Business Details
13 Years
experience
Welcome to St. Pete BJJ
At St. Pete BJJ, we are dedicated to fostering a welcoming and positive environment for students of all skill levels to develop their Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu expertise. Our academy emphasizes physical fitness, self-defense proficiency, and personal growth through structured Fundamental and Advanced classes. With experienced instructors holding decades of combined martial arts experience, we provide technical instruction in gi and no-gi formats while maintaining a clean, inclusive training atmosphere.Our curriculum includes guest seminars from top competitors and tailored guidance for beginners through seasoned practitioners. We prioritize student development over contractual obligations, offering flexible membership options and free trial classes to ensure accessibility for all community members.
Services
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Classes
Fundamental Classes
Advanced Classes
Guest Seminars
Judo/Takedowns Classes
Details
- Year established: 2013
Highlights and features
- We offer structured Fundamental and Advanced BJJ classes for all skill levels
- Our instructors include 4th degree black belts with international competition experience
- We provide free trial classes with no pressure to join
- Our academy hosts guest seminars from top BJJ competitors and instructors
- We maintain a clean, welcoming environment for students of all ages
What people say
Welcoming environment
Experienced instructors
Effective teaching methods
Great community
Excellent technique instruction
Services
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Classes
Our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes cater to all skill levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners. Students develop technical proficiency in grappling, submissions, and positional control while improving physical fitness and mental discipline. The curriculum emphasizes practical self-defense applications and competitive techniques within a supportive learning environment.
Fundamental Classes
Designed for newcomers, Fundamental classes teach core BJJ techniques including escapes, sweeps, takedowns, and joint locks. Instructors guide students through progressive drills and controlled sparring to build foundational skills. These sessions focus on proper form, safety protocols, and gradual skill development for long-term martial arts growth.
Advanced Classes
Advanced classes refine technical execution and strategic thinking for experienced practitioners. Students explore complex submission chains, advanced guard passing, and competition-specific scenarios. The curriculum incorporates nuanced details from guest instructors and adapts to evolving BJJ methodologies while maintaining traditional technical foundations.
Guest Seminars
We host guest instructors from top BJJ academies worldwide to share specialized techniques and training philosophies. Seminars cover niche topics like no-gi wrestling, competition preparation, and positional mastery. These events provide students direct access to world-class expertise and diverse perspectives on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu development.
Judo/Takedowns Classes
Led by a 3rd degree Judo black belt, these classes focus on throws, takedowns, and groundwork transitions. Students learn Olympic-style Judo techniques alongside BJJ-specific takedown defenses. The program emphasizes safe falling mechanics, balance disruption, and effective transitions from standing to ground positions.
People
Sean Lynch
Head Instructor
Sean Lynch, a 4th degree black belt since 2009, founded St. Pete BJJ in 2013. With over 25 years of BJJ experience and global training experience, he emphasizes technical precision and accessible instruction. His teaching philosophy combines traditional Gracie Barra methodology with modern adaptations for practical application.
Danny Watson
Instructor
Danny Watson, a certified strength coach and powerlifting record holder, brings 15+ years of BJJ experience to his instruction. His background in no-gi competition and MMA conditioning informs his practical approach to physical preparation and technical efficiency in both gi and no-gi formats.
Shane Dunn
No-Gi Specialist
Shane Dunn, a former Marine RECON member with BJJ training since the 1990s, specializes in no-gi grappling and MMA applications. His expertise in competitive submission grappling and fighter coaching provides students with real-world combat sports insights and practical self-defense strategies.
Brian Travis
Competitive Coach
Brian Travis, a black belt under AJ Agazarm, combines childhood BJJ experience with collegiate wrestling achievements. As a multiple-time IBJJF competitor, he offers technical guidance for competition preparation, tournament strategy, and wrestling integration into BJJ frameworks.
Neldo Angeles
Judo Instructor
Neldo 'JR' Angeles, a 3rd degree Judo black belt since 2005, teaches takedowns and judo fundamentals. As a National Judo Champion and certified coach/referee, he provides expert instruction in throws, takedown defense, and groundwork transitions that complement traditional BJJ training.
Questions
Do you offer classes for children?
We currently focus on adult instruction but welcome young adults aged 12+. For children's martial arts, we recommend Gracie Barra Clearwater or Suncoast BJJ.
What should beginners expect in their first class?
New students receive a free gi, pair with senior students for technique practice, and participate in structured fundamentals instruction including warm-up, technical drills, and controlled sparring.
What training formats do you offer?
We provide gi and no-gi training options, with separate Fundamental and Advanced classes, specialized Judo/takedowns sessions, and guest instructor seminars.
Are there contract requirements for membership?
We have no long-term contracts or hidden fees. Flexible payment options are available with transparent pricing published on our website.
How do instructors support skill development?
Instructors provide personalized guidance during drills, adjust techniques for individual needs, and offer progression pathways from basic fundamentals to advanced competition strategies.
Reviews (5)
Brandon Stukus
Aug 20, 2021
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Ive had the opportunity to learn and train Brazilian Jiujitsu under Sean Lynch for over two years now after moving from Massachusetts. The studio and mat space is always kept super clean, the students are humble and welcoming, and the instructors are phenomenal. Ive watched my jiujitsu game grow tenfold since joining the academy. Whether youre a seasoned competitor or new to the sport youll be welcomed with a smile. Im glad I chose to make St. Pete BJJ my home away from home and hope you decide to do the same! Oh, the first class is FREE and you wont have to sell your house and
Joe Reese
Jul 20, 2020
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I was visiting the area for work and this amazing establishment was kind enough to let me train with their students. The head instructor is top notch and has several skilled high level students under him. The basics class is incredibly sound and focusing in establishing those critical foundation elements. Would highly recommend for any advance student or beginner. If I lived in St Pete this is easily where i would want to train.
Aj Agazarm
Jan 17, 2020
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Best place to train Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Tampa Bay! Sean Lynch is an extremely knowledgeable, humble, and, well spoken teacher. I had the pleasure of training with him in my early days of this martial art, and every time Im back in town, this is my place of choice
Peter Kofinas
Nov 21, 2019
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I am a 53 year old white belt, visiting from Maryland for a week, was looking for a place to train and burn off the holiday weight gains. I have had the best experience. Instructors are top notch, the training environment is amazing, I highly recommend this academy.
Kathy C.
Oct 25, 2019
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I've been attending classes at St Pete Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for just over 1.5 years and am having an absolute blast. I had practiced Korean karate for many years, but didn't know anything about BJJ before my first class. The instructors are fantastic and teach their craft to all levels. The culture of the school is extremely friendly - so many people have worked with me and helped me to learn. I have learned so much since starting, am in better shape and am really enjoying what we're learning in the classes.
