Rilion Gracie Doral opened in 2017 to bring the Rilion Gracie standard of teaching to Doral: fundamentals-first instruction, a respectful training room, and professors who are on the mat with you.
We teach Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in a way that builds skill, character and confidence. Students develop discipline, resilience and the ability to stay calm under pressure — qualities that are carried well beyond the mats.
That mission shapes everything practical about the academy: how classes are structured, how new students are introduced to training, and how intensity is controlled so that people of every age and body type can train for years rather than months.
Strong fundamentals and step-by-step instruction. Each technique is shown, broken into its details, then rebuilt.
Drills, situational training and controlled sparring — repetition with a purpose rather than volume for its own sake.
Timing, awareness and confidence under pressure. Knowing when to apply a technique matters as much as knowing it.
Every student advances at their own pace. Promotions follow technique and consistency, never a calendar.
Rilion Gracie is known for a technical, self-defense-oriented approach to Jiu-Jitsu that prioritises efficiency over athleticism. Our academy follows that curriculum: the same fundamentals taught to a first-week beginner remain the backbone of the advanced classes.
The original purpose of the art comes first in the curriculum.
Control before submission, position before pace.
Technique designed to work against a larger opponent.
Live training introduced only when control is reliable.
Born in Columbus, Ohio and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Francis has been training since age 7. Before opening Rilion Gracie Doral in 2017 he taught Judo, Jiu-Jitsu and self-defense to more than 700 students in Rio de Janeiro. His classes carry a strong Judo influence in the standing game and a rigorous approach to self-defense fundamentals.
Marcelo trained at Academia Carlson Gracie in Rio de Janeiro alongside Murilo Bustamante and Sérgio Bolão, in one of the toughest training rooms of that generation. He is a 2020 World Champion at brown belt and a 2021 Pan Am silver medalist, and brings a competition-tested pressure game to the advanced classes.
Natasha began Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Miami in 2015 and earned her black belt through consistent competition: No-Gi Worlds champion at purple belt, multi-time World Master and Pan Am medalist. She leads the Women's Program and coaches technique-first Jiu-Jitsu for students of every size.
The academy is located in Doral, minutes from Miami International Airport, with dedicated mat space, changing areas and a viewing area for parents. Training gear and academy apparel are available on site.
Facility details such as square footage and number of mat areas are pending confirmation before publication.
No. You can come in, watch a class and speak with a professor at any time during scheduled hours.
Both are spoken at the academy, and Portuguese as well. Instruction is given in English.
Membership options are explained in person so you can pick the one that matches how often you plan to train.
Yes, with any of our professors, by appointment. Useful for beginners and for competition preparation.
Visiting practitioners are welcome to drop in. Contact us in advance so we can place you in the right class.
Visit, watch a class or step straight onto the mat. No experience required.
7902 NW 36th Street, Unit 213, Doral, FL 33166
Minutes from Miami International Airport
+1 (786) 896-3147