BJJ Gyms in Haarlem, Netherlands

Carlson Gracie Amsterdam is the first known Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy in Amsterdam, founded by Marcos Flexa in 2002. What started as a small group of Brazilian friends training together in Amsterdam's parks has grown into a renowned academy that welcomes students from around the world. The academy is named after the legendary Master Carlson Gracie, under whom Professor Marcos Flexa received all his belts, including his black belt in 1997. Professor Marcos Flexa is a 6th degree black belt who received his training directly from Master Carlson Gracie Sr. The academy emphasizes the traditional Carlson Gracie approach to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which has produced black belts and MMA champions worldwide. The extensive schedule offers classes for students from beginner to advanced levels, with a focus on improving techniques and physical condition. The academy provides specialized competition training, where athletes receive observation and guidance from all black belt instructors through 1.5-hour sessions focusing on specific positions and drills. The coaching team includes several accomplished black belts: Marcos Flexa (head coach, 6th degree black belt under Carlson Gracie Sr.), Olga Lyashevska (World Champion and European Champion black belt), Daniel Bertina (first black belt from Carlson Gracie Amsterdam), Desmond V D Berg (World Champion and European Champion black belt), and Milovan 'Misha' Janjic (first Serbian black belt promoted at the academy). The academy also maintains connections with Carlson Gracie Jr. (6th degree black belt, head coach of Team Carlson Gracie worldwide) and Marcelo Alonso (6th degree black belt, coach of U.S. Army Rangers and Special Forces).