Summary
Quick take on Mat Monster Grappling
Mat Monster Grappling brings Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to 43 W Macclenny Ave in Macclenny, FL with a clear emphasis on skill-building, accessibility, and a welcoming path into the art.
Academy profile
Mat Monster Grappling
Macclenny, Florida
Google: 5.0 (6 reviews)
Overview
About Mat Monster Grappling
Mat Monster Grappling brings Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to 43 W Macclenny Ave in Macclenny, FL with a clear emphasis on skill-building, accessibility, and a welcoming path into the art. The academy describes its approach as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with a direct lineage to the Gracies, and that heritage helps shape the training culture for students who want practical self-defense, disciplined technical development, and a strong connection to tradition. The invitation to come try a free class makes it easy for newcomers to step onto the mats and see how the room operates before committing to a routine.
The academy’s program lineup gives it a broad appeal across ages and experience levels. Younger students can get started through Mini Monsters GI and Mini Monsters No GI, while older beginners and hobbyists have options such as Adults No GI and Medium Monsters No GI. Grapplers who prefer gi work can train in Medium Monsters GI, and those looking to sharpen movement, timing, and athletic carryover can benefit from Wrestling and Conditioning No GI. Open Mat rounds out the schedule with space for live rounds and independent drilling, making the gym useful both for structured learning and for students who want extra mat time. The business is also identified as a martial arts school, which fits its broader role in the local training community.
A standout feature is the depth of coaching talent tied to the academy. The instructor roster includes James Collins, Brandt Smith, DJ, Jordan Johnson, and JT, with ranked experience that spans Black Belt - 2nd degree for James Collins, Black Belt for Brandt Smith and DJ, and Purple Belt for Jordan Johnson and JT. That blend of seasoned black belts and active purple belts can create a practical training environment where beginners get patient guidance while more experienced students still find technical detail and room to progress. The presence of multiple instructors also supports a varied class experience, giving students exposure to different teaching styles and approaches.
For day-to-day convenience, Mat Monster Grappling offers bike parking, accepts credit cards, provides 1:1 sessions, and is wheelchair accessible. Those practical details make the academy easier to fit into a busy schedule, whether someone is dropping in after work, arriving by bike, or seeking focused private instruction. In a local BJJ landscape, the combination of Gracie lineage, age-specific programs, gi and no-gi pathways, and a flexible training setup gives Mat Monster Grappling a distinctive profile for families, beginners, and dedicated practitioners alike.
Philosophy
Training Philosophy
The academy describes its approach as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with a direct lineage to the Gracies, and that heritage helps shape the training culture for students who want practical self-defense, disciplined technical development, and a strong connection to tradition. The presence of multiple instructors also supports a varied class experience, giving students exposure to different teaching styles and approaches.
Mini Monsters GIOpen MatWrestling and Conditioning No GIMini Monsters No GIAdults No GIMedium Monsters No GI
Class Hours
- Friday: Closed
- Monday: Closed
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: 2–4 PM
- Thursday: 6–10 PM
- Tuesday: 6–10 PM
- Wednesday: Closed
Reference
Third-Party Ratings
Third-party ratings shown for reference only. Visit the original platform for full reviews.
6 Google reviews
Programs & Highlights
Programs & Classes
- Mini Monsters GI
- Open Mat
- Wrestling and Conditioning No GI
- Mini Monsters No GI
- Adults No GI
- Medium Monsters No GI
- Martial arts school
- Medium Monsters GI
Amenities
- Bike parking
- Accepts credit cards
- 1:1 sessions available
- Wheelchair accessible
Instructors & Team
- James Collins
- Brandt Smith
- DJ
- Jordan Johnson
- JT
Belt Ranks
- Black Belt - 2nd degree (James Collins)
- Black Belt (Brandt Smith)
- Black Belt (DJ)
- Purple Belt (Jordan Johnson)
- Purple Belt (JT)
Instructors
Instructor Spotlight
James Collins anchors the coaching team at Mat Monster Grappling as a 2nd degree black belt, working alongside Brandt Smith and DJ, both black belts, plus Jordan Johnson and JT, who each bring purple-belt experience to the room. That combination gives you a broad coaching perspective: detailed technical instruction from senior belts, practical support across youth and adult classes, and a training atmosphere where beginners can settle in without feeling rushed. You can expect clear guidance, hands-on feedback, and a teaching style built to help you understand the why behind each position, whether you’re stepping onto the mats for the first time or returning to sharpen your game.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What classes and training options does Mat Monster Grappling offer?
