Clients reviews about Winter Haven Jiujitsu and Boxing Martial Arts Academy

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ My kids absolutely love this place! You can tell how much they love Jiu Jitsu here because when they have to miss it, they REALLY miss it. 😂 The coaches are awesome with the kids. I really appreciate that they’re not just teaching them Jiu Jitsu, but also discipline, structure, confidence, and how to push themselves and improve. You can tell they genuinely care about the kids and pay attention to their individual growth. We’ve seen such a difference since our kids started. My daughter has even competed in a tournament and did really well, which was so exciting to see! It’s definitely a drive for us, but honestly, it’s worth every bit of it. When your kids love going somewhere AND you can see the growth in them, that says a lot. Definitely recommend them to other families! ❤️🥋 ~ Always F

I’ve only been training here for about a week, but so far, I’m absolutely loving it! I was looking for something to do during my wrestling off-season and came across this place. I decided to give it a try, and I’m honestly so glad I did! The atmosphere is amazing, the coach is attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in helping you learn and improve. Everyone I’ve trained with has been incredibly respectful, welcoming, and supportive, which makes the experience even better. I HIGHLY recommend this place to anyone interested in Jiu-Jitsu, whether you’re completely new or already have experience. If you’ve been thinking about trying it, DO IT! You won’t regret it. I’m excited to keep training, learning, and getting better here. Definitely a 5-star experience so far! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ~ Suhey R

I honestly can’t express how happy and excited I am that we found this place for my son! ❤️ It means so much to me to find an activity where he can be active, have fun, build confidence, and at the same time learn a skill like jiu-jitsu which he can use for the rest of his life.From the very beginning, the instructors have been fantastic with patience, dedication, and genuine care for all their students. My son is excited every time he goes to class and having a friend with him has made the experience even more special and enjoyable for him!!!!We are so grateful to have found such a wonderful place. I’m excited to watch my son learn, grow, gain confidence, and continue developing this amazing skill. ❤️Highly recommend!!! ~ Monica C

If you are looking for a place with great instructors who really take the time to tach your kids, this is the place for you! The homeschool classes are awesome and really get the kids moving. It's a lot of fun for the kids while also teaching them self defense and self control. The instructors are patient but firm and give each child the time and attention that they need. They have morning classes for homeschoolers, evening classes for everyone and bleachers for you to sit and observe during the class. It's a great atmosphere and we are very happy to have found Winter Haven Jiu Jitsu. So much so that after the first 2 months we decided to just pay for a whole year. They are also a direct pay provider on the SUFS scholarship, so you don't have to stress about reimbursements. I highly suggest you give it a try, you will love it. ~ J. S

I have been thinking about getting my son into a sparring-oriented martial arts program when I saw an ad for Winter Haven Jiu Jitsu. It was easy to sign up, and we went for our first class. The front desk staff was nice, and helpful, and the instructors are great - they don’t make a big deal about the new kid(s) in the class, but jump right into it. The first portion is a warm up/strengthening, and it’s no joke! When it comes to sparring the instructors demonstrate the skill/technique, then rotate students in different pairs or groups. They are kind, but no nonsense. And there are winners and losers in the practice. But it’s the right environment to challenge and encourage my son to be active and confident. ~ Kelly W

A Fantastic Place to Train and Grow in Winter Haven area! Winter Haven Jiujitsu - Martial Arts is truly an outstanding martial arts school. The instructors are not only highly skilled and knowledgeable but also genuinely care about each student’s progress, both on and off the mat. Classes are well-structured and suitable for all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner looking to build confidence and fitness, or a more advanced student wanting to refine your technique, you’ll find top-notch instruction here. The emphasis on discipline, respect, and perseverance makes it a great environment for kids and adults alike. My kids experience here has been nothing but positive. I highly recommend Winter Haven Jiu-jitsu Martial Arts to anyone looking to improve themselves in a supportive and empowering setting. ~ Dexter P

We have had such a great experience with WHMA! From the beginning, the coaches have made him feel welcomed, encouraged, and supported. WHMA does an amazing job of teaching the kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo while also emphasizing discipline, respect, confidence, perseverance, and self-control. As a parent, I really appreciate how patient the coaches are and how they take the time to work with each child at their individual level. Ethan genuinely looks forward to going to each class. It’s been so rewarding watching him learn new skills and challenge himself. We recommend it to any parent looking for a positive, structured, and encouraging environment for their child. ~ Brandy T

I've been training at Winter Haven Martial Arts Academy for a few weeks now, and it’s already been an incredible experience. From day one, I felt welcomed by both the instructors and fellow students. The coaches are outstanding—patient, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in helping everyone improve, no matter their skill level. They offer classes for both adults and kids, so I’ve even been able to bring my family along to experience martial arts together. Even in just a short time, I feel stronger, more confident, and I've met some amazing, supportive people. If you’re considering martial arts in Winter Haven, I can’t recommend this place enough! ~ Владимир Р

We absolutely love this jiu-jitsu location! My son was super shy and nervous when he first started, but the coaches and staff made him feel so welcome from day one. His growth has been incredible — not just in the sport, but in his confidence, discipline, and respect. The environment is positive, encouraging, and truly focused on helping each child reach their full potential. We’re so grateful for the impact this place has had on our son, and we will continue to recommend it to anyone looking for a supportive and high-quality jiu-jitsu program. Highly recommend! ~ Florencia M

