First Timers
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything new students and parents ask before their first class at Gustavo Machado BJJ Venice. Don't see your question? Call (855) 850-3473.
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 Jiu-Jitsu classes for teenagers?
Yes. Teens up to age 15 train in Kids & Teen BJJ, our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program for ages 8–15, Monday through Friday, 5:45 to 7:00 PM. Teenagers learn positional control, escapes, submissions and live grappling with partners their size, and those who want to compete get coached at local tournaments. Teens 16 and older can join the adult Gi and No-Gi classes. Either way, it's a great fit for teens who want self-defense, fitness and confidence, with no experience needed.
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.
What is the difference between Gi and No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu?
Gi Jiu-Jitsu is trained in a kimono, and grips on the collar, sleeves and pants are part of the game, which makes it slower and more technical. No-Gi is trained in a rashguard and shorts without cloth grips, so it's faster-paced and closer to wrestling and MMA grappling. We train Gi on Monday, Wednesday & Thursday and No-Gi on Tuesday, Friday & Saturday, and most members do both.
Is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu good for self-defense?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) teaches techniques for controlling and escaping from a stronger, heavier opponent using leverage and position rather than strength, and you practice them against resisting partners. It's widely considered one of the most practical martial arts for self-defense, for adults, teens and kids alike.
Can I start Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) as an adult or over 40?
Yes. Adults of all ages start BJJ, and our adult classes welcome complete beginners. You can train at your own pace and tap out at any time to stop a technique.
What does a typical class look like?
Classes combine technique instruction, drilling with a partner, positional sparring and live rolling (sparring). The morning and evening classes are full 2-hour blocks of fundamental and advanced training, while the early bird and afternoon classes are shorter sessions built around the same structure.
What do kids and teens learn in BJJ?
Kids and teens learn coordination, focus and discipline alongside real self-defense skills, including strategies for handling a bully by controlling a situation without striking. As they grow, the Kids & Teen BJJ program adds leadership, positional control and live grappling.
Do students have to compete?
No. Competing is optional. Many students train for fitness, self-defense and confidence, while those who want to compete have represented the academy on the podium at Jiu Jitsu World League Florida tournaments, with coaches in their corner.
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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