Latest posts

  • Why Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is the Ultimate Confidence Builder for Kids

    Why Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is the Ultimate Confidence Builder for Kids

    Parents in St. Johns county are always looking for activities that go beyond simple exercise — something that builds character, discipline, and confidence. That’s exactly what Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu delivers for kids. At Gracie Barra St. Johns, our kids’ programs are designed to help children grow stronger both on and off the mats. Here’s why Brazilian…

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  • Enjoy the Roll: Having Fun in Jiu-Jitsu While Climbing the Ranks

    Enjoy the Roll: Having Fun in Jiu-Jitsu While Climbing the Ranks

    Let’s be honest—Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is hard. If you’ve trained for even a few weeks, you already know: there’s nothing easy about learning how to defend your neck while someone’s trying to armbar you. You’ll leave class sore, confused, sometimes frustrated, and definitely humbled. But here’s the part people don’t talk about enough: It’s supposed to…

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  • The Role of Rest and Recovery in Your BJJ Journey

    The Role of Rest and Recovery in Your BJJ Journey

    Why pushing harder isn’t always better. When most people think of progress in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, they picture grinding through tough rolls, drilling nonstop, and staying on the mats as long as possible. But here’s the truth that many beginners—and even some advanced students—overlook: recovery is training. If you want to grow, stay injury-free, and train…

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  • Why Competing in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Builds More Than Just Skills

    Why Competing in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Builds More Than Just Skills

    At Gracie Barra St. Johns, we believe in more than just teaching techniques—we’re building strong, confident individuals. One of the most powerful ways to accelerate that growth is through competition. While not every student has to compete, we encourage it because the environment offers something truly special. Here’s why stepping onto the mat in a…

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  • Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for Families

    Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for Families

    In a world filled with digital distractions and packed schedules, quality time with your family has never been more valuable — or harder to come by. That’s why more and more families are discovering something extraordinary: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for families. Far beyond just a martial art, BJJ is a lifestyle that creates meaningful connection through…

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  • Mental Health Benefits of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

    Mental Health Benefits of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

    Modern living has led to chronic stress and struggles with mental health. In fact, mental health issues like stress, depression and anxiety disorders affect 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. Now for the good news: There are many great ways to improve mental health, including through Brazilian jiu-jitsu. (BJJ) BJJ has  been studied for…

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  • 5 Lifelong Lessons Kids Learn from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

    5 Lifelong Lessons Kids Learn from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

    As parents, we want our kids to develop self-esteem and a strong sense of self as they navigate the complexities of adolescence and beyond. We are always looking for activities to help them develop in these areas, especially if our children struggle physically, emotionally or socially. And let’s face it; all kids struggle at times.…

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  • Never too late: How Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu benefits older adults

    Never too late: How Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu benefits older adults

    As we age and look for activities to stay healthy, we often seek low-impact exercises we already know how to do, such as walking, biking, water aerobics, and so on. These are not bad choices. After all, any exercise is better than none at all. Achieving health and longevity requires that we get a little…

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  • Elevate Your Game: The Power of Weightlifting for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

    Elevate Your Game: The Power of Weightlifting for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

    In the dynamic world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), practitioners are always seeking ways to enhance their performance and gain a competitive edge. While the mat is where the magic happens, there’s another arena that can significantly impact your BJJ journey – the weightlifting gym. In this blog, we’ll explore the incredible benefits of incorporating weightlifting…

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