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Students and coaches at a belt promotion night at Gustavo Machado BJJ Venice
Venice, FL • Official Gustavo Machado Affiliate

Train With
The Best.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Martial Arts in Venice, FL

Gi and No-Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) for adults, teens and kids, taught by black belt Head Instructor David Valentine under 6th Degree Black Belt Gustavo Machado. Early bird, morning, afternoon, evening and youth classes six days a week, plus a Women's Intro class on Tuesdays. Your first week is free.

  • Gi & No-Gi Classes
  • All Ages & Levels
  • 1 Week Free Trial
1 Week Free Pass

Start Your Trial

7 consecutive days of unlimited classes in your program, free.

Academy quick facts

Location
216 Seaboard Ave, Venice, FL
Head Instructor
David Valentine, Black Belt
Programs
Kids & Teen BJJ, Adults & Women's Intro
Gi & No-Gi
Gi Mon/Wed/Thu • No-Gi Tue/Fri/Sat
Class Times
Adults 7 AM, 9 AM, 4 PM & 7 PM • Kids & Teens 5 PM • Women Tue 6 PM
Free Trial
7 days of unlimited classes
Experience
Beginners welcome, no experience needed
Affiliation
Gustavo Machado, 6th Degree Black Belt
Programs

BJJ Classes for Kids, Teens & Adults

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a practical, grappling-based martial art. Structured programs for kids, teenagers and adults of every experience level, from first class to competition, plus a Women's Intro to BJJ class on Tuesdays.

Training Timetable

BJJ Class Schedule in Venice, FL

Classes six days a week. Gi: Monday, Wednesday & Thursday  |  No-Gi: Tuesday, Friday & Saturday

  • Early Birds Adult BJJ 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
    Wednesday, Thursday & Friday
    Start your day with technique and sparring.
  • Morning Adult BJJ 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
    Monday – Saturday
    A full 2-hour block of fundamental and advanced training.
  • Afternoon Adult BJJ 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
    Monday – Friday
    Technique drills, positional sparring and live rolling.
  • Mini Machados Kids BJJ 5:00 PM – 5:45 PM
    Monday – Friday
    Agility, discipline, bullying prevention and motor skills.
  • Kids & Teen BJJ 5:45 PM – 7:00 PM
    Monday – Friday
    Ages 8–15: leadership, self-defense leverage and live submission grappling.
  • Women's Intro to BJJ 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
    Tuesday
    Beginner-friendly Jiu-Jitsu and self-defense for women. No experience needed.
  • Evening Adult BJJ 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Monday – Friday
    After-work technique, drilling and live rolling.

Gi Training Days

Monday, Wednesday & Thursday

Traditional BJJ gi (kimono) required.

No-Gi Training Days

Tuesday, Friday & Saturday

Rashguard and board shorts required.

World-Class Leadership

Meet Your Instructors

Black belt instruction on every class, backed by one of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu's respected lineages.

David Valentine, black belt and Head Instructor at Gustavo Machado BJJ Venice
Black Belt

David Valentine

Head Instructor

Black belt and Head Instructor of the Venice academy. David leads the adult, kids and early bird classes, with an emphasis on strong fundamentals for beginners and competition-level technique for advanced students.

Full bio
Gustavo Machado, 6th Degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt
6th Degree Black Belt

Gustavo Machado

Affiliation Head

6th Degree Black Belt from the Roberto "Gordo" Correa / Gracie Barra lineage who also trained with the Carlson Gracie team. He sets the technical standard and curriculum for all affiliated academies.

Full bio
Roberto "Gordo" Correa / Gracie Barra Lineage

The Gustavo Machado
Standard in Venice, FL

Gustavo Machado BJJ Venice operates under the direct banner of 6th Degree Black Belt Gustavo Machado. Led by Head Instructor David Valentine, we uphold the core principles of authentic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: leverage over strength, strict discipline, mutual respect and functional real-world self-defense.

Proven Pedigree

Technique standards passed down from world-champion instructors.

Supportive Team

An ego-free environment built for beginners, competitors and families.

Gustavo Machado and David Valentine at a belt promotion in Venice FL
Team Gustavo Machado Venice Clean mats, world-class instruction and strong camaraderie.
Testimonials

What Our Members Say

Hear it straight from our members and parents. Read our reviews on Google, and if you train with us, we'd love for you to leave one.

First Timers

Common Questions

Do I need experience or to be in shape to start?

No. Most of our members started with zero experience. Classes are built for all levels, and you'll get in shape by training, not before it.

How does the free week work?

Fill out the free trial form and we'll reach out to set up your first class. You get 7 consecutive days of unlimited training in your program, with no obligation.

How much is a membership?

Pricing depends on the program. Start with a free week and we'll walk you through the options, or call (855) 850-3473.

What should I wear to class?

Gi classes (Monday, Wednesday & Thursday) use a traditional BJJ kimono. No-Gi classes (Tuesday, Friday & Saturday) use a rashguard and board shorts. Don't have gear yet? Call us before your first class and we'll tell you what to bring.

Which kids or teen BJJ class is right for my child?

Mini Machados is for ages 3–7 and Kids & Teen BJJ is for ages 8–15. Mini Machados meets Monday through Friday, 5:00 to 5:45 PM. Kids & Teen BJJ meets Monday through Friday, 5:45 to 7:00 PM. Not sure which fits? Call (855) 850-3473 and we'll help place your child.

Do you offer a women's class?

Yes. Women's Intro to BJJ meets every Tuesday, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM. It's a beginner-friendly class covering Jiu-Jitsu fundamentals and practical self-defense, with no experience needed. Women are also welcome in every adult class.

Is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) a good martial art for kids and teens?

Yes. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a grappling martial art, so kids and teens learn to control, escape and hold a partner down using leverage instead of punching and kicking. With no striking, they can practice with real effort against a resisting partner under instructor supervision, which builds confidence and self-defense skills. Compared with striking martial arts like karate or taekwondo, BJJ focuses on staying calm and in control when someone grabs, pushes or pins you, which is exactly what most bullying situations look like.

Who teaches the classes?

Classes are taught by Head Instructor David Valentine, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt. The academy is affiliated with 6th Degree Black Belt Gustavo Machado, who sets the curriculum and technical standard for all Gustavo Machado academies.

Where is the academy located?

We're at 216 Seaboard Ave, Venice, FL 34285, a short drive from Nokomis, Osprey, South Venice, North Port and Englewood.

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Seven days of unlimited classes in your program. No experience or fitness level required.

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