Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu · Hudson, FL

Welcome toUpper Academy

Gi & No-Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for adults and kids ages 4+, right here in Hudson. All levels welcome — your first class is on us.

Ages 4 to adult All experience levels Step Up scholarships
"Welcome to Upper Academy"
DisciplineConfidenceRespect
Our philosophy

More than jiu-jitsu.
A place to grow.

Upper Academy was founded to transform lives through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. We don't just teach techniques — we help children, teens, and adults build confidence, discipline, respect, humility, and the perseverance to overcome challenges on and off the mats, in a safe, family-oriented environment. Because the greatest achievement here isn't medals — it's who our students become.

Professor Walber Barros
Meet your professor

Trained by the best,
here to train you.

Professor Walber Barros · 4th Degree Black Belt

Head Coach Walber Barros is a 4th degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt with more than 20 years of teaching experience. For Professor Walber, Jiu-Jitsu has never been just a martial art — it's a powerful tool for personal growth, and that belief shapes everything that happens on our mats.

Every class is a chance to get stronger — not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. Our goal isn't to build great athletes, it's to help students become the best version of themselves, and find a supportive community that celebrates progress and rewards real effort.

Rank4th Degree Black Belt
Experience20+ years teaching
Come meet us on the mat
What we teach

Our classes

One art, done right — with a class for every age and level. Not sure where to start? We'll point you to the right mat.

Adults training Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at Upper Academy
01

Adults BJJ — Gi

Authentic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for every level, from complete beginners to advanced practitioners — self-defense, positional training, and live sparring in a safe, supportive environment that builds confidence, discipline, and technical skill.

Adults training No-Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at Upper Academy
02

Adults BJJ — No-Gi

Faster and grip-free, with a wrestling-influenced style of control and submissions. Great conditioning, all levels welcome.

Beginner
Adults Fundamentals Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class at Upper Academy
03

Adults Fundamentals

Brand new? This is your on-ramp — core positions, escapes and etiquette taught at a pace built for day one.

Ages 4+
Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class at Upper Academy
04

Kids BJJ

Age-grouped classes (4–6, 7–8 and 9 & up) built to grow confidence, discipline, focus and real self-defense at each child's own pace — new or experienced, every kid is welcome and included.

Daytime
Homeschool Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class at Upper Academy
05

Homeschool BJJ

Morning Gi classes made for homeschool families — structured movement, focus and friendships that fit your day.

Open mat rolling at Upper Academy
06

Open Mat

Saturday rounds to drill, roll and put the week together. Bring a question, leave with an answer.

Homeschool families

Step Up For Students

Step Up For Students administers Florida's state scholarship programs, and many homeschool families already use their funds toward extracurricular and enrichment activities — Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu included. If your family has a Step Up scholarship, or thinks you might qualify, ask us how to put it toward tuition at Upper Academy.

Ask us how to applyWe'll walk you through using your funds here — no guesswork.
Built for homeschool schedulesPairs naturally with our daytime Homeschool BJJ classes.
Eligibility, funding amounts, and approved uses are set by Step Up For Students, not Upper Academy — check with them for your family's current details.
Ask about Step Up
Weekly classes

Schedule

Six days a week, morning to night. Drop into any class for your free trial — no reservation needed.

Ages 4–6 Ages 7–8 Ages 9 & up
◆ Confirm the latest times with the academy before your first visit.
Mark your calendar

Upcoming events

Belt promotions, seminars, open mats, and more — happening right here at the academy.

From our members

What people say

The best proof is the people already on the mat.

Google ★★★★★ reviews Read our reviews on Google
Get started

Your first class is free

No experience and no gear needed — just come try it. Fill out the form and we'll get you booked into the right class.

Free trial class

Pick any class that fits your age and level and come see how it feels. We'll lend you what you need.

Every age & level

Kids from age 4, teens, adults, and daytime homeschool classes. Beginners always welcome.

Scholarships welcome

We accept Step Up For Students scholarships — ask us how to apply yours.

Eligibility is set by Step Up For Students; we'll help you get started.

Request sent!

Thanks — we'll reach out shortly to confirm your free class. See you on the mat.

Book your free class

Takes about 30 seconds. We'll follow up to confirm your spot.

We'll follow up to confirm your spot. Prefer to talk? Call or text 727-303-1320.

Come train

Find us in Hudson

Academy
12410 County Line Rd
Hudson, FL 34667
Call or text
727-303-1320
Class hours
Monday10–11a · 5–8p
Tuesday10–11a · 5–8:30p
Wednesday4–8p
Thursday10–11a · 5–8:30p
Friday5–8p
Saturday10–11a · Open Mat
SundayClosed
Book a free class