I've known Phil Cardella for a decade now. I first knew him as a competitor and a fighter. From 2008 - 2011, I trained alongside him at the academy he built in Austin, TX - a great environment that housed over 100 of some of the best Jiu-Jitsu practitioners in the country. Phil was instrumental in helping me train for the 2009 Pan-Ams and was an invaluable resource as I worked towards that competition. Without him, I can honestly say that I would not have achieved my goal and won the gold medal. My success is a testament to the commitment and investment Phil made in me as a friend and as a training partner. I've seen Phil teach hundreds of classes to adults and children. I've seen him teach everything from military combatives to women's self-defense. He is an INCREDIBLE instructor. There is no other way to state it. Phil built an amazing academy in Austin and is now in Florida. St. Augustine, FL has gained an incredible asset - you would be remiss in not taking advantage. read more

Phil Cardella's classes are custom tailored to each individual in the class. This means that students can come into any scheduled class and fit right in whether they are a novice, or an expereinced competitior. The instructor explains techniques in such detail he even includes variations of what someone could do in competiton, self-defense, or in a professional MMA fight. Phil takes the time to spar with every student in class and will talk to them afterwards about their strengths and weaknesses. He is very controlled, and will adjust his level of difficulty according to the students experience level. The youth Jiu-Jitsu class is really successful. The kids are excited when they come to class and they look up to Phil as their role model. He really get's the shy ones out of their shells, and demands respect and concentration in every class. I highly recommend this facility to everyone in the entire family. read more

Phil Cardella is one of the most committed martial artists I know. He continues to train and teach with the same passion that he started with - maybe even more. Phil is one of the very few Instructors that I bring to my Academy other than Relson Gracie, because he has so much to offer both in his insight to Relson's teachings and well as his own refinements to the system, which I have seen Relson adopt. I have been involved with Gracie Jiu-Jitsu since 1994 and Phil teaches me a ton every time we get together. My students have never been let down by one of his visits. If you want real deal, no nonsense Gracie Jiu-Jitsu instruction, then you need to get to Phil Cardella's Academy and check it out. You will not be disappointed. read more

Phil Cardella teaches the most effective system of self-defense on the planet, Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is designed for effective street self-defense that will work in any situation, be it out in the streets, training on the mats, or locked in the cage. Phil Cardella has been my instructor for over 3 years now and I owe all my victories to his ability to instruct his students on the battle hardened techniques that the Gracie Family has developed over the decades. If you want to notice tangible growth in self-confidence while you learn effective techniques to handle any situation that life throws at you, then you need to train with Phil Cardella at Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy in St. Augustine, FL. read more

Phil Cardella is an excellent articulate teacher, and the student body is a great group of people. You can feel the positive vibes as soon as you walk through the front door. You will be stoked whether you are looking for self defense, competitive practice, or amazing exercise and stress relief. We truly have something special here in Saint Augustine with this new Relson academy. Check it out! read more

Phil Cardella is a very good instructor I've been friends and trained with him for years. He will take the time to work with each and every student individually to insure that they all get the most they can out of every lesson. If you are ever in the area and interested in training jui jitsu i would highly reccommend stopping in...you will not be disappointed! read more

The head instructor, Phil Cardella, is an amazing teacher. He is very technical and still has the ability to explain things in a very simple and effective manner. I recommend visiting this academy if you have the opportunity. You will not be disappointed. read more

Amazing people, super welcoming and knowledgeable! I don't need to look any farther. You don't find good quality JiuJitsu just anywhere. This place is a keeper. These guys are the real deal! Super amazing setup too. I felt comfortable and respected. read more

Best top notch training. I dont think people realize how fortunate it is to have a top notch guy like phil teaching. He is extremely dedicated to his students. He stays even when class is over and doesnt leave the mats until every student has had enough! read more

Phil Cardella is an an excellent teacher and runs a good academy. This will be a great place to train in St. Augustine. The facility looks good, nice mats, bags to hit, ropes for climbing, shower if you need it. Great place to train! read more