Seminole
Longwood

About Our Academy

More Than a
Martial Art

Gracie Barra Seminole is a proud part of the world's most respected Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu organization — bringing Gracie Barra's world-class curriculum and community to Longwood and the greater Seminole County area.

Whether you're stepping on the mat for the first time or you're a seasoned competitor, our academy offers a welcoming, structured environment where students of every age and background thrive.

Our professors are certified by Gracie Barra International and dedicated to helping you achieve your goals — on and off the mat.

As a full martial arts school — not a single-discipline gym — we teach Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (also known as Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, after the family that helped bring the art to the United States) as practical self-defense for women and men, kids and adults alike. Professor Heidi Cogburn, a black belt and defensive-tactics instructor for the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, has also taught dedicated women's self-defense courses.

GB International Curriculum

Kids & Adult Programs

Competition Team

Certified Instructors

Self-Defense Training

Family-Friendly Environment

What We Offer

Our
Programs

Book a Free Trial

Little Champions · Ages 4–6 · Gi

Kids
4–6

Our youngest students build confidence, focus, and friendships in age-specific classes. Tue & Thu 5:00–6:00 PM. Belt progression with Gracie Barra Kids curriculum.

Juniors · Ages 7–13 · Gi

Kids
7–13

Structured Jiu-Jitsu for growing athletes. Mon, Wed & Fri 5:00–6:00 PM. Discipline, respect, and technical development through Gracie Barra's proven curriculum.

Adult · All Levels Welcome · Gi

GB1
Fundamentals

The foundation of our adult program. Core techniques, positions, and concepts — perfect for beginners and anyone building a solid BJJ base.

Adult · All Levels Welcome · Gi

GB2
Advanced

Elevate your game with higher-level techniques, live training, and competition prep. All levels are welcome — push your limits with us.

Adult · All Levels Welcome · No Gi

No Gi
BJJ

GB1 & GB2 No Gi classes offered throughout the week — no kimono required. Great for grapplers, MMA athletes, or anyone who prefers shorts-and-rash-guard training.

All Levels · Members & Guests Welcome

Open
Mat

Live Training Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu & Sat 1:00–2:00 PM, plus Open Mat Friday 12:00–1:00 PM — open to members and non-members alike — a great way to try GB Seminole before joining! Closed Sundays.

1-on-1 or Small Group · Personalized · Mon–Sat

Private Classes

Accelerate your progress with private one-on-one instruction from Professor Rodrigo or our assistant instructors — or share the hour with friends or family in a small-group private, where everyone trains together in the same 60-minute session (up to four people). Not included in standard membership — ideal for targeted technique work or a faster path to your goals.

Weekly Schedule

Class
Times

Our weekly schedule runs Monday through Saturday — we're closed Sundays. Early morning BJJ (6:30 AM) runs Tue–Thu. Private classes are available Mon–Sat by appointment. Kids classes run evenings Mon–Fri. Live Training runs Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu & Sat from 1–2 PM, plus Open Mat Friday from noon to 1 PM — members and non-members welcome!

Morning

6:30 AM · Tue–Thu

Early BJJ · All Levels

Afternoon

12:00 PM · Mon–Sat

Live Training · Private Sessions

Evening

5:00–8:00 PM · Mon–Fri

Kids + Adult Classes

6 Days
a Week

Mon – Sat · All Skill Levels

Time	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat	Sun
6:30–7:30AM	—	BJJ All Levels	BJJ All Levels	BJJ All Levels	—	—	—
7:30 AM–12:00 PM	Private By Appt Only	Private By Appt Only	Private By Appt Only	Private By Appt Only	Private By Appt Only	Private By Appt Only	—
12:00–1:00PM	GB2	GB1	GB2 No Gi	GB1	Open Mat	BJJ All Levels	Closed
1:00–2:00PM	Live Training	Live Training	Live Training	Live Training	—	Live Training	Closed
2:00–5:00PM	Private By Appt Only	Private By Appt Only	Private By Appt Only	Private By Appt Only	Private By Appt Only	Private By Appt Only	—
5:00–6:00PM	Kids Ages 7–13	Kids Ages 4–6	Kids Ages 7–13	Kids Ages 4–6	Kids Ages 7–13	—	—
6:00–7:00PM	GB1 No Gi	GB1/GB2	GB1 No Gi	GB1/GB2	Competition Training	—	—

BJJ / GB1 / GB2

Private Classes — by appointment only (not open for drop-in)

No Gi

Kids 7–13

Kids 4–6

Open Mat

Live Training / Competition

Already training with us? Reserve a Class Time →

Try a Class Free

No experience or equipment needed. Show up, we'll take care of the rest.

Reserve Your Spot

Meet the Team

Your
Instructors

Head Professor

Head Professor · 4th Degree Black Belt

Rodrigo Costa

Professor Rodrigo Costa is a 4th degree black belt who has been practicing jiu-jitsu for over 25 years — 15 of those as an instructor. He began his training in 1997 in São Paulo, Brazil under Cia Paulista de Jiu-Jitsu. At the age of 20, Rodrigo moved to the United States where he continued his training under Master Márcio Simas. His passion for teaching and building community brings world-class instruction and the Gracie Barra philosophy to Longwood and all of Seminole County.

