About Dr. Craig Sainz

Dr. Craig Sainz is the founder and head instructor of Carlson Gracie Gainesville.

A black belt under the Carlson Gracie lineage and a Doctor of Chiropractic, Craig has dedicated his life to understanding the human body — both in structure and in strategy.

With decades of experience in movement, injury prevention, and high-level training, Craig brings a unique precision to his teaching:

  • Practical. Pressure-tested. No fluff.

He believes Jiu Jitsu isn’t just for athletes — it’s for anyone willing to put in the work, learn under pressure, and sharpen their edge.

Craig’s teaching blends Carlson Gracie’s original spirit — gritty, honest, forward-pressure Jiu Jitsu — with a modern, intelligent approach to training longevity and technical growth.

When you step onto the mats here, you’re not just learning techniques.
You’re joining a lineage.
And you’re building something inside yourself that no one can take away.

About Carlson Gracie Gainesville

Built for Pressure. Built for Progress.

Carlson Gracie Gainesville was founded with a simple mission: Train hard. Stay real. Honor the legacy.

Our academy is part of the Carlson Gracie lineage — the original pressure-first Jiu Jitsu philosophy that shaped generations of champions and everyday warriors alike.

We believe in technical fundamentals, live pressure application, and building resilience on and off the mats.
No gimmicks. No shortcuts.
Just real Jiu Jitsu, taught with pride and purpose.

Contact us

Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!