Marcio Cruz Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu New Tampa

Absolutely Outstanding Jiu Jitsu School! My son has been training here, and the experience has been fantastic from day one. The professors are highly skilled and genuinely care about each student's progress, confidence, and personal growth. I cannot recommend this place enough!

I've been training at Marcio Cruz BJJ for 9 years alongside my three daughters, and it's truly become a second home for our family. The coaches and professors are incredibly dedicated, knowledgeable, and always willing to teach—whether you're a beginner or advanced practitioner. Their passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and commitment to each student's growth is evident in every class. It's more than just a gym; it's a community that fosters discipline, respect, and personal development. Highly recommend to anyone looking to train in a positive and professional environment!

We have been part of this Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy since 2023, and it has been an amazing experience for our family. My kids and my husband train here, and we couldn’t be happier with the positive impact it has had on them. The professors are incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and truly dedicated to their students’ growth. Since joining Professor Marcio Cruz’s team, my kids have developed so much — not only in their skills on the mats, but also in confidence, discipline, and respect. We are so grateful to be part of Professor Cruz’s team and look forward to continuing this journey. With the guidance and support they receive here, we truly believe our kids will continue to grow and succeed. Highly recommend this academy to any family looking for a supportive and professional environment.

My son has been training at Marcio Cruz BJJ in the New Tampa location for about two and a half years, and we couldn’t be happier. The entire team of coaches and professors is amazing, but I want to give a special shout out to Professor Ariana. Her energy is incredible, and the kids feed off it every single class. She brings so much excitement and experience to the mat and sets clear expectations for respect, a positive attitude, and hard work. You can tell she truly cares about her students and helps them grow both on and off the mat.

I trained here for about a year and ultimately wouldn’t recommend it for adults in their 20s, especially for the price. The gym is clearly built for families and kids who already train there. If you live in the area and your kids attend, it may be a good fit. For competitive adults, there are better options for less money. Onboarding & Business Practices • I had a poor first impression. I was told to come in for a trial but wasn’t placed into class when I arrived. • Pricing was not disclosed over the phone and required an in-person visit. • My membership auto-renewed and I had to push back on charges. • I was pressured to keep paying when I had ringworm and couldn’t train. The gym feels very profit-focused. Training & Coaching • Beginner class instructor was fine but offered little individual feedback. • Advanced class is taught by the owner’s son, who mumbles and is hard to understand. • Despite the gym branding around Marcio Cruz, he taught very few classes while I was there. For the premium price, I expected far more hands-on instruction. Gym Culture • The gym skews older and family-oriented. • There are more ego rollers than expected. • As a larger, athletic guy, I had to constantly dial things back which slowed my progress. Final Thoughts This gym makes sense if you’re an older hobbyist or have kids training here. For serious adult training, I’d recommend looking elsewhere especially given the price. Better alternatives: • Gracie PAC South (Tampa) • 10th Planet St. Pete This is just my personal experience others may feel differently.