WOMEN and MOTHERS:
Jiu Jitsu is the most practical and realistic self defense for women. It will show you that size and strength do not matter as much as technique and leverage. The culture in this dojo is the most welcoming and friendly atmosphere even for the most nervous beginners. I have a toddler and twin babies and the first thing I asked when I called was if I could bring them. I didn’t even finish my sentence and Emiliano said bring them all. The babies used to cry for the entire class and my son would run all over the mat, but not once did I feel unwelcome or out of place. The instructors are certified and learning is so fun and easy and SAFE so I fell in love with Jiu Jitsu but I am staying with this place because of the culture. I wouldn’t have been able to do this if I had to get a babysitter or felt that my kids were annoying everyone. I am so thankful to the wonderful group of instructors that have made my experience so great. All women should know Jiu Jitsu! Honestly ladies, this place is worth it.
Emiliano's passion for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu began when he
saw the first Ultimate Fighting Championship in the fall of
1993. A slim 170 lb. man named Royce Gracie defeated multiple
opponents of greater size and strength. “I didn't know or
understand what he was doing, but I saw that it worked, and he came
out victorious.” Emiliano knew right then that he wanted to try Jiu
Jitsu. In the early 1990's one of the few ways to get
instruction in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu was to attend seminars, so
Emiliano's very first introduciton to the art came at a seminar
hosted by Royce Gracie in Atlanta. By early 1994 Emiliano was
training in Tallahassee at a Jiu Jitsu school run by Harlan Taylor,
one of Royce Gracie's first Black Belts.
Emiliano Cardona Jr has continued his Jiu Jitsu education
throughout the years receiving promotions from Harlan Taylor,
Pedro Valente, Royce Gracie and the Gracie Academy. In
January 2015 Emiliano received his instructor certification and
received the blessing of the Gracie Academy to open up a Gracie
Certified Training Center in Tampa, FL. He has had the unique
opportunity to train all over the country at various Jiu Jitsu
schools and even in foreign countries. He sifts through the
best of what he experienced and brings it home to the school in
Tampa.