Question 1

What is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?

Accepted Answer

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a grappling martial art that uses leverage, timing and technique instead of size and strength. Students practice positions, escapes and control with a partner, learning through instruction, drilling and supervised practice.

Question 2

Do I need any experience to start?

Accepted Answer

No. Most of our students walk in with zero martial arts background. Beginners are guided step by step, paired with experienced training partners and introduced to live training gradually.

Question 3

Do I need to be in shape before my first class?

Accepted Answer

No. You get in shape by training, not before training. Instructors adjust the intensity for each student, so you work at your own pace.

Question 4

Am I too old to start Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or Muay Thai?

Accepted Answer

Our adult Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai classes are open to students 14 and up, at every level. Intensity is scaled to the student, and live training is introduced gradually.

Question 5

What happens in a first class?

Accepted Answer

Adult classes follow a clear structure: warm-up and movement, the technique of the day broken down in detail, and positional drilling. New students are introduced to live training gradually. Kids classes are adapted to each age group.

Question 6

What should I wear and bring to my first class?

Accepted Answer

Comfortable athletic clothes without zippers.

Question 7

What age can kids start Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?

Accepted Answer

Kids can start at age 3. Our programs are Mini Champions (ages 3–5), Little Champions (ages 6–8) and Junior Champions (ages 9–13). From 14, students join the adult classes.

Question 8

Is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu safe for kids?

Accepted Answer

Like any physical activity, martial arts carry some risk, and we take safety seriously. Classes are led and supervised by our coaches, technique is age-appropriate with clear safety rules, and coaches pair partners with size and experience in mind. Younger children start by learning how to fall and roll safely.

Question 9

Can Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu help kids deal with bullying?

Accepted Answer

It can help build the skills and confidence to respond. Anti-bullying is trained as a full skill set: speaking up, creating distance and staying calm first, and only as a last resort, controlling a situation without hurting anyone.

Question 10

What will my child gain besides self-defense?

Accepted Answer

Classes are designed to develop coordination, focus, confidence and respect. Rituals like bowing, lining up and waiting your turn build discipline that carries over to school and home.

Question 11

Does my child have to compete?

Accepted Answer

No. Competition is optional. Junior Champions has a competition team for athletes who want to test themselves.

Question 12

Can parents and children train at the same academy?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many of our families train together, parents and children alike. Ask us about family enrollment when you visit.

Question 13

What programs do you offer?

Accepted Answer

Adult Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Gi and No-Gi) and Muay Thai for students 14 and up, and kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in three age groups: Mini Champions (3–5), Little Champions (6–8) and Junior Champions (9–13). Private instruction is also available.

Question 14

What is the difference between Gi and No-Gi?

Accepted Answer

Gi classes are trained in the traditional uniform, which allows grips on the jacket and pants. No-Gi classes are trained without the jacket. Both teach the same core principles; see the schedule for which classes are which.

Question 15

What is the uniform policy for enrolled students?

Accepted Answer

Trial classes: comfortable athletic clothes without zippers. Enrolled students: Gi classes require a white gi and the academy rashguard; No-Gi classes require the academy rashguard and official academy shorts. Exceptions to the standard uniform may apply at Open Mat.

Question 16

Is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu good for self-defense?

Accepted Answer

It teaches pressure-tested escapes, positioning and control for standing and ground situations, practiced with a resisting partner under supervision rather than choreography.

Question 17

Should I choose Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or Muay Thai?

Accepted Answer

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu focuses on grappling, positions and ground control. Muay Thai is stand-up striking with punches, kicks, knees, elbows and the clinch. Many adults train both; your free trial is a good way to decide.

Question 18

When are classes?

Accepted Answer

Classes run Monday through Saturday. See the full, up-to-date timetable on our schedule page.

Question 19

How often should I train?

Accepted Answer

Two to three classes per week is a good target for steady progress. Our instructors can help you build a schedule that fits your life.

Question 20

Do you offer private classes?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Private instruction is available for individuals, couples and small groups, from beginners who want a head start to competitors refining their game.

Question 21

Do you have classes for women?

Accepted Answer

Women train in all of our regular adult classes and are a strong part of our community. Women's self-defense focused private and small group sessions can be arranged on request.

Question 22

Who teaches the classes?

Accepted Answer

Head coach Henrique Gama Filho, a 5th Degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt under Master Francisco “Toco” Albuquerque, oversees every program. Coach and manager Maxwell Campbell, a brown belt competitor, also teaches.

Question 23

What is the Gama Filho family's history in martial arts?

Accepted Answer

Henrique is the son of Pedro Gama Filho, a black belt in Judo, Jiu-Jitsu and Karate and one of the pioneers of Brazilian martial arts. Henrique founded Gama Filho Martial Arts in Miami in 2019 to continue that legacy.

Question 24

What is the atmosphere like?

Accepted Answer

Family-oriented and welcoming. Students train hard and pursue excellence in a culture built on respect, where training partners look after each other.

Question 25

Is the first class really free?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Your first class is a free trial with no obligation, so you can experience the academy, the coaches and the community.

Question 26

How do I book my free trial?

Accepted Answer

Fill out the booking form on our site or call (786) 878-7782. The form sends a request, and our team contacts you to confirm the program, date and time before you visit.

Question 27

How do memberships work?

Accepted Answer

Memberships are monthly and give you access to the classes included in your program. We walk you through the options in person after your trial so you can choose what matches your goals and schedule.

Question 28

Where are you located?

Accepted Answer

Our academy is at 2750 Coral Way, Suite 204, Miami, FL 33145. It is currently our only operating location.

Question 29

Which neighborhoods do your students come from?

Accepted Answer

Students train with us from Coral Gables, Coral Way, Coconut Grove, Brickell, Little Havana, Shenandoah, Silver Bluff, The Roads, Pinecrest, Palmetto Bay and across Miami.

Question 30

Do you have a location in Pinecrest or Palmetto Bay?

Accepted Answer

Not yet. A new Pinecrest/Palmetto Bay academy is coming soon. Until it opens, all classes are at our Coral Way academy.

Everything you need
before your first class

Getting started

For parents: kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Programs and classes

Coaches and academy

Free trial, membership and location

Everything you need before your first class