Florida Freestyle Judo

09/02/2025

Judo is back, See everyone back on the mats Saturday for a big class and to welcome Coach Barron back.

06/27/2025

Good day Judoka. Unfortunately with Coach Barron under the weather we will not have Judo Classes today. We will have open mat times available. Everyone have an amazing Friday and enjoy the weekend.

06/20/2025

This weekend is all about coming together. 💙

FRIDAY NIGHT – Roll4Cole Prep:
To make space and energy for Saturday’s event:
❌ No Judo Class
❌ No 11AM Class
✅ All Friday Night Classes will be Open Mat

Let’s use Friday evening to get in some rounds, help each other get ready, and set the tone for a meaningful weekend.

Roll4Cole is this Saturday!
Join us for an unforgettable day as we roll in honor of Cole Bell. This event is more than just a day on the mats—it’s a celebration of life, love, and legacy. Whether you're competing, rolling for fun, or just showing support, your presence matters.

SUNDAY – Special Guest Open Mat at 10:30AM!
We’ll close out the weekend with special guests dropping in to train, so don’t miss this opportunity to learn, grow, and roll with extended members of our grappling family.

📍Carlson Gracie Winter Haven
Let’s show up and show love — Loyalty. Legacy. Relentless Growth.

05/23/2025

MEMORIAL DAY OPEN MAT SCHEDULE
This Monday, we honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. In their spirit, we come together to train hard, support each other, and build strength through community.

All Carlson Gracie Polk County locations will be running Open Mat Only:

🔹 6:00 AM – Winter Haven
🔹 10:00 AM – North Lakeland
🔹 6:00 PM – South Lakeland

Come roll, connect, and reflect. All teams and affiliations are welcome.

Loyalty • Legacy • Relentless Growth

05/22/2025

Congrats to Coach Barron Shepherd and Andrew Kinchen on acheiving their AAU Judo Referee Certification. We push the coaches to continue their education and support of the art. See Everyone July 14th at the Scrimmage!!

04/04/2025

Judo Fridays!!
There will be no 11am class today, but see everyone tonight:
530pm - Judo Fundamentals - All Ages
630pm - Judo Comp Prep
Don't forget our AAU / JBBA referee clinic tomorrow at 9am. $20 to take part, there will be a certification test as part of this clinic.

03/28/2025

03/18/2025

Freestyle Judo Referee Training Seminar

📅 Date: April 5th
📍 Location: Carlson Gracie Winter Haven - 622 Ave O SW, Winter Haven,FL 33880
💰 Cost: $20 per person

Learn to be a Referee!
This seminar is open to anyone interested in becoming a Freestyle Judo Referee or Corner Judge for Gi and No Gi matches. Participants will gain the necessary skills to officiate under the Freestyle Judo ruleset, including:

✅ Classroom instruction & discussion
✅ Written exam (70%+ to pass)
✅ Hands-on practice with match evaluations
✅ 4 hours of Continuing Education credit for current FSJ Referees

Certification Requirements:
✔ Membership in the Judo Black Belt Association (JBBA)
✔ Successful completion of the exam & hands-on evaluation
✔ AAU membership recommended but not required

Certification Options:
📜 Free: PDF certificate via email
📬 $20: Mailed 8x10 color certificate

📖 Recommended Prep:
Familiarize yourself with the Freestyle Judo Rules:
🔗 www.freestylejudo.org/rules

Instructor:
👨‍🏫 James Wall – 5th Degree Judo Black Belt (JBBA & USJA)
🔹 National Level Referee & Coach
🔹 30+ years of martial arts experience
🔹 Black Belt in BJJ under Prof. Carlos Machado

📢 Reserve your spot today!

03/12/2025

📢 SAVE THE DATE! 📢

🥋 Freestyle Judo, AAU Judo & JBBA Referee Training Clinic 🥋

📅 April 5th, 2025
⏰ 9:30 AM
📍 Carlson Gracie Winter Haven

Freestyle Judo (IFJA), AAU Judo, and JBBA (Judo Black Belt Association) will be hosting a Referee Training Clinic at Carlson Gracie Winter Haven! This clinic will cover Gi and No-Gi rules for both Freestyle and Traditional Judo—an excellent opportunity for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of Judo officiating.

🔹 Open to all skill levels
🔹 Learn from experienced referees
🔹 Gi & No-Gi Rules Covered
🔹 Freestyle & Traditional Judo Officiating
🔹 Open Training Session After the Clinic

More details coming soon—stay tuned! 👊🔥

02/21/2025

Judo Friday is on Tap
11am - Judo - All Levels
530pm - Judo Fundamentals - All Ages
630pm - Judo - Competition Training

Next Scrimmage is March 8th - IJF Divisions, get signed up now at smoothcomp.