Meet Jorge Fernandes Junior | Mixed Martial Arts

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jorge Fernandes Junior and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jorge, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor behind the success of Athlas Training is our commitment to creating a life-changing environment for our students. When we started in downtown Fort Lauderdale in 2012, we had a small 2,000 sq. ft. space and only 70 students eager to learn martial arts. From the very beginning, our goal was more than just teaching techniques; we wanted to build a community.

Today, Athlas Training operates in a 12,000 sq. ft. facility and serves over 600 students, ranging from beginners discovering martial arts for the first time to professional MMA fighters preparing for competition. Our family-friendly environment welcomes everyone, providing not only martial arts training but also an outlet for personal growth.

We’ve seen lives change through the power of martial arts—helping individuals overcome depression, gain confidence through self-defense, and develop physical and mental strength. Athlas Training is more than a martial arts academy; it’s a place where people transform, find purpose, and thrive in a supportive community.

What should our readers know about your business?
We are proud to be the largest mixed martial arts academy in Fort Lauderdale. What sets Athlas Training apart is our unique ability to offer both parents and children the opportunity to train at the same time, in the same environment. While a mother, father, or guardian trains in mixed martial arts or fitness classes, their child can train in a separate area within the facility.

Our academy features over three dedicated areas for martial arts, offering a wide variety of classes including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Boxing, Muay Thai, MMA, Wrestling, Judo, Cardio Kickboxing, and Fitness. We provide programs for children as young as 3 years old all the way to master-level students, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Additionally, we offer private classes to cater to individual needs.

Athlas Training operates Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM and on Saturdays, and there is no other academy in the area that offers such a diverse range of activities under one roof. Even during the challenges of COVID-19, which was one of the most difficult times for our business, Athlas Training remained resilient and continued to thrive.

Today, we are incredibly proud to have been recognized as the best mixed martial arts academy in South Florida. This achievement reflects our commitment to providing a top-tier experience for our students and creating a supportive community for families and individuals alike.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting the area, I’d create an unforgettable week showcasing the best of Fort Lauderdale.

We’d start with breakfast at Java & Jam to fuel up before exploring the beautiful Las Olas Boulevard, full of shops, art galleries, and cafés. Afternoons would be spent at Fort Lauderdale Beach, enjoying crystal-clear waters and perhaps paddleboarding or jet skiing. For dinner, we’d hit spots like Louie Bossi’s for Italian cuisine or Coconuts for fresh seafood right by the water.

One unique highlight would be a day at Athlas Training Team, where they could experience a self-defense class or even an MMA experience, learning techniques in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and martial arts. It’s a mix of fun, fitness, and empowerment – an unforgettable activity!

We’d also take a Water Taxi ride, admiring the stunning mansions and luxury yachts along the canals. A visit to the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens for a touch of history and a hike or kayaking adventure at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park would add to the mix. For nightlife, we’d head to Rhythm & Vine, a vibrant outdoor bar with great vibes, or the iconic Elbo Room by the beach.

To make it even more memorable, we’d spend a day at the Sawgrass Recreation Park, exploring the Everglades on an airboat, followed by shopping at the massive Sawgrass Mills Outlet. Wrapping up the week, we’d enjoy a relaxed brunch at The Alchemist and stroll along the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk, soaking in the ocean views and enjoying the local restaurants.

Fort Lauderdale truly has it all – from adventure and culture to relaxation and unique experiences like training at Athlas. It’s the perfect destination to create lifelong memories!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The success of Athlas Training is not just the result of our hard work and dedication, but also the incredible people whose stories have shaped who we are today. Over the past 19 years, we’ve been blessed to witness countless transformations, and these moments of resilience and growth are what inspire us every day.

One of our most memorable stories involves a father who initially brought his son to train, hoping to introduce him to the benefits of martial arts. Watching his son’s enthusiasm and progress inspired the father to start training himself. Over the course of a year, he lost over 20 pounds, transformed his health, and now enjoys a more active, engaged life alongside his son.

Another story close to our hearts is that of a 45-year-old student who tragically lost his wife to postpartum depression. Left to raise two young children on his own, he found strength and community through the friendships he made in Jiu-Jitsu. Today, not only has he overcome his grief, but his children also train with us, continuing the legacy of resilience he has built.

We’ve also seen young people find their purpose through martial arts. One student began training with us at 15, and today he’s a professional MMA fighter competing on some of the sport’s biggest stages. Another remarkable story is that of a 19-year-old who came to us without direction or hope for the future. Through training, he found confidence and a career, becoming an outstanding Jiu-Jitsu instructor who now sustains himself with a profession he loves.

These stories are why we do what we do. Athlas Training is more than a martial arts academy—it’s a place where lives are transformed, where people find strength, and where a supportive community helps individuals overcome challenges they never thought they could. To every parent, student, and instructor who has been part of our journey, we owe our deepest gratitude. You are the heart and soul of Athlas Training, and we dedicate this shoutout to you.

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