Little Champs Kids BJJ
Ages 4–6
A fun, structured kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class for little kids and preschoolers (typically ages 4–6) that builds coordination, focus, emotional resilience and basic anti-bullying skills.
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Venice, FL • Official Gustavo Machado Affiliate
Proven Jiu-Jitsu.
Open to All.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Martial Arts in Venice, FL
Gi and No-Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) for adults, teens and kids, led 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. 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.
- Pick your first class from our live schedule
- Add your name and contact info
- Train free for 7 days
Rather just stop by? Walk-ins are welcome. Questions? Call (855) 850-3473.
Academy quick facts
- Location
- 216 Seaboard Ave, Venice, FL
- Head Instructor
- David Valentine, Black Belt
- Programs
- Kids & Teen BJJ and Adults
- 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
- 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.
Kids & Teen BJJ
Ages 7–15
BJJ for kids and teens (ages 7–15) that builds self-confidence, athleticism, real self-defense, positional control and leadership skills.
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Adult Gi & No-Gi
Ages 16+
Adult Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instruction for fitness, self-defense and tournament-ready competition grappling, from first class to black belt.
Learn moreTraining Timetable
BJJ Class Schedule in Venice, FL
Classes six days a week. Gi: Monday, Wednesday & Thursday | No-Gi: Tuesday, Friday & Saturday
Adults
Kids
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Early Birds Adult BJJ 7:00 AM – 8:00 AMWednesday, Thursday & FridayStart your day with technique and sparring.
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Morning Adult BJJ 9:00 AM – 11:00 AMMonday – SaturdayA full 2-hour block of fundamental and advanced training.
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Afternoon Adult BJJ 4:00 PM – 5:30 PMMonday – FridayTechnique drills, positional sparring and live rolling.
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Little Champs Kids BJJ 5:00 PM – 5:45 PMMonday – FridayAgility, discipline, bullying prevention and motor skills.
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Kids & Teen BJJ 5:45 PM – 7:00 PMMonday – FridayAges 7–15: leadership, self-defense leverage and live submission grappling.
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Evening Adult BJJ 7:00 PM – 9:00 PMMonday – FridayAfter-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 leadership, backed by one of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu's respected lineages.
Black Belt
David Valentine
Head Instructor
Black belt and Head Instructor of the Venice academy. David leads the adult and kids classes, with an emphasis on strong fundamentals for beginners and competition-level technique for advanced students.
Full bio
6th Degree Black Belt
Gustavo Machado
Affiliation Head
6th Degree Black Belt from the Roberto "Gordo" Correa lineage. He sets the technical standard and curriculum for all affiliated academies.
Full bioRoberto "Gordo" Correa 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.
Mat Life & Culture
Academy In Action
Real photos from our promotions, training sessions and competition podiums.
Promotion Night
Kids and adults earning their next rank together.
Kids & Teen No-Gi
Rashguards on, lined up and ready to learn.
Tournament Success
Representing Gustavo Machado on tournament podiums.
Live Grappling
Controlled, supervised resistance to sharpen skills.
Kids & Teen Gi
Gis on, belts tied, ready to train.
Belt Promotions
Honoring consistency, technique and hard work.
Top of the Podium
Youth competitors coached from the corner.
Venice BJJ Family
A welcoming community committed to growing together.
Game Day
Coaches in your corner from warm-up to the final whistle.
Testimonials
What Our Members Say
“Both of my sons train here and they absolutely love it. coach David is amazing with little kids and really knows how to work with them. Great environment and very professional.”
“Whether you are in town for a couple of days while on vacation and drop in for a class or if you are looking to make this gym your home, this gym is the perfect place. Great group of guys to train with and Professor David runs a fantastic class with excellent instruction. I can’t say enough good things about this gym. Thanks again.”
“I dropped in to a couple classes while I was visiting the area and couldn't have had a better experience. Everybody was incredibly welcoming, and David, the professor, was extremely knowledgeable and was willing to answer any and all questions. When I visit again I'll absolutely be back.”
“I dropped in on Saturday while in town and can easily say this is one of the best gyms in Florida. It’s very upscale and a solid environment”
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?
Pick your first class in the free trial sign-up and enter your details, and we'll confirm. 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?
Little Champs is typically for ages 4–6 and Kids & Teen BJJ is for ages 7–15. Little Champs 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.
Can women train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) here?
Yes. Women are welcome in every adult Gi and No-Gi class, training right alongside men, older adults, seniors and complete beginners, with no experience or fitness level needed. Because Jiu-Jitsu uses leverage and technique rather than size and strength, it's one of the most practical martial arts for women's self-defense, and you can choose your partners, go at your own pace and tap out at any time.
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.
Can I start Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) as an older adult or senior (40, 50, 60+)?
Yes. Adults of every age start BJJ with us, including older adults and seniors, and no experience or fitness level is needed. You can train at your own pace, live sparring is optional, and you can tap out at any time to stop a technique. Because Jiu-Jitsu relies on leverage rather than strength or speed, many older adults find it a practical way to work on strength, flexibility, balance and self-defense.
Is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu a good after-school activity for kids?
Yes. Our youth classes run right after school every weekday: Little Champs (Ages 4–6) from 5:00 PM – 5:45 PM and Kids & Teen BJJ (Ages 7–15) from 5:45 PM – 7:00 PM, Monday through Friday. It's a structured after-school activity where kids burn off energy, get fit and build discipline, focus and confidence, with clear goals as they earn stripes and belts.
Who teaches the classes?
The academy is led by Head Instructor David Valentine, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt who teaches the main adult and kids classes. 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.
Your First Week Is On Us
Seven days of unlimited classes in your program. No experience or fitness level required.
Walk-ins are welcome too. Booking ahead just lets us know you're coming.