# Breakwater BJJ > Breakwater BJJ: Jiu-Jitsu and martial arts classes in Crestview, FL. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for kids and adults, serving Okaloosa County including Baker, Holt, and Laurel Hill. --- # About Our BJJ Academy URL: https://www.breakwaterbjj.com/about/ Learn about Breakwater BJJ, Crestview FL's family-friendly Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy. World Champion instruction for kids and adults of all experience levels. Why Choose Breakwater BJJ in Crestview, FL? Breakwater BJJ is Crestview’s dedicated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy, serving families and individuals throughout Okaloosa County. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced grappler, our academy provides world-class instruction in a welcoming environment. We believe in building the best BJJ experience in Crestview through technical excellence, personal attention, and a strong community. Family-Friendly Environment We understand that families come in all shapes and sizes, and we strive to create a welcoming atmosphere for everyone. Our classes are designed to cater to all age groups and skill levels, ensuring that everyone feels comfortable and included. Parents can train alongside their kids, allowing for shared experiences. Coach Rachel’s experience as a mother of young athletes and being a female in the sport sets this premise as a high priority. Smart Training for All Ages At Breakwater BJJ, we pride ourselves on teaching smart, technical approaches to grappling that emphasize efficiency, leverage, and strategy. Our experienced instructors are dedicated to teaching the fundamentals of BJJ in a way that is easy to understand and apply. We emphasize the importance of technique over brute strength, ensuring that everyone can learn and grow at their own pace and practitioners can train safely no matter what age. Our curriculum is structured to build a solid foundation, allowing practitioners to progress confidently through their BJJ journey. Technical Excellence For those with a competitive spirit, we offer advanced techniques and would love to support you to reach your personal goals. Coach Rachel is a 5-time IBJJF world champion and understands that drive and intensity. Coach Rachel and Coach Fred first met while on the same competition team in 2009 and have a lot of combined experience in competitive BJJ. Get Started Today! Are you ready to embark on an exciting journey? Whether you’re looking to improve your physical fitness, learn self-defense, or simply have fun, Breakwater BJJ is the perfect place for you. No experience is needed to get started—our beginner-friendly approach means you’ll feel comfortable from day one. Come in for a free trial class today and learn valuable skill sets while improving your fitness. Located in Crestview, FL --- # Class Schedule URL: https://www.breakwaterbjj.com/schedule/ View the Breakwater BJJ class schedule in Crestview, FL. Kids and adult Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes offered throughout the week. Download our calendar. View our current class schedule below and plan your training sessions with us. 📅 Download Calendar --- # Contact URL: https://www.breakwaterbjj.com/contact/ Contact Breakwater BJJ in Crestview, FL. Visit us at 723 Ashley Dr, call (850) 889-0815, or email info@breakwaterbjj.com to start your BJJ journey. Get in Touch We're here to answer your questions and help you start your Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey ✉️ Email Us info@breakwaterbjj.com 📞 Call Us (850) 889-0815 📌 Visit Us 723 Ashley Dr. Crestview, FL 32536 📷 Follow Us @breakwaterbjj --- # Free Trial BJJ Class in Crestview URL: https://www.breakwaterbjj.com/trial/ Try a free Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class at Breakwater BJJ in Crestview, FL. No experience needed, no commitment required. Kids and adult classes available. Train with a 5x World Champion - Start Your Free Trial Led by 1st degree black belt Coach Rachel (5x IBJJF World Champion) and black belt Coach Fred, who both have 20 years of experience on the mats. Whether you're a beginner or have previous experience, we're here to help you reach your goals. Start Your Free Trial No experience needed • No commitment required 💪 Physical Benefits Get in Shape Fast – Burn calories, improve cardio, and build lean muscle Boost Flexibility & Mobility – Functional movements enhance joint health and range of motion Improve Balance & Coordination – Learn body control while moving on the ground and standing 🧠 Mental Benefits Sharpen Focus & Discipline – Training challenges your mind as much as your body Relieve Stress – Roll your stress away in a supportive, focused