Marcio Cruz Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu New Tampa

“Amazing and outstanding! When I decided to enroll my daughter, I could never imagine how wonderful it would be. My daughter loves the classes. The lessons that the kids learned are also for the parents and helped us a lot to improve discipline. Professor Saulo is the best, he is strict and kind and knows exactly the balance between pushing them and having fun at the same time. He became a reference in our family, best teacher ever. All the staff are amazing and attentive and the classes make a difference in kids life.”

“I’ll start with the positives: the instructors at Márcio Cruz BJJ are genuinely great knowledgeable, patient, and friendly. The facility itself is very clean, organized, and unlike many gyms, there’s no lingering sweat odor, which I really appreciated. On the surface, it looks and feels like a top-tier martial arts school. However, once you’re in the system, it becomes pretty clear that the primary goal isn’t necessarily developing fighters or passionate practitioners it’s maximizing revenue. Now, I get it every business needs to make money but here, it feels like the entire structure is built around squeezing as much profit as possible rather than truly focusing on progression and experience. The fundamentals class, which you’re required to stick with for 6 - 8 months before joining the main classes, only covers one move per session. While structure is important, it felt more like a funnel than a learning process. The classes felt too easy I left without feeling like I had really trained in a serious martial art. Then there’s the pricing: $299/month with no contract, or $199/month with a contract. You can also pay a $389 down payment to drop the monthly to $169, or go all-in with a $1,999 yearly payment to “save” a few hundred dollars. The pricing tiers and “options” are just different ways to present the same thing a polished business model designed to make you feel like you’re getting a deal, when really, you’re just navigating a well designed sales funnel. Credit where it’s due the business strategy is slick and professional. But if you’re someone who truly wants to learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and not just be part of a branded membership system, you might be better off at a smaller, more grassroots gym where the focus is on training, not just transactions.”

“I’m extremely pleased with the afterschool program at Márcio Cruz BJJ Academy. My both sons have been attending, and it's been a fantastic experience. The program not only provides a safe and nurturing environment but also focuses on valuable skills and discipline. They are very good for one on one training for beginner- especially for very young kids to make them comfortable. I love the sparring time they have for my ElderOne. Both of my kids have got good conference after starting this academy.”

“I don't normally write bad reviews but felt compelled in this situation. After reading some of the negative reviews on their shady, some what questionable business contracts, I wanted to investigatr for myself. I reach out via email to inquire on ball park pricing for a class for my young child. It was first explained to me via email that they will only discuss pricing after your child has come in and had a free intro class. Of course, they want you in a situation where you can't say no to your already excited child, even if you couldn't afford it Then after pointing this predatory practice out, then it was offered to come in and discuss pricing but you give up your option for a free intro class. In other words, lock into a terrible contract just to even try it out. Just my $.02 but stay away from this style of business practices.”

“Our family's experience at Marcio Cruz BJJ has been awesome. My son has been here for over a year and he LOVES it!!! The instruction is top notch, and the professor and coaches take time to reinforce the skills with the students when they drill. Time is taken every lesson to teach life skills of respect, honor, and hard work. Students are taught a skill, given time to practice, then they have 2-3 sparing matches where they are able to put the skills they've learned to the test. He has had the opportunity to compete in several tournaments. The coaches were there to support him and coach him through his matches where he has come away with gold and silver medals. Students are recognized and awarded for displaying respectful attitudes on and off the mat. And all of this is done in a way that is exciting and fun for the kids. Our son has been at MCBJJ for over a year, and we are now planning to sign up our 5 year old daughter. We love MCBJJ!!!”