the gym
About Us
Who We Are
Discipline. Respect. Determination.
Our Focus
A focused Martial Artist has a mindset for bettering themselves and those around them with the purpose to strive towards functional fitness, wellness, mental strength, and technical progression.
Established 2011
Our Facility
Most people don’t remember the fledgling days of, Rhalan Gracie, and Victor Huber, teaching in St. Augustine out of other people's facilities. We have come a long way. There were many sacrifices and investments along the way to create what we have for our community now.
Our classes are in an ideal state of the art training facility! We have combined the best of a beautiful mat space along with a spacious clean multifunctional facility with so many outstanding amenities.WIth great consideration and attention to detail we have created a platform for our communities Martial Art training, wellness, and personal growth.
We host numerous events for our community with great hospitality. Including well organized tournaments, specialized clinics, summer camps, private lessons, parents night out, open mats, and birthday parties! We even have an outdoor training area where we roll out the mats when the weather is perfect! It’s equipped with heavy bags, kettlebells, plus ropes for climbing, jumping and battling!
Elite Coaching
Meet Our Instructors
Group Classes
Training Programs for All Types
Our group classes are organized lessons of relevant techniques/ drills/ conditioning that make everyone at class more educated, and capable. The relaxed controlled atmosphere harbors personal growth and safely learning / applying the moves taught. Our instructors mentor, educate, troubleshoot, answer questions, for students in class while keeping them in route to their training goals. Students work together, and grow together.
Tracing It Back
Our Lineage
Our Gracie Jiu-Jitsu lineage is from the source. Our founder/ Head Instructor, Phil Cardella earned his Black Belt under Relson Gracie, in 2006. He started directly under the Gracie’s in 1995 while enlisted in the USMC.
Phil decided September 11, 2001 to solely focus on training and competition as a focused life goal. This made it possible to gain the experience needed to become a battle hardened/ respected Instructor that earned his spot. The big picture goal was to help the grass roots of our nation, training Americans to defend themselves.
He followed Relson Gracie around the United States and Brazil in search of education and competition of all types. As one of Master Gracie’s most accomplished competitors and disciples, Phil has become a very respected and seasoned world renowned instructor. He had the privilege of training with the late Helio in the mountains of Brazil, Hawaii, & California. He also trained with Royce, Royler, Rolker, Renzo, Rolls Jr., Robin, & Daniel Gracie alongside countless champions through the Gracie network. This included Daniel Moraes, Murillo Bustamante, Fredson Paxio, Fredson Alves, Carlos Machado, Pedro Saure, and so many more!
He has taught numerous students from white belt to black belt, from no competition to the largest stages in the world with success!
