My daughter and I live in Singapore where she has been learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for the past year. While on Summer break in Tampa, we researched programs in Florida and elected to continue her training at the Gracie Tampa Academy with Cris Rodriguez. Coach Cris specialized in working with children and she established her reputation for managing the very best kids programs for BJJ and MMA. We found it to be true. The experience working with Coach Cris and the GT Team was awesome! The GT students received us with such an impressive degree of warmth and enthusiasm. The students at GT perform BJJ at the highest level; they are disciplined, dedicated, respectful, and they make the learning process fun.
We had specific objectives for tournament preparation while we were in the USA. Coach Cris and members of the GT Competition Team worked daily with my daughter to refine her skills. In addition to improving her BJJ techniques, they increased her endurance level. Just as important, Coach Cris taught her a series of fight tactics and strategies to use in tournament competition.
The results of working with Coach Cris were immediately measurable -– my daughter won 1st Place in the NAGA 2011 U.S. East Coast Championship and she won 1st Place in the Grapplers Quest 2011 U.S. National Championship. Coach Cris and her students are great representatives for the sport of BJJ. We travelled around the World to train with Coach Cris at Gracie Tampa. We plan to make this journey a regular part of my daughter’s BJJ development and advancement. Thank you Coach Cris, Gracie Tampa … and a special ‘shout-out’ to the some terrific sparring partners, especially “Macho” and “Bullet”!
Sincerely and respectfully,
PNA
I have two sons, Justin Jr. 8 and Parker 6, who have been training at Gracie Tampa for almost a year. Neither have had any prior experience in martial arts. As a parent you have many options for your children when it comes to martial arts programs. We chose Gracie Tampa’s youth program for a variety of reasons.
First, my wife and I felt that Brazilian Jiu Jjitsu was the most practical form of martial arts with regards to self defense. They learn techniques that can easily be applied to real life situations if needed. They also have striking and wrestling classes which offers a variety of disciplines for the kids to learn. My boys can’t wait for wednesdays striking class! Gracie Tampa also provides a clean and most importantly safe environment for the children to learn. As a parent safety is a major concern. I feel confident that my children are safe and that their well being is a priority at Gracie Tampa. Lastly, I can’t say enough about the coaching staff. Coach Cris is an amazing instructor. She provides structure, discipline and a nurturing environment for the kids to learn. She also provides a level of instruction unmatched by any other school in the area. The children at Gracie Tampa are learning cutting edge technique by one of the best instructors in the country.
At Gracie Tampa there is a strong sense of pride among the parents, students, and Coach Cris. This is because the kids work hard for her, and they know that when they achieve a new rank or promotion that it is always well deserved. She does a wonderful job of incorporating the program into their schoolwork by offering incentives for them to get good grades and have good behavior at school. They are learning skills in the Gracie Tampa youth program that they can use on and off the mat and will last them a lifetime.
I would personally like to take this time to thank Coach Cris for everything she has done for my family. We love you!
- Justin Poppa (Father)
Gracie Tampa and Coach Cris….. Our daughters, Jordan and Jianna Diaz, have been attending Gracie Tampa and under the instruction of Coach Cris for a little less than a year. We would have to say that the experience has been nothing short of spectacular. The results we have seen in our girls has been amazing. At first we got our girls involved because we wanted them to learn self-defense. Now, we got that and way more! Our girls physically have both developed during their time at Gracie Tampa.
Their confidence and self-esteem has also grown a great deal as well. The spirit of community and teamwork has also been a blessing to them as well. We cannot say enough great things about Gracie Tampa and specifically Coach Cris….her enthusiasm and commitment to the Youth program is exemplary. My girls respect her as a coach and look forward to being at class especially when they know she is there.
As parents, we mostly appreciate her “I rather be honest as opposed to being just Nice” approach to her coaching. While she loves on her kids a great deal, there is a strong sense of “this is serious business’” and you need to realize that as you go through your journey in maximizing your potential in jiujitsu. We would recommend Gracie Tampa and Coach Cris to anyone who would ask…..A special thank you goes out to Coach Cris for everything that she does and brings to the table. God bless!
