Instructor
Professor Tim Martin
Tim is a retired Army officer with a commendable 28 years of dedicated service to his nation. His deep-rooted interest in martial arts has shaped his personal and professional journey from a young age. Holding a black belt in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, he trained under the guidance of Master Luiz Palhares in Jacksonville, Florida, and earned his current rank in 2022. His proficiency in this art is backed by over 17 years of rigorous practice and mastery.
A significant milestone in his Jiu-Jitsu training was beginning at the Gracie Academy in Torrance, California, under Ryron and Rener Gracie. Additionally, his training was further honed through time spent with Master Pedro Sauer in Virginia, another pivotal influence in his Jiu-Jitsu journey.
Beyond personal achievements, Tim is deeply passionate about imparting his knowledge and experiences in martial arts to others. He firmly believes in the transformative power of martial arts as a tool for self-improvement, empowerment, and reaching one's full potential. Through his teachings, he aims to instill confidence, self-defense skills, and resilience, viewing martial arts as a life-altering gift beneficial for individuals of all ages.
Gracie Jiu Jitsu
Effective & Efficient Self Defense
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art that emphasizes real-world situations. Created by Grandmasters Helio and Carlos Gracie, the curriculum comprises five fundamental areas: stand-up self-defense, striking, throwing and take-downs, groundwork, and philosophy. My goal is to prepare each student to diffuse potential confrontations on the street using leverage and control positions regardless of athletic ability.
To control and overcome greater size, strength, and aggression with lesser size and strength is the keynote of Gracie Jiu Jitsu. This is done by utilizing superior leverage, grip, and position upon your opponent. Students gain a deep understanding of the biomechanics, limits, and weaknesses of the human body.
This knowledge can be used to subdue and control an opponent with whatever level of severity the student chooses. The path to this knowledge is physically and mentally demanding. Students benefit from greatly increased physical fitness, problem-solving ability, self-knowledge of their body and mind and the many social benefits of working within a large group of like-minded fellow students as you learn and have fun together.
Association
Our lineage:
Mitsuyo Maeda > Carlos Gracie Sr. > Helio Gracie > Rickson Gracie > Luiz Palhares > Tim Martin
Luiz Palhares Jiu Jitsu Association
We are a proud member of the Luiz Palhares Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Association. Master Palhares was trained directly by the Gracie family, first under Rolls Gracie, then later under Rickson Gracie. He was awarded his black belt by Grandmaster Helio Gracie and Master Rickson Gracie in 1984, and has since won many high-level competitions and was the 1998 Brazilian National Champion in both the heavy weight senior division and the open division.
Professor Pedro Palhares assists his father teaching within the association and leads many of the classes at Jacksonville Gracie Jiu Jitsu. Well versed in the self defense aspects of the art and an avid competitor, Professor Pedro continues in the tradition of his father teaching Gracie Jiu Jitsu as a self defense art, combat sport, and lifestyle.
Schedule
"Jiu Jitsu is for anyone. Anyone who wants to learn, can. There is no male or female difference. It is something that increases the physical potential of anyone." ~ Grandmaster Helio Gracie