Master Mario Sperry teaching Brazilian jiu-jitsu on the mats at his Miami academy

BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU · NO-GI · KICKBOXING · MMA — MIAMI

Train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Miami with Mario Sperry.

Master Mario Sperry — 6th-degree black belt, IBJJF world champion, first-ever ADCC absolute champion and co-founder of Brazilian Top Team. Adults, kids, beginners and competitors.

The Academy

World-class jiu-jitsu, without the ego.

Mario Sperry Jiu-Jitsu Academy is a modern training facility in downtown Miami built for everyone — from the complete beginner stepping on the mats for the first time to the competitor preparing for worlds. Adults and kids train side by side in a clean, safe, welcoming room.

Every class is structured, technical, and taught with the same standard that built champions — plus a family atmosphere that keeps people coming back for years.

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Team photo after training at Mario Sperry Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Miami, Florida
Mario Sperry, 6th-degree black belt, teaching during class at his Miami academy

The Master

A career that shaped modern grappling.

Carlson Gracie black belt. Multiple-time IBJJF world champion. The first absolute champion in ADCC history. PRIDE FC veteran. Co-founder of Brazilian Top Team. Mario Sperry didn't just win — he built the teams and the training culture that produced generations of champions.

That knowledge is what you get from your very first class in Miami.

6th
Degree black belt
ADCC
First-ever absolute champion, 1998
IBJJF
Multiple-time world champion
13–4
Professional MMA record

Porto Alegre, Brazil

From judo to jiu-jitsu

José Mário Sperry started in judo before dedicating himself to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under the legendary Carlson Gracie — where he built the pressure-based, no-nonsense style that defines his teaching today.

1995

Double gold at the Worlds

Took double gold at the IBJJF World Championship, part of a run of world titles that put him among the most dominant gi competitors of his generation.

1998

First-ever ADCC absolute champion

Won the absolute division at the inaugural ADCC World Championship — the first man ever to do it — and went on to captain Team Brazil at ADCC with multiple medals.

PRIDE FC

Tested at the highest level

Compiled a 13–4 professional MMA record with wins over legends of the era, including Igor Vovchanchyn, competing in PRIDE Fighting Championships in Japan.

Brazilian Top Team

Building champions

Co-founded Brazilian Top Team, one of the most influential teams in MMA history, coaching Antônio Rodrigo “Minotauro” Nogueira, Ricardo Arona and many more.

Today — Miami

Still coaching, still teaching

Master Sperry teaches seminars and coaches competitors around the world, and leads daily classes at his own academy in downtown Miami.

Programs

Something for every age and every level.

All levels · Gi

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Fundamentals through advanced. Self-defense, conditioning and technique taught in a clear, progressive curriculum.

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All levels

No-Gi Grappling

Speed, control and submissions without the gi, led by black belts who actively compete.

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Beginner friendly

Kickboxing

Striking, footwork and conditioning in a high-energy class open to complete beginners.

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Intermediate & advanced

MMA

Striking, wrestling and ground work put together for athletes who want the complete game.

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Ages 4+

Kids BJJ

Discipline, confidence and fitness in a supportive room built on respect and teamwork.

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By appointment

Private Lessons

One-on-one with Master Sperry or a senior coach — fundamentals, competition prep or strategy.

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Kids & teens

After-School & Summer Camps

Training, fitness and character development that keeps kids active and engaged all year.

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Coaches

The team on the mats with you.

Mario Sperry, 6th-degree black belt and head professor at Mario Sperry Jiu-Jitsu Academy
Master Mario Sperry — 6th-degree black belt.
Mario Sperry celebrating an absolute championship victory on the podium
Master Sperry celebrates a legacy that helped shape jiu-jitsu and MMA.

Mario Sperry

Head Professor — 6th-Degree Black Belt

A legendary Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA fighter from Porto Alegre, Brazil. He began with judo and later trained under Carlson Gracie, becoming a multiple-time IBJJF and ADCC world champion — double gold at the 1995 IBJJF Worlds and, in 1998, the first-ever ADCC absolute champion. He captained Brazil at ADCC and medaled across several editions. In MMA he fought in PRIDE FC, finishing 13–4 with wins over legends like Igor Vovchanchyn. Co-founder of Brazilian Top Team, he helped train champions such as Minotauro Nogueira and Ricardo Arona, and today continues to coach and spread the art of jiu-jitsu globally.

@mariosperry
Coach Javier Oyarzabal after winning a professional MMA fight in Latin America
Coach Javier Oyarzabal after winning a professional MMA fight in Latin America.
Coach Javier Oyarzabal teaching advanced kickboxing class at Mario Sperry Academy in Miami
Teaching advanced kickboxing class at Mario Sperry Academy in Miami.

Javier Oyarzabal

MMA & Advanced No-Gi Instructor

A professional MMA fighter from Argentina and a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt (2 stripes) under Master Mario Sperry. He has competed across Latin America, earning a reputation for his charisma, strong striking, and crowd-pleasing style. At the academy he leads the Advanced No-Gi, Kickboxing, and MMA programs, preparing amateur and pro athletes — some of whom have reached the UFC and major circuits. His coaching is intense, motivating, and focused on fundamentals, grit, and a winning mindset.

@javieroyarzabal10
Jesús Naidenoff competing in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournaments
Jesús Naidenoff — tournaments.
Jesús Naidenoff teaching kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes at the academy
Jesús Naidenoff — kids classes.

