Leaders
Our Instructors
Experienced and battle-tested instruction
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is the world's most powerful system of Self-Defense. The highest standard of Martial Arts & Self-Defense training. Gracie Jiu Jitsu teaches empowerment and confidence to anyone from complete beginners to advanced students in a safe, fun, and encouraging environment. Our highly skilled and qualified instructors teach group classes and private lessons in brazilian jiu jitsu, self defense, and striking.
The passion we have for teaching self defense and jiu-jitsu are second to none. If your a 5 year old beginner or a 40 year old black belt, our instructors are qualified and battle tested making Gracie Jiu Jitsu St. Augustine a world-class training in north Florida!
Top-notch Instruction
Phil Cardella
3rd Degree Black Belt
30+ years training
4 Traditional Martial Arts Black Belts
Phil Cardella was a pioneer of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in America and MMA in Texas. His competition journey started in 1996 while enlisted and stationed in Honolulu. Shortly after he moved to Austin, he found limited rules fighting tournaments to test his skills!
Before gloves, weight divisions, and cages were required, it was the wild west of fighting! He developed with the sport, fighting in major stages to include the World Extreme Cagefighting organization, the Gracie Fighting Challenge, and many others. He also was a very active grappling competitor with great results.
Before gloves, weight divisions, and cages were required, it was the wild west of fighting! He developed with the sport, fighting in major stages to include the World Extreme Cagefighting organization, the Gracie Fighting Challenge, and many others. He also was a very active grappling competitor with great results.
José Alberto Vasconcellos
Black Belt
13+ years training
Having lived and trained in Jacksonville FL for over a decade, Jose has met and worked with most of the established Instructors there along with visiting Black Belts.
Most notably he had the privilege of training with Daniel Moraes, a 5X World Champ for several years, also Relson Gracie and his son. Jose has competed with success and even owned an academy in Jacksonville for a few years.
Spencer Hooker
Black Belt
30+ years grappling training
Spencer wrestled to a solid collegiate level, competed in pro. MMA and grappling extremely well! He achieved the rank of Black Belt under Phil Cardella in 2018. He is a solid athlete and the owner of the Kookaburra Coffee shop here in town!
Andrew Mosedale
2nd Degree Black Belt
20+ years training
Having a wrestling and extensive grappling background, Andrew moved to St Augustine with an outstanding skill set of worldly grappling from a few respected lineages, to include Pedro Saure, Paragon BJJ, & Lloyd Erving. He is now a Second Degree Black Belt under Phil Cardella. He is also a world renowned full time artist in graphic surrealism, photography, and a master framer!
The world's most powerful system of Self-Defense.
We'd love to see you on the mats!
Our Lineage
