Judo
In Davenport, FL
We don't offer Judo, but Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu shares the same roots — both arts descend from Japanese Jiu-Jitsu. BJJ specializes in what happens after the throw: ground control, sweeps, and submissions.
Judo and BJJ: Same Family, Different Focus
Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu are direct relatives — both evolved from traditional Japanese Jiu-Jitsu. Judo, developed by Jigoro Kano, emphasizes throws and takedowns. BJJ, developed by the Gracie family in Brazil, took Judo's ground techniques and expanded them into the world's most comprehensive ground-fighting system.
Many of the techniques overlap: osoto gari, seoi nage, and other Judo throws are practiced in BJJ. The key difference is what happens after the throw. In Judo competition, the fight often resets after a throw. In BJJ, the throw is just the beginning — the ground game of pins, passes, sweeps, and submissions is where BJJ truly excels.
At Gracie Barra Davenport, our BJJ program includes takedown training as part of both Gi and No-Gi classes. Judo players transitioning to BJJ often find themselves ahead of the curve — their throwing ability gives them a significant advantage, and they only need to develop their ground game to become well-rounded grapplers.
What BJJ Offers Judo Players
- Extensive ground game: guard, half guard, mount, back control
- Submission attacks from every position
- Sweeps and reversals from bottom position
- No-Gi grappling for a more dynamic, wrestling-style game
- Direct application to MMA and self-defense scenarios
- Belt progression system similar to Judo's ranking structure
Our Martial Arts Programs
Three disciplines, seven programs — for kids starting at age 3 through adult competitors.
Gracie Barra Davenport
Davenport families have a world-class martial arts school right in their backyard. Gracie Barra Davenport is part of the world's largest BJJ organization, with a certified curriculum used at 900+ schools worldwide.
As Davenport's home martial arts school, we serve hundreds of local families from Polk County and beyond. We're located at 6250 Grandview Pkwy — 6 days a week, morning through evening.
FAQs — Judo In Davenport
Where exactly is Gracie Barra Davenport located?
We're at 6250 Grandview Pkwy, Davenport, FL 33837 — right off US-27, convenient to I-4 and ChampionsGate Blvd. There's plenty of free parking in front of the school.
What ages can train at Gracie Barra Davenport?
We accept students starting at age 3 in our Tiny Champs program. Kids classes run from ages 3–13 across three age groups, and adult classes start at age 14 with no upper limit.
Do I need experience to start training?
No — the majority of our students started with zero martial arts experience. Our certified curriculum is designed to take complete beginners through a structured progression at their own pace.
More Martial Arts In Davenport
Get Started In
Davenport, FL
Fill out the form and we'll reach out within 24 hours to help you get on the mat.
Prefer to call? (407) 289-0076
Send Us a Message
We'll respond within 24 hours