Budo Tatami Team Pedro Sauer
Martial Arts in Gainesville – Building Leaders Today, Not Fixing Them Tomorrow
Welcome To Our
MARTIAL ARTS ACADEMY
Welcome to Budo Tatami Team Pedro Sauer, a family-run martial arts academy in Gainesville dedicated to helping students of all ages reach their full potential. Through expert instruction in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, students develop practical self-defense skills, confidence, discipline, and resilience that extend far beyond the mat. Whether you’re looking to learn effective self-defense, compete in sport Jiu-Jitsu, or help your child build valuable life skills in a supportive environment, you’ll find a welcoming community and a path to success here.
Why Join Kids Martial Art Classes
Self-Defense & Life Skills Focused
Empowered Kids. Safer Futures.
Our program teaches kids Gracie Jiu Jitsu and striking, giving them the skills to protect themselves, build confidence, and handle challenges with focus and courage. Every child grows stronger, smarter, and ready for life.
Why Join Adult Martial Art Classes
Get Fit. Build Confidence. Join a community.
Stop boring workouts and start training that strengthens your body, sharpens your mind, and boosts your confidence. Learn real self-defense, get in the best shape of your life, and meet like-minded adults who challenge and support each other. Step onto the mat and become part of something bigger—your tribe is waiting!
Get a FREE week of martial arts!
Come join us for a week of FREE martial arts classes—sign up today to see what you can accomplish.
Words From Our Community
Budo Tatami FC Pedro Sauer has provided Gainesville and Cumming with the best martial arts since 2022. You can join our martial arts classes and receive applicable self-defense training in a supportive environment. Want to learn more? Then check out what our students have to say about training with us!
“Sensei is incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and truly cares about each student’s growth—both on and off the mat… “
“There’s a great positive culture and tons of knowledge transfer. Sensei Ismael has evolved my game so much and is an even better human being!”
“The classes are energizing while also teaching key skills in listening and responsibility.”
Who We Are at
BUDO TATAMI TEAM
History
Budo Tatami was founded by Sensei Ismael Saturno in 2022 as a Pedro Sauer affiliated school and has served the Gainesville and Cumming communities ever since! Sensei Ismael opened the academy alongside his son, Sensei Kai. Together, they’ve continued to pass down a life of martial arts lessons from each of them. Prior to opening, Sensei Isamael ran a school in Florida for 17 years. Once he moved back to Georgia, he and Sensei Kai waited until after COVID-19 calmed down to open their own academy. Now running their family-owned business, they are committed to changing lives through supportive, expert instruction every day on the mats.
Explore Our
Martial Arts Programs
Our team is led by the father-son duo of Sensei Ismael Saturno and Senpai Kai Saturno. Each brings a life full of training to the mats to now provide Gainesville and Cumming the best instruction possible. To learn more about them, check out their bios!
Sensei Ismael Saturno
Sensei Ismael Saturno was born and raised in Venezuela and moved to the USA in 2001. He was a member of Venezuela’s ITF Taekwon Do National Team in the 90s. He has been involved with martial arts for over 42 years and teaching for the last 32. Sensei Ismael has coached many national and world elite martial arts athletes and he was himself a world top ranked number 2 in the lightweight sparring division for the NASKA World Sport Karate Association in years 2001 to 2004. He holds a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Taekwon Do, 2nd Degree Black Belt in American Kenpo, 3rd Degree in the RDCA system and a 1st Degree Black Belt in Gracie Jiu Jitsu under Professor Pedro Sauer.
Senpai Kai Saturno
Senpai Kai started his martial arts journey when he was still in diapers. In his early days he trained Karate and Gracie Jiu Jitsu and the last couple of years started to do more wrestling at North Forsyth High School. Now he is full time training Jiu Jitsu and becoming a very important part of the Budo Tatami family. You will always see him on the mats working with our little ones and training on the adult class.
Learn about our Downtown location
Interested in training at our Downtown Gainesville location? Reach out today to get all the details about class times, programs, and how to get started today!
Explore Our
Martial Arts Programs
There are programs for you and the family at Budo Tatami. We have martial arts classes for all ages groups and skill levels to bring the most out of them. Check them out below to find the best one for you.
Zanshin (ages 3-5)
This martial arts class welcomes children as young as 3, nurturing discipline, respect, and confidence through engaging, age-appropriate activities inspired by the principles of Zanshin—developing focus, awareness, and calm attention from an early age.
Mushin (ages 6-8)
This martial arts class combines Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, Self-Defense, and Kickboxing, fostering respect, confidence, safety, camaraderie, discipline, and perseverance. Rooted in the principle of Mushin, or “no-mind,” students learn to act with calm clarity and focus, free from hesitation or distraction—developing both skill and mental resilience on and off the mat.
