About
Phil Cardella

3rd Degree Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt
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1989

Phil started Martial Arts at age 12 in South Houston where having a humble good nature and the warrior spirit was first and foremost. He first achieved rank in Tae Kwon Do and Hapkido under Master Chad Glisson.

Using what worked Master Chad Glisson also exposed Phil and his brothers to Shodo Kan Karate, Akido, Ryku Kenpo, Dillman theory pressure points, small circle Jiu-Jitsu, Hapkido, Thai boxing, Jeet Kun Do, Kali, Judo, and whatever else he could.

Chad Glisson was the first to tell The Cardella brothers about the Gracie Family and their system of fighting.
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1996

Where It All Started

Phil started offically training Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu at the Aiea assocation of Relson's
ran by Sam Mahi, Chris & Mike Onzuka and their assistant instructors.

He started competing while in the Marine Corps and met Master Relson Gracie and has been a Champion on Master Relson's competition team since 1996.
Young phil cardella in gi
Relson Gracie and Phil Cardella outside of boxing ring after professional fight
Marine Profile Image of Phil
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1999

Listen to Phil Discussing Gracie JJ in Texas

He has been lucky enough to train with some of the best fighters in the World & at some of the best schools on the planet. He is a full time fighter & Martial Artist. The best way to judge his skill is to look at the achievements of his students in tournaments, they are beating Black Belt Champions and winning the highest level of competition in the world.
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2010

Having represented the family name & heritage in battle, he has fought in the largest
arenas in the nation. With over 13 years in MMA competition Phil has fought the Nationwide Arena in Columbus Ohio (in coordination with the Arnold's Classic), winning a couple times by sumbitting everyone in his divisions.

He as also fought in open weight tournaments in Vegas, the Honolulu Convention Center, and more. As a seasoned veteran, Phil, has also coached fighters to victory in the UFC, StrikeForce, WEC, GFC & more.
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2011 - NOW

Phil retired from competing in 2011 and moved to St. Augustine Florida where he opened his own academy and is still operating to this day.
Map with arrow going from austin texas to st. augustine florida

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1605 Old Moultrie Road
St. Augustine, FL 32084

+1 (904) 400-4105
philcardella@gmail.com