environment Build Mental Toughness – Learn how to stay calm under pressure and overcome setbacks 🛡️ Self-Defense Effective Real-World Self-Defense – Learn how to protect yourself using leverage Confidence in Any Situation – Know how to stay safe, even if taken to the ground 🤝 Community and Lifestyle Join a Supportive Team – Train with people who want to see you succeed Great for All Ages & Body Types – Whether you’re 6 or 60, there’s a place for you on the mats Lifestyle Upgrade – A healthy, empowering habit that improves life outside the academy too Ready to Get Started? Claim Your Free Trial What Our Students Say < Romeo Perdomo ★★★★★ Crestview FL is blessed to have Rachel and Fred in the area teaching the art of Jiujitsu. Both are amazing people and excellent teachers/grapplers. I first met them at KOA in Stafford VA, I still remember the shoulder lock from the triangle position Rachel taught me. I still use it till this day! That was about 7-8 years ago. Craig ★★★★★ High quality instructors and great people! Breakwater BJJ is an awesome place to train!! Robert Ochsner ★★★★★ Professional, knowledgeable and detail based instructors. Extremely welcoming and friendly. I take my whole family to this place and get beat up by the owners almost everyday. Frank Cordon ★★★★★ Great vibes! Even better teaching. Whole family loves this gym. Service Manager ★★★★★ Am thrilled to leave a review regarding my wonderful experience we had with Breakwater BJJ. I am new to this program and classes and loved every aspect of the teaching method. My son also really enjoyed the kids program. If you’re looking for a professional family environment, that’s very reasonable priced go see Rachel at Breakwater. The staff and experience were amazing! > View all reviews on Google → Join Our Community Today Start Your Free Trial Now Start Your Free Trial Limited Class Sizes Ensure Personal Attention No commitment. Just try it out and see if you love it as much as we do! Memberships are always month to month. Not ready to sign up yet? Walk-ins are welcome! Stop by anytime we have class. Directions *Be sure to wear athletic clothes to your first class. --- # Jiu-Jitsu Classes in Crestview, FL URL: https://www.breakwaterbjj.com/home/ Breakwater BJJ offers kids and adult Jiu-Jitsu classes in Crestview, FL. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training led by a 5x World Champion. Try a free class today. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Martial Arts Classes in Crestview Breakwater Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu proudly serves Crestview, Florida and the surrounding Okaloosa County area, providing high-quality Jiu-Jitsu classes for kids, teens, and adults. If you're searching for "Jiu Jitsu near me," "BJJ Crestview FL," or "self-defense classes in Crestview," you've found the right place. Our academy is conveniently located off of PJ Adams in Crestview, making it easy for families and professionals to train close to home. We welcome students from Crestview and nearby communities who are looking for a safe, professional, and community-driven Jiu-Jitsu gym. At Breakwater BJJ, we believe that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is more than just a martial art. It is a way to find stress relief, build confidence, improve your fitness, and foster a sense of community. Whether you're a family looking to engage in a fun and healthy activity together, an individual looking to learn grappling self-defense skills, or an adult interested in continuing in sports, our Crestview Jiu-Jitsu academy offers expert instruction in a clean, welcoming environment! Breakwater BJJ specializes in: Adult Jiu-Jitsu classes Kids Jiu-Jitsu programs Beginner-friendly Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training No-gi Jiu-Jitsu and grappling-based self-defense Adult Muay Thai classes Fitness-focused martial arts training Step Up For Students direct pay provider Why are we named Breakwater? BJJ uses leverage, angles, and timing to redirect energy—much like a breakwater redirects, disperses, and absorbs the energy of the ocean to protect the shore. It is not always necessary to meet strength with strength. Breakwaters are engineered to endure years of crashing waves without collapsing. We aim to teach solid foundations in BJJ that are effective through all phases of life. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Do I need experience to start Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? No experience is required. Many of our students start with zero martial arts background. Our beginner-friendly classes focus on fundamentals, safety, and gradual progression, making BJJ accessible for everyone. Is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu good for self-defense? Yes. