Instructor
Professor Tim Martin
Tim is a retired Army officer with over 28 years of service and has studied martial arts since childhood. He is a Gracie / Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt under Master Luiz Palhares in Jacksonville, Florida, and has over 16 years of experience in the art.
Tim's training in martial arts began over 40 years ago while growing up in Georgia. In his teenage years, he earned a black belt in the international style of Tae Kwon-Do. Following his enlistment into the US Army in 1990, Tim continued to pursue his passion for training in martial arts whenever and wherever possible. His martial arts experience has included instructor rankings in Genbukan Ninpo Taijutsu and Pukulan Pentjak Silat Serak. Additionally, Tim has studied the Russian Martial Art of Systema, Okinawan Karate, Filipino Martial Arts, and Jun Fan Gung Fu through the Guro Dan Inosanto lineage and the Francis Fong - Jiu Wan lineage of Wing Chun.
Tim's passion for martial arts also extends to sharing his training and experiences with others. He believes martial arts are a valuable vehicle for improving and developing oneself to reach maximum potential. He sees it as a powerful, life-changing gift for all ages to teach empowerment, confidence, self-defense, and overcoming adversity.
Gracie Jiu Jitsu
Effective & Efficient Self Defense
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art that emphasizes real-world situations. Created by Grandmasters Helio and Carlos Gracie, the curriculum comprises five fundamental areas: stand-up self-defense, striking, throwing and take-downs, groundwork, and philosophy. My goal is to prepare each student to diffuse potential confrontations on the street using leverage and control positions regardless of athletic ability.
To control and overcome greater size, strength, and aggression with lesser size and strength is the keynote of Gracie Jiu Jitsu. This is done by utilizing superior leverage, grip, and position upon your opponent. Students gain a deep understanding of the biomechanics, limits, and weaknesses of the human body.
This knowledge can be used to subdue and control an opponent with whatever level of severity the student chooses. The path to this knowledge is physically and mentally demanding. Students benefit from greatly increased physical fitness, problem-solving ability, self-knowledge of their body and mind and the many social benefits of working within a large group of like-minded fellow students as you learn and have fun together.
Association
Our lineage:
Mitsuyo Maeda > Carlos Gracie Sr. > Helio Gracie > Rickson Gracie > Luiz Palhares > Tim Martin
Luiz Palhares Jiu Jitsu Association
We are a proud member of the Luiz Palhares Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Assocation. Master Palhares was trained directly by the Gracie family, first under Rolls Gracie, then later under Rickson Gracie. He was awarded his black belt by Grandmaster Helio Gracie and Master Rickson Gracie in 1984, and has since won many high-level competitions and was the 1998 Brazilian National Champion in both the heavy weight senior division and the open division.
Professor Pedro Palhares assists his father teaching within the association and leads many of the classes at Jacksonville Gracie Jiu Jitsu. Well versed in the self defense aspects of the art and an avid competitor, Professor Pedro continues in the tradition of his father teaching Gracie Jiu Jitsu as a self defense art, combat sport, and lifestyle.
Programs
Jiu Jitsu Fundamentals
Private Lessons
"Jiu Jitsu is for anyone. Anyone who wants to learn, can. There is no male or female difference. It is something that increases the physical potential of anyone." ~ Grandmaster Helio Gracie
This is a great place to train. The owner is very knowledgeable and takes the time for you to get it. I highly recommend, friendly and authentic people here.
Of all the years I’ve trained, Tim is one of the most outstanding students and teachers of Jiu-Jitsu I’ve ever encountered. He truly understands the art and will always be a valued contributor to my life’s journey in training Jiu-Jitsu.
When my son and I wanted to learn more about Ju-Jitsu, the opportunity came up and we met with Tim for a personal introduction to the basics. After he started us off with some background and philosophy about Ju-Jitsu, we got busy after he taught us how to tie our belts. After warm-ups, He took us through a variety of holds, throws, and techniques and left us with some exercises and techniques for us to practice every day. We talked about mindset and the path to becoming a blue belt. His style is easy going but marked by his professional demeanor and is topped off by his love for the art which made the day not just enjoyable but a notable moment in learning new and valuable skills. Can’t wait to meet up and learn from Tim again!
Tim is an incredible teacher who taught me a lot about the fundamental value of jiu jitsu. You can tell he is truly passionate about jiu jitsu and is one of the best teachers I have had.
If you want to better yourself, physically, mentally, and emotionally then this place is for you. First responder and veteran discounts available. Professor Martin is extremely knowledgeable and shows he truly cares about teaching and continuing this art form by the way he instructs and leads. Springs JiuJitsu is the epitome of the phrase “ iron sharpens iron”. You will truly feel like family from day one.
Great place to learn and train with a positive group of people. I highly recommend it if you want to try it for the first time or even if you’re experienced. I encouraged my son to join me because I enjoyed it so much.
I joined when this school opened and every time I go, I love it more and more. I highly recommend Professor Tim and Springs BJJ. All the students are very respectful great people as well. Can’t find a better group to learn with.
Latest Blog Posts
To Drill or Not...
Training in jiu-jitsu takes a certain level of repetition and practice to improve your overall skill development. Some camps (think Atos and Andre Galvao) emphasize 'drilling' as the key to getting better, while others, like Kit Dale of Che…