I am 36 years old and use to be really active in sports when I was younger in high school and in my 20's. But then - as I became an adult and slowly weighted down from work/career I found myself feeling as if I was withering away due to my lack of physical activity. And knew, I know, I needed to make a change and get active again. In deciding what I wanted to do about it - I thought about martial arts. Something I have ZERO experience with. I knew I was interested in Jiu Jitsu as a UFC fan, particularly the Gracie family brand, and have always been amazed by all the incredible things that expert Jiu Jitsu practitioners are able to do in a match like Charles Oliviera and many others. I did my research online and found Gracie Jiu Jitsu in Largo and after searching thru several martial arts places and reading reviews to decide where to go - this is where I landed. And I am truly grateful it is. My nerves headed to my very first class dissipated almost immediately once class started. I felt GREAT. I felt excited and enthused! I felt drawn to Professor Ben and Coach Jen and their teaching. It's perfect. It's exciting, I have found myself wanting more and more! I cannot wait to continue this journey with them as my teachers. I am truly grateful to have found this gym, this group, these people. My peers are awesome, everyone is incredibly helpful! If you are looking for a martial art to start, or a Jiu Jitsu gym to join - I wholeheartedly suggest you look no further, you've landed in the right place! read more

After being on Team Zapata for a year and a half I can not understate how glad I am I ended up at this training location. I spent a little over a year in the comparatives program and at times it felt repetitive and laborious but I feel like it was worth the effort. After starting the master cycle classes I was pleased by the level of comradery, patience, and willingness to be mentored by the higher belts. Every time I felt like I knew everything there was always deeper details. If you feel bored get a private or take some time off so you can come back with some fresh eyes. There are some adjustments that need to be made when going from self defense to a sport jiu jitsu setting but felt like I was prepared for the pressure, intensity, and always had something to work and focus on from the combatives program depending on the situations that occurred during live rolling. I have worked for many tech companies that go on and on about how "great their culture is" I would say that Team Zapata culture beats almost every tech company I have worked at. The mats get cleaned between every class by volunteering students. If that doesn't say it all I don't know what does. read more

Gracie Jiu Jitsu Largo has been incredibly welcoming and supportive of my exploration into women's self defense. I immediately could tell their very first mission is to help each person, regardless of age or skill level, be and feel safe inside AND outside of the gym. Truly a wonderful place to be. I couldn't recommend the Women's & Girls Only Jiu-Jitsu and Self Defense classes enough. Gracie J.J. Largo is a trauma informed safe space. I'm really looking forward to growing my skills with coach Jen and professor Ben. Come to one of the women's self defense seminars and experience the culture for yourself, over 100 women showed up for the free seminar I attended, it's a very powerful experience. read more

This was my first experience choosing a martial arts gym. I was looking for a place that would offer my young children and I a welcoming atmosphere, solid fundamentals in a martial art and well trained professionals to help us learn and grow new skills. Gracie Jiu Jitsu Largo has exceeded my expectations!!! I look forward to learning something new each class and reinforcing what I've learned along the way. The staff and all of the coaches are phenomenal with all of the adult students and kiddos alike. I couldn't ask for more from a Jiu Jitsu establishment. If you're serious about getting in to Jiu Jitsu or looking for a new place to sharpen your skills, this is the place! read more

Darren "muddy" Waters here, I am retired and everyone has been very friendly at Gracie BJJ Largo, what is tremendous is that all the students help each other out and are all so patient and kind, seemed like a big family from first day, the owners are very attentive and professional and there is a team spirit and cooperative attitude of everybody here! They have a very professional and well thought out teaching system that isolates the most important techniques and systematically teaches them at your own pace and they work directly with you to teach you! I know a little about teaching and Professor Ben and Coach Jen are masterful teachers!!!! read more

I've been training at Gracie Largo Jiu Jitsu for about a month now, and I couldn't be happier with my experience! Coach Ben is incredibly knowledgeable, down-to-earth, and makes everyone feel welcomed and confident--whether you're a total beginner or have some experience. The gym is always super clean, and the atmosphere is so positive. All the students are friendly, supportive, and always willing to help you learn and grow. I've already learned so much in such a short time, and I'm genuinely excited to keep progressing. Choosing Gracie Largo Jiu Jitsu was one of the best decisions I've made! read more

Stop thinking about it and just go! I wanted to try jiu jitsu but was a little intimidated at the thought of rolling around with a bunch of guys. Women's Empowered is that bridge, building skills and confidence. Now I am looking forward to earning my pink belt and taking mixed classes. Ben and Jen and the rest of the staff are incredibly welcoming and supportive. Classes are fun and broken down into easy blocks of instruction with opportunity to practice after each block. Each block builds on the next and before you know it, you have learned a whole sequence. read more

This is the best decision I have made for myself and my son. This is a true family and Professor Ben and Coach Jen make you feel welcome before you even set foot in the door. My son and I have built confidence, made friends and had fun! He loves the BullyProof kids classes and I am feeling empowered with the Women's Empowered classes. If you are thinking about trying it-do it! It will be the best decision you make. read more

Just wanted to drop a note to say thanks and let you know what a great experience I am having at Gracie Largo Jiu Jitsu. The atmosphere and vibe are great, friendly and patient instructors offering a safe environment, and willingness to teach, couldn't be better! Plan on bringing a few of my daughters in the upcoming weeks. Would recommend to anyone to give it a try regardless of age or physical condition! read more

Clean, friendly, detailed, and all around an amazing time!! Always a safe and welcoming feeling whenever you walk into the door. Treated as an individual, not a number. Clear instructions with every process- Trial, membership & classes! Classes for kids, women, and adults- One of the best decisions you can make for yourself & your family. read more

I have to admit I was nervous about starting jui jitsu but it was something that I wanted to do for awhile. I don't regret walking thru the door of Gracie Largo they are nice and welcoming . All the couches are very knowledgeable and the higher rank students are super helpful and patient I really look fwd to the next class every week . read more

The combatives program at Gracie Jiu Jitsu is a great program and has helped me with my jiu jitsu. Coach Ben, Coach Jen and Coach Trenton are awesome instructors and their explanation of the steps makes it easy to learn the moves. I highly recommend the combatives program. The program has helped me in my jiu jitsu journey. read more

These guys are awesome. I am totally new to jiu jitsu and I didn't know what to expect. Ben and Jen made it really easy to get started. Ben is a great instructor. He has a real knack for communicating and zeroing in on exactly what the student needs in order to learn the technique. read more

I went to a self defense seminar last summer, and once I saw how extremely vital the training is, something that every woman man and child should learn. No prior experience required. I Highly recommend!! The whole family is taking classes now. We love it! read more

Such a passionate and welcoming staff. Their program is very structured, and they will follow up with you as an individual to help you stay on track. And also, the facility is extremely clean and organized which is always important! read more

The best GJJ school that I have ever tried! Professor Ben and coach Jen are unbelievable! Also, Amazing learning system and super clean environment! Really hard to find place like that where everything is just PERFECT! read more

This place is awesome. I drive 45 minutes with my sons twice a week for class. No other place I would want to train. I have done BJJ before for 3 years and Gracie Largo is on point. read more

We love it here! Two of our kids go here and probably will bring our third when she's big enough. Our kids love it and coach Ben and coach Jen are just great with the kids. read more

Ben and Jen have been incredibly helpful and welcoming. They've cultivated a fun environment and are passionate about helping their students grow their skills. read more