.jpg)
.jpg)
With the opening Monday of PROTACTX Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at 200 Sterling Plaza Drive, Suite 204, Ponte Vedra, Danny Yakel’s lifelong dream has come true.
“I always wanted to start my own gym, my own school,” said Yakel, who is co-instructor with Mark Czarnecki.
Yakel is a retired Green Beret with black belts in both Japanese and Brazilian jiu jitsu and proficiency in other combat forms. He has trained members of the U.S. Army Special Forces, U.S. Army Rangers, U.S. Navy SEALS, U.S. Air Force Special Operations and U.S. Marine Corps Force Recon, as well as others.
He said his goal is to share his love of jiu jitsu, help people become more physically fit and give people more self-confidence. He also hopes to help kids grow in self-esteem.
Previously, Yakel taught classes at the link in Nocatee.
“Raghu and Gurpreet [Misra] were very, very welcoming,” he said, “very awesome to work with.”
The Misras are the founders of the link, an award-winning smart building at the forefront of embracing technology for smart workspaces, event spaces and experiences located at 425 Town Plaza Ave. in Nocatee.
When Yakel announced that he intended to launch his own shop, Raghu Misra was very pleased.
“He said, ‘That’s what the link is for,’” said Yakel.
Yakel encourages kids and adults to sign up for classes at the new facility, regardless of background and experience.
“It doesn’t matter your age; It doesn’t matter your background; It doesn’t matter your experience; It doesn’t matter your physical fitness level,” he said. “Just come and train and have fun.”
He said learning jiu jitsu is not like anything most people have done before.
“Over time, you’re going to get in better shape,” he said. “You’re going to learn more techniques. You’re going to become more advanced. You’ll become more comfortable.”
For kids, the focus will lean in the direction of anti-bullying, though this won’t specifically be an anti-bullying class.
The new facility features about 1,200 square feet of mat space, cubbyholes for students to store their things, two restrooms and an area with tables, chairs and Wi-Fi for parents who are waiting for their children to finish their class.
To that will soon be added exercise equipment and two showers.
Classes are as follows:
For further information or to sign up, go to protactxbjj.com. The business phone is 904-944-7449.
