I've been to gyms all over Jacksonville and Smiley Academy has been the "home away from home" I was looking for. TO BE THE BEST!

Highly trained professionals teaching. I love how they take the time out to make sure technique is being performed proficiently, it doesnt matter how many students need to be attended to each of them receive the same respect. There are students from all walks of life coming together to make each other great. It’s an amazing atmosphere for all families. The owner coach Smiley & his family are so amazing & kind. Very gentle with how they treat EVERYONE. It will forever me my martial arts home ❤️

I got so much respect for coach smiley! My daughter been going over 2 years now! My daughter does struggle at times with her confidence and weight and after class she always feels so much better about herself! Not once, but twice I fell behind a little bit on payment and always coach smiley takes his time out to go beyond for me and my daughter as a single mom it brings tears to my eyes that it is really good people out here! His wife is the most beautiful, kindest lady I ever met! My daughter learned so much and I appreciate them. This place is family.🙏🙏 Thank you so much! Cindy🥊

My boys have been at Smiley's for 2 and 1/2 working with coach smiley, since they have been going they have overcome a lot now my boys are confident in themselves 🥰 I recommend Smiley's 1000% ALL THE COACHES ARE VERY GOOD AND UNDERSTANDING

Showed up to a free class and was not given any instruction, the class just started immediately with no guidance. Half of his current students do not know how to control their weapons and blasted me with leg and body kicks. I do not recommend this unless you want to be a human punching bag, no hard feelings but very unprofessional overall.

My kids trained at another BJJ (Brazilian jujitsu) gym for a few years and didn’t grow much in skill or confidence. We looked at other gyms, including Smiley. After taking the trial classes, we decided to stay at Smiley. The reasons? My kids were happy there and were excited to return because they, “Had fun”- their words. The coaches are hands on and encouraging. There’s no pressure for them to compete, which isn’t a goal of ours (the parents) or the kids. We want our kids to learn self defense because we feel it’s a necessary life skill. The coaches at Smiley respect that and train our kids just the same (unlike other gyms that pushed private lessons and competitions). I like the affirmations Coach Smiley shares at the end of class. In addition to learning self defense, I want my kids to build confidence, resilience, determination, etc… the coaches at Smiley help speak life into the kids while teaching them self defense techniques. Lastly, I like the options they have for kids: MMA, Boxing, and BJJ! The kids class schedule is a plus too. I have multiple kids, it’s nice to have a place they can learn different skills and have the time to do it with their packed schedules. You get your moneys worth! The gym and bathrooms are clean, the environment is kid friendly (they have homework rooms!), and welcoming. I’m looking forward to seeing my kids grow in skill and confidence at Smiley Academy.

Second funnest place on earth! Beautiful atmosphere, it’s one big family. Coach James smiley is one of the most genuine people you could meet! All of the coaches and fighters are amazing and help one another and very patient and helpful to new students!

I had my second intro class at Smiley's and I can't say enough good things about everyone there. Everyone is very supportive. Is it challenging? Yes. And I'm glad it is. But everyone in the class makes u feel welcome and is willing to help if u ask. Couldn't ask for a better learning environment.