Apollo Beach Jiu-Jitsu

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.