I’m 66 years young and I started training in March of 2011. I had done some high school and college wresting and participated in different forms of exercise my entire life. But I was searching for something that was more inclusive of mind, body and spirit. Fort Lauderdale Jiu-Jitsu was this for me. Upon meeting owner and instructor Bruce Belfield, Bruce asked me “What was I looking for?” Bruce’s explanation to my questions eased my nervousness about starting the quest I was to begin. With Fort Lauderdale Jiu-Jitsu’s comprehensive self-defense class program, I embraced the techniques, other practitioners, and lifestyle that was changing me from the inside out. The confidence you receive from learning to protect yourself is inner calm that encompasses you. Bruce is a great teacher and an example of the results of training. His students have become examples too, of his teaching. I can witness this in their performance. I plan on continuing my journey at Fort Lauderdale Jiu-Jitsu, because of the goals and visions I have set for myself. Come and enjoy with us, for yourself!

Hello. My name is John Doody and I am the owner and operator of Celtic Athletic. And today I'd like to talk a little bit, about my experience of learning jujitsu at Fort Lauderdale Jiu-Jitsu under the instruction of Bruce Belfield. So when I moved to Florida, my plan had been to go around the area and try the different schools and see where it was the best fit for me. Now, throughout my years of experience as a strength conditioning coach, I have had the good fortune to work with some truly world class coaches. And it's given me an understanding of what it takes to be an elite level coach. So when I walked into Fort Lauderdale Jiu-Jitsu and met Bruce to try out the school, I knew there was no point in looking any farther. Bruce, this is truly an exceptional coach. He's able to take the most complex of concepts, the most complex of movements and break them down into simple terms. It's really going to accelerate your learning as a student of Jiu-Jitsu. Not only that, but Bruce understands the applications of Jiu-Jitsu. He's worked in law enforcement and he's even worked as a SWAT officer. He understands what will and what will not work when your life is on the line. That is the sort of person you need to be learning Jiu-Jitsu from. Not only that, but Bruce is truly one of the nicest people you will ever meet in your life. He has dedicated numerous hours after class to answering my questions. I was running through areas that I was a little weak on. That is a hallmark of a coach that cares. And that is the sort of coach you need to be working with. Get down to Fort Lauderdale Jiu-Jitsu. Try out a class and you'll see exactly what I'm talking about.

I am a 31 year-old attorney and I have been training with Fort Lauderdale Jiu Jitsu since January 2021. I cannot overstate how much I have learned in less than two years of training, usually just twice a week. My primary interest was learning self-defense, but I also found a welcoming community of people from all backgrounds and all walks of life. Through Jiu Jitsu, I have developed critical self-defense skills, flexibility, and strength - and I have made many friends from the gym. It takes courage to walk through that door the first time, but I promise that you will always thank yourself that you did. Bruce will make you feel right at home, whether you have zero experience (like I did) or are a black belt already. I plan on training Jiu Jitsu forever.