Veteran-owned
Jiu Jitsu.
BlackHat Jiu Jitsu Club is a veteran-owned Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gym in Jacksonville, Florida. Modern techniques, honest coaching, and a room built for every size and skill level.
Two Marines.
One mat.
Rob and Travis first met in the Marine Corps in 2015, both assigned to 1st Battalion, 6th Marines. On their first deployment in 2016, they were introduced to Jiu Jitsu by Curtis and Rusty — a purple belt and a blue belt they deployed with. The only space available for consistent training was flattened cardboard laid over the nonskid flooring of a Navy ship's well-deck. That austere setup marked the beginning of the journey.
Over the next two years they trained anywhere they could: a tarp laid out in the Mojave Desert, a basement gymnasium at a military base in Estonia, 80-year-old barracks in Virginia, run-down industrial buildings in North Carolina in the dead of winter. Where there was floor space, they rolled.
The road
to the belt.
After leaving the Marine Corps, Rob and Travis joined their first gym at American Top Team in Coconut Creek, FL. As life moved, they relocated — new gyms, new experiences, new training partners. Rob eventually landed at Gamblers Jiu Jitsu and Kickboxing in Palm Beach Gardens, where he earned his Brown Belt in April 2022 and his Black Belt in December 2023 under the instruction of Jay Jay Wilson and Johnny Faria.
By the end of 2024 they had settled in the St. Augustine / Jacksonville area. They wanted a club that reflected their non-traditional roots in Jiu Jitsu — high-quality instruction, challenging training, a welcoming environment, and reasonable prices. BlackHat Jiu Jitsu Club was founded.
Mat miles.
A decade of training across four states, two deployments, and one dedicated club.
Six rules.
non-negotiable.
They shape how we coach, how we spar, how we handle rank, and how we treat each other on and off the mat.
Respect
regardless of rank.
Everyone is treated with respect — regardless of rank, skill, or ability. White belts get the same care as black belts.
You control
your training.
Participate at your comfort level. Tap early, tap often. Say no to rolls you don't want. Your body, your call.
Hygiene
is enforced.
A clean gi, trimmed nails, and a washed body are not optional. Clean mats protect the whole room.
Cross-training
encouraged.
Train with us and train wherever else you like. Iron sharpens iron. No team politics, no loyalty tax.
Questions
always welcome.
No one is shamed for seeking clarity. Curiosity is how you improve. Our coaches don't have fragile egos.
No hidden
fees, ever.
Monthly membership covers everything except optional gear or merchandise. What you see is what you pay.
Ten days
on the house.
Your first ten days at BlackHat are free — unlimited Adult Jiu Jitsu and Open Mat. Come in athletic clothes; we'll take care of the rest. No contract, no sales pitch.
I'm interested!
Thanks for contacting us!
We will be in touch shortly.If you contacted us outside of business hours it might take us a bit longer to respond.