Mat Monster Grappling offers a mix of youth, adult, gi, and no-gi training options, making it easy to choose a class that fits your goals and experience level. The program lineup includes Mini Monsters GI, Mini Monsters No GI, Medium Monsters GI, Medium Monsters No GI, Adults No GI, Wrestling and Conditioning No GI, and Open Mat. The academy is also described as a martial arts school, which reflects a broader training environment beyond a single class format. If you want to understand which class is the best match for your age group or skill level, the most practical next step is to reach out through the academy’s website and confirm the current weekly schedule before visiting. This is especially helpful if you want to plan around family routines, work hours, or a specific training focus such as grappling, wrestling, or open mat rounds.
Is Mat Monster Grappling beginner-friendly?
Yes, Mat Monster Grappling is a strong option for beginners because it offers structured entry points like Mini Monsters classes for younger students and adult training tracks that support progressive learning. The academy’s connection to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with direct Gracie lineage suggests a solid technical foundation, and the presence of multiple instructors gives new students more than one source of guidance. That can be especially helpful when you are learning fundamentals such as stance, movement, posture, and basic positional control. If you have never trained before, you can start by taking the free class invitation and asking which session is the best fit for your comfort level. A trial visit is also a good way to get a feel for the culture, observe how instruction is delivered, and decide whether you want to continue with gi, no-gi, or a combination of both.
How do I book a trial class or schedule a visit?
The simplest way to book a trial class or schedule a visit is to go to the academy’s website at https://www.matmonsters.com/ and use it as your starting point for contact or visit details. Mat Monster Grappling encourages newcomers to come try a free class, which makes the first step easy for anyone curious about the gym. Before heading in, it is smart to confirm the current class timing and ask which program is best for you, especially if you are deciding between Mini Monsters, Adults No GI, or one of the medium-level classes. If you plan to stop by in person, the academy is at 43 W Macclenny Ave in Macclenny, FL, and practical amenities like credit card acceptance, bike parking, and wheelchair accessibility can help make the visit smoother.
What should I know about pricing and payment options?
A specific membership rate is not shared here, so the best place to confirm current pricing is directly through the academy’s website or by contacting the gym before your first visit. What is clear is that Mat Monster Grappling invites prospective students to try a free class, which gives you a low-risk way to experience the instruction, room layout, and training culture before committing. The academy also accepts credit cards, which can be a convenient payment option if you decide to move forward after your trial visit. When you ask about pricing, it can also be helpful to inquire whether different rates apply to youth classes, adult classes, or one-on-one sessions, since the gym offers 1:1 sessions in addition to group training.
Who teaches at Mat Monster Grappling, and what kind of coaching can I expect?
Mat Monster Grappling’s coaching team includes James Collins, Brandt Smith, DJ, Jordan Johnson, and JT. James Collins holds a 2nd degree black belt, while Brandt Smith and DJ are black belts, and Jordan Johnson and JT are purple belts. That range of experience creates a layered coaching environment where students can benefit from high-level instruction and practical, accessible support during class. You can expect a style that balances technical detail with hands-on guidance, which is useful whether you are drilling basic movements, preparing for live rounds, or refining your no-gi game. If you want a clearer picture of how each instructor teaches, attending the free class is a great way to see the academy’s communication style, class structure, and overall atmosphere in action.
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Inside the academy
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