-jitsu taught by a black belt with Gracie Barra lineage. Fundamentals classes for new students, live rolling for everyone else. Positions first, submissions second, ego last.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is grappling: taking an opponent down, controlling position, and finishing with joint locks and chokes. You'll learn the core positions — guard, mount, side control, back control — and how to advance through them or escape them. We train both in the gi (the traditional uniform) and no-gi.
BJJ works because it doesn't depend on being bigger or stronger. Position and leverage beat raw strength, which is why smaller students routinely tap larger training partners. It's also the ground game every MMA fighter needs, and the live rolling means you test what you learn every class.
Come try BJJ if you want a martial art you can train hard without getting punched in the head, if you want real self-defense skill, or if your MMA ground game needs work. Day one is drilling and positional basics, not getting smashed.
“One of South Tampa's gems. Full of wonderful equipment. Not crowded. The trainers are so knowledgeable.”
“An excellent training facility where you will learn the science of close quarter combat, striking, submission, take down and ground joint lock maneuvers.”
“Very knowledgeable instructors at Empire. I recommend this gym to everyone of all ages.”
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