Knuckle up Jacksonville Jean Jacques Machado Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Fitness

Knuckle up Jacksonville Jean Jacques Machado Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Fitness was established in 2013 and serves the Jacksonville area under the direction of Professor David Werner. Professor Werner received his black belt directly from Master Jean Jacques Machado in 2016 and has continued to advance under Machado’s guidance, earning his first and second degree promotions in the years since. With a foundation in both Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Tae Kwon Do, Professor Werner brings a depth of experience and a direct Machado lineage to the academy’s instruction. The academy offers traditional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes for adults, with a strong emphasis on the fundamentals and self-defense aspects that define the Machado approach. Professor Werner leads the gi program, focusing on practical technique, progression, and making the art accessible to a broad range of students. In addition to regular classes, the gym welcomes drop-ins and provides open mat sessions for adults, giving both members and visitors the chance to apply what they’ve learned in a less formal setting. Knuckle Up also accommodates families and individuals seeking a variety of training options, offering kids’ Jiu-Jitsu, self-defense courses for groups and women, and additional martial arts and fitness programs. The facility is wheelchair accessible and maintains a flexible schedule, with classes running throughout the week to fit different lifestyles. The academy has hosted seminars with Master Jean Jacques Machado himself, reflecting a living connection to one of the art’s most respected lineages.

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