BJJ & Martial Arts Classes near Apopka, FL

Gracie Barra Seminole isn't inside Apopka — the academy sits across the top of Orange County, over the line in Longwood, Seminole County, on West State Road 434. From most of Apopka, State Road 414 (the John Land Apopka Expressway) east to I-4 north, then off at the SR 434 exit, is the quickest path; from the southern side of the city, US 441 south to SR 436 east to US 17-92 north works just as well. If you've searched "BJJ Apopka," "jiu-jitsu Apopka FL," "Gracie Jiu-Jitsu near Apopka," or "martial arts school near me," this is the Gracie Barra academy that drive leads to — a full martial arts school running kids and adult Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, No-Gi, and a Sunday Open Mat that welcomes visitors.

A Martial Arts School Built on More Than One Discipline

Gracie Barra Seminole is a full martial arts school, not a single-discipline gym, and that shows directly in who teaches here. 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 carries a strong competitive background in Wrestling and Judo, including a Judo black belt awarded by USJI in 1991 — a combined-discipline resume that matters if you're in Apopka comparing a single-style jiu jitsu gym against a broader self-defense classes program. Meet the rest of the coaching staff — including Head Professor Rodrigo Costa (4th degree black belt) and Coach Heidi Cogburn, a brown belt and Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) defensive-tactics instructor who has taught dedicated women's self-defense and ground-combatives courses for FWC and the Altamonte Springs Police Department — on the instructors page.

Programs for Apopka Families and Adults

Whether you're searching for kids and childrens martial arts in Apopka or adult classes for yourself, the lineup here covers every age on one Longwood mat. Little Champions (ages 4–6, Gi) trains Tuesday and Thursday, 5:00–6:00 PM, and Juniors (ages 7–13, Gi) trains Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 5:00–6:00 PM, both built around Gracie Barra's kids curriculum. Adults have GB1 Fundamentals, the beginner-friendly entry point into Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, and GB2 Advanced for students pushing further, plus No-Gi BJJ for both levels running through the week. Open Mat runs Monday–Saturday, 1:00–2:00 PM, and Sunday, 12:00–2:00 PM — the Sunday session open to members and non-members alike, a genuine way to see the room before signing up for anything. Private Classes (one-on-one or small groups up to four, Monday–Saturday) round out the schedule for anyone who wants individual attention. See the full programs lineup or weekly class schedule.

Getting Here From Apopka

Apopka sits at the northwest corner of the Orlando metro, and the drive to Longwood runs east, across the top of Orange County into Seminole County. The most direct route for most of the city is State Road 414 (the John Land Apopka Expressway) east to I-4 north, exiting at SR 434 — a route that passes near the Forest City area, one of the same Seminole County communities Gracie Barra Seminole already serves. From the southern part of Apopka, US 441 (Orange Blossom Trail) south to SR 436 east, then US 17-92 north, is the alternate path. Either way lands you at 1060 W State Road 434, Suite #100, Longwood, FL 32750, on the stretch of SR 434 between US 17-92 and I-4.

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Visit Us

Gracie Barra Seminole is easy to find on West SR 434 in Longwood. Use the map below, get turn-by-turn directions, or reach out directly.

Hours: Mon 7:30 AM–7:00 PM · Tue–Thu 6:30 AM–7:00 PM · Fri 7:30 AM–7:00 PM · Sat 7:30 AM–5:00 PM · Sun 12:00–2:00 PM (Open Mat)

Why Apopka Trains Here

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu — the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu system built around leverage, technique, and position rather than size or strength — is one of the most practical self-defense classes an adult or child can take, and it's why Apopka residents searching "jiu-jitsu Apopka" or "self-defense classes near me" end up crossing the county line for it. Gracie Barra Seminole is part of the Gracie Barra family, the world's largest Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu organization, teaching the same curriculum used across Gracie Barra academies everywhere — kids classes, adult classes, women's self-defense instruction from a coach who's taught it professionally, and No-Gi, all on one mat in Longwood.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Gracie Barra Seminole from Apopka?

Take State Road 414 (the John Land Apopka Expressway) east to I-4 north, then exit at SR 434, to 1060 W SR 434, Suite #100, Longwood, FL 32750. From southern Apopka, US 441 south to SR 436 east to US 17-92 north is the alternate route.

I've never trained Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or any martial art before — where do I start?

GB1 Fundamentals is built for complete beginners. Book a free trial class and we'll get you started.

Do you offer No-Gi and self-defense-focused classes?

Yes — No-Gi BJJ classes for both GB1 and GB2 run throughout the week. Every class here builds practical self-defense, and Coach Heidi Cogburn, a brown belt and FWC defensive-tactics instructor, has also taught dedicated women's self-defense and ground-combatives courses.

Can I visit before joining?

Yes — Sunday Open Mat (12:00–2:00 PM) is open to members and non-members alike, a low-pressure way for an Apopka visitor to see the mats before committing to the drive regularly.

Also serving nearby: Altamonte Springs · Seminole County · All Areas We Serve