BE AWARE!!! Someone posted a review in google for this academy, and it read as follows: "How is possible the lack of discipline and to permit the bullying in the academy for little kids? How a professor response is that he can't do anything about bullying? What the owner of this academy let this to happen? I think that a review of the license to operate is due!!" To what the owner of the place, Mario Sperry, replied: "Thank you for your message. You should try another gym. Let us know, how it goes. Good luck!" My review/response to his sarcastic reply (and gave one star as it doesn't let you give a lower rating): Seriously!!?? is that your response to a review about a little kid being bullied on your watch!!??? go out there and let us know how it goes!!??? I believe that the core principles or pillars of martial arts are still discipline, respect, and patience, but evidently, not in your gym. My son took judo classes when he was little (I can give you the name of the place because it is still around--too bad is far from their house) and the most important things he was taught early on was, 1) follow the rules, 2) discipline, and 3) respect, that's why he enrolled his son in a martial arts school, to learn the technique but also to form him as a respectful adult. You might have a million medals and hold a 6th degree black belt, but you are clearly does not care about discipline and respect, or the safety of the children entrusted to you to teach and guide. What type of gym are you running, a daycare for little kids or a place where values and respect are also taught as part of the enrollment package? Such a disgrace to the sport and such a lack of respect to the community and parents! I definitely second the idea of a full review, by either the MMA, USJJF, USJJO, IBJJF, and any other regulator out there! read more

Have you not moved off of your couch for years and are completely out of shape? Are you an elite athlete needing a new challenge? Are you looking to learn how to defend yourself? Are you just new to Miami and looking to meet friends? Have you listened to Joe Rogan and now want to see what Jiu Jitsu is all about? If you answered yes to any of the questions above then you need to stop by the family atmosphere, Mario Sperry's gym for a free class. I started watching a lot of YouTube and heard Joe Rogan swear by Jiu Jitsu. It made me curious so I looked for a gym close to me. Mario Sperry Martial Arts was only one mile from me so I sent them an e-mail and they responded right back to me. I warned them that I was older, out of shape, and non-athletic, but they told me to come on in and check out a free class. As I walked up to the studio a man walking a few steps ahead stopped and introduced himself (the Mario Sperry culture). We went in and he told me all about the studio and why he loves it. The famous Mario Sperry was teaching a class, but when he saw me he came over and introduced himself. This gym is for everyone. Men, women, little kids, and retired adults all can be found here. The instructors are fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese so there is never a problem communicating no matter where you're from. There is a huge range of experience. There are black belts that have been practicing 30+ years and almost everyday there are new people, so when you come in you probably won't be alone. On the first day you'll walk in and everyone will start talking to you, and then a professor will help you get some gear to try out the class. You'll be partnered up with a more experienced belt who will guide you through your first class. Everyone has had their first day of Jiu Jitsu so it's expected that you will be tired and you are encouraged to go at your own pace. You'll have the rest of your life to improve. A general class lasts an hour, but you're so busy that it feels like ten minutes. There is free parking and clean bathrooms and showers in case you have somewhere to go right after class. There is a wide range of Jiu Jitsu classes throughout the week, at different times of the day to accommodate multiple schedules. On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday there is also an MMA kickboxing class taught by Javier and Thiago . It's intense and you will sleep like a baby after you work out with them. You always learn something new from them and they quickly help you develop muscle memory. On Saturday there is a mobility class where the professor teaches you to move and push your body in ways that it's not trained to do. Then after there is an open mat session where you can work on moves, roll (practicing Jiu Jitsu live) or just talk with each other. Come in and learn from these knowledgeable professors in a safe and friendly environment. You'll be in better shape, will have unlimited challenges, and will be able to network with people from all different backgrounds. read more

Been going here for 2 months and want to say Mario and all the instructors are very nice, professional and most importantly extremely knowledgeable. They all take the time to make sure you are learning and make you feel welcome when you come to class. read more

If you are serious about jiu-jitsu this is the place to go, every time I go to Miami need to have a training there. Ze Mario and Pedro deliver the real jiu-jitsu experience, serious business. read more

Nice group of guys. Pedro and Mario were extremely hospitable. The facilities were top notch and very clean. Thanks for everything. -George from Chicago read more

These guys are tough! Mario actually teaches at this gym which is awesome to learn from the most talented in the world.

Everything about this place is amazing. I wanted to try Ju-Jitsu for a while and a coworker suggested visiting Mario Sperry's Gym. Mario is a legend and there's simply no question about his credentials. You can just take a look at YouTube to see what he's accomplished. I am middle-aged and was quite overweight so I was very hesitant. In any case, I signed up through the web site and met Mario and Pedro the first night. They are so accommodating and supportive, it's hard to do it justice in a description. The environment is not just friendly, it's like family. Mario sees everything that's going on but has a very subtle manner to him and he constantly makes sure that you're learning, that you feel good, that you're safe and that you have a good experience. On top of that though, there are the technical aspects. He is so meticulous and pays attention to every detail of execution which is something you'll quickly learn to appreciate. People frequently refer to him as the "GOAT (greatest of all time)" or a "Technical Wizard" b/c his technique is so refined, you'll quickly see how this manifests itself if you spend any time there. It's not just hype, there are people from all over the world that come here to train under Mario, you can't get through 5 minutes of practice without learning and seeing why small differences in technique make a world of difference. Every self-defense class has people emphasizing technique, but it's often just hot air. Mario will make sure you see how and why the technique matters and the costs of getting it wrong. After just starting, we had a competition this weekend. All of our fighters walked away victorious and several had flawless victories throughout. This didn't surprise me one bit, in fact I expected it b/c Mario and his school are excellence in action. read more

I've trained all over the world, and even if I'm not a master, I can spot a good professor from a hack. Mario is a legend and a master BJJ professor. Any coach can teach you a cool move, but a true professor can show you little things that make your game instantly better, which is what Mario was able to do for me when I dropped in on an open mat back in February. Whenever I get back to Miami I'll definitely be on these mats, not just because of Mario, but everyone rolling there. Truly did not meet one bad person there, a lot of high level BJJ players, but just a lot of good vibes and friendly people. I usually can't roll for 2 hours, but just hanging out gave me the energy to do so. Love the gym, best of luck to the crew! read more

I was lucky enough to be in downtown Miami and have some time to train at this excellent gym. I've been training in BJJ for MMA for over 8 years and have train in many gyms. Coach Sperry is an awesome instructor. He has cultivated an enthusiastic culture of hard work, fun and discipline that makes this gym both a pleasure to train at, and a place where you will learn Jiu jitsu that is practical, effective and self defense-relevant, whether as a child or an experienced adult. And to boot it's in an incrediblly convenient location for anyone in Miami or South Beach. read more

Mario Sperry Jiu Jitsu - Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Near Me - Miami, Florida

Welcoming group of people. Mr Mario Sperry was there when I showed up my first time for an open mat session. He personally introduced himself. Facility is fairly larger. The locker rooms are exceptional and appear clean. read more