October 2025
5 out of 5 stars
Have been attending for about a month now the instructor and team were very welcoming. An amazing gym for sure I highly recommend taking a free week trial class it got me hooked the first day and I never looked back!
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Florence, SC
Train authentic Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with a Brazilian instructor trained at the source in Ceara. Gi and no-gi, every level, beginners welcome on day one. Your first class is free.
Florence, SC
100+
Active Students
5+
Years Coaching in Florence
4.9
Google Rating
20+
National & Int'l Titles
The Art
What Is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is widely considered the most complete martial art ever developed. It teaches a smaller, weaker person to control and neutralize a larger opponent using leverage, technique and timing instead of size and strength.
That is what makes it the foundation of real self defense, and the base art of modern MMA. Train it and you build three things at once: the ability to protect yourself, serious physical conditioning, and the mental discipline that comes from solving problems under pressure.
Authentic Lineage
Why Train BJJ Here?
There are gyms that hand out belts to keep people paying. This is not one of them.
Competitive Edge is led by a Brazilian instructor trained in Brazil under the Sa lineage, one of the families that pioneered Jiu Jitsu in Ceara. He learned from a coral-belt professor, son of Master Sa, one of the first people to teach Jiu Jitsu in the region. Our instructor and students compete and place at national and international level.
When you earn a stripe here, it means something, because it was taught and graded the way it is at the source in Brazil. That authenticity is the whole point.
Programs
Class Types
Fundamentals
The core positions, escapes and submissions, taught step by step. Start here.
All Levels / Advanced
Live drilling and rolling to sharpen your game.
Gi Training
Traditional kimono training, the classic foundation of the art.
No-Gi
Grip-free grappling, faster pace, directly transferable to self defense and MMA.
Private Lessons
One-on-one coaching, every shift, seven days a week including weekends.
Competition Team
Structured prep for athletes who want to test themselves.
Is BJJ for Me?
Who It Is For
- Complete beginners who have never trained
- Adults who want practical self defense
- Anyone chasing real fitness and weight loss through training
- Parents who want discipline and confidence for their kids
- Competitors who want authentic, high-level coaching
On the Mats
Training at Competitive Edge
Student Reviews
4.938 Google reviewsWhat BJJ Students Say
January 2024
5 out of 5 stars
Competitive Edge Combat Sports is a great place to be. Professor Aragao is one of the most down to earth and humble people I know. In addition, he is also an amazing jiu jitsu instructor and will help you master the art of the sport.
2024
5 out of 5 stars
If you are considering starting jiu jitsu or looking for a place to join, I would highly recommend CEC Sports. Professor Francisco is one of a kind! A truly humble and welcoming person. I dropped in for a Monday night gi class (traveling through Florence on business) and I was immediately made to feel welcome. Great training, great students, and a great professor. Thanks again Francisco. I will visit again!
May 2024
5 out of 5 stars
Great gym with great people and a very welcoming atmosphere. Prof. Aragao is a great instructor who will invest his time and knowledge if you are willing to put in the work/time to learn. Highly recommend!
February 2026
5 out of 5 stars
Good training and atmosphere. I have been training here for years great teachers and students to learn and train with.
April 2026
5 out of 5 stars
Wonderful instructor our son loves going to Jijitsu.
FAQ
Common Questions About BJJ
No. Most students start with zero experience. The Fundamentals class is built for first-timers, and your first class is free.
For your first class, shorts and a t-shirt are fine. We will talk about a gi once you decide to keep training.
Gi uses the traditional kimono and its grips. No-gi is grip-free, faster, and maps closely to self defense and MMA. We teach both.
Yes. BJJ is one of the most effective self-defense arts there is, because it teaches you to stay safe and in control even against a bigger opponent, especially on the ground.
There is no shortcut here. You earn rank through real skill, not time served, which is exactly why it carries weight.
Training is controlled and progressive. Beginners drill technique before any hard rolling, and you always train at your own pace.
Yes. Our kids program ties Jiu Jitsu to the Bullyproof anti-bullying curriculum.
Pricing depends on the program and how often you train. Message us on WhatsApp for current rates, with no obligation.
Your Instructor
Trained at the Source in Brazil
Brazilian, trained in Brazil under the Sa lineage in Ceara, graded by a coral-belt professor, son of Master Sa. One of the first to teach Jiu Jitsu in Ceara.
Competitor and coach with students placing at national and international level. Teaches Florence the same authentic Jiu Jitsu he learned at the source.
Location