Gustavo Machado Norfolk
About
Gustavo Machado Norfolk offers comprehensive training in MMA, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and kickboxing, catering to practitioners of all levels from beginners to advanced competitors. The gym is led by a family of experienced instructors including Taylor, Samson, and their father Mark, who bring decades of collective knowledge and a welcoming approach to coaching. Members appreciate the family-like culture that remains hospitable to guests, creating an environment where both locals and visitors feel immediately comfortable and supported in their training journey.
Reviews consistently highlight the exceptional quality of instruction, with members noting that coaches Taylor and Samson are highly knowledgeable competitors who provide excellent technical guidance in both gi and no-gi grappling. The gym attracts high-level athletes, including UFC fighters like Liz Carmouche who occasionally drop in, demonstrating the caliber of training available. Beyond technical skill development, the gym is praised for building confidence and community, with parents noting positive impacts on children facing school challenges and adults finding a supportive environment for self-defense and skill improvement.
Members describe the training sessions as excellent with great rolls, and appreciate the gym's atmosphere that combines serious technical instruction with a down-to-earth, community-focused approach. The owners' commitment to their students' growth extends beyond physical training, contributing positively to the local community while maintaining a training environment that balances intensity with accessibility for all skill levels.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Members consistently praise the exceptional coaching from Taylor, Samson, and Mark, describing them as knowledgeable, caring instructors who create a welcoming family atmosphere. Reviewers highlight the gym's ability to attract high-level athletes like UFC fighter Liz Carmouche while remaining accessible to beginners and children. Specific compliments include Taylor's competitive expertise, Samson's technical proficiency, and Mark's veteran experience in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Members report excellent training sessions, confidence building, and a supportive community that makes this their preferred gym in the Norfolk area.
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (5)
Emily Wooten
a year ago
I have visited this gym during two different vacations in Norfolk and had great experiences each time. The first time, Taylor was the instructor and the second time, Samson. My husband and I were extremely welcomed and I can’t say enough good things about these folks. Both siblings are very knowledgeable and have been training since early childhood. There is a family-like culture in the gym, yet it is very hospitable to guests. While we were in town, Liz Carmouche happened to be visiting, so we even got in some rolls with her! Goes to show the level of training that is offered there if even a UFC fighter is choosing to drop in. We had an excellent time and this is pretty much our go-to place if we’re ever in the area now. Highly recommend it over all the other gyms in Norfolk.
Andrew Reed
4 years ago
Best Gym in town. The owners are super down to earth, and make the community better. I've never met coaches that care about their students as much as Taylor and her father Mark do. If you truly want to learn self defense or develop skills you want to improve on, this is absolutely the gym you should choose. If I could give them 10 stats I would
James Sheets
2 months ago
Excellent gym. Started at 41 and have been rolling for a few months both Gi and No Gi with multiple instructors. Great environment. Great rolls. 10/10
Diane Wishart
5 months ago
Kiddo needed a confidence boost after adjusting to middle school and the bullies that come with it. He's loving it here ♥️
Tyler George
a year ago
Professor Taylor is one of the sickest competitors out there and has a great understanding of every aspect of grappling. She puts the 757 on her back every performance and runs an awesome training session. Her brother and fellow black belt Samson is drippy as hell and can blitz past your guard as if you’ve never trained before. Not to mention Mark is one of the OG’s of 757 bjj. He’s seen every move twice and can inflict pain (emotional and physical) like no other. Sick spot, sick squad, sick playlist. 🦾🦾🦾
Contact
3856 E Little Creek Rd, Norfolk, VA 23518, USA
scheduleHours
Monday: 4:30 – 9:00 PM
Tuesday: 4:30 – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM, 4:30 – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 4:30 – 9:00 PM
Friday: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM, 4:30 – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM
Sunday: Closed