I'm a US Marine and completed the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program Green Belt Instructor course in the summer of 2002. Soon after the 3-week course I was deployed to Iraq from 2003-2004. Therefore, I never had the opportunity to really exploit what I learned as our priorities were directed at our mission. Therefore, I had a taste of the martial arts, but no long-term formal training, other than the 3 weeks of the course, just enough to know that I don't know much at all. I thought it was important to begin my review with my background so readers understand that I know enough to know what is legitimate, yet I do not at all have long term formalized training. I am a disabled combat veteran, I sustained severe airborne injuries which required surgery and other secondary injuries. These injuries I believed would prevent me from ever attempting to pursue training in the martial arts as I am in perpetual pain. Moreover, I simply felt inadequate and incapable of doing it. After the war, I also attained "invisible" injuries in the form of Post-Traumatic Stress from the experiences of war. All of these factors made me believe that the martial arts would be something I could never do until I met Professor Brian Ruscio. I did much research before reaching out to Grappling Mastery, and compared the lineage and training of Professor Ruscio with other schools. I found many schools, much closer to my home, but the Professor was by far the most experienced, not only in training but in actual competitions, as well as having an exemplary lineage. Moreover, I found his training to be extremely robust and beyond just Brazilian Jujitsu, as his training went far beyond by being inclusive of many forms of grappling. He is a NAGA Pan-American Championship in the Expert Light Heavyweight Division and created a Hybrid Grappling Style by combining the best moves from Greco-Roman, Freestyle Wrestling, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Judo, Sambo, and Catch-as-Catch-Can. All of this made it clear that he would be the school I would attend. I felt the 2 hour drive each day would be well worth it to learn from the best. As a Marine paratrooper, I would not be satisfied with anything less. Now all I had left to do was to experience first-hand how he would be as an instructor to a veteran with severe disabilities. Professor Ruscio's training and method of teaching is exemplary. Although I do not know much of the martial arts, I am an expert instructor in multiple disciplines, I was a Marine Corps Primary Marksmanship Instructor, Para-Marine Jumpmaster, Firepower Control Team Chief, Marine Air Ground Task Force Fire Support Coordinator, and more, and as a civilian, the Theater-Wide Training Director in Iraq for Biometrics, worked for the U.S. Army Intelligence Center's Training and Doctrine Command, worked for CENTCOM and SOCOM, hold a Master's degree, and am a current NRA Firearm's instructor, a former Florida "K" licensed firearms instructor, Director of Investigations (Florida licensed Private Investigator with C, G, A licenses) and more. I know a great instructor when I meet one. The professor is patient, empathetic to injuries, yet pushes you to your personal limitations. He maintains a calm demeanor, yet a genuine enthusiasm for your development. His training is personalized and not cookie cutter. When you think he is not watching, he will approach you and catch nuances you are executing incorrectly which you do not realize. Small adjustments enable immediate results when you have an instructor who cares about your improvement. I believe he purposely observes from an angle in which you do not see him, so you are not distracted or conscientious of his watchful eye. But make no mistake, his attention to detail will exploit your weaknesses, for on the spot correction, and immediate improvement. His instruction is exceptional. With all things, you must put in the work. Do not rely on attending a few hours a week and expecting magical improvement. You should be going over what you learned either by executing the movements at home, watching his free videos on YouTube, and attending weekly "roll & review " Lastly, I want to address the culture created by the professor. As a veteran, we crave challenge, camaraderie, and purpose. And sometimes feel we have lost that when we transition to civilian. At Grappling Mastery I have found that culture again. Everyone I have met has been sincerely encouraging, supportive, and have gone out of their way to help me improve. The only competition I feel is against myself. To be a better version of myself the next training day. There is no pressure or fear of failure. Everyone has a genuine empathy with each other, a genuine camaraderie. I cannot begin to express how significant his training has been to help with my Post Traumatic Stress. I feel privileged and blessed to have found Professor Ruscio who has in a short time had a huge positive impact on my life. read more

Great place. They work really well with my kids. The youngest being six. Staff is amazing. Don't miss out training here.

Awesome place to train if you are in the area I can't praise it enough. The instructors are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate, making each session engaging and effective. The facility itself is well-equipped and maintained, creating a comfortable environment to train in. Whether you're a beginner or looking to improve your skills, this program offers a great balance of technique, fitness, and camaraderie. I've seen remarkable progress in my skills and fitness level since joining. Highly recommended! read more

I was wanting to get my 5 year old involved in a year round sport and came across Grappling Mastery. I really wasn't sure if it would work out considering he was one of the younger students, but Brian and Rita are so great with the kids. They are incredibly patient and helpful, and they've worked with my rambunctious son to help him learn to focus and work on his training. We used to go two afternoons a week, but my son loves it and begs to go every time his class is offered. I like that he is getting exercise while having fun, but he's also building a foundation of knowledge and skills for self defense. It's the perfect sport for an energetic kid. I can't say enough about coaches Brian and Rita. We highly recommend this gym for kids or adults. read more

