Gracie Brandon — Local services in Riverview

My boys attended Gracie Brandon for several months. While we do not have any negative feedback regarding the instruction, there were several factors that ultimately led us to cancel our membership and joining another BJJ facility.

We move around frequently due to my husband's job. Our boys have been to several gyms across the country. Gracie Brandon, by far, has been the most overpriced, for the least amount of training. We were paying nearly $400 for both of them to train for 3 days a week, at only 45 mins per lesson. We didn't mind the cost initially, until we suddenly received a bill of $55 for our son's belt promotion. I can understand if this was done to offset the cost of the belt, but not when that belt costs $15.50. It makes sense why nearly every child was promoted that day.

The nail on the coffin... Our oldest son has expressed on several occasions his desire to participate in a BJJ tournament. He was elated when he learned that Gracie Brandon was hosting an in-house tournament. My husband and I planned on signing him up until we realized that not only would Gracie charge for his participation in the tournament, but also for each spectator (INCLUDING PARENTS) who came to watch. It’s almost laughable.

At the end of the day, we understand this is a business and they can do whatever they want, and charge whatever they want. But to us, it felt like they were more interested in squeezing every dime out of you at every opportunity they could, than preserving the culture of jiujitsu. My review of Gracie Brandon is not intended to dissuade anyone from joining the gym. It is simply to provide my honest feedback so that others can take these points into consideration when looking around for a BJJ facility. We are now at another Gracie location where we are paying half the cost for both of our boys and receiving more...

My family and I have been training at Gracie Brandon since March 2022. This community has become our extended family and home away from home.

Our family has enjoyed boxing, wrestling, muay thai, and jiu-jitsu classes. The expert instructors are down to earth yet still remain passionate and curious about their craft. They are continually looking to improve on what they already know and have experienced.

The instructors are also great at connecting with students at every level to help each one on their own personal journey of becoming a better version of themselves.

This is a safe, family atmosphere that looks out for one another on and off the mats. Life eventually throws some real difficulties our way and can hand us some potentially devastating losses. It's great to be part of a community that rallies around those who are going through it.

It's also great when we gather at a competition or to watch our fighters on the screen. We cheer on from near and far as our peers compete at state and national wrestling tournaments, ADCC competitions, and sanctioned MMA, muay thai, and boxing.

Personally, I have lost 15lbs and have kept it off at 50 years old. I have gained strength, flexibility, and endurance and am in far better condition than I was even 10-15 years ago. I have watched my teen and adult daughter's get stronger and more confident in all areas of their lives. My wife and out of state family come and train here occasionally as well.

We have also had some great bjj seminars here with Nicky Rodriguez, Giancarlo Bodoni, and most recently, Andrew Tackett, all within the past two years!

If you're looking for a place to connect and be a better you then come check out...

My daughter attended Gracie Brandon briefly until my work schedule and her desire to try out basketball facilitated a long layoff and having to go to another school for her grappling training.

I have to say that my experience with the school's cancellation policy was vastly different from the recent review. I was informed upon signing up that I needed to send an email a month in advance, I also was reminded of that when I told Coach Robbie we might be taking a break. I followed the procedure, and sent the email and there were absolutely no problems with Gracie Brandon still charging me afterwards. Coach Robbie doesn't even have a contract! Just send the man an email 30 days in advance and you won't be charged. It's pretty simple.

Despite my daughter being an active competitor enrolled in another school, we remain extremely friendly with Gracie Brandon and visit whenever the schedule allows. Coach Ian is absolutely an amazing kid, and even though he's young, he is one of the most talented competitors around and excellent with the kids. I think his youth helps in that aspect.

Look...I'm sorry about the bad experience the other reviewer had, but from my personal experience with the cancellation process and still seeing Gracie Brandon members at tournaments and during visits at least once or twice a month, I felt the need to share our first hand account on the subject.

Coach Robbie is definitely looking to grow a business, but who isn't? One thing the man absolutely isn't though, is a thief. If you are in the area and looking for a great place for yourself or your family to train, then give this...