Getting Started

New to the Garage Gators? Here's everything you need to know to start training with us.

Who Trains With Us

Adults & Teens (13+)

Gracie Combatives® & Master Cycle®

Teens 13 and up are welcome in our adult Combatives® sessions. We follow the official Gracie University curriculum — real-world self-defense built for everyone regardless of size or experience.

Kids (Ages 7–12)

Gracie Bullyproof® — Jr. Combatives®

We have a group of Garage Gators kids working through the official Gracie Bullyproof® Jr. Combatives® program — non-violent self-defense and confidence building for children ages 7–12.

How We Train

Our training is guided by the official Gracie Combatives® 2.0 curriculum from Ryron and Rener Gracie. Participants review the relevant GU lesson video on their own time before arriving — training sessions are for drilling and refinement on the mat, not for watching videos together. We break each technique into smaller building blocks, drill them with a partner, and put them all together. This structured approach builds real confidence and practical skill — not just athleticism.

The Training Space

A purpose-built Gracie Garage in Gainesville, FL — padded walls, open mats, and everything you need to train safely.

Wide view of the Garage Gators BJJ training space in Gainesville FL, showing black foam puzzle mats, padded wall covers, Gracie University Blue Belt stripe posters, US and Brazilian flags, and a grappling dummy in a white gi
Interior of the Garage Gators Gracie Garage showing open BJJ mat space, safety wall padding, Garage Gators logo sign, US and Brazilian flags, and equipment including colored training ballsGarage Gators kids practicing Gracie Bullyproof® Jr. Combatives® techniques on the mat during a training session in Gainesville FLGarage Gators kids drilling Gracie Bullyproof® techniques with an instructor on the mat during a training session in Gainesville FL

Two Accounts, Two Purposes

Garage Gators Account

REQUIRED

You need a Garage Gators account to train with us. It handles session registration, attendance tracking, and your member profile — everything that happens on this site.

  • ▲ Register for training sessions
  • ▲ View your attendance tracking card
  • ▲ Manage contact and check-in PIN

Gracie University Account

RECOMMENDED

A free GU account gives you access to the official video lessons and lets you track belt progress and technical certifications. Helpful, but not required to start.

  • ▲ 30+ free lessons from official GU courses
  • ▲ Submit technique tests for belt certification
  • ▲ Track your official GU belt progression
Create Your Free GU Account →

Before your first class: You'll sign two short documents — the Gracie Garage Participant Waiver and the Surveillance Notice and Consent form. Once you reach out or create a Garage Gators account, the Garage Leader emails both to you for a quick e-signature. They take just a couple of minutes.

How we fit in: The Garage Gators is a Gracie Garage — a community training group that learns together using official Gracie University videos as our curriculum. We're part of the worldwide Gracie Garage network, not a Certified Training Center (CTC). That means you learn from the same GU lessons every Gracie student uses, and we drill them together on the mat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Gracie Garage?

A Gracie Garage is an informal community training group that follows the official Gracie University (GU) curriculum. The concept originates from Rorion Gracie's two-car garage in Hermosa Beach, CA in 1978 — where he first taught Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in America. Gracie Garages carry on that grassroots spirit worldwide.

What is the difference between Gracie Jiu-Jitsu (GJJ) and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)?

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu (GJJ) is the original, self-defense-focused system developed by the Gracie family. It is the root of all Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). GJJ prioritizes practical self-defense that works for anyone regardless of size or strength. Modern sport BJJ has evolved toward competition rules and athleticism; the Garage Gators follows the GJJ / Gracie University approach — self-defense first, structured learning, and earning your fundamentals before rolling. Read more: Why I Left Traditional BJJ.

Is Garage Gators the same as a regular BJJ gym?

No. Most BJJ schools teach one or two techniques per training session, then have you roll (spar) immediately. Garage Gators follows the official Gracie University curriculum — we break down 36 essential self-defense techniques into smaller building blocks, drill them with precision, and only progress when you've mastered the fundamentals. You earn the right to roll, not roll first and figure it out later. This structured approach is ideal for people who want to understand Jiu-Jitsu deeply and practice safely in a friendly environment. Read more: What Nobody Tells You Before Your First BJJ Class.

Do I need experience to join?

Absolutely not. Beginners are our favorite students. The Gracie University Combatives® curriculum is specifically designed for people with zero prior experience. As they say in Jiu-Jitsu, the white belt is the hardest belt to earn — because it requires you to show up and start your journey. Show up having reviewed the first GU lesson for the technique we're covering, and we'll take care of the rest. Read more: You Don't Have to Be Athletic to Start Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.

Ready to Start?

Training is always free. Get in touch and we'll help you take the first step.

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