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the academy that will introduce you to the world of Jiu-Jitsu, starting in a beginner’s class and helping you reach your full potential. Lose weight, find mental balance, and keep your kids off the screens.
By joining START Academy you will become part of a bigger family formed by a select few people. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) has become the most in demand martial art because of its practicality in everyday life and usage in the MMA world. Here at START you are welcome to train amongst the best no matter what level you are. The program is delivered in a safe environment.
Our Jiu-Jitsu program offers specific classes for both children and adults of all belt levels. Blue, purple, and black belts have personalized classes to ensure continuous development! For children, the classes are fun, educational, and encourage self-confidence, physical exercise, and reduce screen time
Our Jiu-Jitsu program offers specific classes for both children and adults of all belt levels. Blue, purple, and black belts have personalized classes to ensure continuous development! For children, the classes are fun, educational, and encourage self-confidence, physical exercise, and reduce screen time
This trainng is focus in the self-defense standing up and also work in the conditioning and fitness of the body. The program is for all adult students (mens & womans) and is focus in conditioning, getting ripped and cutting weight. This trainng is focus in the self-defense standing up and also work inthe conditioning, coordination and fitness of the body.
START ACADEMY training process is based on hard work and dedication and focuses special attention to details and the development of discipline and willpower; focuses on building self-confidence through positive reinforcement to teach students how to trust in their own individual abilities and techniques.
Fill out the form to enroll in our programs and classes. We are here to help you start your Jiu-Jitsu journey. Reach out, and we’ll do our best to support you every step of the way!
Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced student, our programs are tailored to meet your needs and goals. Join a community that values growth, discipline, and respect. Start training with us today and experience the benefits of Jiu-Jitsu firsthand!
By joining START Academy you will become part of a bigger family formed by a select few people. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) has become the most in demand martial art because of its practicality in everyday life and usage in the MMA world.
At Start Academy we live by our family-oriented values: teamwork, loyalty and integrity. We believe these basic values hold true for any family and this is the basis of our Little Samurai program. Under the careful supervision of a head instructor, the program is delivered with the assistance of other instructors.
START ACADEMY training process is based on hard work and dedication and focuses special attention to details and the development of discipline and willpower; focuses on building self-confidence through positive reinforcement to teach students how to trust in their own individual abilities and techniques.
• 1998 Black Belt World Champion
• 4-Time Brazilian National Champion
• Founder of Start Jiu-Jitsu
For Professor *Rafael “Gordinho” Correa de Lima, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is more than a martial art. **It has been a way of life for nearly his entire life.
Born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Rafael grew up alongside his brother, legendary Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Professor *Roberto “Gordo” Correa de Lima*. From an early age, Jiu-Jitsu became part of his everyday life, and he had the opportunity to train and grow alongside many of the athletes and instructors who would become some of the most influential names in the history of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
• A WORLD CHAMPION LEGACY
Professor Rafael established himself among the elite competitors of his generation.
His competitive accomplishments include:
• 1998 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World Champion — Black Belt Division
• 4-Time Brazilian National Champion — 1994, 1995, 1996 & 1997
During his competitive career in Brazil, Rafael became known for his highly technical style of Jiu-Jitsu and was recognized as one of the most technical competitors of his generation.
But his connection to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu goes much deeper than championships and medals.
• GROWING UP WITH JIU-JITSU HISTORY
Professor Rafael grew up during an extraordinary period in Rio de Janeiro when Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was still a close-knit community that would eventually expand around the world.
His relationship with the Gracie family began long before international tournaments and professional academies.
Rafael attended the Anglo-American School of Rio de Janeiro alongside members of the Gracie family, including Renzo, Ralph, Ryan, Russo, and Daniel Gracie.
The Gracie and Correa de Lima families shared a close relationship, creating friendships and connections that extended far beyond the mats.
Professor Rafael didn’t simply study the history of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
He grew up surrounded by it.
• FROM CHAMPION TO PROFESSOR
Winning championships was an important part of Professor Rafael’s journey, but teaching became an even greater responsibility.
After decades in martial arts, his philosophy is simple:
The greatest accomplishment of a Jiu-Jitsu professor isn’t creating champions. It’s helping create better people.
Discipline. Respect. Confidence. Loyalty. Resilience. Health. Responsibility.
These are the principles Professor Rafael believes should be developed every time a student steps onto the mat.
For children, that means learning how to listen, work hard, handle frustration, win with humility, lose without giving up, and become more confident.
For adults, it means challenging themselves physically and mentally while becoming part of a positive and supportive community.
And for competitors, it means understanding that becoming a champion requires much more than technique—it requires character.
• THE START JIU-JITSU MISSION
After moving to the United States, Professor Rafael brought his experience, philosophy, and lifelong passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to South Florida and founded Start Jiu-Jitsu.
His vision was never simply to open another martial arts school.
It was to build an academy where families could expect world-class instruction, professionalism, cleanliness, safety, discipline, and a strong sense of community.
Today, Start Jiu-Jitsu welcomes everyone from children taking their very first class to adults discovering martial arts later in life and serious competitors pursuing championship goals.
Regardless of age or experience, every student shares the same mat and the same opportunity:
To become a better version of themselves.
After a lifetime dedicated to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Professor Rafael’s greatest legacy isn’t measured only by the championships he has won.
It’s measured by the lives changed through the art he loves.
• START JIU-JITSU
Changing lives through martial arts.
Our flexible schedule is designed to help you find the perfect training time that seamlessly fits into your routine or your child’s routine. Whether you’re balancing work, school, or other activities, we’ve got a spot that works for you. Don’t wait join now and start your journey with us today!
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START JIU JITSU & WE DEFY FOUNDATION:
Fill out the form to enroll in our programs and classes. We are here to help you start your Jiu-Jitsu journey. Reach out, and we’ll do our best to support you every step of the way!
Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced student, our programs are tailored to meet your needs and goals. Join a community that values growth, discipline, and respect. Start training with us today and experience the benefits of Jiu-Jitsu firsthand!
Fill out the form to enroll in our programs and classes. We are here to help you start your Jiu-Jitsu journey. Reach out, and we’ll do our best to support you every step of the way!
Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced student, our programs are tailored to meet your needs and goals. Join a community that values growth, discipline, and respect. Start training with us today and experience the benefits of Jiu-Jitsu firsthand!
