About Dr. Craig Sainz
Dr. Craig Sainz is the founder and head instructor of Carlson Gracie Gainesville.
A 2nd degree black belt from Rinaldo Dos Santos 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 Jiu-Jitsu teaching:
Practical
Pressure-tested
No fluff
He believes Jiu Jitsu isn’t just for athletes — it’s for anyone who is willing to:
Put in the work
Be consistent
Learn under pressure
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 that will sharpen your edge.
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:
Strong technical fundamentals
Live pressure application
Building resilience on and off the mats.
There are no gimmicks. No shortcuts.
Just real Jiu Jitsu, taught with pride and purpose.