Carlson Gracie Winter Haven’s openness to judo is primarily due to Barron Shepherd’s passion to ensure judo is adapted and utilized for their BJJ students. I have traveled all over Central Florida, and while most BJJ and MMA locations seem to discredit judo, (and the overall effectiveness of adapting judo gripping strategies), Barron and his team at Carlson Gracie are the minority that truly understand the value of what judo can bring. There are many common misconceptions about the effectiveness of judo, however, it is eye opening to see individuals like Barron and his Carlson Gracie Team continue the legacy of judo and display its relevancy in the world of martial arts. Thank you to Barron and Carlson Gracie Winter Haven for ensuring that judo lives on and adapts for the BJJ community to access as well. As judo and BJJ evolves, I see minorities like this becoming pioneers not only in BJJ and judo, but in the overall spectrum of mixed martial arts.

Lauren Meece

2000 Olympian, Coach, Scouter and Trainer US National Champion Pan Am Games Bronze Medalist 9th place finish – World Championships

I have been doing some form of grappling for over 40 years. I started wrestling as a young teenager. I went on to Judo in my later years. After years in this sport, I pursued BJJ. I have achieved the level of a 2-stripe Black Belt. BJJ is where I became a 2 times Masters World Champion and 2 times Pan Am Champion. I met Barron after a BJJ tournament in 2022, he was teaching Judo at one of our Carlson Gracie schools. I have been working one on one with Barron, both of us trading knowledge of the different aspects of our particular styles, BJJ and Judo. When it comes to judo, I appreciate Barron’s style of teaching, not only with the specific drills that he utilizes to supplement and reinforce his judo techniques, but his overall approach of how to properly execute the techniques. One of the things that I especially like about Barron’s style of Judo is his approach to grip fighting and his one-handed style gripping attack. I have implemented this into my game. It has not only helped me with my stand up, but also with my ground game.

Eddie Sebastia

IBJJF Competitor, 62-2 In competition. Purple Belt World Champion, Brown Belt World Champion, Black Belt Pan American Champion

I first came across Coach Barron Shepherd around 2016. A training partner of mine, Brian Bradway was attending Barron’s Friday Night open mat sessions at the City of Winter Havens chain of lakes complex. At that time, I was a Purple Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and just looking to add some tools into my game. I was immediately taken by Barron’s willingness to cater his curriculum to what we were looking for. He narrowed down a combination of throws that would work well in the BJJ arena.

I would go on to drop in on his Friday Night classes to continue learning Judo from him. As the years went on and Covid came into our world, the Judo program was shut down by the city. After becoming a black belt in BJJ under Rafa Santos I again sought out to continue my learning. I reached out to Barron in hopes he could point me in the right direction as to my knowledge he was no longer in the area. The stars aligned and Barron was actually looking to get back into the area. After a brief talk we were able to find a way to resurrect the Winter Haven Judo Club within the walls of Carlson Gracie Winter Haven. The biggest take was Barron’s high-level attack-oriented game. Being able to play very quick allowed the BJJ players in our gym to continue our attacking style openings to dictate the pace and position of fights. I’ve been able to add to my personal game; I actively compete and the confidence has helped tremendously. I’ve implemented several throws and variations into my existing game helping give me an advantage on the competition scene. As we evolved with Barron and implemented a one-handed style gripping and attacking many of our guys have evolved into having a well-rounded stand up arsenal to complement our ground game. I look forward to years more of study under Barron and being able to learn and evolve.

Andrew Kinchen

Owner / Head Instructor Carlson Gracie Winter Haven. Instructor Carlson Gracie South Lakeland. Instructor Carlson Gracie Lakeland