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Rilion Gracie Pensacola

4.8 ★★★★★ 24 Google reviews · Judo dojo in Pensacola, Florida

Affiliated Beginners welcome Kids & teens Competition

Affiliated dojo — reviews and the dojo's own info point to a recognized judo governing body or lineage (think USA Judo, USJA, USJF, Kodokan or Tenri). If affiliation matters to you, ask which body the dojo belongs to and under whom the head sensei earned their black belt.

Plan your first class

  • Beginner-friendly all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
  • Kids & youth classes kids and youth judo classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • Competition a competition team for members who want to test themselves in shiai (tournaments)
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule rgapensacola.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 850-285-9670

Hours

Monday 6–7:30 am, 4–8:30 pm
Tuesday 6–7:30 am, 4–8:30 pm
Wednesday 6–7:30 am, 4–8:30 pm
Thursday 6–7:30 am, 4–8:30 pm
Friday Open 24 hours
Saturday Open 24 hours
Sunday Open 24 hours

Hours shift for holidays, seminars, and open-mat times — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The classes they run

Judo classes on the schedule at Rilion Gracie Pensacola, confirmed in members' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🌱 Beginners 3 mentions

“The teen and adult classes are also well-structured and challenging but still accessible to students of all levels.”

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🧒 Kids Judo 17 mentions

“My son and I stopped by for a class while visiting Pensacola and I couldnt believe how kind Rafael was to us and his magic working with the kids.”

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Teens

“The teen and adult classes are also well-structured and challenging but still accessible to students of all levels.”

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🥋 Adult Judo

“The teen and adult classes are also well-structured and challenging but still accessible to students of all levels.”

All dojos that run adult judo →

🏆 Competition (Shiai)

“I am a Jiujitsu Black Belt, active Ibjjf competitor and have been prscticing for almost 20 years.”

All dojos that run competition (shiai) →

Other martial arts here

Judo dojos are often multi-discipline. Here's what else members mention training under the same roof at Rilion Gracie Pensacola — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🥋 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu 19 mentions

“I've been a student at the Rilion Gracie academy for the last 4 years Its been a great experience overall and my Jiu-Jitsu jitsu has grown by leaps and bounds since I've joined.”

Other dojos that also teach brazilian jiu-jitsu →

Disciplines are mined from reviews and the dojo's own info — they show what members have trained, not a formal class guarantee. If you specifically want BJJ, wrestling, or sambo alongside your judo, confirm the current schedule with the dojo.

What members say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 24 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, high-level coaching 3 mentions

“Rafa is the man, great location; great instruction.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 7 mentions

“The teen and adult classes are also well-structured and challenging but still accessible to students of all levels.”

🤝 respectful, no-ego dojo 15 mentions

“Rafael and his team have created a welcoming and supportive environment where everyone feels like part of a big family.”

From the reviews

I am a Jiujitsu Black Belt, active Ibjjf competitor and have been prscticing for almost 20 years. Professor Rafael is top notch! His school and his students are very welcoming and non judgemental.

★★★★★ — Clayton, Jul 2023

Before this gym I trained jiu jitsu on and off for a few years and didn’t improve much. I trained here every week for five months and my game exploded. Rafael makes everyone feel welcome from day one and pulls people together. Also, his jiu jitsu knowledge is unrivaled in the area.

★★★★★ — Josh, Jun 2022

Great facility right on 9th Avenue! Profesore Rafael is great at breaking things down to simple forms for any beginner to understand.

★★★★★ — Omar, Jun 2020

I can not say enough good things about Rafael and his kid's Jiu-jitsu class at Rilion Grace Jiu-jitsu Pensacola. From the moment we started attending, my child was welcomed with open arms by Rafael.

★★★★★ — Vagner, Feb 2023

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 24 reviews →

New to judo? Start at Rilion Gracie Pensacola

Rilion Gracie Pensacola comes up as a beginner-friendly dojo, going by their listing and members’ reviews. If you've never stepped on a mat, that's exactly who a good beginners program is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit or flexible to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and sensei scale the intensity to you. Second, you'll start by learning to fall safely (ukemi) — reputable dojos build fundamentals (breakfalls, grips, a first throw and some groundwork) for weeks, live randori eases in gradually, and tapping early keeps everyone safe. Third, all levels really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out, and remember to bow in and show respect (rei). Most dojos are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.

Check beginner classes on their site

Your first judo class at Rilion Gracie Pensacola

Nervous about walking into a judo dojo for the first time? Almost everyone is, and good sensei expect beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, learning to fall safely (ukemi), then drilling a throw or two and some groundwork with a partner — not hard randori. Rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: athletic wear you can move in (or a judogi if you have one); you'll train barefoot on the mats. What to bring: water and a mouthguard if you have one — many dojos lend a loaner judogi for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own judogi. Live randori eases in gradually, once your fundamentals are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the sensei. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.

Judo is a contact sport. Ease in, tap early and often, listen to your sensei, and if you have any injuries or health concerns, mention them before class and check with a doctor if you're unsure.

Where to find Rilion Gracie Pensacola

1020 N 9th Ave Ste A, Pensacola, FL32501

Get directions

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and member reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this dojo? Claim your listing — it's free.