Daniel GracieJiu-Jitsu Miami Free session
Head coach Ariel Sexton giving a thumbs up with four students in gis, kneeling in front of the Daniel Gracie Athletic Advance jaguar wall Kendall, Miami

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, MMA and kickboxing

Train hard. Stay humble. Grow together.

Technical jiu-jitsu in a friendly, no-ego room in Kendall, for kids from age 3, teens and adults. Taught by Ariel "Tarzan" Sexton, 3rd degree black belt under Daniel Gracie.

Claim your free session See the programs

Rather talk first? (305) 980-1847

  • 3rd degreeBlack belt under Daniel Gracie
  • 25+ yearsOn the mats, from Costa Rica to New York to Miami
  • 700+ studentsLed as head coach at Renzo Gracie Brooklyn
  • ONE ChampionshipVeteran of the lightweight division

Programs

Four ways onto the mat

Beginners, hobbyists and competitors train side by side. Real self-defense, solid fundamentals and healthy conditioning, at every age.

Young kids in white gis sitting on the blue mat with their coaches
Ages 3 to 11

Kids Jiu-Jitsu

Fundamentals, self-defense and a lot of fun, from a coach who built the kids' program at Renzo Gracie Brooklyn.

Kids program
Two students in white gis drilling closed guard while teammates watch along the logo wall
Ages 12 and up

Adult Jiu-Jitsu

Gi and no-gi for teens and adults. Learn technique, build fitness and train with a welcoming team, beginners included.

Adult program
Five students in MMA gloves squaring up in front of the jaguar logo wall
Ages 12 and up

MMA

Mixed martial arts from a professional fighter and ONE Championship veteran who developed the MMA curriculum at Renzo Gracie Brooklyn.

MMA program
Four students in gloves in fighting stance on the blue mat
Ages 12 and up

Kickboxing

Learn to strike and build real conditioning in a welcoming, no-ego room. Beginners welcome.

Kickboxing program

The lineage

A line you can step into

The Gracie family's jiu-jitsu, passed hand to hand, now taught every week in Kendall.

  1. The teacher

    Carlos Gracie Jr.

    Daniel Gracie's teacher.

  2. The name on the door

    Daniel Gracie

    Coral belt. Won the IBJJF World Championship absolute division as a brown belt, black belt in 1996, then fought in PRIDE and Bellator.

  3. Head coach

    Ariel "Tarzan" Sexton

    3rd degree black belt under Daniel Gracie, shaped in the Blue Basement era in New York.

  4. Next on the mat

    You

    Your first session is free. Claim it

Ariel Sexton in a Daniel Gracie Athletic Advance rash guard on the blue mats in Kendall

Your head coach

Ariel "Tarzan" Sexton

3rd degree black belt · Professional mixed martial artist

Ariel started jiu-jitsu in Costa Rica under Professor Mauro Sergio. He moved to New York to train under Daniel Gracie and the Renzo Gracie Team in the Blue Basement era, the room that produced many of the sport's most respected athletes, and refined the pressure-based, submission-driven game he is known for.

As head coach at Renzo Gracie Brooklyn he led over 700 students, launched the women's program, developed the MMA curriculum and built the kids' jiu-jitsu program. He is a multiple-time Costa Rican champion and fought in ONE Championship's lightweight division. Now he is in Kendall, building a home for beginners, competitors and families.

"Professor Ariel 'Tarzan' is incredible with kids, beginners, and top athletes in MMA and BJJ."Elizabeth J., Google review
Meet the coaches

On the mat

See how class is taught

Short technique breakdowns from Ariel, filmed on our mats. Tap one to watch.

Guillotine escape fundamentalsNo-gi
Closed guard techniqueGi
Baratoplata from the armbarGi and no-gi
A guard pass in the giGi

In their words

Five-star reviews, en inglés y en español

"The classes are well structured, with a good balance of technique, drilling, and live sparring. I've noticed significant improvements in both my skills and confidence since joining."
Kenneth L. · Google review
"Excelente academia. Ariel Sexton es otro nivel, clases dinámicas y de nivel técnico top. Recomendada 100%"
Mario J. · Google review
"A safe, welcoming environment where everyone, from complete beginners to advanced practitioners, can learn, grow, and build confidence."
Jonathan K. · Google review
"This is an outstanding place to train. The coaches are patient, supportive, and always encourage you to do your best."
Melany M. · Google review
"Literalmente los mejores profesores! Con mucha experiencia a nivel internacional, formando peleadores y atletas. Un espacio para aprender desde las bases."
Vanessa M. · Google review
"Looking to start something new? Here's best place in town to try, best team best coaches great environment safe and clean."
Blackwaters E. · Google review

Our roots

Born in Costa Rica. At home in Kendall.

Athletic Advance began in Costa Rica, where Ariel first stepped on the mat. The camps still run there: "Jiu Jitsu in Paradise" brings technical sessions, live rolling, beaches, surf and nature to Costa Rica's beach towns.

  • Santa Teresa
  • Puerto Viejo
  • Jacó
  • Nosara
  • Uvita
About the camps

Visit

Bright room. Clean mats. Easy parking.

Address
14133 SW 119th Ave
Miami, FL 33186 (Kendall)
Get directions Contact us
The empty training hall: a long room of blue mats with Daniel Gracie Athletic Advance panels on the white walls

Free session

Your first session is on us.

No experience needed. Leave your details and pick a first class that suits you.

  1. Tell us who's training. Kids or adults, a total beginner or a returning competitor.
  2. Book your first class. Choose a time on the next screen.
  3. Come in for your session. See you on the mats!

Claim your free session

Kids or adults, beginners welcome.

Or call (305) 980-1847