Coming soon to South Florida

Strength. Leadership. Legacy.

A world-class martial arts academy built for family where champions are forged on the mats, and character is forged for life.

The Pride

More than an academy. A pride.

LionX is built on a simple belief: martial arts shapes more than athletes — it shapes confident, disciplined, respectful people. From a child's first step onto the mats to a professional athlete's recovery session, every member of our academy belongs to something bigger.

With two separate mat spaces, parents and kids train at the same time. With a full recovery and wellness center, every body is supported. And with a culture rooted in respect, consistency, and hard work, every visit builds the next generation of leaders — on and off the mats.

"We use Jiu-Jitsu as a tool to positively shape and impact the next leaders."
Our Programs

Four paths. One standard.

01 / 04
Kids · Ages 4–15

LionX Young Champions

Benefits that extend far beyond the mats. Through Jiu-Jitsu, kids build confidence, discipline, self-esteem, respect, and teamwork — core values that shape the next generation of leaders at school, at home, and in life.

Jiu-JitsuCharacter First
Adults · 7 Days a Week

LionX Adults Program

From fundamentals to pro-level training, classes run seven days a week. A welcoming format for new practitioners, with deep exploration of core positions, techniques, and concepts to challenge every rank — and build better leaders on and off the mats.

Basics → ProAll Levels
Wellness · All Members

Fitness & Recovery Center

A complete wellness experience designed to support recovery and elevate mental and physical performance. From parents to professional athletes, every member trains, recovers, and performs at their best — safely and effectively.

Recover · PerformOn-Site
Weekends · All Ages

LionX Weekends Program

Weekends at LionX belong to the whole family - open mats, Sunday school, and community events that bring parents and kids together. Train side by side, learn together, and stay for the connection that makes our academy feel like home.

Sunday SchoolFamily First
The Jiu-Jitsu Journey

Why families choose the LionX academy

Unshakable Confidence

Learn to stay calm, focused, and composed under pressure — for kids and adults alike.

Real Self-Defense

Children become bully-resistant while showing lower aggression — giving parents true peace of mind.

Discipline & Respect

Accountability and values that carry over into school, home, and everyday life.

Stronger Bodies

Coordination, balance, and mobility — developed safely and age-appropriately.

Emotional Control

Resilience to handle frustration, setbacks, and challenges with maturity.

Train Together

Parents lead by example, training alongside their children — building lifelong skills and memories as a family.

Leadership

Forged by champions

Head Coach

Lior Ofir

Second-degree black belt, World Champion, and former Israeli Navy SEAL. Lior's journey began in Krav Maga — training and coaching military branches and special forces units worldwide — before discovering Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2012 and training at over a thousand gyms across his competitive career.

A multiple-time world champion in both Gi and No-Gi, Lior leads with open communication, technical mastery, and a fun, supportive environment where students grow on and off the mats. He is also the founder of a nonprofit empowering children and young adults to protect themselves while building self-esteem.

2nd Degree Black Belt World Champion · Gi & No-Gi Ex-Navy SEAL
Founder

Joel Gandara

Joel stepped onto the mats in September 2020 and has trained with exceptional consistency ever since — through injuries, setbacks, promotions, and plateaus. His coaching foundation comes from years of mentoring men in discipline, accountability, leadership, and mental toughness.

Joel's role centers on culture and vision: building an environment rooted in respect, consistency, and hard work — with strong brotherhood and family values — where beginners feel welcomed, veterans are challenged, and character matters as much as skill.

Culture & Vision Leadership Mentor Family Values
The Academy

Designed for family experience

Clean, safe, and welcoming from the moment you walk in. Pristine mats and top-tier facilities - because hygiene, safety, and professionalism matter. More than a place to train: a place where families connect and grow together.

  • Two Separate Mat Spaces

    Kids and parents train at the same time - maximizing every visit.

  • Full Recovery Center

    Fully equipped to support wellness, performance, and longevity.

  • Fitness Area

    A dedicated space for strength and conditioning to elevate your fitness and performance.

  • Comfortable Viewing Areas

    Watch your children grow with complete peace of mind.

  • On-Site Playground

    Before class, after class, or while siblings train - kids feel at home.

Founding Members