-Arcadio and Maria Diaz
“Cristina Rodriguez is one of the world’s best youth instructors. I’ve seen the youth team from Gracie Tampa transform into a lean, mean title winning machine with “Coach Midget Twister” at the helm. Not only is she one of the hardest working and kindest people I’ve ever met in the sport of grappling, but her loyalty and dedication to her team are simply amazing. As a competitor, there are very few more fierce, game ready and submission hungry than Midget. Any promoter would be lucky to have her participate in any high profile or televised events, because she’s always hunting for the tapout.”
-Brian Cimins
CEO of Grapplers Quest
“My son was new to martial arts when we first came to Gracie Tampa. We were the typical baseball playing family. I noticed a difference in our son after his first class. He stood taller and walked with an air of confidence. After just one class with Cris (aka the Midget Twister) I knew he was hooked.
Coach Cris has instilled in our son a sense of pride, discipline and confidence that extends into all the facets of his life. His self-esteem has improved greatly. He is learning life lessons in each class that he takes, ranging from never giving up to gaining something even if you don’t win. Coach Cris has taken the time to help him on and off the mat. As a parent, that is deeply appreciated.
Her classes and programs are innovative and creative in their approach to teaching the students. The time she spends preparing things for the kids to do is equally apparent. The kids are always encouraged and motivated in positive ways. She is more than just a coach, she is a friend, mentor and role model. In a place where all things are earned, the kids understand that HARD WORK really does PAY OFF!!!!!”
- Dawn Baker (Mother)
“My daughter Briana , now age 8, started with The GT Youth program & Coach Cris almost a year ago. She has never taken any type of martial arts or had not been involved in any type of sports. She is very calm & soft spoken. We have seen her grow and come out of her shell doing things we never thought she would do. Her Jiu Jitsu classes are the one thing she looks forward to going to every week, as many times as we can get her there.
She has learned so much under Coach Cris and is now competing and building her confidence level up even further. GT gives her the opportunity to take what she has learned to the next level.
Coach Cris teaches “Hard Work , Pays Off” and Briana really does see this in more than just this aspect in life. Her self esteem and a sense of pride show through in everything she does, and now understands that you do learn & gain something even if you do not win. She has also learned you NEVER GIVE UP. Coach teaches everything with a positive attitude and really gets them motivated.
Coach Cris take’s the time with each student to make sure they understand what they are learning; she also interacts with them on a “non” Coach level when GT youth has special events for the kid’s to get together as friend’s. This is greatly appreciated and the kid’s look at her more than just a coach, she is a friend & a great role model.
Keep up the great work Coach Cris!”
- Patty Crews (Mother)
Gracie Tampa, Coach Cris, and Rob Kahn,
My son Johnny, who is 12 years old and I both attend Gracie Tampa as students and competitors. Unlike some parents and students my son and I came to Gracie Tampa from training MMA at previous schools. For numerous years I have heard of Gracie Tampa and thought it would be awesome to be part of a great team. So about 9 months ago we decided to leave the school we were training at and take a shot at Gracie Tampa. The first thing I noticed when walking through the doors at Gracie Tampa is that this is a place where champions are made. At first my wife and I thought commuting 2 hours a day, 4 – 6 days a week was down right ridiculous. Then seeing how Coach Cris molded my son into a true competitor and watching him win his first tournament it was all worth it. I find it quite amazing when Gracie Tampa white belts are dominating yellow through brown belts. This school is not like some schools where everyone thinks they are better than you. If you have a question to ask or can’t figure how to do a move you can ask anyone of the world class instructors, to the UFC and Pro fighters, to the amateur fighters down to the Youth Competition Team. I would highly recommend Gracie Tampa, Coach Cris, and or Rob Kahn to anyone willing to learn.
If you train at the rest make the switch to be the best!!!
John Budrevic (Father, Student, and Competitor)