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu teaches you how to control and neutralize threats using leverage and technique rather than size or strength. What ages do you offer Jiu Jitsu classes for? We offer movement-based classes for 3 to 5 years old and kids Jiu Jitsu classes from ages 5 and up, as well as adult Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu programs. Our kids program focuses on confidence, discipline, and coordination, while adult classes emphasize fitness, technique, and stress relief. Am I too old or out of shape to start BJJ? Not at all. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is ideal for adults of all ages and fitness levels. You train at your own pace, and our coaches help you progress safely and sustainably. We trained martial arts from the age of 3 to 60+. All of the head coaches are 40+. What should I wear to my first class? Comfortable athletic clothing is perfect for your first class. If you don't have a gi, that's okay—we have gis to borrow and we'll guide you on what you need after your trial. How do I get started? Getting started is easy. Walk-in to a free trial class, meet our instructors, and experience Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu firsthand. There's no pressure—just come train and see if Breakwater BJJ is right for you. What are the benefits of Jiu-Jitsu for kids? Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu helps kids build confidence, discipline, and focus while improving coordination, strength, and flexibility. Kids learn problem-solving on the mats, develop respect for others, and gain practical self-defense skills—all in a structured, supportive environment. Many parents notice improvements in their child's behavior, school performance, and social skills after starting BJJ. What should I expect in my first BJJ class? Your first class will start with a warm-up, followed by technique instruction where you'll learn fundamental positions and movements with a partner. The pace is beginner-friendly and our coaches provide individual attention. You don't need any prior experience or special equipment—just comfortable athletic clothing. Most new students are surprised by how welcoming the environment is. Do you accept Step Up For Students scholarships? Yes! Breakwater BJJ is a Step Up For Students direct pay provider. Families with Step Up For Students scholarships can use their scholarship funds to pay for our Youth BJJ and Little Grapplers programs with no out-of-pocket costs. Visit our programs page for details. How does BJJ compare to other martial arts? Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu focuses on ground-based grappling and submissions, making it unique among martial arts. Unlike striking-based arts like karate or taekwondo, BJJ emphasizes leverage and technique over size and strength, allowing smaller practitioners to effectively control larger opponents. BJJ is widely regarded as one of the most effective martial arts for real-world self-defense and is a core component of mixed martial arts (MMA) training. Serving Crestview and Okaloosa County Breakwater BJJ is a training home for families across Okaloosa County. Our academy is in Crestview, and we regularly welcome students who drive in from Baker, Holt, Laurel Hill, and the surrounding communities. If you're looking for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or Muay Thai near these areas, you'll find us just off PJ Adams in Crestview. Located in Crestview, FL --- # Our Instructors URL: https://www.breakwaterbjj.com/instructors/ Meet the Breakwater BJJ instructors in Crestview, FL. Led by 5x IBJJF World Champion Rachel Demara and black belt Fred Thomsen with 20+ years of combined experience. Rachel Demara Owner & Head Instructor 1st Degree Black Belt • 20+ Years Experience 🥋 Gi World Championship Titles 🥇 2010 Blue Belt Middle Weight Champion 🥉 2010 Blue Belt Open Weight 3rd place 🥇 2011 Purple Belt Middle Weight Champion 🥈 2011 Purple Belt Open Weight 2nd place 🥈 2012 Brown Belt Middle Weight 2nd place 🥉 2012 Brown Belt Open Weight 3rd place 🥈 2013 Brown Belt Heavy Weight 2nd place 🥈 2013 Brown Belt Open Weight 2nd place 🥉 2015 Black Belt Medium Heavy Weight 3rd place 🤼 No Gi World Championship Titles 🥉 2009 Blue/Purple Belt Middle Weight 3rd place 🥉 2009 Blue/Purple Belt Open Weight 3rd place 🥇 2010 Blue/Purple Belt Middle Weight Champion 🥇 2010 Blue/Purple Belt Open Weight Champion 🥇 2011 Brown/Black Belt Middle Weight Champion 🥉 2011 Brown/Black Belt Open Weight 3rd place 🥈 2013 Black Belt Medium Heavy Weight 2nd place 🥉 2013 Black Belt Open Weight 3rd place Coach Rachel is a 5X IBJJF World Champion