Vagner Rocha Martial Arts

I don't usually write long (or positive) reviews but I'm going to take some time to do this. First, the guy that runs this place is legit! Google combat jiu jitsu worlds to see him in action; watch him kill everyone else in his weight category with no effort at all. He is a great athlete and his knowledge is unparalleled. He also has that quality of character (I have no word for it) that makes for a great instructor: a mixture of fairness and toughness. For us guys, this place is not a self-defense place (I'll write about girls later). That being said, the crowd here is tougher that what you find in a self defense class. If you learn how to survive in this mat you will be ready for anything life throws at you. But don't be afraid. In the words of Joe Rogan: it's a bunch of nerds :) Just regular people trying to become better people. They also have kickboxing and boxing classes. The guy teaching that is "un chardito" (Cubans will get it) that knows his trade. After a single class with him I dropped like 5 pounds (I literally saw the difference in the mirror). If you take his class, he will get you in good shape and you will also learn how to punch. I should probably mention at this point that I'm a 42 years old computer programmer that spends 40 hours a week sitting, a life long smoker, and that I have no motor skills or athleticism whatsoever. I'm the kind of person that can't juggle two balls. Well, six months into this new thing, I stopped smoking and I'm feeling like a teenager. Seriously, I could not run a block, and now I can. My wife is so grateful... :) Anyways, in this place you will learn how to defend yourself and improve your quality of life. A word for the girls: there is a self defense program for women. The girl teaching this is Jasmine. I'm sure I'm going to see her in the sports news, since she is a very good fighter. She is phenomenal. I fought her once and since I'm a grown up man, you know, I was sure I could handle this 5 foot nothing 100 pounds teenager... I was so wrong. She put me in a triangle and it hurt so bad! So if you are a lady and you want to learn some self defense skills, this girl can definitely teach you how. There is also a fitness program for women. I don't know much about it. But they have a bunch of kettle bells I use from time to time. And it looks like fun. Last but not least, I have to write about Ariel. Great guy and the best instructor, he is an excellent teacher. Ariel is not longer with them. But wherever you see the guy in the latest picture, with the orange shirt, you can be sure you are going to learn jiu jitsu! He is a great black belt and an awesome person, with skills and knowledge. His private classes are worth every penny. He taught me almost everything I know. Five starts to the whole family.

Very nice, i came here specially to train under Vagner, a great fighter and trainer, the level is very good.Vagner is teaching the kid class with other students, I never see a kid class with some goods teachers.

great place to train! have my 2 kids here and they love it! highly recommended

Dropped in for a class during a family trip and The only thing I can say is that the gym is amazing and the group of people there are super friendly! If you’re looking for a Jiu Jitsu gym in the area you won’t find better!

Dropped in while on vacation and got a day pass. Did advanced no-gi and gi fundamentals. Vagner himself took the time to talk and roll with me which was super cool. Everyone else was really nice too. Top notch instruction and vibe. Wish I could train here more often.

Great atmosphere, awesome instructors, super friendly and fantastic training. Both my kids attend and love it. Vagner is the best.

I can’t accurately express how good VRMA is but, I will try.First, whenever learning anything of value, who teaches and how they teach it is of utmost importance. When it comes to Jiujitsu, Vagner Rocha is beyond top notch. Why? Google him for yourself but, he is not only a traditionalist with old school work ethic but, he is relevant in today’s Jiujitsu world. His resume speaks for itself.Secondly, his love for his art, love for his family, and love for his students makes his style of instruction more of a mentoring household rather than a place of business. His name is not only attached to the school, he teaches everyday, he picks who rolls against who because he knows his students strengths and weaknesses. In other words, you’re not just a client.Next, Monkey see monkey do right? Well his fellow instructors are made from the same mold. So, when you’re taking one of the other classes in the morning, or on weekends, you are receiving the same high level Instruction. Additionally, the students become family. As a group we cherish this family. The feeling is palpable when you walk into the gym. Everyone wants to help each other become better, no one takes it easy on each other, always hard. Afterwards it’s hugs positive feedback and support. It’s incredible. I’m a fireman and I can compare to that brotherhood.Lastly, at least for now, I hear parents come in because their children were being picked on, and or they’ve tried other places and felt their children didn’t get enough one on one attention. Well at VRMA there are at least 4 instructors on the mat to support Vagner and assure that the children are getting all the help they need. Our kids are super high level and more importantly, disciplined well behaved little humans. I have yet to see a parent not happy with VRMA.Bottom line, of you’re looking for high level Jiujitsu training for you or your children ( we have many father/mother and son/daughter families), I can honestly say from experience, that VRMA is the magic place you’re looking for. Don’t take it from me though, come and see for yourself.Danny Collazo

Been training with Vagner since he first became a Jiu Jitsu instructor. I tell people all the time we are so fortunate to have one of the best Jiu Jujitsu practitioners in world teaching right here in Pembroke Pines. Vagner is a father, teacher, brother, and a great friend. If you want you or your kids to learn from the best, gain confidence, get in great shape, meet great people. Then this is the place. I highly recommend Vagner Rocha Martial Arts!

Whether you're a beginner or a pro, this is where you want to come and train. Family owned, great ambience, killer training for a levels. The best!

I dropped in for a Thursday evening class while on vacation, and it was a very welcoming and friendly environment. Everyone came up to me and introduced themselves and shook my hand, Vagner himself was super welcoming too.The level of instruction is very professional, some serious experience in the room; and (parents: pay attention) there were 3 black belts teaching the kids class (something I have never seen in 10 years of training.)There was a good mix of beginner through expert level people training and I had some great rounds.Great experience, will be back. If I lived in South Florida, this is where I would train.