Business Details
14 Years
experience
Your Trusted Martial Arts Academy in Bradenton, FL
Gracie Bradenton is a premier martial arts academy dedicated to providing high-quality Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and kickboxing instruction for individuals of all ages and skill levels. Established in Bradenton, Florida, we serve the surrounding communities of Lakewood Ranch, Parrish, and Sarasota. Our academy prides itself on a no-gi focused approach, fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment where students can develop physical fitness, self-defense skills, and personal growth.With 12 expert coaches bringing nearly a century of combined experience, we emphasize community, accessibility, and practical martial arts education. Our programs cater to adults, children, and law enforcement professionals, offering flexible class schedules and a supportive atmosphere. We guarantee a free trial class to experience our unique culture and commitment to student development.
Services
Adult Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Adult Kickboxing
Women's Self-Defense
Kids Jiu Jitsu
Teens Kickboxing
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- 12 expert coaches with nearly 100 years of combined martial arts experience
- Free trial classes available Monday-Friday for all age groups
- No-gi focused training with optional gi practice during open mat sessions
- Specialized women's self-defense programs led by certified instructors
- Proven track record developing confident martial artists since 2012
Associations and certifications
- Gracie Jiu Jitsu Academy under Royce Gracie
What people say
Exceeded my expectations
Pleasure to train
Loves it there
Toughest jiu jitsu people
Dedicated instructors
Services
Adult Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Our adult Brazilian Jiu Jitsu program develops practical self-defense skills and physical fitness through no-gi training. Students learn leverage-based techniques to defend against larger opponents while improving cardiovascular health and mental focus. The curriculum emphasizes real-world applications and progressive skill development in a supportive environment.
Women's Self-Defense
Designed specifically for women, this program teaches effective grappling techniques against larger attackers. Led by certified instructors, classes focus on situational awareness, confidence building, and practical defense strategies. Participants develop physical strength while learning to de-escalate conflicts and protect themselves in various scenarios.
Kids Jiu Jitsu
Our kids' Jiu Jitsu program builds discipline, confidence, and physical coordination through age-appropriate instruction. Children learn fundamental grappling techniques while developing respect, focus, and self-control. The structured curriculum promotes social skills and non-violent conflict resolution through engaging drills and partner exercises.
Adult Kickboxing
This high-energy kickboxing program combines striking techniques with cardiovascular conditioning. Students improve coordination, agility, and core strength through dynamic workouts that emphasize proper form and self-defense applications. Classes accommodate all skill levels with personalized instruction in a motivating group environment.
Law Enforcement Training
Specialized training for law enforcement officers focuses on practical grappling techniques for duty situations. The program emphasizes control tactics, de-escalation strategies, and physical conditioning tailored to police requirements. Participants receive discounted rates and personalized post-class drills for real-world scenarios.
People
Sonny Parlin
Black Belt Owner & Head Coach
Sonny Parlin, head instructor and academy owner, holds a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Rob Kahn. With extensive martial arts experience, he leads Gracie Bradenton's training programs while emphasizing community development and accessible instruction for all skill levels.
Kate Young
Brown Belt Owner, Head Kids & Women's Coach
Kate Young, a former school teacher with 15 years of martial arts experience, specializes in women's self-defense and youth instruction. As head kids' coach, she combines educational expertise with practical self-defense training to create engaging programs for children and teens.
Travis Prentice
Black Belt Adult Coach
Travis Prentice, a certified black belt instructor, contributes to adult martial arts programs with his extensive competition experience. He focuses on technical precision and practical application in both Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and kickboxing classes for advanced students.
Dylan Cameron
Black Belt Adult/Wrestling Coach
Dylan Cameron brings wrestling expertise to Gracie Bradenton's martial arts instruction. As a black belt coach, he integrates grappling techniques with stand-up defense strategies, helping students develop well-rounded combat skills through structured drills and personalized feedback.
Teagan Weinel
Blue Belt Kickboxing Coach
Teagan Weinel, a dedicated kickboxing instructor, focuses on striking fundamentals and cardiovascular conditioning. With a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, she combines stand-up techniques with grappling basics to create comprehensive self-defense training programs for adult students.
Questions
Where is Gracie Bradenton located?
We're at 5268 East State Road 64, Bradenton, FL 34208, near I-75 in the plaza with Thai Wasabi and Peach's restaurants.
Do you train gi or no-gi?
All regular classes are no-gi, but open mat sessions allow gi practice if students coordinate with each other.
Are there beginner classes available?
Yes, we offer beginner-friendly classes daily with experienced instructors guiding new students through fundamental techniques.
Do you offer free trial classes?
Yes, both children and adults can try a free class any weekday by booking online or arriving before class starts.
How do promotions work?
Students earn rank through consistent performance observed in classes and competitions. We hold formal promotions twice yearly without testing fees.
Can women train with male students?
While we offer women-only classes, we encourage training with male partners to prepare for real-world self-defense scenarios.
Reviews (4)
Robert Werdell
Dec 20, 2021
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Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,Value
Sonny runs a great gym with a safe and fun environment with high-level jujitsu. I would recommend this gym to any level of experience looking to improve their game. Definitely looking forward to going back!
Sonny runs a great gym with a safe and fun environment with high-level jujitsu. I would recommend this gym to any level of experience looking to improve their game. Definitely looking forward to going back!
Kristy Perez
Aug 26, 2021
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My 14 year old found this place so we tried it and he loved it. He goes 5 days a week . The more you go the more you learn. Everyone is very friendly!
Imposters Syndrome
Oct 11, 2020
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Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,Value
These people are extremely welcoming and super patient with low level grapplers. You can tell these people care about your progress and its a great place for someone who is looking for a extra curricular or a lifestyle change. I can not praise this gym enough.
These people are extremely welcoming and super patient with low level grapplers. You can tell these people care about your progress and its a great place for someone who is looking for a extra curricular or a lifestyle change. I can not praise this gym enough.
Jared Lau
Sep 27, 2020
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Sonny Parlin only knows one thing and its Jiu-Jitsu. In a short time I came to realize this is something that everyone should at least have a basic understanding of and a good instructor is an important part of that. They supplement takedowns using wresting as well, good combo. Size does not matter in Jiu-Jitsu which is a very different story in most forms of combat or self defense , great experience for both men and women. Strong lineage if youre into that type of stuff. Great for law enforcement as well for pinning people down. Great if you already have a background in other forms of combat
