Rat Town Jiu Jitsu Blog

It's about community. It's about learning. It's about preserving the culture and traditions of jiu jitsu while creating something uniquely our own here in Atlantic Beach. As our academy continues to grow, we wanted a better way to stay connected with our students, families, visitors, and the greater jiu jitsu community. That's why we're excited to officially launch the new Rat Town Jiu Jitsu website.

At Rat Town Jiu Jitsu in Atlantic Beach, competition is about much more than winning medals. It is about building confidence, developing discipline, learning resilience, and challenging yourself in ways that carry over into everyday life.

Known for blending classic surf culture with high-level grappling, Joel brings a unique perspective to jiu jitsu rooted in flow, timing, technique, and authenticity. This members-only event is an opportunity to learn from one of the most respected figures in both surfing and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu culture while experiencing the community-driven spirit that defines Rat Town.

Rat Town Jiu Jitsu is excited to announce Camp Wardzinski, a three-day training camp taking place Friday, May 8 through Sunday, May 10 in Atlantic Beach, Florida. This special event will bring together high-level technique, live rounds, sparring, and focused training for members and non-members who want to sharpen their Jiu Jitsu in a dedicated camp environment.

Vagner Rocha has built a reputation as one of the toughest and most experienced competitors in grappling. Throughout his career, he has competed at the highest levels of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, submission grappling, mixed martial arts, and Combat Jiu Jitsu. Known for his relentless pace, pressure-heavy style, and no-nonsense approach to competition, Rocha brings years of high-level experience to the mats.

Rat Town Jiu Jitsu is proud to present the Subculture Submission Summit, a unique two-day event bringing together Jiu Jitsu, tattoo culture, and community for an unforgettable weekend in Atlantic Beach, Florida. Taking place on Saturday, February 28 and Sunday, March 1, the summit will feature instruction from respected Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belts Sergio Hernandez and Ryan Clarke, creating a one-of-a-kind training experience for practitioners who appreciate both technical grappling and the creative culture that often surrounds it.

Jeff Glover has built a reputation as one of the most creative and unconventional grapplers in Jiu Jitsu. His style blends technical skill, timing, movement, and problem-solving in a way that has inspired students and competitors around the world. Students attending this seminar will have the opportunity to learn No-Gi concepts and details from an instructor known for helping grapplers think differently, move better, and expand their understanding of the sport.

Rat Town Jiu Jitsu is excited to welcome back Magid Hage for a special Gi Seminar and Belt Promotion Ceremony on Saturday, September 27 at Noon. This members-only event combines world-class Jiu Jitsu instruction with one of the most meaningful traditions in martial arts—belt promotions. It is an opportunity for students to learn from a highly respected black belt while celebrating the hard work, dedication, and progress of the Rat Town community.

Rat Town Jiu Jitsu is excited to host a special Gi seminar with Adam Wardziński on Saturday, May 17 at Noon. Known as “Megatron”, Adam Wardziński is a reigning IBJJF World Champion and one of the most respected competitors in modern Jiu Jitsu. Traveling all the way from Poland, Wardziński brings world-class experience, technical precision, and championship-level insight to the Rat Town mats.

Rat Town Jiu Jitsu is excited to welcome Kurt Osiander for a special Gi Seminar on Sunday, April 20 at 3:00 PM. Known throughout the Jiu Jitsu world for his direct teaching style, deep technical knowledge, and decades of experience on the mats, Kurt Osiander has become one of the most respected instructors in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. This members-only event offers students the opportunity to learn from a true veteran of the sport.

Rat Town Jiu Jitsu is excited to welcome back Sergio Hernandez for a special Gi Seminar on Friday, March 7 at 6:30 PM. Following a successful previous visit, Sergio returns to Rat Town to share his technical approach to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, offering members another opportunity to learn from a respected black belt known for his attention to detail, creativity, and passion for the art. This members-only event is designed for students looking to sharpen their Gi game, gain new perspectives, and continue their development on the mats.

This special weekend will give Rat Town members the opportunity to train with one of the most creative and influential grapplers in Jiu Jitsu. The weekend will include both Gi and No-Gi instruction, giving students a chance to sharpen different parts of their game across two focused sessions.

Rat Town Jiu Jitsu is excited to welcome Magid Hage, also known as "Gorilla Hands", for a special Gi Seminar on Saturday, September 28. This members-only event gives students the opportunity to learn directly from one of the most respected instructors and competitors in modern Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Known for his technical precision, innovative guard work, and world-class instruction, Magid Hage brings a unique perspective to the mats that has influenced grapplers around the world.

Rat Town Jiu Jitsu is excited to welcome Sergio Hernandez for a special Gi Seminar on Saturday, July 27 at Noon. This members-only event gives students the opportunity to learn from a respected Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt whose technical approach, attention to detail, and passion for the art have earned him recognition both on and off the mats. In addition to his accomplishments in Jiu Jitsu, Sergio Hernandez is also a highly regarded tattoo artist based in San Diego, California, bringing a unique creative perspective to his teaching and training style.

Rat Town Jiu Jitsu is excited to welcome Joel Tudor for a special No-Gi Seminar on Saturday, May 18 at Noon. This members-only event gives students the opportunity to train with one of the most unique and accomplished figures in both Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and surfing. Known for his technical approach, competitive success, and deep connection to surf culture, Joel Tudor brings a perspective to Jiu Jitsu that is both highly effective and refreshingly authentic.

Rat Town Jiu Jitsu is proud to host a special Gi Seminar with Kurt Osiander on March 2 at Noon. Known throughout the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu world for his straightforward teaching style, deep technical knowledge, and famous motto, "Shut Up & Train," Kurt Osiander has become one of the most respected instructors in the sport. This seminar is an opportunity for students to learn directly from a practitioner who has spent decades teaching, coaching, and developing Jiu Jitsu at the highest levels.

Rat Town Jiu Jitsu is excited to host a special Gi Seminar with American Jiu Jitsu legend Jeff Glover on Saturday, November 4 at Noon, followed by the academy's 1-Year Anniversary Party later that evening. This event combines world-class Jiu Jitsu instruction with a celebration of the Rat Town community, making it one of the most exciting events of the year for students, friends, and supporters of the academy.