Grappling Mastery: BJJ & Muay Thai - Getting his first stripe. - Boxing Near Me - Eustis, Florida

GREAT PLACE to train & learn! Moved to the area for 4 months & was looking for a gym that fits what I was looking for which was lots of class options, morning & evenings with open mats (Gi & No Gi), an ability to develop & learn new skills, and competitive but safe where everyone rolls to each others level or intensity (Personally a hobbyist with 1 year training experience). Brian has created a quality environment for all levels! I would recommend this gym to anyone in the area or stopping by when in town! read more

Every day I train at Grappling Mastery is an honor and a pleasure. It is a rare thing indeed to find a coach as knowledgeable and technically proficient as Brian Ruscio; what's even more impressive is his obvious passion for the sport and the personal investment he makes in his students. If you want to be a more complete fighter, or even just a talented hobbyist, Grappling Mastery is the place to be. For those of you in the first responder community, a discount is available, and *everyone* can try the first 30 days free. If this seems like a shameless plug, well that's because it is. I was welcomed with open arms as a new student, and my game has grown leaps and bounds. I couldn't imagine training anywhere else. Come check it out! read more

Grappling Mastery: BJJ & Muay Thai - Boxing Near Me - Eustis, Florida

Stopped in for Muay Thai and Grappling classes. Very welcoming with challenging classes. I got my butt kicked and it was great!

I've trained at various schools. This one is solid. Brian knows stuff. He is also patient. Good people

The culture, training, and community at Grappling Mastery are excellent. Brian Ruscio is an experienced fighter and teacher. He's created a team atmosphere where everyone supports each other's advancement in skill and mindset. Whether you want to compete at a high level, get fit, or just feel more confident on the street, this is the place to go. I visit the area from time to time, and will keep coming back to train here. read more

Searching for a sport to introduce my 5 year old into, my husband and I found Jiu jitsu. We started by joining a gym in the Eustis area. After spending tons of money and and time at this gym...we were forced to leave for moral and ethical issues concerning the owners of the gym. We found Grappling Mastery. We were offered a 30 day trial. YES 30 DAYS! This told me Brian Ruscio really believed in his product. Long story short...after just a few months of participating in Grappling Mastery Classes I became aware that we had been taught a lot of fancy moves on the previous school, but we had not been taught proper technique...and if you know jiu jitsu...without proper tecnique, you are setting yourself up for failure every time. Brian Ruscio and Rita really take their time to teach at all levels. They are really humble and you can see and feel the love and passion they share for the sport. On a personal level, I have learned so much in such a short time...every day I gain more and more...I am really impressed and happy here. Their patience for children is amazing. Little ones are allowed to be little and enjoy their class. My 5 year old looks forward to comming to Grappling. He has a lot of fun and the kids class in amazingly big! He did not look forward to going to the other school at all. I cannot wait to see him compete some day! I wish I would have invested in this school first! read more

I would like to share my experience. I joined October 2015 and wanted to be sure to give a review based on many months after I joined. I am new to BJJ, started 6 months prior to joining here. I am very happy I made the switch. If you are looking to train somewhere that you are being taught proper techniques, keeping up with IBJJF rules, explaining the points and answer any questions you have, this is the place. Professor Brian Ruscio clearly is someone that will help you achieve what you are looking to learn or accomplish. Whether it be self defense, street fight or competition. He is always willing to demonstrate, give alternatives and is very professional. I hope this may help anyone that is looking for a school in Lake County area. Glad I walked in those doors and took advantage of the free 30 day trail. Great place and atmosphere to train! read more

If you're looking for a great place to train than look no further! I live and train in NC and was back in town visiting my Mom and was looking for a place to train. I followed the positive reviews and picked this place and I'm glad I did. Brian (owner/instructor) was super friendly and stopped what he was doing to greet me. I was there for an 11:00 class during spring break and there were only 2 other students there since most of his other students were gone for the break. Since I'm just a white belt and so we're the other students he geared the lesson plan for our skill level and even asked if I was having specific problems. He showed me specific moves to help me work through my problems! How awesome is that, that a traveling student gets such great attention from the black belt instructor! I liked it so much that I returned for the 6:00 class. There was a new group of students, most were blue belts and one white belt. Everybody was super friendly and even went out of their way to give me defensive/offensive advice in between rolls. If you're traveling through or looking for a place to train BJJ then check this place out. I'll definitely be back and would definitely train here if I still lived in Lake County. read more

On vacation for the week and was looking for a good place to drop in for a class while I'm in Florida and I went to the right place! The hospitality was amazing and Brian is a great coach! Got some good rolls in as well! I highly recommend checking this gym out if you're in the area! read more

I was in the area visiting, and contacted Brian. He was responsive, and welcomed me to join them at their open mat. Good group of guys and girls there, positive environment, good instruction--I'll be back. read more