Step Up for Students Training in Dade City, Fl
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Marcio Cruz BJJ Dade City is proud to offer the Step Up for Students program – a daytime Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class built specifically for homeschooled students ages 6-14. Training meets Monday and Wednesday mornings from 10:00-11:00 AM at our Dade City academy, giving homeschool families a structured, consistent class that fits a school-day schedule instead of an after-school one.
As an approved Step Up for Students direct-pay provider, we bill your scholarship funds directly – so there’s no paying out of pocket first and no waiting on a reimbursement. Students train under Professor Renan Cruz, a World Champion and Pan Champion who coaches alongside his father, legendary competitor Professor Marcio Cruz, learning real self-defense while building the discipline, focus, and confidence that carry over into everyday life.
We’re proud to welcome homeschool families from Dade City, Zephyrhills, San Antonio, Wesley Chapel, Brooksville, and Ridge Manor into this program. Read on below for the full program details, what your Step Up scholarship can cover, and answers to the most common questions we get from homeschool parents.


A Daytime BJJ Program Built for Homeschool Families
The Step Up for Students program at Marcio Cruz BJJ Dade City was built with homeschool families in mind. We know your schedule looks different than a typical after-school routine, so we offer a daytime class on Monday and Wednesday mornings from 10:00-11:00 AM, when our academy is quieter and our instructors can focus on your kids.
Students ages 6-14 train Gi in a structured, consistent environment, building a real Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu foundation under Professor Renan Cruz, a World Champion and Pan Champion who trains alongside his father, legendary BJJ competitor Professor Marcio Cruz. Beyond technique, this class gives homeschooled kids something just as important: socialization, structure, and teamwork alongside peers who share their dedication.
Program Highlights
- Daytime schedule – Monday & Wednesday, 10:00-11:00 AM
- Kids GI Sparring class, ages 6-14
- Structured curriculum with belt progression
- Peer socialization in a small-group setting
- Confidence-building and anti-bullying skills
- Instruction from a World and Pan Champion-led coaching team
We’re a Step Up for Students Direct-Pay Partner
Marcio Cruz BJJ Dade City is an approved Step Up for Students direct-pay provider. That means we bill your scholarship funds directly – no paying out of pocket first, no waiting weeks or months for reimbursement. You just show up and train.
What Step Up funds may cover at our academy:
- Monthly membership for ongoing BJJ training
- Gi uniform (kimono) for class
- Private lessons for one-on-one instruction
Already have a Step Up account? Contact us and we’ll walk you through linking Marcio Cruz BJJ Dade City as your direct-pay provider – it only takes a few minutes.
Why BJJ Supports Homeschool Education
BJJ is like chess on the mat – students learn to think ahead, problem-solve, and stay calm under pressure. Parents in Dade City, Zephyrhills, San Antonio, Wesley Chapel, Brooksville, and Ridge Manor tell us it changes more than their kid’s fitness.
- Critical Thinking: Jiu-Jitsu rewards students who think ahead, problem-solve, and adapt in real time.
- Socialization: Training alongside peers builds friendships and teamwork in a structured group setting.
- Physical Health: Daily movement, fitness, and coordination development in a safe, progressive environment.
- Goal Setting: The belt system teaches kids to set goals, work consistently, and celebrate real achievements.


Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Homeschool program different from the regular Kids BJJ classes?
It uses the same curriculum and coaching team as our regular Kids program – the only difference is the daytime schedule (Monday & Wednesday, 10:00-11:00 AM) built around a homeschool day instead of an after-school one.
Does my child need to be homeschooled to join this class?
This time slot is designed for homeschool families, but any student ages 6-14 who is free on weekday mornings is welcome to join.
What is Step Up for Students?
Step Up for Students is a Florida scholarship organization that helps families pay for approved educational expenses, including certain extracurricular and homeschool enrichment programs.
What does “direct-pay partner” mean, and why does it matter?
It means Marcio Cruz BJJ Dade City bills Step Up for Students directly on your behalf. You never pay out of pocket and never wait on a reimbursement – your scholarship funds come straight to us.
How do I set up Marcio Cruz BJJ Dade City as my Step Up provider?
Call us at (352) 437-3546 or fill out the form on this page, and we’ll walk you through linking your Step Up account to our academy.
Ready to get started? Our homeschool class meets Monday & Wednesday, 10:00-11:00 AM at 12534 US Hwy 301 S, Dade City, FL 33525. Fill out the form on this page or call (352) 437-3546 and we’ll help you get your child on the mat.














