Grapeling Through Perseverance

David and Annie Iturrino dreamed of starting a jiu-jitsu academy together, but they didn’t have the finances.

Fortunately for them and for dozens of children and adults who have passed through the doors of their Mount Dora BJJ Academy since it opened in 2013, Dave and Annie found a landlord willing to take a chance on them. 

“We didn’t have any money,” David says. “I basically told the landlord, ‘I don’t have the down payment or the first month’s rent, but I’m a hard worker.’ He thanked me for my honesty and gave us a chance. We opened three days later.” 

And then, a setback. Annie was laid off from her job and the couple found themselves homeless for a time. 

The Iturrinos met the challenges with perseverance as they laid the foundation for their academy. 

Beginning in a 650-square-foot suite, the couple put everything they had into creating what is now a 9,000-square-foot multi-program facility where they teach adults and kids the art of Brazilian jiu jitsu. And they are still growing. 

It’s a dream come true for David, whose interest in martial arts began at the age 4. 

“I found jiu jitsu at a young age after having a rough childhood and a lot of pain inside that I didn’t know how to deal with,” he says. “I was made fun of, my family didn’t support me, and I felt worthless, but I pushed through it and worked hard to make it.”

Today, David holds a 5th degree GoJu karate black belt, a 3rd degree Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt and a judo black belt. Annie holds a 1st degree Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt. 

An Ongoing Battle

After growing out of their small beginnings, they relocated to a facility off Dillard Street in Eustis, keeping the name Mount Dora BJJ Academy as a tribute to the city that gave them their start.

But the journey hasn’t been all roses. In 2004, Annie was diagnosed with uterine cancer. In 2015, she fought another uphill battle with thyroid cancer. 

“It was the hardest thing I’ve ever gone through as a husband,” David says. “I wanted to quit training and never leave her side. But she told me not to quit and keep fighting. Life is hard sometimes, but it’s always a lesson we can learn from.”

Last year, David had his own health scare when he was admitted to the hospital for emergency surgery due to an abscess that nearly cost him his life. To top it off, three months after his surgery, he was involved in a motorcycle accident where he flipped 500 feet. 

Yes, this is one tough couple. Despite hurdles, nothing dissuaded them from their mission at Mount Dora BJJ Academy. Their experiences continue to fuel their commitment to teaching, mentoring and inspiring others to push through their own challenges.

The academy offers a diverse range of programs designed for all ages, backgrounds and skill levels, including Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, No Gi grappling, kickboxing, boxing, MMA, wrestling, judo, fitness classes, self-defense and women-only classes. They also host summer camps, after-school programs, and holiday events for kids. 

Elevate Fitness

Annie leads the academy’s fitness program, Elevate Fitness, which focuses on functional fitness and strength training. Annie, a certified personal trainer and strength/conditioning coach, has designed a boot camp-style program that emphasizes mobility, cardiovascular health and overall physical strength. 

“I want to teach them how to be strong and fit for their entire lives,” Annie says. 

The program avoids the extreme weights often associated with CrossFit. Annie’s program promotes sustainable fitness routines that participants can maintain throughout their lives. Each day offers varied and challenging workouts. No two sessions are the same.

Grappling for Life 

David and Annie started their nonprofit organization, Grappling For Life, which aims to reach underprivileged youth through instruction and mentorship, providing an outlet and fostering personal growth. The program offers a structured environment where kids learn discipline, self-defense, and the value of hard work. 

“We started Grappling for Life to give kids the same opportunities that helped me turn my life around,” David says. 

The nonprofit not only covers training expenses for eligible families facing financial or medical hardships but also pairs students with coaches for ongoing mentorship. This holistic approach ensures that participants receive the support they need both on and off the mat, helping them build confidence and life skills that extend far beyond the gym.

Back the Blue

As a way of giving back to the community, David and Annie offer free training for all Lake County law enforcement officials until they reach the rank of blue belt. 

“As residents and local business owners, we couldn’t think of a better way to give back to those who continuously make the ultimate sacrifice every day, rain or shine, to protect us,” Annie says.

The free training is available for active-duty law enforcement, including the sheriff’s office, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission personnel, corrections officers and Florida Highway Patrol staff. A variety of courses and times are offered. 

Rising Success 

The gym received national attention for training award-winning athletes through local and state competitions. A few even went on to compete at the Olympic level.

Mount Dora BJJ Academy alumni accolades include 27 first-place overall finishes and 17 second-place overall finishes in the NEWBREED Jiu Jitsu Federation (NJJF), and a third-place win in the Youth BJJ Tour. The academy’s students have also earned countless individual regional and national awards. And two of their athletes qualified to try out for the USA Olympic team. BJJ Academy is also the official training center for the USA Grappling Team, led by Marcos Cruz Santos.

Athletes have the opportunity to train with an elite coaching staff including Santos and Maggie Lira — a multi-time BJJ black belt world champion – and Lucas Lira, another multi-time BJJ world champion. 

Training sessions with UFC’s No. 5-ranked Gilbert Burns and Hector Lombard, a Bellator world champion and multi-time Judo medalist, provide students with exposure to top-tier techniques and strategies. These opportunities ensure that every student, from novice to advanced, receives the highest level of instruction and inspiration.

Annie Herrick, a mother of three, relocated her family from Washington state to Lake County so her kids could train at the academy.

“We moved across the country a year ago, 3,000 miles from Washington state, and one of the reasons we moved to this area was actually for this gym,” Annie says. “We tried out a couple of other gyms, but when my boys came in, they instantly loved this gym.”

Annie highlighted the positive atmosphere and personable coaches as key factors in their decision. Her oldest son, now 15, has particularly thrived. 

“He’s just grown and blossomed and he’s been able to step into some junior coaching leadership, and it’s made such a huge difference for him and his confidence,” she says.

Her 11-year-old son has also significantly improved his jiu jitsu skills and eagerly attends classes. 

“They’re here almost every time it’s open,” she says. “My 11-year-old begs to go to the 6am class, which I draw the line at, but they love it.”

Annie says she is impressed with the life skills her children are learning through their training. 

“Discipline, endurance, humility, learning to be gracious whether they win or not – these are all invaluable lessons,” she says.

David and Annie’s vision for the future includes expanding their academy to reach more people and to continue making a positive impact on their community.

“My main mission is to help the kids,” David says. “I was one of them. There are a lot of troubled kids that just need a little help. Investing in them will help decrease the crime rate in our community.”

The couple’s faith also plays a significant role in their lives and their academy.

“Faith helped change everything about my life,” David said. “Without God, this gym would not exist. This gym exists because God wants it to exist, and I truly believe that with all my heart.”

In the end, David and Annie hope everyone comes in and feels like family. 

“We want everybody to feel welcome,” Annie says. “We don’t want anyone to think, ‘Oh, I’m not good enough. I can’t be here. I’m not enough.’ No, you are enough. You walked through this door.”

For more information about Mount Dora BJJ Academy and their programs, visit https://mtdorabjj.com.