ABOUT ULBJJ
THE MISSION
At United Legion BJJ we offer Martial Arts in Altamonte Springs. Our mission is to transform the lives of our members through BJJ training. To achieve this, we ensure members feel valued, respected, and encouraged.
We understand that every individual enters the door with different goals, temperaments, attributes, and character traits. Examples of this would include:
- Flexibility
- Prior experience
- Tenacity
- Fight IQ
- Desire to learn
- Strength
- Cardiovascular endurance
- Willpower
While these attributes are helpful in BJJ training, what’s most important is that you start. In Jiu-Jitsu, progress comes after you take the first step down this new road.
As renowned speaker Les Brown said:
“You don’t have to be great to get started, but you do have to get started to be great.”
An easy way to start is to sign up for your free-week trial. Jiu-Jitsu has something for everyone, but it’s not for everyone. Therefore, with the free trial pass you can experience a few classes at no cost or obligation.
THE TEAM
One of the best things about practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu—other than the self-defense and fitness aspects—is the people you meet. On the mats, you’ll get to know people from all backgrounds and all walks of life.
Training partners from various Backgrounds
- Janitors
- Constructions Workers
- Doctors
- Writers
- Accountants
- Entrepreneurs
- Veterans, Policemen, and fire fighters
In the end, it’s the social component of the gym that makes training fun. Over time you’ll develop friendships that can last many years.
KIDS WIN TOO!
It’s not just adults, though, who develop new friendships. Our kids Jiu-Jitsu classes are a great benefit to our children. On the mats, kids work hard, build self-discipline, and develop self-confidence. Off the mats, they attend each other’s birthdays and spend time together, developing long-term friendships.
If you’d like to stop by the academy to meet the team, we’re located in Altamonte Springs near I-4 and SR 434. Or if we can answer any questions for you, please send us your contact details and we’ll reach out to you within one business day.
J.D. LOPEZ: HEAD INSTRUCTOR
Although born in Brooklyn, NY, J.D. is a Floridian through and through. In 1989, he moved with his family to Winter Garden, FL. There he spent his youth and at age thirteen, he enrolled in his first karate class.
After graduating high school in 2002 he enlisted in the military. In 2007, following his time in the service, J.D. began learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Seven years later he started teaching full-time and has done so ever since. Today, J.D. continues to train, teach, and share his passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, self-defense, and physical fitness.
A FEW OF JD’S CREDENTIALS
- 2014— Started teaching BJJ full-time
- 2015— IBJJF World Silver Medalist—purple belt*
- 2016— IBJJF World Bronze Medalist—brown belt*
- 2017— Promotion to black belt
- 2020— Surpassed 5,600 BJJ teaching hours
- 2021— Founded United Legion Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
- 2022— Surpassed 6,500 teaching hours
*Masters
TEACHING STYLE
Since neither agility nor athleticism are the main “success” factors of progressing in BJJ, J.D. focuses on what is: skill. By teaching and stressing the fundamentals of BJJ, J.D.’s students master the basic details before moving on to more advanced techniques. Additionally, he teaches all gi and no-gi classes.
Finally, Lopez’s primary focus for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training is not competition. Although he supports and encourages anyone who wishes to compete, his primary focus is teaching Jiu-Jitsu for self-defense.
FOLLOW
FAMILY PLAN
Training as a family is a great way to improve physical fitness together, learn self-defense together, and make new friends together. We understand the desire for family activity, so we work to make BJJ available for families in an affordable and streamlined way.
WE OFFER FAMILY PLANS FOR:
- Husband and wife
- Father and child (children)
- Mother and child (children)
- Siblings and cousins
- Parents and kids
If you would like to know more about our family packages for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, please submit your contact information and we’ll reach out to you within one business day.
MILITARY AND FIRST RESPONDERS
After spending nearly a year in country, he and his unit were sent home upon completing a successful tour of duty.
In December 2004, he was deployed for a second tour overseas. This time, however, he was sent home early after being wounded in action. In early January 2005, a car bomb exploded next to his truck, wounding him in the face and leg.
During an emergency surgery, the doctor removed his right eye as a result of shrapnel wounds. After an eight-month recovery, J.D. left the army to resume his life a civilian in August 2005.
After his honorable discharge from the military, he resumed martial arts training, and found Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2007.
OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU
At United Legion Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, we proudly support those who serve our community and our country, including:
- Active duty military
- Veterans
- Law enforcement
- Fire fighters
- EMT
We Thank You
To show our gratitude, if you present proof of service—proper ID or your DD214—we offer a 15% discount.*
*Discount is only for the service person’s monthly membership and apparel. Discount isn’t applied to family members (if service person has enrolled other family members).
To try a few classes, click below!