When we got here, there was a kids class going. I want to point out that we noticed how kid friendly this gym is. These people here are very kind and warm hearted. The instruction was also very technical and Derek explained the steps well. I picked up a couple moves from deep half. The guys here were great; top notch, and very professional with a laid back vibe. I appreciate how Derek explained the layers to the moves and the attention to detail. He also went how to stop your opponent from countering your position. Thanks again Winter Haven Jiu Jitsu!! Added: I wanted to thank Winter Haven for allowing me to drop in. It’s hard to travel from Michigan for a big tournament and not train while on the road. You made it possible for me to keep my reaction time and reflexes on point while I was drilling my game right before Pans. I may not have gotten the gold without a quality school to get some mat time with before the big day. Thanks again!!! ~ Wholesome C

Winter Haven Martial Arts Academy is an outstanding place for anyone looking to learn martial arts in a supportive and encouraging environment. The instructors are highly skilled and genuinely passionate about teaching, making every class both educational and enjoyable. From the moment you walk in, you feel welcomed by the friendly atmosphere and the camaraderie among students. The training programs cater to all skill levels, ensuring everyone can progress at their own pace. Whether you're a beginner or looking to sharpen your skills, there's something for everyone. The academy focuses not just on technique but also on building confidence and discipline, which translates into real-life skills. Plus, the sense of community here is truly special; you make friends while learning to kick and punch! If you’re considering martial arts, I highly recommend Winter Haven Martial Arts Academy. It’s a fantastic place to train, grow, and have fun! ~ I. R

I really love Winter Haven Martial arts for my son. We recently started here and he loves it. I feel like it challenges my son and his abilities, it teaches him strength, courage, respect and discipline. I also just signed him up for boxing classes. He was not happy because he was exhausted but thats what he needs. He needs to be pushed past his limits, he was complaining about having to do more pushups, so he had to do more. If you're looking for this type of environment, I highly recommend them! ~ Savannah B

We had a fantastic experience at the academy. From day one, the instructors were professional, passionate, and genuinely caring—something echoed in many other 5-star reviews. My son loved the few weeks of kids’ classes that he had. Although we’re stepping away due to scheduling conflicts, I’m truly grateful for the high-quality training and community we enjoyed and hope to come back in the future. If you’re looking for a family-friendly academy with excellent instruction and a positive atmosphere, this place is hard to beat! Thank you ~ Jonathan E

My son has been enrolled for a few weeks now and every aspect we’ve gone through has been awesome. The instructors are passionate and supportive; they’re patient with my neuro spicy child. The kids are pushed to do their best but never beyond limits. The determination and discipline the instructors provide is just what my kiddo needs. They’re always willing to answer questions and update you on your child’s progress. They have a fair price point and offer a trial class to make sure you’re into it! 100% recommend. ~ Kortni

Outstanding and amazing school for anyone who wants to learn martial arts, especially Judo and Jujutsu (what I study). The instructors are extremely skilled, knowledgeable, experienced at the world competition level, very passionate at teaching all ages, and most importantly, very focused and attentive about safety, self respect and to each other, discipline, as well as keeping a family/friendly environment. I highly recommend this school to anyone interested in martial arts 👍🙏 ~ Tito S

I’ve had an amazing experience at Winter Haven Martial Arts Academy! The instructors are knowledgeable, patient, and create a welcoming environment for all levels. The classes are well-structured and cater to both adults and children, making it a perfect place for families. If you're looking for martial arts for kids or want to improve your own skills, I highly recommend Winter Haven Martial Arts. It's a top-notch academy for anyone in the Winter Haven area! ~ Andrey O

I had been wanting to take my kids to jiujitsu for a long time but truly believe I was waiting for Coach Alex and Coach Vadim to open their gym. We have been training with them for 6 months and my kids are thriving in their program. The gym members have become more like family and help and support each other everyday. Prices are pretty much comparable to other gyms in the area but the quality can’t be matched. ~ Susana

Best place to train in the entire central florida area! Alex and Vadim are top-tier—deeply knowledgeable, incredibly technical, and genuinely passionate about teaching. They break down complex movements in a way that’s easy to understand and always take the time to ensure everyone feels supported. What sets them apart is their ability to push you to your limits while keeping the atmosphere positive and encouraging. ~ Luis C

Excellent studio to start from the ground up, or to refine already known skills. Instructors are thorough and patient, while also great at pushing you to improve your technique. Flexible scheduling and great price point. This has been a daily experience for me and I always look forward to improving here. Being so close to my home (less than 15 minutes), I’m glad I was able to find such a studio so close. Highly recommend. ~ Jona

My 10-year-old has been part of their homeschool class for just over a year now. I have witnessed my son's strength and confidence build. The instructors are great with the kids. They are also polite with the parents. I would recommend this class, and have, to any homeschool parent that are looking for that extracurricular, social building need. ~ Rachell H

My 4-year-old recently started jiu jitsu here, and it’s been such a great experience! This is his first activity, and I’ve already seen his confidence grow so much. The coaches are patient, encouraging, and make learning fun. It’s adorable watching him and the other kids try new moves and improve every week. We’re so happy to be part of this program! ~ Jessica’s H

We enrolled our 7-year-old daughter, and she has developed a lot at the academy. She is more responsible and obedient. The activities at the academy have brought a lot of discipline to our daughter, and we are very happy, especially with her progress in Jiu-Jitsu. The instructors are friendly and professional, And she made new friends, and Eloá is very happy. ~ JANAINA S

My son has been going here for a few months now. He loves it here I can already tell it's helping him with certain things he's been dealing with as In confidence and discipline. I love it when he comes home and tells me what he's learned, telling me what the moves are called . Everyone seems so nice and work so good together.. he is looking forward to a future with the Carlson Gracie team! ~ Brandi T

I’ve really enjoyed training at Winter Haven jiujitsu. The coaches are clearly very skilled, but what stands out most is how patient and helpful they are. Even as a beginner, I’ve always felt comfortable asking questions and learning at my own pace. The environment is friendly and relaxed, and everyone’s respectful, no matter your level. It’s just a great place to train and be around good people. ~ Haaris H

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