What is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a grappling-based martial art whose central theme is the skill of controlling a resisting opponent in ways that force him to submit. Due to the fact that control is generally easier on the ground than in a standing position, much of the technique of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is centered around the skill of taking an opponent down to the ground and wrestling for dominant control positions from where the opponent can be rendered harmless.
To control and overcome greater size, strength, and aggression with lesser size and strength is the keynote of the sport. This is done by utilizing superior leverage, grip, and position upon your opponent. Students of the sport gain a deep understanding of the workings and limits of the human body.
About Old School
Here at Old School BJJ, we go back to the roots of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu by incorporating an all-inclusive approach of gi, no-gi, self-defense, and competition (for those who are interested.) We believe in practicing effective jiu-jitsu, but in a safe manner. The owner and head professor, Bill Perez has over 30 years of experience in Brazilian JiuJitsu. Bill brings his systematic approach to learning BJJ to teach adults and kids from all walks of life.
Master Luiz Palhares
“I was born in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil on January 19, 1959. I started training in Rio De Janeiro in 1977 at the age of 18 under Rolls Gracie and continued to train with him until Rolls died in 1982 in a hang-gliding accident. After Rolls passing, I continued my training under Rolls’s brother, Rickson Gracie. After 7 years of practicing BJJ I was awarded the black belt in 1984 by Rickson Gracie together with Grand Master Helio Gracie. Currently I am 8th degree White and Red belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. I received my White and Red belt in 2018 by Grand Master Carlos Robson Gracie, Red Belt 9th Degree (President of the Jiu-Jitsu Federation of Rio de Janeiro). In 1999, then a 6th degree black belt, I was asked to move from Brazil to come to the United States to teach at Rickson Gracie’s Academy in Los Angeles. After teaching there for almost 8 years, in 2007, I opened my own Academy “Jacksonville Gracie Jiu Jitsu” in Jacksonville FL, where I currently reside.
As a competitor I have won the Rio de Janeiro championships several times and in 1998 was the Brazilian National Champion in the heavy weight senior division and open. In 2002 I took 3rd place in Masters and Seniors International. I have also won the Pan American Champion super heavy weight senior division and open in 2000, 2003, and 2004.
As an instructor Master Palhares has taught throughout the US and Europe. He teaches seminars and conducts private lessons around the globe. As a certified Army Combative instructor, he developed a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Combative program for the US Navy SEALs at Dam Neck, Virginia. At Camp Blanding, Florida in 2010, Palhares taught a five month long Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program for the 3rd Battalion 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne) prior to their deployment to Afghanistan. He has taught Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu seminars for the US Marines in Tennessee, and at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Palhares also enjoys a long-standing relationship with the Jacksonville Florida Sheriff’s Office (JSO) to provide instruction.
Here at Old School BJJ we maintain close ties to the head of our association and the roots of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Meet the Professors
Bill Perez
The owner and head professor, Bill Perez is currently a 4th degree black belt of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, with over 30 years of experience in BJJ, MMA, Valet Tudo, and more. Professor Bill’s 4th degree black belt was awarded by 8th degree coral-white Luiz Palhares in 2018. Professor Bill’s first foray into martial arts was a no holds barred mma competition, after that loss via guillotine, Professor Bill sought to learn the art that had beaten him. 10 years later he found his love of teaching as a purple belt and now seeks to share that knowledge and give back to his community.
Steven Graves
Steven first fell in love with the sport of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2002. Throughout Steven’s journey he has competed in various Jiu Jitsu tournaments winning or placing in his divisions.
In 2008 Steven turned his focus to the “Self Defense” curriculum and more combative variations of Gracie Jiu Jitsu. It was while sharing these techniques with his training partners that he discovered his love for teaching Jiu-Jitsu.
Steven was awarded his black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu by Professor Bill and 2nd degree Black Belt Robert Thompson in July 2020.
Steven was awarded his “Professor” bars by Professor Bill in 2021 and currently holds a 1st degree black belt.
Adult Schedule
MONDAY
Adult Gi
6:00am-7:00am
12:00pm-1:00pm
7:00pm-9:00pm
MMA Cardio/Conditioning
11:00am-12:00pm
TUESDAY
Adult Gi
6:00am-7:00am
12:00pm-1:00pm
7:00pm-9:00pm
MMA Cardio/Conditioning
11:00am-12:00pm
WEDNESDAY
Adult Gi
6:00am-7:00am
12:00pm-1:00pm
7:00pm-9:00pm
MMA Cardio/Conditioning
11:00am-12:00pm
THURSDAY
Adult No-Gi
6:00am-7:00am
12:00pm-1:00pm
7:00pm-9:00pm
MMA Cardio/Conditioning
11:00am-12:00pm
FRIDAY
Adult Gi
6:00am-7:00am
12:00pm-1:00pm
7:00pm-9:00pm
MMA Cardio/Conditioning
11:00am-12:00pm
SAT
SUN
Closed
Kids Schedule
MONDAY
Kids Gi
(Ages 5-7)
5:00pm-5:45pm
(Ages 8-14)
6:00pm-7:00pm
TUESDAY
Kids Gi
(Ages 3-4)
4:00pm-4:45pm
(Ages 5-7)
5:00pm-5:45pm
(Ages 8-14)
6:00pm-7:00pm
WEDNESDAY
Kids Gi
(Ages 5-7)
5:00pm-5:45pm
(Ages 8-14)
6:00pm-7:00pm
THURSDAY
Kids No-Gi
(Ages 3-4)
4:00pm-4:45pm
(Ages 5-7)
5:00pm-5:45pm
(Ages 8-14)
6:00pm-7:00pm
FRIDAY
Kids Gi
(Ages 5-7)
5:00pm-5:45pm
(Ages 8-14)
6:00pm-7:00pm
SAT
No kids classes
SUN
Closed
Contact us
Phone: 904-554-8216
Address: 651 Commerce Center Drive. Unit 500, Jacksonville, FL, 32225