Why Lakeland trains here
Black belt coaching, 25 minutes away
Lakeland has options. What it does not have much of is a room where a Judo and BJJ black belt and an international-class judoka teach the ordinary Tuesday night class.
Most of our Lakeland students come across on Highway 540 or Cypress Gardens Blvd after work or school. It is a straight run east, and the evening block is built so a parent and child can train the same night and drive home together.
On the mat you get Gi and No-Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu through the week, traditional Gi Judo on Wednesday, and an adult open mat on Friday evening. Beginners are the normal case here — most people who walk in have never grappled before, and the first class is free.
- Gi and No-Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu every week
- Kids classes from age 5, adults and teens at 6:45 PM
- Judo included in the same membership
- Competition team for students who want to test themselves
- Free first class — no uniform required
Getting here from Lakeland
Winter Haven Martial Arts Academy
6290 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven, FL 33884
863-888-0577Mon–Thu · 10:00 AM
Homeschool Jiu-Jitsu & Judo
Tue & Thu · 11:15 AM
Homeschool Boxing
Tue & Thu · 4:45 PM
Family Boxing
Mon, Wed, Fri · 5:00 PM
Little Ninjas (5–7)
Mon–Fri · 5:45 PM
Kids Jiu-Jitsu & Judo (7–14)
Mon–Fri · 6:45 PM
Adult Jiu-Jitsu & Judo
Questions
Lakeland FAQs
Where do Lakeland students train BJJ with you?
At our academy at 6290 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven, FL 33884 — about a 25 minute drive east from Lakeland on Highway 540 or Cypress Gardens Blvd.
Is it worth driving from Lakeland for Jiu-Jitsu?
Lakeland students drive to us for the coaching: a Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and a Master of Sport of International Class in Judo who spent 16 years on the Ukrainian National Team, both teaching the regular weekly classes rather than occasional seminars.
Do you offer both Gi and No-Gi BJJ?
Yes. The week covers Gi and No-Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, plus traditional Gi Judo on Wednesdays and an adult open mat on Friday evening.
What times work best coming from Lakeland?
Kids classes at 5:00 PM and 5:45 PM and the adult class at 6:45 PM, which gives you time to get across after work or school. Homeschool families use the 10:00 AM block instead.
Can my child try a class first?
Yes — the first class is free, no uniform needed. Just wear a t-shirt and shorts without zips or pockets.
Also useful: martial arts near Lakeland and what happens in your first class.
Start with a free trial class
Beginners welcome in every class. Come watch, or step on the mats — call 863-888-0577 and we'll help you pick the right class.