Professor · Black Belt

John Montaldo

Professor John Montaldo started Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 1995, training under Professor Marcio Simas and later Professor Rodrigo Costa. He competed extensively in Jiu-Jitsu from 1996 to 2010 and earned his black belt in 2021. He also has a strong competitive background in Wrestling and Judo, including a Judo black belt awarded by USJI in 1991.

Professor · Black Belt

Sammy Rider

Professor Sammy has been training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since 2008 and earned the rank of black belt in 2018, with a focus on creating a welcoming space that makes learning fun and accessible for everyone. Outside the gym, Sammy works as a physical therapist assistant — a background that shapes a teaching philosophy built around longevity and injury prevention.

Professor · Black Belt

Heidi Cogburn

Professor Heidi Cogburn has trained in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since October 2014 and holds the rank of black belt. Since 2017 she has served as a defensive-tactics instructor for the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), training local law-enforcement officers and Academy recruits, and has assisted Professor Dave Ogden and Gracie Barra Clermont with first-responder training and women's self-defense community classes. She has also taught women's ground-combatives courses for both FWC and the Altamonte Springs Police Department.

Coach · Brown Belt

Keith Gumbs

Coach Keith Gumbs began his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey in 2016 at Gracie Barra Oviedo, training under Professors Todd Broadway and Steven Silva. During his time there, from white belt through blue belt, he helped coach the kids classes. In 2023, he moved to Gracie Barra Seminole, where he now trains under Professor Rodrigo Costa and earned his brown belt.

What Students Say

Our
Community

5.0★★★★★

5-Star Rated on Google Reviews

See All Reviews →

Young students in gi practicing their Jiu-Jitsu stance at Gracie Barra Seminole

Daytime Mat Time · Ages 5–6

Older kids training a Jiu-Jitsu technique together at Gracie Barra Seminole

Ages 7–13

Open Enrollment · Daytime Program

Homeschoolers
Welcome

Turn PE into Jiu-Jitsu. Our daytime class times are built for homeschool families — real curriculum, real belt progression, and a team of friends, right in the middle of the homeschool week.

Daytime Classes

Built around the homeschool week

Ages 5–13

Age-appropriate curriculum & belt progression

Scholarship Funds

Step Up For Students / PEP funds welcome — ask us how

Gracie Barra Seminole is a participating Step Up For Students / PEP provider — families can use their PEP scholarship funds toward our programs. Ask us how to get started.

Step Up For Students and the Personalized Education Program (PEP) are programs/trademarks of Step Up For Students, Inc. Gracie Barra Seminole is an independently owned business — not endorsed, sponsored, approved by, or affiliated with Step Up For Students beyond participating as a provider. Eligibility and allowable uses of scholarship funds are determined solely by Step Up For Students and are subject to program rules.

Learn About PEP Scholarships →

Professor Rodrigo with kids students at Gracie Barra Seminole

Kids Program · GB Seminole

Prof. Rodrigo
& The Next Generation

GB SEMINOLE

Gracie Barra Seminole adult students group photo

Adult Program · GB Seminole

One Team,
One Family

LONGWOOD, FL

"Life changing experience. Son joined here and has been nothing but a welcoming environment for him. All staff are very helpful and have gone to great lengths to encourage the improvements of skills and training for him."

Shaz Key

Student Parent · Google Review

"I've been training at Gracie Barra for about 8 months, and it's been great. The instructors are skilled and supportive, alongside the welcoming community of low and high belts alike. I highly recommend GB for anyone interested in BJJ."

Max Richardson

Student · Google Review

"Amazing school! My 6yo loves going to his classes twice a week. The instructors are amazing, the structure of the classes is well suited for this age group and flexibility in schedule is great for a busy family. Highly recommend!"

Marion Kermann

Parent · Google Review

"This place is honestly a life changing experience — all for the better! The people, the environment, it's just great! They're not just some people fighting; it's a family and you feel right at home the moment you walk in the door. Highly recommend to anyone!"

GB Seminole Student

Student · Google Review

"Amazing class! I had never trained before and I found myself doing a really good job thanks to the excellent support from all the staff. Couldn't have asked for a better first experience on the mat. Highly recommend!"

First-Time Student

First-Time Student · Google Review

"Professor Rodrigo and the whole team genuinely care about your progress. Whether you're brand new or have years of experience, you're welcomed the same. The curriculum is structured, the energy is positive, and the community keeps you coming back."

GB Seminole Member

Long-Term Member · Google Review

View All Google Reviews →

Get In Touch

Start Your
Journey Today

📍

Location

1060 W SR 434, Suite #100
Longwood, FL 32750

📞

Phone

(321) 972-4693

✉️

[email protected]

🕐

Hours

Mon: 12–2 PM, 5–8 PM
Tue–Thu: 6:30–7:30 AM, 12–2 PM, 5–8 PM
Fri: 12–1 PM, 5–8 PM
Sat: 12–2 PM
Sun: Closed

Send Us
a Message

Questions about classes, pricing, or anything else? Send us a message and we’ll get back to you. Ready to book a class or free trial? Book online here.

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Jiu-Jitsu
Is For
Everyone

More Than a
Martial Art

Our
Programs