Business Details
8 Years
experience
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Training in Mandeville, LA
Vida Jiu Jitsu is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gym established in 2018 in Mandeville, Louisiana. Our team of elite instructors delivers a comprehensive curriculum blending diverse styles and techniques tailored to students of all ages and skill levels. We offer specialized programs for adults, children, and women, emphasizing self-defense, physical fitness, and community building. Affiliated with Raposo BJJ, Olympic BJJ, and Gulf Coast Jiu-Jitsu, we foster regional collaboration and excellence.Our flagship Guns & Gis camp merges tactical firearms training with BJJ, reflecting our commitment to innovative, real-world applications. With a focus on technical precision, mental resilience, and a welcoming family atmosphere, we aim to make BJJ accessible and transformative for every participant.
Services
Adult BJJ Classes
Women's BJJ Classes
Kids BJJ Classes
Guns & Gis Camp
Private Lessons
Competition Training
No-Gi Sessions
Family Membership
Law Enforcement Discounts
Annual Pre-Pay Membership
Details
- Year established: 2018
Highlights and features
- We offer a $25 5-class trial with credit toward membership.
- Our instructors include multiple IBJJF World Champions and experienced competitors.
- We provide specialized women's self-defense and anti-bullying programs for kids.
- Our Guns & Gis camp uniquely combines tactical firearms training with BJJ expertise.
- We maintain a welcoming family atmosphere with elite technical instruction.
What people say
Elite instructors
Welcoming family atmosphere
Effective self-defense techniques
Well-structured curriculum
Great for all ages
Services
Adult BJJ Classes
Our adult BJJ classes follow a structured curriculum covering fundamental and advanced techniques. Students learn takedowns, ground positions, escapes, and submissions through drills and sparring. The program builds physical fitness, self-defense skills, and mental resilience while fostering a supportive community environment for practitioners of all experience levels.
Women's BJJ Classes
Designed specifically for women, these classes combine self-defense training with fitness development. Participants learn practical techniques against common attacks while building confidence and physical conditioning. The non-intimidating environment allows women to progress at their own pace while mastering BJJ fundamentals in a supportive all-female setting.
Kids BJJ Classes
Our kids' program teaches ages 4-13 practical self-defense through age-appropriate BJJ techniques. Classes focus on anti-bullying strategies, character development, and physical coordination. The curriculum builds confidence, discipline, and problem-solving skills while emphasizing safety and fun in a structured environment for young practitioners.
Guns & Gis Camp
This three-day immersion combines world-class BJJ instruction with tactical firearms training. Participants learn defensive pistol techniques from law enforcement experts and BJJ self-defense applications from championship instructors. The physically demanding program develops combat readiness, mental focus, and practical skills for real-world self-defense scenarios.
Competition Training
We prepare students for competitive BJJ through specialized drilling, sparring, and strategy sessions. Our team includes multiple IBJJF champions who provide expert guidance on tournament rules, match tactics, and performance optimization. The program accommodates all belt levels seeking to develop competitive skills in a supportive training environment.
People
Eric Alfonso
Lead Professor
Black belt under Greg Lapin with over 10 years of competitive experience including PanAms and Master Worlds. Specializes in technical precision and student development.
Greg Lapin
Owner/Professor
Black belt under Erick Raposo with 20+ years in law enforcement special operations. Combines tactical expertise with BJJ instruction to develop practical self-defense systems for real-world applications.
Casey Lapin
Owner
Brown belt and multi-time World Master medalist. Manages gym operations and admin while leading kids and ladies programs. Creates all branded merchandise and maintains organizational systems.
Erick Raposo
Professor
3rd degree black belt with 20+ years teaching experience. Multiple national and international champion including World Championship titles. Focuses on technical detail and student progression.
Stephanie Williamson
Professor
First female black belt under Professor Raposo. 2x Black Belt World Champion NoGi with extensive competition success. Emphasizes student growth and confidence-building through BJJ instruction.
Questions
Can I try a class before enrolling?
Yes, we offer a $25 5-class trial within a 3-week period. Your payment applies toward membership if you sign up by your fifth class.
Do I need prior fitness experience to start BJJ?
No prior fitness level required. Our program accommodates all fitness levels, with gradual progression through regular training.
What self-defense techniques do you teach?
We focus on practical BJJ techniques for real-world scenarios, including takedowns, escapes, and control methods applicable to various attack situations.
Are there age restrictions for kids' classes?
We offer classes for children aged 4-6 and 7-13. Teenagers aged 14+ can join adult classes with instructor approval.
What is the Guns & Gis camp experience?
This 3-day immersion combines tactical firearms training with BJJ instruction. Participants learn defensive pistol techniques and practical grappling skills from expert instructors in a physically demanding format.
Do you offer private lessons?
Yes, private instruction is available. Contact us directly for scheduling options and personalized training plans tailored to specific goals.
