Carlson Gracie Central Florida
About
Carlson Gracie Central Florida offers mixed martial arts and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training for all ages and ability levels. The gym is led by Professor Rinaldo Santos, a world class BJJ practitioner and referee with over 30 years of experience in the sport. His coaching style combines technical expertise with contagious enthusiasm, whether working with elementary school children, competitors preparing for tournaments, or adults seeking fitness and self defense skills. The instruction is consistently described as top tier, with black and brown belts who are attentive to teaching and training details.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Members consistently praise Professor Rinaldo Santos as a world class BJJ practitioner and exceptional human being who genuinely cares about his students' development. They describe the gym as having a family like atmosphere where everyone from white to black belts supports one another, creating a tight knit community that feels welcoming immediately. Reviewers highlight top tier instruction that significantly improves their Jiu Jitsu skills while maintaining direct ties to the sport's roots. Many specifically mention how the gym helps children develop confidence and inner strength, and visitors appreciate being able to drop in for quality training when in town.
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (5)
Brandon Acosta
a year ago
Top tier Jiu Jitsu acumen, amazing brother/sisterhood environment, and competition ready team! The black and brown belts are aware and attentive to teaching and training.
David Rios
a year ago
Solid BJJ Gym! Amazing group of individuals who truly are a Family. Aside from Professor Rinaldo Santos being a world class BJJ Practicioner/Ref and Legend in the sport, he is a world class human who cares deeply about his students. This is reflected in his students from White all the way to Black. This is less of a BJJ Gym and more of a family if you stick around. I defiantly leveled up my Jiu Jitsu and felt at home while I trained here. If you are looking for a Jiu Jitus gym that is tied directly to the roots of the sport, Trains hard, and will take your game to the next level, this is it. I miss rolling with this team every day.
Cheryl King
a year ago
If you want a community for your child, where they are supported to learn who they are you have found the place! This community will show them the true strength inside. This gym has helped mold my child into a strong self assured young man. Professor has a genuine love of the sport and of humans that no of amount of money can buy. My son is a better human because of the skills he gained at Carlson Gracie Central Florida.
Andrew Martin
3 years ago
A hidden gem. Excellent BJJ school for all ages and ability levels—great instruction, family-friendly, and tight knit community. Professor Rinaldo is a 30+ year veteran of the sport and brings a contagious enthusiasm to every training session, whether it’s elementary school kids, 20 year olds preparing for competition or out of shape suburban dads. Highly recommend.
Shaun Haines
3 years ago
I have stopped in to train here several times when I have been in town, and I love it. Professor Rinaldo is the real deal and fun to learn from, and the class atmosphere is great. I was made to feel welcome immediately, and the training and rolling is always fantastic. If I lived in this area I would definitely want to train full time at Carlson Gracie Central Florida, but for now I'll just be dropping in for some great training with good people when I am in the area. Can't recommend any higher!
Contact
855 E Plant St #700, Winter Garden, FL 34787, USA
scheduleHours
Monday: 7:00 – 8:30 PM
Tuesday: 6:00 – 7:00 AM, 5:00 – 8:30 PM
Wednesday: 6:00 – 7:00 AM, 7:00 – 8:30 PM
Thursday: 6:00 – 7:00 AM, 5:00 – 8:30 PM
Friday: Closed
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Sunday: Closed