Judo
Near Bartow, 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
Getting Here from Bartow
Head west on US-98/SR-540 → Take I-4 West → Exit at Champions Gate / Grandview Pkwy. We're at 6250 Grandview Pkwy, Davenport. About 20 miles from downtown Bartow.
About 20 miles · about 25 minutes
Get Directions →Our Martial Arts Programs
Three disciplines, seven programs — for kids starting at age 3 through adult competitors.
Gracie Barra Davenport
Bartow is the county seat of Polk County and home to nearly 20,000 residents. Gracie Barra Davenport is about 20 miles west — a 25-minute drive via US-98 and I-4 to 6250 Grandview Pkwy.
As the county seat, Bartow has deep roots in Polk County — and so do we. Several Bartow families are part of our training community. We're located at 6250 Grandview Pkwy — 6 days a week, morning through evening.
FAQs — Judo Near Bartow
Is there a Gracie Barra school in Bartow, FL?
There is no Gracie Barra school in Bartow. The nearest is Gracie Barra Davenport at 6250 Grandview Pkwy — about 25 minutes west via US-98 and I-4.
Where can I find MMA training near Bartow?
Gracie Barra Davenport offers MMA training led by ranked professional Thiago Belo, about 20 miles from Bartow. We also offer BJJ and Muay Thai for all ages.
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Bartow, FL
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