with over 20 years on the mats and 17 years of teaching experience. Her dedication to technical excellence and student development has made her one of the most respected instructors in the region. Fred Thomsen Instructor Black Belt Coach Fred is a software engineer and a long time BJJ practitioner. He has been dedicated to the art and the BJJ lifestyle for almost 20 years, with 10 years of teaching experience. As one of your coaches, he looks forward to sharing his extensive knowledge to help you achieve your personal goals. --- # Programs URL: https://www.breakwaterbjj.com/programs/ Jiu-Jitsu and martial arts classes in Crestview, FL for kids and adults. Youth Jiu-Jitsu (ages 5-12), adult classes, no-gi grappling, adult Muay Thai, and Little Grapplers (ages 3-5). Step Up For Students scholarships accepted. No contracts. Breakwater BJJ offers Jiu-Jitsu and martial arts programs for the whole family in Crestview, FL. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is one of the most effective martial arts for self-defense, fitness, and personal growth—and our Jiu-Jitsu classes are designed for kids, teens, and adults of all experience levels. With family pricing available, Breakwater BJJ is Crestview's home for family Jiu-Jitsu and martial arts. Youth Jiu-Jitsu (Ages 5–12) Our Youth Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program for kids ages 5–12 focuses on technical drilling, positional training, and controlled live sparring. Students in our kids martial arts classes in Crestview learn essential grappling techniques, submissions, and escapes while improving strength, focus, discipline, and self-defense skills. This program is ideal for beginners and experienced students looking to grow on the mats and build confidence through BJJ. Our instructors focus on creating a positive environment where kids can thrive both on and off the mat. $120 per month *See discounts below Adult Jiu-Jitsu Classes Our adult Jiu-Jitsu and martial arts classes in Crestview are open to men and women of all skill levels, from complete beginners to advanced practitioners. Whether you're looking to get in shape, learn self-defense, or compete, our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes will help you achieve your personal goals. Adults train both gi and no-gi Jiu-Jitsu throughout the week—no-gi grappling emphasizes grip-free control, submission chains, and transitions that carry straight into self-defense. Our supportive community will keep you motivated and engaged every step of the way. $150 per month *See discounts below **Kids pricing honored for ages 13-17 Muay Thai Classes Our adult Muay Thai classes in Crestview teach striking with fists, elbows, knees, shins, and the clinch through pad work, drilling, and controlled sparring. Open to men and women of all skill levels, Muay Thai builds cardio, power, and confidence while sharpening your stand-up self-defense. It's beginner-friendly and pairs naturally with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for a well-rounded, MMA-style skill set. $130 per month *See discounts below Little Grapplers Jiu-Jitsu (Ages 3–5) Our Little Grapplers program introduces toddlers and young children ages 3–5 to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu through fun, structured classes focused on fundamental movement skills. Kids develop balance, coordination, agility, and confidence while learning to follow instructions and work with others in a safe, positive environment. These jiu jitsu classes for young children build the physical and mental foundation needed for future martial arts training. $7 per drop-in class $25 for 5 classes Homeschool BJJ/PE (PreK–12) Homeschool BJJ/PE is a Step Up For Students approved program combining Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Physical Education to meet curriculum requirements. Designed for homeschool families, this program allows PreK–12 students to use their SUFS scholarship funds for martial arts training that fulfills PE standards—at no out-of-pocket cost to families. SUFS Scholarship Eligible Covered by Scholarship no out-of-pocket cost 🥊 BJJ + Muay Thai Bundle Train both for $175/month Save $105 vs. separate memberships Military discount can be applied as well 📋 No Contracts Month-to-month only Cancel anytime 🎖️ Military Discount 10% off for active-duty military 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Pricing 2 members: $225/month 3+ members: $325/month 🎓 Step Up For Students Scholarships Homeschool BJJ/PE eligible Learn more --- # Students URL: https://www.breakwaterbjj.com/students/ Student Portal Sign-in You should be redirected to the Breakwater BJJ student portal. If you are not redirected, please click here.