Judo
Near Lake Wales, 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 Lake Wales
Head west on US-27 → Continue toward Davenport → Turn right on Grandview Pkwy. We're at 6250 Grandview Pkwy, Davenport. About 17 miles from Lake Wales.
About 17 miles · about 20 minutes
Get Directions →Our Martial Arts Programs
Three disciplines, seven programs — for kids starting at age 3 through adult competitors.
Gracie Barra Davenport
Lake Wales is a historic Polk County city with a growing population of over 16,000. Gracie Barra Davenport is just 17 miles north — an easy 20-minute drive on US-27 to 6250 Grandview Pkwy.
Lake Wales families looking for certified, structured martial arts training make the drive to us — and the US-27 route makes it one of the easiest commutes in the county. We're located at 6250 Grandview Pkwy — 6 days a week, morning through evening.
FAQs — Judo Near Lake Wales
Are there BJJ classes near Lake Wales, FL?
Gracie Barra Davenport offers certified BJJ classes about 17 miles north of Lake Wales on US-27. We teach Gi and No-Gi BJJ for kids (ages 3+) and adults, 6 days a week.
What martial arts schools are near Lake Wales?
Gracie Barra Davenport at 6250 Grandview Pkwy in Davenport is one of the top-rated martial arts schools near Lake Wales — a 5.0-star Google rating with BJJ, Muay Thai, and MMA for all ages.
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Lake Wales, FL
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