Alex Blekherov
Head Instructor
- Judo black belt
- BJJ black belt under Robby Donofrio
- USA National Judo Champion
Championship-level coaching
National and international competition experience on the mats every class
Beginner friendly
No experience necessary — most students start with none
Step Up For Students
Step Up For Students Provider
Kids · Adults · Homeschool
Programs for the whole family, Monday through Friday
Choose your path
Training for kids, teens & adults
Two clear tracks. Same coaches, same mats, same standard of safety and technique.
Ages 5–14
For Kids & Teens
Build confidence, discipline, focus and real self-defense skills in a structured, beginner-friendly environment.
- • Little Ninjas (5–7) and Kids Jiu-Jitsu / Judo (7–14)
- • Anti-bullying mindset and respect-first culture
- • Family Boxing lets parents train with kids 6+
Teens & Adults
For Adults
Get fit, learn practical self-defense and train real Jiu-Jitsu, Judo and Boxing at your own pace — no ego required.
- • Gi and No-Gi BJJ, Judo and Boxing five evenings a week
- • Beginners start any week — no athletic background needed
- • Competition track available, never required
All programs
Every class we offer
Same coaching staff, same mats, same standard of safety and technique in every program.
Ages 5–14
Kids Martial Arts
Little Ninjas (5–7) and Kids Jiu-Jitsu & Judo (7–14). Structured, playful classes that build confidence, focus and real skills.
Learn moreTeens & adults
Adult Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Gi and No-Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu five evenings a week. Fitness, self-defense and technique at whatever pace you want to train.
Learn more
Kids & adults
Judo
Throws, grips and takedowns taught by a three-time Judo World Cup champion and certified IJF coach.
Learn more
Kids 6+ & adults
Boxing
Family Boxing where parents and kids 6+ train side by side, plus daytime homeschool boxing classes.
Learn more
Daytime classes
Homeschool BJJ / Jiu-Jitsu / Judo
Daytime Gi and No-Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Gi Judo for Polk County homeschool families. Step Up For Students provider.
Learn more
Daytime classes
Homeschool Boxing
Daytime Boxing for Polk County homeschool families. Fundamentals, conditioning and pad work in a friendly class setting.
Learn moreWhy train here
Real martial arts.
Real people. No egos.
Serious instruction in a friendly room. Complete beginners, returning athletes, competitors and whole families train side by side — nobody gets thrown in over their head, and nobody has to prove anything.
Start where you are
You don't need to get in shape first — you get in shape here.
Structured classes
Warm-up, technique, drilling and live rounds at your own pace.
Kids grouped by age
Little Ninjas 5–7 and Kids 7–14 so nobody is overmatched.
Compete if you want
Competition training available, never required.
Coaching staff
World-class coaching. Welcoming environment.
Your family trains directly with accomplished competitors who teach beginners every day.
Vadim Syniavskyi
Head Instructor
- 3× Judo World Cup champion
- Judo Grand Prix champion
- Certified IJF coach
What our members say
Verified reviews from our Google profile.
“I had been wanting to take my kids to jiujitsu for a long time but truly believe I was waiting for Coach Alex and Coach Vadim to open their gym. We have been training with them for 6 months and my kids are thriving in their program. The gym members have become more like family.”
“Best place to train in the entire central Florida area! Alex and Vadim are top-tier — deeply knowledgeable, incredibly technical, and genuinely passionate about teaching. They push you to your limits while keeping the atmosphere positive and encouraging.”
“The homeschool classes are awesome and really get the kids moving. It's a lot of fun for the kids while also teaching them self defense and self control. The instructors are patient but firm and give each child the time and attention that they need.”
Daytime program
Homeschool martial arts in Winter Haven
Structured daytime classes Monday through Thursday combining physical activity, skill development, discipline and confidence — Gi and No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu, Judo and Boxing.
Step Up For Students accepted
Our academy
See us in action
Real photos from our mats — kids classes, adult Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, competitions and team days.
Weekly schedule
Classes Monday through Friday
Daytime homeschool classes, after-school kids classes and evening adult training.
Homeschool classes
Mon–Thu · 10:00 & 11:15 AM
Gi & No-Gi BJJ, Judo, Boxing
Family Boxing
Tue & Thu · 4:45 PM
Kids 6+ and adults together
Little Ninjas (5–7)
Mon, Wed, Fri · 5:00 PM
Gi and No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu
Kids Jiu-Jitsu & Judo (7–14)
Mon–Fri · 5:45 PM
Gi, No-Gi and Wednesday Judo
Adult Jiu-Jitsu & Judo
Mon–Fri · 6:45 PM
No-Gi, Gi BJJ, Judo and Friday open mat
Start your training
Book your free trial class
Experience the academy, meet the coaches and try a class with no commitment. No registration fee, no obligation.
Questions
Before your first class
Do I need experience to start?
No. Most people who walk in have never trained. Classes cover fundamentals, safe falling and basic positions, and beginners are welcome in every class listed on the schedule.
What should I wear to class?
For Gi classes, wear your Jiu-Jitsu Gi with a belt; a rashguard may be worn underneath. For No-Gi classes, wear a rashguard or fitted athletic shirt with athletic shorts, spats or leggings — no zippers, buttons, pockets or metal parts.
What age can children start?
Our Little Ninjas classes are for ages 5–7 and Kids Jiu-Jitsu and Judo run for ages 7–14. Family Boxing is open to kids 6 and up training alongside adults.
Can I try a class first?
Yes. Request a free trial class through our online form — a coach will confirm your spot. Or call or text 863-888-0577 and we'll place you in the right class.
Do you offer Judo and Boxing as well as Jiu-Jitsu?
Yes. The weekly schedule includes Gi and No-Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Gi Judo for kids, homeschool students and adults, and Family and Homeschool Boxing.
Do you accept Step Up For Students?
Winter Haven Martial Arts Academy is a Step Up For Students provider. Eligible Florida families may be able to use scholarship funds toward qualifying martial arts, physical education or enrichment expenses, subject to their scholarship program and Step Up For Students requirements.
Location
Training in the heart of Winter Haven
6290 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven, FL 33884 — inside TKO Martial Arts Academy. Located in Winter Haven and serving families from Lake Wales, Auburndale, Haines City, Davenport, Lakeland and surrounding Polk County communities.
Phone: 863-888-0577
Email: info@winterhavenjiujitsu.com
Proudly supported by our Polk County partners
.png){kind=logo}
Start with a free trial class
Beginners welcome in every class. Come watch, or step on the mats — call 863-888-0577 and we'll help you pick the right class.