Learn from a 8th Degree Red / White Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Learn from a 8th Degree Red / White Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.



Welcome to Jacksonville Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, where authentic Gracie Jiu-Jitsu tradition meets world-class instruction in a welcoming, family-friendly environment. Whether you're stepping onto the mats for the first time or looking to elevate your existing skills, our experienced instructors are committed to helping you achieve your personal goals.
Our curriculum is built on proven Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu techniques that have been refined through decades of training, competition, and real-world application. Every class emphasizes proper technique, discipline, confidence, and continuous improvement in a safe and supportive atmosphere.
At Jacksonville Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, we believe Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is more than a martial art—it's a lifelong journey that develops physical fitness, mental resilience, and character. Join us and experience authentic Gracie Jiu-Jitsu training designed to help you become stronger, more confident, and better prepared both on and off the mats.
Train with purpose. Train with tradition. Train at Jacksonville Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.
Throughout his distinguished career, Master Luiz Palhares has been instrumental in integrating Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu into military and law enforcement combatives programs in both the United States and Europe.
As a Certified U.S. Army Combatives Instructor, Master Palhares helped develop and implement an ongoing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu-based combatives training program at the U.S. Navy SEALs training facility in Dam Neck, Virginia Beach, Virginia.
In 2010, the 3rd Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne) invited Master Palhares to conduct a five-month Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu combatives program at Camp Blanding in preparation for their deployment to Afghanistan. His instruction focused on practical grappling, control, and self-defense techniques designed for real-world operational environments.
In addition to his military work, Master Palhares has provided Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instruction to members of the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office (JSO), helping law enforcement officers enhance their defensive tactics, control techniques, and officer safety.
With decades of experience as an instructor, competitor, and mentor, Master Luiz Palhares continues to share the principles and effectiveness of authentic Gracie Jiu-Jitsu with military personnel, law enforcement professionals, and martial artists around the world.
Jacksonville Gracie Jiu-Jitsu standard for BJJ & Self Defense since 2008
Call us to schedule your 1st of two free introductory classes
(615) 243-6233 / (904)487-9299
🔥 Train Like a Fighter – Join Today! 🔥
Looking for real results? We offer elite training in:
🥋 Jiu-Jitsu,🥋 Judo,🥊 Boxing, 🥊 Muay Thai
🤼 Wrestling
Whether you're a beginner or experienced athlete, our coaches will help you build strength, confidence, and real-world skills.
✔ Professional Coaches
Best Jiu Jitsu school I have ever been to. Great coaches and everyone there is nice and welcoming.
(Grant Pawelski) bjj gracie jiu jitsu
Proffesor Pedro Palhares has a gr8 kids program and competition team.. I highly recommend if your in the San jose area take advantage of their quality instructors...Osu!👊
Best school I have ever trained at in my Brazilian Jiu Jitsu journey. Luiz Palhares is a great teacher and true friend to all his students. I miss training here daily and can hardly wait for my next visit.
Great place to learn Jiu-Jitsu. Master Luiz is very knowledgeable and experienced as well as great to learn from. Professor Pedro is also highly knowledgeable. The entire team is very welcoming and great to train with. You can't beat this school.
(Kyle LaLaValley)
Checked out the No Gi class: loved it. Mr. Palhares's son is an excellent and knowledgeable instructor. Friendly and welcoming atmosphere for newbies as well as advanced practitioners. In my opinion, this is as good as it gets in north Florida when it comes to learning Gracie jiu-jitsu.
(Eric Gibson)
This is my bjj home. Love the instruction, as well as the instructors and team..We were instantly family and that is something you don't find very often..
(CJ)
TESTIMONIALS
Dear Master Luiz,
I wanted to personally wish you a happy birthday.
I also wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart for what you have done for my son Corbit.
The first few months of the shutdown were very unkind to Corbit. Not being able to be around his friends and other kids in general, lead him down a dark depressive road. He was miserable, and had terrible thoughts, (I found this out from what he told the doctors after his physical for middle school).
Immediately after that doctors visit, I called your school. I spoke to Pedro on the phone briefly and he told me that yes you guys were indeed open, and to bring Corbit in to check it out.
That was one of the best decisions I have ever made as a father. I noticed a change in Corbits demeanor after the first class. He stopped playing video games as much, and after a few more classes, he wanted to roll more and more with me at the house (I have mats and I also practice Bjj).
He started playing outside more, and his grades and general disposition had massively improved. Even my ex-wife, Corbits mom noticed, and agrees, and is on board.
I apologize for the long message but I really wanted you to know how positively you have impacted my son. You are doing amazing things for these kids and you can see it on their faces when they come out of class.
A million Thank yous Sir.
Also as soon as my current knee injury subsides you will be seeing me in attendance as well!
Happy Birthday!





We love our customers, so feel free to visit during normal business hours.
9759 San Jose Blvd,Suite # 3, Jacksonville, Florida 32257, United States
Open today | 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. |
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Welcome to Jacksonville Gracie Jiu-Jitsu
Call us to schedule your 1st of two free introductory classes