North River Jiu Jitsu is Florida's premier Brazilian Jiu Jitsu academy. North River Jiu Jitsu is Palmetto's premier American Jiu Jitsu academy serving the Manatee County area. We are centrally located giving easy access to the Sarasota, Bradenton, Ellenton, and Palmetto areas. We offer adult Jiu Jitsu classes for all skill levels as well as youth classes!
From your first class you will realize that we are different from any other school, and it begins with our unique way of teaching and the techniques we teach. The class environment is positive and friendly. I would not have it any other way! We help everyone achieve their goals, whether it is just getting in shape, having fun or going to compete at a major competition. Our creed is having no limits as our limitations.
Why Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) offers a unique blend of mental and physical benefits, enhancing strength, flexibility, and endurance while promoting self-discipline and focus. Practicing BJJ can also improve problem-solving skills and build confidence, as it emphasizes technique and leverage over brute strength, making it accessible to people of all sizes and fitness levels. It’s not just a workout - it’s a life-saving skill.
In Jiu Jitsu, you will prove that to yourself. You can achieve so much more than you think. When you do, you’ll see that the sky is the limit. Burn Fat. Build Lean Muscle. Jiu Jitsu will work your body in totally new ways.
Our Programs
North River offers high level No Gi Jiu Jitsu and Submission Wrestling. Our classes are great for beginners as well as experienced practitioners. All of our classes are open to all skill levels, beginner through advanced. Wherever you're starting from, we have a path for you! We focus on the fundamentals of jiujitsu, which are simply the most effective parts of the art.
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Step by Step System to Learn Jiu Jitsu FAST
Adult Jiu Jitsu
Our Adult Jiu Jitsu Program offers over 65 classes a month ranging from our beginners program to our pro trainings. Classes 3x per day every weekday. No matter what shape you're in or what your schedule looks like, we've got a class for you! With our Master’s Club and Black Belt Club, the challenge never stops. Get One Adult Jiu-Jitsu Private Lesson and Two Weeks of Group Classes in Bradenton... Hurry up!
Kid's Jiu Jitsu
Our Kids Jiu Jitsu program is split into two classes for ages 5-7 and 8-13. On top of the amazing benefits to starting a sport and getting consistent exercise from a young age, children who train Jiu Jitsu develop self confidence and situational awareness that helps prevent bullying and keep them safe.
Afterschool Pickup
Our amazing Afterschool pickup program picks up from select Elementary schools in the Manatee County area and provides the kids with time for homework and a Jiu Jitsu class every day. We pick up from: Williams, Virgil Mills, Harvey, Parrish Charter Academy.
Is BJJ Right for You?
No, not at all! We find that people start at varying fitness levels. But, you will find that you do get fit by doing our Bradenton martial arts classes. Absolutely! Women really find that the benefits of doing martial arts training in BJJ is that they learn to protect themselves against a bigger, stronger opponent. Something they never thought was possible. We think ALL women should know how to protect themselves, especially on the ground! Yes, initially some women find that the close training proximity might be a little uncomfortable. But don’t worry!
Absolutely. Live grappling (or rolling) isn't required, but it is recommended. It's how you take what you've learned during class and try it out in real time. Rolling during open mat is where you're going to improve and make progress. You actually become better at jiu jitsu by losing - a LOT! If you're nervous about live grappling, ask a coach to pair you up with an experienced partner. We are all no gi, so there's no uniform needed.
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No, Competition is not for everyone. And, not all competitions are the same. It can be a good way for students to learn and test their skills, and strive for outstanding achievement. And it is important to be selective as to which competitions are entered.
Japanese Jiujitsu vs. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
We teach a more traditional form of Jiujitsu, commonly referred to as Japanese Jiujitsu. It was brought to Brazil by immigrants and transformed into Jiujitsu as it was adjusted to be a sport. The main similarity between BJJ and Japanese Jujutsu is that they both focus on the idea of defeating stronger opponents with a flexible fighting strategy. In regard to technique, the differences between Japanese Jiujitsu and BJJ lie in the type of techniques that are taught to the students.
JJJ includes a wider variety of techniques compared to BJJ, including distance fighting (strikes), close-quarter fighting (throws) and ground fighting. Jiujitsu, although helpful in self defense, it’s primary focus is on winning a match, with rules, and a referee. Japanese Jiujitsu, on the other hand, was designed by the samurai as Taijutsu, their empty hand fighting system that was then propagated in modern times by military and law enforcement.
Success Stories
"My brother has trained here for years and has grown so much not just with the sport but he’s grown into a kind and helpful person and I credit that to this studio. The owners are supportive and treat students as family. We love Oliveras!!" ★★★★★
"Professor Zach helped me feel right at home while I was dropping in when on vacation. Great instruction and great rolling! Highly recommend" ★★★★★
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"The best around! A great place to start or continue your Jiu Jitsu journey. I got in shape, learned self-defense, and gained a new family. I have been to schools around the country and the technique and style of class at this school is far better than most I have been to." ★★★★★
"Ancient Ways Martial Arts Academy is a wonderful place."
"The staff are the best people you could ever meet."
Start Training Today
The first class is always the hardest - it's intimidating stepping out of your comfort zone - but we all started there and we all say the same thing: "I wish I started sooner!"
Find Us
We’re located at 4774 Cortez Rd. We do only have a certain amount of space in our martial arts training area.
Address: 1035 Hasko Rd.
FREE TRIAL FOR NEW MEMBERS
DISCOVER YOUR POTENTIAL WITH WORLD-CLASS JIU-JITSU SELF-DEFENSE TRAINING
ZACH OLIVERA SR - 2nd degree black belt instructor
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Get One Adult Jiu-Jitsu Private Lesson and Two Weeks of Group Classes in Bradenton... “So fun it’s addicting!”