What we teach, what we deliberately leave out, and why the distinction matters if you are choosing a school for yourself or your child.
They all describe the same art. “Jujutsu” is the traditional Japanese romanization and the spelling we use out of respect for the lineage; “Jiu-Jitsu” and “BJJ” are the spellings that took hold in Brazil and the United States. If you searched for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu near Pembroke Pines and found us, you are in the right place — the difference is not the name, it is the scope of what is taught.
Sport grappling is a demanding discipline and we hold it in high regard, but its rules shape what gets practiced. Our curriculum is organized instead around ordinary, unplanned situations: awareness and avoidance first, then defense against surprise attacks and striking, the clinch, throws and takedowns, and finally ground grappling and submissions.
The reason this art spread is that it lets a smaller, weaker person defend against a larger, stronger one. That is only true when technique — not athleticism — is the thing being trained. It is also why the material works for teenagers, for adults starting in their fifties, and for women defending against larger opponents.
Technique is introduced progressively with cooperative partners. Nothing about the class is designed to test whether you belong there. We would rather a student train carefully for twenty years than intensely for six months.
Pembroke Pines Self Defense is an affiliate of Valente Brothers, and we teach their curriculum as it was passed down. That means a sequenced syllabus, consistent terminology across instructors, and a strong emphasis on the philosophical and behavioral side of the art alongside technique.
Who teaches
Victor Cambas
Senior Professor · Founder
Coller Cambas
Instructor · Head Youth Instructor
Kai Berlanga
Youth Instructor
Carson Cambas
Youth Instructor
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Come in, meet the instructors, and try a class before you decide anything. No experience necessary.