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Accelerate your Brazilian Jiu Jitsu journey with Private Classes led by Coach Elijah at Lion Up Martial Arts Academy!

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Coach Elijah’s exclusive approach acts as an improvement hack, focusing solely on your development as a private student.

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Coach Solana

Coach Solana McCaughen has been trained in the Martial Arts by her Father literally since she was Born. As one of the Original Kids in the successful Loyalist Martial Arts BJJ Program for children, Solana was raised in the academy. She has competed successfully many times, becoming the ‘Ontario Champ’ at the Ontario Open in May of 2022 and most recently Coach Solana was a Bronze Medalist at the IBJJF Pan American Games in Orlando in March of 2023.

Solana was awarded her Blue Belt in BJJ in June of 2022 – a very rare accomplishment to receive it before her 16th Birthday. Solana has continued her BJJ training since re-locating to Florida and she is also on the North Port High School Varsity Wrestling Team where she is ‘Captain’ of the Girls Team.

She is excited to assist with Children’s program at Lion Up Martial Arts Academy and to continue her competitive career in BJJ along with working towards a College Scholarship in Wrestling.

See What Our Members Say

Browse through the reviews to get a glimpse of the Renzo Gracie Jiu Jitsu of Northern Valley experience straight from our community.

Team Renzo Gracie Orlando

5.0

Based on 34 reviews

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Jackie Cheraso

00:57 25 Apr 24

I started doing yoga almost two months ago and its now something I look forward to weekly. I had never done yoga prior so I was not sure what to expect. Krystal is the most amazing yoga instructor. She truly encourages and supports every student in class based on their individual needs and her voice is so calming which helps way more than you would think. They offer a variety of different traditional yoga practices which is great! Adam is on the BJJ side of the studio and is always smiling when I see him! They make an awesome team!

Correy Nuttall

16:29 23 Mar 24

Of all the yoga classes I've taken, Krystal's stands out as the best! The studio's ambiance is inviting and beautiful. Krystal's expertise, kindness, and warmth make each session absolutely amazing. Highly recommended!!

Laura Nuttall

16:09 19 Mar 24

Had an INCREDIBLE jiujitsu class!Adam and Krystal run such an amazing and welcoming academy with so many class options for both jiujitsu and yoga! The facility is absolutely stunning, so clean, accessible and centrally located! Will be back again very soon!

Rolles Cooligan

15:21 18 Feb 24

Great jiujitsu, They have an awesome bjj program and bjj kids program and nice relaxing yoga classes! This place is for everyone and it’s super awesome!

AJ Ahmed

18:36 12 Dec 23

Extremely welcoming and insightful staff. Highly recommend!

Joel Robledo

18:42 24 Jun 22

Best gym in Orlando! From my own experience, this is the best gym I have ever had the pleasure of going to. They have classes for adults, children, as well as for different levels from beginners to advanced. The schedule is also very flexible offering 3 classes through out the day. The instructors there are all high level competitors respectively and bring their wealth of knowledge and skills to the table for their classes. They are super friendly and genuinely care about the students who attend. The classes are relatively small as well so you will have plenty of opportunities to ask questions, get personal help from your instructors and also have some amazing team mates who are outstanding! This gym is top notch! The facility is very clean and well sanitized, so no staph or nasty rashes. They offer awesome children's classes and the instructors are amazing , they are very patient and keep the little ones engaged. I am very grateful for this gym and highly recommend it to anybody considering it. If you want a awesome environment to train in and lose weight this is the spot. I lost about 15lbs in my first month. If you want to build confidence and learning practical self defense this is the gym for you. If you are a competitor and want to sharpen or hone your skills this gym is also for you. They have things for every level and never comprise the family friendly environment like some big gyms. Thank you Pat, Ramiro, Malena, Fran. I can't wait to come back and train with you all again.

Michael Feltham

01:36 16 Jul 24

The school is Amazing. I've learned a lot in two years. The classes are tough but fun. Everyone learns from that incredible teachers but also learn from all of the other students.

Joshua Kwilecki

17:17 08 Jul 24

For one looking to train jiu jitsu at any level, then I wouldn’t want to train anywhere else. In the world of martial arts gyms, whereas many will offer multiple disciplines of martial arts while sacrificing the quality of teaching and learning techniques, RGNV is the complete opposite. Carl Massaro and his staff of professors/coaches maintain the utmost professionalism while teaching, coming from the most highly regarded lineages of jiu jitsu. The gym attracts great quality people and every single encounter I’ve had with anyone who has stepped foot inside of the gym has been positive. Deciding to train here at RGNV has been one of the greatest personal decisions I’ve made in my adult life. Highly recommend!

christopher cardoza

00:27 08 Jul 24

I joined RGNV as an upper belt, after a two-year hiatus. Students and instructors alike were welcoming and genuinely supportive of my return to training. Professor Carl Massaro, the academy's owner and head instructor, brings a wealth of expertise and pedigree to the table. His attention to detail and commitment to each student's progress are evident in every class. In addition to professor Carl, the other professors all bring a unique perspective and set of technical skills to the mat. This is a great place to train.

Chris Nanartowich

13:35 07 Jul 24

This gym is amazing. Everyone there is extremely welcoming and friendly. Every class you can guarantee you will get the help you need from the instructors and the higher belts to make sure you understand whats going on. All the fear and nervousness I had on the first day went away instantly and now i cant wait to get to the next class. I recommend this place to everyone.

Justin Marrotte

17:11 05 Jul 24

This week will be my 13th year at this time establishment and I can confirm with total confidence there is no finer place to train. The level or training and teamwork involved is second to none. Although people begin jiu jitsu for many, many different reasons, we all share the common goal of learning the “gentle art” and becoming very technical and efficient practitioners. I am grateful that I made the decision to join Professor Carl Massaro and the Renzo Gracie Northern Valley Team! The environment and talent is excellent and exceptional.

Chana Smolanoff

23:09 04 Jun 24

My experience here at Renzo Gracie Northern Valley has been nothing short of transformative. The head instructor Professor Carl, has a unique knowledge of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. His expertise and dedication to the craft are evident in every class. He breaks down complex techniques into understandable steps and ensures that each student, regardless of their skill level, can grasp the intricacies of jiu jitsu.One of the most remarkable aspects of RGNV is the welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. From the moment you step through the door, you are greeted with warmth and encouragement. The community here is genuinely supportive, and the culture fostered within the academy makes it clear that making mistakes is part of the learning process. There’s no judgment, only guidance and a shared commitment to improvement.My journey at RGNV has significantly impacted my life, instilling in me immense self discipline and strength, both physically and mentally.RGNV is more than just a place to train; it’s a community that teaches growth, resilience, and respect along with the martial art of jiu jitsu. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced practitioner, this academy will provide you with the skills, confidence, and community support you need to thrive in BJJ. I cannot recommend RGNV highly enough.

Joon Chang

22:00 04 Jun 24

Over the last 10 years, I've been to many BJJ gyms and Renzo Gracie Northern Valley is by far my favorite place to train.Professor Carl, who has experience learning from and rolling with the best in the world, is one of the most technical black belts I've ever been around.The culture of the gym is also outstanding. It's an environment where egos are left at the door and people train to learn and help each other.

Nicholas Stefanidis

21:52 04 Jun 24

I can’t say enough good things about this jiu jitsu school. The level of teaching is simply amazing – the instructors are highly skilled, patient, and genuinely invested in each student’s progress. The environment is friendly, safe, and enjoyable, making it a perfect place for both beginners and advanced practitioners. Whether you’re looking to improve your technique, get in shape, or just have fun, this school has it all. Highly recommended!

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