# Apollo Beach Jiu-Jitsu > Ruskin, United States ## Overview **Name:** Apollo Beach Jiu-Jitsu **Description:** Gracie Apollo Beach is a family-oriented martial arts academy founded in February 2018 by Professor Luis Mata and Professor Erin Harpe, both Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belts under Rob Kahn and Matt Arroyo. The academy is dedicated to helping individuals of all ages achieve their personal goals through self-defense training, discipline, and confidence-building programs. Professor Luis Mata brings over 13 years of jiu-jitsu experience and 6 years of MMA experience to the academy. He began training in 2007 at age 16 and competed in prestigious tournaments including the IBJJF World Championship, IBJJF New York Open, and Abu Dhabi Professional Jiu-Jitsu Trials. As a professional submission grappler, Luis coached the 2018 Kids International champions. Professor Erin Harpe is a two-time IBJJF World Champion (2014 blue belt, 2015 purple belt) and professional MMA fighter signed with Invicta Fighting Championship. She started training at age 5 under her father, Royce Gracie black belt James Harpe, and moved to Tampa in 2013 to train with the Gracie Tampa Network. The academy offers specialized programs for all experience levels, including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for kids, teens, and adults, striking classes (kickboxing and Muay Thai), women's self-defense, HIIT training, and youth programs. The training philosophy emphasizes practical self-defense, physical fitness, and building confidence in a supportive, family-friendly environment. Gracie Apollo Beach serves Ruskin, Apollo Beach, Tampa, and surrounding communities in Florida. **Status:** Active ## Contact Information **Address:** 408 N. US Highway 41 Ruskin, FL 33570, United States **Phone:** 813-600-5777 **Email:** gracieapollobeach@gmail.com **Website:** https://www.gracieapollobeach.com **Social Media:** - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gracieapollobeach/ ## Hours of Operation - Monday: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM - Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM - Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM - Thursday: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM - Friday: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM - Saturday: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM - Sunday: Closed ## Pricing ## Facilities & Amenities Kickboxing ## Instructors ### Erin Harpe - Black **Role:** Head Instructor ### Luis Mata - Black **Role:** Head Instructor **Bio:** Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt under Rob Kahn and Matt Arroyo with 13+ years of jiu-jitsu experience and 6 years of MMA experience. Professional submission grappler who started training in 2007 at age 16. Competed in IBJJF World Championship, IBJJF New York Open, and Abu Dhabi Professional Jiu-Jitsu Trials. Coached 2018 Kids International champions. ### Efráin Cintron **Role:** Instructor ### John Moffat **Role:** Instructor ### Jon Arce **Role:** Instructor ### Katy Moore **Role:** Instructor ### Chelsea Lugo **Role:** Assistant ### Gianni Michel **Role:** Assistant ### Jean-Claude Governale **Role:** Assistant ### Justin Glidewell **Role:** Assistant ### Samantha Clark **Role:** Assistant ## Programs ### Kids Martial Arts (Ages 4+) **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** kids **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Martial arts program for children ages 4 and up focusing on discipline, confidence, and self-defense. Kids develop coordination, physical fitness, mental strength, and valuable social skills through positive reinforcement. ### Teen's Martial Arts **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** kids **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program designed specifically for teenagers, helping them develop discipline, confidence, and self-defense skills while building physical fitness and mental strength. ### Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (Adults) **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Comprehensive BJJ program for adults of all skill levels. Learn practical self-defense techniques, improve physical fitness, and build confidence. Whether you're interested in sport competition or self-defense, this program provides intense full-body workouts combined with technical training. ### Striking (Kickboxing & Muay Thai) **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** No-Gi **Description:** Stand-up striking classes combining kickboxing and Muay Thai techniques. Perfect for fitness, self-defense, or competition preparation. Challenging workouts that improve cardiovascular fitness, coordination, and striking skills. ### Women's Self-Defense **Skill Level:** Beginner **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** No-Gi **Description:** Specialized self-defense program for women focusing on practical techniques to defend yourself in real-world situations. Go beyond traditional martial arts with empowering training in a supportive environment. ### HIIT & Personal Training **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** No-Gi **Description:** High-Intensity Interval Training and personal training sessions focused on weight loss, muscle toning, and overall fitness. Get in the best shape of your life with martial arts-inspired fitness training. --- **Last Updated:** March 03, 2026 **Data Source:** BJJ.Space (https://bjj.space/gyms/united-states/florida/ruskin/apollo-beach-jiu-jitsu)