The Truths of Jiu Jitsu with Kenny Florian
Inside Kenny Florian’s No-Gi Training Philosophy
If you’re looking to sharpen your Jiu Jitsu, it’s time to look past technique drills and start chasing truths. That’s exactly what Kenny Florian, a 5th Degree Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt and former UFC title contender, brings to the mats at A+R Tactics.
Kenny isn’t teaching flash. He’s teaching what works—what lasts. His No-Gi classes focus on principle-based training that applies across styles, sizes, and situations. Whether you're a competitor, a coach, or a dedicated student, Kenny’s insights will change how you think about Jiu Jitsu.
Concept Over Collection
Most practitioners chase the next technique. But Kenny teaches students to chase understanding.
Rather than relying on memory, he builds from core concepts like posture, pressure, timing, and structure. It’s about learning why a movement works—not just how to perform it. That shift in mindset is what separates good Jiu Jitsu from great Jiu Jitsu.
Once you understand the concept behind a movement, you can apply it anywhere—standing, on the ground, in the gi, out of the gi. You don’t just become more technical. You become more adaptable, more efficient, and more dangerous.
Train the Mind and the Body
Jiu Jitsu is more than physical. It’s mental, strategic, and deeply connected to how the human body naturally reacts to threats and pressure.
Kenny emphasizes the importance of studying natural reactions—both your own and your opponent’s. When you understand how people instinctively respond to force, space, and contact, you can start to anticipate movement and exploit mistakes without relying on athleticism.
This mindset builds smarter grapplers. Grapplers who flow. Grapplers who can adapt and respond under pressure because their training is rooted in reality, not just repetition.
Smooth Is Fast
In every class, Kenny drills into one powerful truth: Refined movement beats fast movement.
That means:
Being sensitive to your opponent’s balance and energy
Moving with precision, not panic
Prioritizing timing over speed
Using structure to create control and opportunity
The goal is not to do more. The goal is to do better—with less effort and more effect.
Strength Isn’t the Answer. Structure Is.
One of the most empowering lessons Kenny teaches is that you don’t need to overpower anyone. Instead, you learn to use frames, angles, and leverage to create positions your opponent can’t fight out of—no matter how strong they are.
This is the foundation of Kenny’s Jiu Jitsu: dependable mechanics, high-efficiency movement, and the ability to remain calm and confident under pressure. It’s a mindset that applies on the mats—and off them.
Long-Term Growth Starts with Consistency. Kenny doesn’t believe in shortcuts. What he does believe in is consistency—showing up, absorbing the lessons, and refining your game over time.
His weekly No-Gi classes are about more than training hard. They’re about training smart. And they’re designed for people who want to pursue Jiu Jitsu with intention, not just intensity.
Train with Kenny Florian
In-Person No-Gi Classes at A+R Tactics
Kenny teaches No-Gi Jiu Jitsu every week at A+R Tactics in Charlotte, NC. His program is designed for intermediate to advanced students, open to blue belts and higher who are ready to invest in their skill set.
Class Schedule:
📅 Tuesdays & Thursdays
⏰ 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Location:
📍 A+R Tactics – 588 Griffith Rd, Charlotte, NC
Tuition:
💵 $125/month (intro rate)
💵 $50 drop-in rate
Whether you’re supplementing your current training or reigniting your love for the art, these classes are your opportunity to train with one of the best minds in the game.
The truths are out there. Come train with us and find them.
