Posts Tagged "Black Belt Instructor"

Choosing the Right Mixed Martial Arts and Jiu-Jitsu Academy

Choosing the Right Mixed Martial Arts and Jiu-Jitsu Academy

In today’s world, martial arts schools are everywhere. From strip malls to garages, it seems like anyone can open a gym and call themselves a coach. But here’s the truth—choosing the right Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) or Jiu-Jitsu academy is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in your martial arts journey. Your choice will directly impact not only your skill development but also your safety, growth, and long-term success.

At Team GAMMA, we understand this better than anyone. With 25 years of history in the fight game, we’ve seen firsthand how much of a difference a well-qualified instructor and proven system make.

Why Instructor Experience Matters

When it comes to training, not all instructors are created equal. The internet has made it easy for anyone to print a certificate or claim experience. That’s why it’s crucial to do your homework and ask questions like:

  • What is your instructor’s record?

  • What level of competition has their team achieved?

  • Do they have a proven track record of long-term success?

These aren’t just surface-level questions—they’re essential. A coach who has never tested themselves in real competition may not be equipped to guide you through the grind of training, much less prepare you for success.

Team GAMMA’s Proven Pedigree

At Team GAMMA, our instructors aren’t just teachers—they’re competitors who have lived what they teach. Our head instructor, Jay Speight, has been training since the age of six years old. With a 12-2 amateur MMA record and an undefeated professional MMA career, Jay brings real-world fight experience to every class he leads.

But Jay isn’t the only success story. Over the past two and a half decades, Team GAMMA has produced many fighters and Jiu-Jitsu practitioners who have competed at high levels, both inside the cage and on the mats. When you train with us, you’re learning from seasoned professionals who know how to win and—more importantly—know how to teach.

The Difference Between Short-Term and Long-Term Success

One of the biggest mistakes people make is focusing only on the “highlight reel.” An instructor might have one or two standout fighters, but what about the team as a whole? What about their ability to build students from the ground up and keep them progressing for years?

At Team GAMMA, we don’t just create short-term flashes of success—we build champions for the long haul. With over 25 years of consistent results, our academy is proof that dedication, experience, and leadership matter.

Train Smart, Choose Wisely

If you’re serious about your martial arts journey—whether for self-defense, competition, or personal growth—you owe it to yourself to train under proven leadership. Don’t settle for the first school you come across. Ask the hard questions. Look at the track record. And remember: your time and safety are worth investing in the best.

At Team GAMMA, we’re proud of the legacy we’ve built and the students we continue to guide. Whether your goal is to step into the cage, compete on the mats, or simply grow in confidence and fitness, our team is here to take you there the right way.

Team GAMMA – 25 Years of Proven Excellence in MMA and Jiu-Jitsu.

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Luiz Palhares Seminar

Master Luiz Palhares will be at our academy on Thursday, October 3rd at 5PM for the Children and 6PM for the adults. This is an event you don’t want to miss.

“Master Luiz Palhares is an 8th degree, Coral Red White Belt Under Grand Master Helio Gracie and Master Rickson Gracie. Luiz was born in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, on January 19, 1959. He 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’s passing, He continued to train under Rolls’s brother, Rickson Gracie. After 7 years of practicing BJJ, he was awarded his black belt in 1984 by Rickson Gracie together with Grand Master Helio Gracie. Luiz received his Coral belt in 2010 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, Luiz was asked to move from Brazil to teach at Rickson Gracie’s Academy in Los Angeles. Master Luiz currently resides in Jacksonville, FL, where he and his son, black belt Pedro Palhares, run Jacksonville Gracie Jiu Jitsu.

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Jay Speight Black Belt Gracie Jiu-jitsu Under Luiz Palhares

Jay Speight Black Belt Gracie Jiu-jitsu Under Luiz Palhares

We would like to congratulate our Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Instructor for his well deserved promotion to Black Belt Under Luiz Palhares at our Seminar yesterday. This is 18 year journey for Jay Speight, and we hope that Jay will enjoy many years promoting the truly effectiveness of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.

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Jay Speight Black Belt Jay Speight Black Belt

We would like to congratulate our Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Instructor for his well deserved promotion to Black Belt Under Luiz Palhares at our Seminar yesterday. This is 18 year journey for Jay Speight, and we hope that Jay will enjoy many years promoting the truly effectiveness of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.

Jay Speight has been a student himself of Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since he was 6 years old. He is a seasoned National and International champion in Jiu-Jujitsu and have too many titles to mention.

In Mixed Martial Arts he has an undefeated professional record of 3-0 and as an amateur fighter, he had a 12-2 record. His only two losses were by judges decision, his wins were by submission or knockout. He has been fighting in MMA since he was 16 years old.

He is always ready to help his students to attain their goals.

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