Jesús Naidenoff

Kids & All Levels BJJ Coach

A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Mario Sperry, originally from Venezuela, with over 15 years of experience on the mats. As a father and dedicated instructor, his 11-year-old son Fabricio actively assists him in class. Coach Jesús leads the Kids Program and the 7:00 AM All Levels BJJ classes, blending old-school values with a modern teaching style. His classes are structured, safe, and focused on discipline, respect, self-defense, and a lifelong love for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

@jesusnaidenoff
Grappling and MMA – Coach Nahuel Cañiza represents Mario Sperry Academy in top-level competitions
Grappling and MMA — representing the academy in top-level competitions.
Coach Nahuel Cañiza in action – grappling victory, competition entrance, and kickboxing training
Grappling victory, competition entrance, and kickboxing training.

Nahuel Cañiza

Kickboxing Coach | MMA Fighter

An Argentine mixed martial artist and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner. He holds a purple belt in BJJ and competes in the bantamweight division, proudly representing Mario Sperry Jiu-Jitsu Academy. He has earned victories by technical knockout and submission in events such as Global MMA and West Fights MMA, and actively competes in grappling tournaments. At the academy, Coach Nahuel leads the All Levels Kickboxing classes and serves as assistant coach to Javier Oyarzabal.

@nahuecaniza

Kids Program

Looking for Kids BJJ in Miami?

Our children's program teaches real Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in a clean, friendly environment — perfect for kids ages 4–12 to build confidence, discipline, and body coordination.

Kids practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at Mario Sperry Academy in Miami

What your child will learn

  • Fundamental Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu positions and drills
  • Anti-bullying and self-defense techniques
  • Focus, patience, and respect for others
  • Teamwork and communication
  • Physical coordination and discipline

All techniques are taught in a safe, age-appropriate environment by experienced coaches.

Benefits beyond the mat

  • Increased confidence and self-esteem
  • Better behavior and focus at school
  • Healthy habits and physical fitness
  • Resilience, problem-solving, and goal setting
  • Positive friendships and a respectful attitude

BJJ gives kids the mindset to overcome challenges — on and off the mat.

Kids schedule & age groups

Ages 4–8Tuesday & Thursday5:00–5:45 PM
Ages 9–12Monday & Wednesday5:00–5:45 PM
All Kids No-GiFriday5:00–5:45 PM

Children are encouraged to attend both their age-specific classes and the Friday session for extra practice and fun.

Children learning Jiu-Jitsu under professional guidance at Mario Sperry Academy
Children learning Jiu-Jitsu under professional guidance at Mario Sperry Academy.
Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class at Mario Sperry Academy in Miami

Meet the coach

All kids' classes are personally taught by Coach Jesús Naidenoff, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Master Mario Sperry, with years of experience working with children of all ages. His teaching style is structured, respectful, and engaging — building respect, discipline, confidence, and resilience in every class.

Why train here

Everything set up so you just show up and train.

Clean, modern facility

Fresh mats, air-conditioned training room and a space you'll actually want to spend time in.

Private parking

Park on site and walk straight in — no circling the block before class.

Showers & changing rooms

Train before work or on your lunch break and leave ready for the rest of your day.

Minutes from Brickell

Downtown Miami location, a short drive from Brickell, Wynwood and the Beach.

Taught by a legend

Direct instruction from Master Mario Sperry, not a franchise curriculum.

Real community

Families, professionals and competitors training together with respect.

Schedule

Train downtown, six days a week.

Monday

  • 7:00 AM — Jiu-Jitsu All Levels
  • 5:00 PM — Kids 9-12
  • 6:00 PM — Nogi
  • 7:00 PM — Jiu-Jitsu Beginners
  • 8:00 PM — Kickboxing

Tuesday

  • 7:00 AM — Nogi
  • 11:00 AM — Jiu-Jitsu All Levels
  • 5:00 PM — Kids 4-8
  • 6:00 PM — Jiu-Jitsu Advanced
  • 7:00 PM — Jiu-Jitsu Beginners

Wednesday

  • 7:00 AM — Jiu-Jitsu All Levels
  • 5:00 PM — Kids 9-12
  • 6:00 PM — Jiu-Jitsu Advanced
  • 7:00 PM — Nogi
  • 8:00 PM — Kickboxing

Thursday

  • 7:00 AM — Nogi
  • 11:00 AM — Jiu-Jitsu All Levels
  • 5:00 PM — Kids 4-8
  • 6:00 PM — Jiu-Jitsu Advanced
  • 7:00 PM — Jiu-Jitsu Beginners

Friday

  • 7:00 AM — Jiu-Jitsu All Levels
  • 5:00 PM — All Kids Nogi
  • 6:00 PM — Nogi
  • 7:00 PM — Kickboxing

Saturday

  • 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM — Open Mat

Sunday

  • Rest & recover

Privates

  • By appointment
  • With Master Sperry or a senior coach
Start Your Free TrialSee full schedule

Class times may vary by season — message us and we'll confirm the best class for your first free week.

Free Trial

Your first week is on us.

Every new student gets a full week of unlimited classes — free. No commitment, no card required. Just show up and train.

Prefer to text? WhatsApp us.

Location

760 NW 4th St, Suite 101 — Downtown Miami.

Building entrance of Mario Sperry Jiu-Jitsu Academy in downtown Miami

Your first class is free.

Come see the academy for yourself, meet the team and train. No commitment, no card required.