Our story
Our Mission
Our mission is to develop people of all ages to become their best selves through the study and practice of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
We pride ourselves on our dedication to teaching not only Jiu-Jitsu but also life skills and habits that lead to long-term success.
We further commit ourselves to providing the highest level of physical fitness, skills, and technique training in order to build and promote self-growth and a determined spirit.
With Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, you will quickly see the reward of increased fitness, discipline, confidence, and ability to apply a practical martial art to your everyday life
We are committed to the growth and progression of all martial arts with a foundation of mutual respect for all styles while emphasizing dedicated preservation, integrity, and perpetuation of Jujitsu.
With the purpose of unifying the Martial Arts community in an atmosphere of mutual respect, cooperation and a foundation of mutual respect for all styles or systems will aim to provide services, and guidance to foster technical excellence, fellowship, character development, and rank acknowledgment.
We are committed to ensuring Integrity and maintaining the Highest Standard in the Martial Arts Community


Our Team
Meet our instructors and staff here at Carlson Gracie Rafa Santos Polk County.
Images coming soon of all team members.


Rafa Santos
Owner | Head Instructor
- Phone: (863) 777-0443
- Email: CarlsonGracieBJJRS@gmail.com


Andrew Kinchen
Co-Owner | Lead Instructor
- Phone:863-210-8728
- Email: CarlsonGracieBJJRS@gmail.com

Christina Feliciano
Business Administrator

Christina Feliciano
Business Administrator
- Phone: (863) 777-0443
- Email:info@example.com

Amber Bunting
Asst. Business Administrator

Amber Bunting
Asst. Business Administrator
- Phone: (863) 777-0443
- Email:info@example.com

Adrianna Consuegra
Social Media Marketing Manager | Jr. Kids Coach

Adrianna Consuegra
Social Media Marketing Manager | Jr. Kids Coach
- Phone: (863) 777-0443
- Email:info@example.com


Barron Shepherd
Instructor | Judo Yondan
- Phone:863-210-8728
- Email: CarlsonGracieBJJRS@gmail.com


Marc Spiro
Instructor | Kids & Homeschool
- Phone:863-210-8728
- Email: CarlsonGracieBJJRS@gmail.com

Dristin Bennett
Instructor | After School / Summer Camp Coach
Brown Belt Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
North Lakeland

Dristin Bennett
Instructor | After School / Summer Camp Coach
- Phone:+1 (859) 254-6589
- Email:info@example.com


Derek Walker
Instructor | Striking, Kids & Homeschool
- Phone:863-210-8728
- Email: CarlsonGracieBJJRS@gmail.com


Jason Gates
Instructor | Adult
- Phone: (863) 777-0443
- Email: CarlsonGracieBJJRS@gmail.com


Isaac Rivers
Instructor | Kickboxing
- Phone: (863) 777-0443
- Email:CarlsonGracieBJJRS@gmail.com


Pedro Lopes
Instructor | No-Gi
- Phone: (863) 777-0443
- Email: CarlsonGracieBJJRS@gmail.com


Zac Kluytenaar
Instructor | MMA & Striking
- Phone:+1 (859) 254-6589
- Email:CarlsonGracieBJJRS@gmail.com


James Bennett
Instructor
- Phone:+1 (859) 254-6589
- Email:CarlsonGracieBJJRS@gmail.com


Rick Transport
Instructor
- Phone: (863) 777-0443
- Email: CarlsonGracieBJJRS@gmail.com


Eduardo Sebastia
Instructor
- Phone: (863) 777-0443
- Email: CarlsonGracieBJJRS@gmail.com
3 Locations Available
What Current Families are Saying?
Carlson Gracie Lakeland
921 Shadow Drive #10, Lakeland
5.0 75 reviews
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Anthony Stone
This gym has been great to us. Definitely happy to be part of this growing establishment. Coach Mark and is Remarkable when training the youth. He definitely knows how to build their confidence and instill good obedience into our youth. Highly highly recommend coming to check us out. … More You will not be disappointed.★★★★★ 5 months ago -
Chris Pugh
Our son has been attending for about 6 months now and he absolutely loves it. He works with coach Kyle on the south-side during the week and with coach Mark at this gym for competition training on Saturdays. Coach Mark is amazing working with the kids and the class is all business … More - in a good way. Couldn't ask for anything more.★★★★★ 5 months ago -
EDG-AR-15
This is an awesome bjj fight gym for kids and adults, my two kids go to attand the after school program and they love and pretty soon my third one will too. Coach Rafa is a great coach with a lot of knowledge and coach Mark is deeply invested in coaching the kids he coaches them … More as if he was coaching a the adults for competition they’re both best coach hands down!!!!★★★★★ 5 months ago -
Michael Richter
My wife and I looked for summer programs that were open in the mist of the 2020 covid shutdown. To our surprise Carlson Gracie Lakeland was still open and in full swing. They offered a safe and clean environment for my son. Fast forward 8 months and he is still going and love grappling … More with his new friends. The life skills he is learning from this gym will stick with him forever! He even got me to join and start doing rolling on the Mats. I have met some amazing people at this place! They truly love this sport are super open to new comers and teaching you about BJJ!!!!! Stop in and get hooked★★★★★ a year ago -
Michael Johnson
Great gym with friendly environment. I was visiting from out of town and Professor Rafa and the coaching staff and students made me feel very welcome. Whenever I’m in Lakeland this will definitely be the gym I train at. If you are in central Florida and looking for a good BJJ gym, … More make sure you check out Carlson Gracie Lakeland★★★★★ 9 months ago