Fudoshin (ages 8-13)
Fudoshin—meaning “immovable mind”—is the cornerstone of mental fortitude in martial arts. Our program helps you cultivate this unshakable spirit, developing focus, calm under pressure, and unwavering confidence while strengthening your body and mind to overcome life’s challenges.
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu (Adults)
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is a proven self-defense system trusted by the U.S. Army and law enforcement. Beyond physical and mental strength, it builds confidence, discipline, and resilience while welcoming you into a supportive community – where friendships, camaraderie, and a healthier lifestyle grow together. For Self Defense or Sport Jiu Jitsu this is the place for you!
Homeschoolers Morning Program
Start your child’s day with focus and energy through fun, structured martial arts activities designed to improve coordination, confidence, and discipline. Along the way, children develop essential social skills, build friendships, and learn how to connect positively with other kids in a supportive community.
Personal Training
Elevate your fitness with one-on-one martial arts training designed entirely around you. We blend the formula that fits you best, mixing functional strength training, kickboxing, boxing, and martial arts to match your needs, preferences, and goals. The result is a powerful, well-rounded program that strengthens both body and mind – without ever getting boring.
Family Class
Our Family Class offers a comfortable, encouraging environment where families can train at their own pace. Classes focus on practical movement, awareness, and real-world self-protection while improving strength, mobility, and confidence. Train alongside other families to build meaningful connections and grow stronger alongside your loved ones on and off the mat.
Outdoor Classes
Take your training outdoors and experience martial arts in a whole new way! Our outdoor classes combine fresh air, natural movement, and dynamic workouts to build strength, focus, and resilience. Train alongside a supportive community while enjoying the energy and freedom of the great outdoors.
Birthday Parties
Make your child’s birthday unforgettable with a celebration at our academy! From exciting activities and games to martial arts adventures, every moment is designed for fun, friendship, and smiles. Our members receive extra special perks to create an experience your child and their friends will treasure.
Zanshin (ages 3-5)
This martial arts class welcomes children as young as 3, nurturing discipline, respect, and confidence through engaging, age-appropriate activities inspired by the principles of Zanshin—developing focus, awareness, and calm attention from an early age.
Mushin (ages 6-8)
This martial arts class combines Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, Self-Defense, and Kickboxing, fostering respect, confidence, safety, camaraderie, discipline, and perseverance. Rooted in the principle of Mushin, or “no-mind,” students learn to act with calm clarity and focus, free from hesitation or distraction—developing both skill and mental resilience on and off the mat.
Fudoshin (ages 8-13)
Fudoshin – meaning “immovable mind” – is the cornerstone of mental fortitude in martial arts. Our program helps you cultivate this unshakable spirit, developing focus, calm under pressure, and unwavering confidence while strengthening your body and mind to overcome life’s challenges.
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu (Adults)
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is a proven self-defense system trusted by the U.S. Army and law enforcement. Beyond physical and mental strength, it builds confidence, discipline, and resilience while welcoming you into a supportive community – where friendships, camaraderie, and a healthier lifestyle grow together. For Self Defense or Sport Jiu Jitsu this is the place for you!
Homeschoolers Morning Program
Start your child’s day with focus and energy through fun, structured martial arts activities designed to improve coordination, confidence, and discipline. Along the way, children develop essential social skills, build friendships, and learn how to connect positively with other kids in a supportive community.
Personal Training
Elevate your fitness with one-on-one martial arts training designed entirely around you. We blend the formula that fits you best, mixing functional strength training, kickboxing, boxing, and martial arts to match your needs, preferences, and goals. The result is a powerful, well-rounded program that strengthens both body and mind – without ever getting boring.
Family Class
Our Family Class offers a comfortable, encouraging environment where families can train at their own pace. Classes focus on practical movement, awareness, and real-world self-protection while improving strength, mobility, and confidence. Train alongside other families to build meaningful connections and grow stronger alongside your loved ones – on and off the mat.
Outdoor Classes
Take your training outdoors and experience martial arts in a whole new way! Our outdoor classes combine fresh air, natural movement, and dynamic workouts to build strength, focus, and resilience. Train alongside a supportive community while enjoying the energy and freedom of the great outdoors.
Birthday Parties
Make your child’s birthday unforgettable with a celebration at our academy! From exciting activities and games to martial arts adventures, every moment is designed for fun, friendship, and smiles. Our members receive extra special perks to create an experience your child and their friends will treasure.
Our Partners
Get a FREE week of martial arts!
Come join us for a week of FREE martial arts classes—sign up today to see what you can accomplish.
Contact Us Today!
Come join us for martial arts in Gainesville and Cumming! We welcome everyone in Gainesville, Cumming, and Dawsonville. You can find us on Brown Bridge Road!