6 Levels Apopka
111 S Bradshaw Rd,
Apopka, FL 32703
ABOUT OUR MMA GYM
6 Levels Apopka is one of the top rated Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Mixed Martial Arts, Self-Defense and Fitness Facility in Apopka. 6 Levels Apopka offers one of the purest forms of Gracie's Jiu Jitsu and several times a year we have special guest that hold seminars at our location like Royce Gracie, Nate Diaz and more.
We offer Kids, Youth and Adult Jiu Jitsu Programs in a fun and exciting environment while teaching the necessary skills on how to defend yourself and build a level of discipline, focus and resilience.
6 Levels Apopka is the premiere training facility in the Apopka, Ocoee, Longwood, Mt. Dora, Winter Springs, Winter Park, Maitland and surrounding areas.
We at 6 levels Apopka are so confident that you will become part of the family that we offer a month to month membership
​not requiring you to be locked in for a year or forcing you to wear our branded Gi's. We make sure we stand out by putting our students first through instilling technicals on the mat while building a strategic mindset that is resilient, confident and tenacious.
What is Gracies Jiu-Jitsu
Brazilian or Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. This is a fighting style developed in the 1920s by Grand Master Helio Gracie and refined through generations of practitioners in the Gracie family and their pupils.
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In the last 90+ years of its history, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu has proven itself as the most reliable martial art for a smaller, weaker person to defeat a more powerful opponent. This makes it the most effective martial art for practical self-defense purposes.
The Origins of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu
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Helio Gracie was a Brazilian martial artist who practiced judo and jiu-jitsu. As a small man, only 5’9” and with a slight build, Helio sought ways to adapt his technique to provide a greater advantage against larger, stronger opponents. These modified techniques became the foundations of today’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
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The Gracie family became well-known for their achievements in martial arts, thanks in large part to the success of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. Helio’s son Rorion Gracie went on to become co-founder of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu for Self Defense
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BJJ is popular in the UFC and other competitive venues, but its greatest value is in practical self-defense. Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is currently taught to the U.S. Military for hand-to-hand combat training, and it’s the most effective technique for women, children and others at a physical disadvantage to gain the upper hand in a real combat situation against a more powerful opponent.
PRINCIPLES OF OUR MMA SCHOOL
6
Respect
Self-Discipline
Focus
Confidence
Safety
Leadership
MEET OUR COACHES
Rodney is a Gracie Jiu Jitsu black belt under Royce Gracies. Rodney started training under Jonathan Burke in 2006 with his father in law Andy Mercer. Just a couple UFC fans who started training Jiu Jitsu. Rodney started teaching at 6 Levels Orlando in 2012. In 2015 Rodney and Andy ceceived their black belts from Jonathan. From white belt to black belt, every promotion came from Jonathan Burke. Rodney and his wife Michelle decided to open 6 Levels Apopka in 2017. Rodney has turned his passion into a career and does it with his family.
Rodney Risner
Owner and Head Coach
Owner and Chief Instructor
Michele Risner
Michelle is a Brown Belt under Johnathan Burke. She started her Jiu Jitsu journey in 2009 with her husband and father as a fun exercise. Alongside her husband Rodney, in 2017 she decided to open Six Levels Apopka. Her favorite part of the day is stepping on the mats to help coach youth classes with her husband.
