We teach Gracie Jiu Jitsu and we are the only Gracie Certified Training Center through the Gracie Academy in west central Florida. Gracie Jiu Jitsu was originally designed to enable an average person to use leverage, position, and strategy as a practical means of self defense. We use the Gracie teaching method which emphasizes safety while steadily developing student ability. Gracie Martial Arts Tampa (GMAT) is a family focused school with a positive and encouraging atmosphere. Our goals are to empower students and improve their bodies and minds. Why a Certified Training Center (CTC) ? The worldwide demand for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu instruction continues to grow at an incredible rate - without regulation. As a result, many jiu jitsu practitioners with widely varying skill levels have opened schools to capitalize on this demand. At best, these self proclaimed instructors are competent sport jiu jitsu practitioners. At worst they are marginally skilled, lacking a depth of knowledge, and are simply poor instructors. To counter this disturbing trend the Gracie Academy has launched the Certified Training Centers, such as GMAT, aimed at perpetuating the techniques and principles of Gracie Jiu Jitsu in their purest form as a method of self defense.
