Pembroke Pines, Florida · Since 2009
Jujutsu as a complete self-defense education
Pembroke Pines Self Defense is a Valente Brothers affiliate teaching Jujutsu — the art most people know as Jiu-Jitsu — to men, women and children in Pembroke Pines. Calm, structured, technical instruction, with no experience required.
12191 Taft Street, Pembroke Pines, FL 33026 · 954-410-0706
Our approach
A traditional method, taught patiently
Self-defense first
Our curriculum is organized around defending yourself in ordinary, unplanned situations — not around tournament rules.
Leverage over strength
Technique, timing and position are what make the art work for a smaller person against a larger one.
Training that lasts
Skills are taught progressively and revisited regularly, so they stick. We prioritize control, safety, and longevity over intensity.
Jujutsu, jiu-jitsu, BJJ and MMA
How our Jujutsu differs from sport BJJ and MMA
Jujutsu is also spelled jiu-jitsu, jiu jitsu and jujitsu, and it is the tradition Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu grew out of. Sport BJJ trains a narrower slice of it under competition rules, mostly on the ground, and MMA is a professional combat sport between trained athletes in a ring. We teach the complete self-defense curriculum instead: awareness and avoidance, defense against surprise attacks and striking, the clinch, throws and takedowns, and ground grappling.
We hold sport grappling and MMA in high regard, but we are not a competition team or an MMA gym. If you searched for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or martial arts near Pembroke Pines, this is the same family of art — taught for self-defense.
Programs
Find the right class
Men and women, ages 15 and up
Adult Jujutsu
Practical self-defense built on leverage and technique rather than size, strength or athleticism. Designed for complete beginners as much as for experienced students.
Learn about Adult Jujutsu
Children and teens
Youth Jujutsu
Discipline, respect, focus and genuine self-defense skill taught in a safe, positive and age-appropriate environment.
Learn about Youth Jujutsu
Adults and children, all levels
Private Lessons
The full group curriculum in a one-on-one setting, with flexible scheduling and instruction paced entirely to the student.
Learn about Private Lessons
Instruction
Taught by our instructor team
Classes are led by instructors who train together daily and teach the same curriculum, so what you learn on a Tuesday builds on what you learned on a Monday — regardless of who is on the mat.
Victor Eduardo Cambas
Head Professor · Founder
Coller Cambas
Lead Instructor
Kai Berlanga
Youth Assistant
Carson Cambas
Youth Assistant
Reviews
What our students say
Reviews from students and families who train at our Pembroke Pines school.
“For civilian self-defense, this is outstanding. They cover all aspects: surprise attacks (including weapons defense), striking, clinches and throws, and of course, grappling. If you are looking to compete in tournaments, or for “sport” jiu-jitsu, this is not for you. But if you are looking for a complete self-defense system, and so much more, this is excellent, and I highly recommend it.”
“I've trained at a few places with varying results. The quality of instruction, attention to detail, family oriented environment and the focus on training hard while avoiding injury have been far superior to anywhere else that I've trained. I couldn't see myself training anywhere else.”
“The absolute pinnacle of self-defense schools in technique, cleanliness, respectful environment, and both child and adult development. The first free introduction class spoke volumes to me and provided a sharp contrast to previous martial arts schools.”
“Absolutely love this place, the instructors are the best. Everyone is patient, caring, kind and fun. My kids look forward to attending twice a week. My husband also attends the adult classes. He goes every morning he's off, says he loves it. We also love that we have found a place where the kids can thrive. In a short 3 years they have made life long friends and learned a skill that our whole family will benefit from.”
Frequently asked questions
Do I need any previous experience?
No. Most people who walk through our door have never trained before. Classes are structured so beginners learn the same fundamentals experienced students keep refining, and instructors introduce material at a pace new students can follow.
Am I too old to start?
Our adult program is built around leverage, timing and position rather than speed or athleticism, which is exactly why adults in their thirties, forties, fifties and beyond train here successfully. Tell your instructor about any injuries or limitations and the material will be adjusted.
Is this Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
We teach Valente Brothers Jujutsu, which shares its lineage and much of its technical vocabulary with what most people call Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or BJJ. The difference is scope: our curriculum is a complete self-defense system that also covers standing defense, surprise attacks, defense against striking, clinching, throws and takedowns, alongside ground grappling.
What is the difference between Jujutsu and Jiu-Jitsu?
They refer to the same art. “Jujutsu” is the traditional Japanese romanization and the spelling we use; “Jiu-Jitsu” and “Jiu Jitsu” are the spellings that took hold in Brazil and the United States. If you searched for Jiu-Jitsu in Pembroke Pines and landed here, you are in the right place.
Is the program focused on sport or self-defense?
Self-defense. We are not a tournament-focused academy. We hold sport Jiu-Jitsu and competitive grappling in high regard as disciplines in their own right, but our curriculum is organized around defending yourself in ordinary, unplanned situations.
Is training safe?
Safety and training longevity are central to how classes are run. Technique is introduced progressively with cooperative partners, and the focus stays on preserving the body so students can keep training for years rather than months.
Can women train here?
Yes. The adult program is designed equally for men and women, and the leverage-based approach is one of the reasons the material works well for smaller practitioners defending against larger opponents.
Can my family train together?
Many of our families do — parents in the adult classes and children in the youth program. Call or message us and we will help you find a combination of class times that works for your household.
Are private lessons available?
Yes, for both adults and children. Private lessons follow the same curriculum in a one-on-one format and can be used on their own or alongside group classes.
How does the free introductory class work?
Choose adult or youth, pick a time, and give us your contact details. We will confirm your spot and send you what you need to know before you arrive. There is no experience required and no equipment to buy in advance.
Where are you located?
12191 Taft Street, Pembroke Pines, FL 33026. We serve students from Pembroke Pines and the surrounding Broward County communities including Miramar, Cooper City, Southwest Ranches, Davie and Weston.
Is Jujutsu good for self-defense?
Yes — it is one of the most practical martial arts for it, because it relies on leverage, timing and position rather than size, strength or speed. Beginners of any age can train it, and the curriculum is organized around real, unplanned situations rather than a competition ruleset.
Do you teach MMA?
No. MMA is a professional combat sport between trained athletes under rules, weight classes and a referee. We are a self-defense school teaching adults, women and children how to protect themselves in situations that have none of those things.
Start with a free introductory class
Come in, meet the instructors, and try a class before you decide anything. No experience necessary.