Fountain of Youth Academy
About Us
Fountain of Youth Academy’s philosophy is to treat others as you’d like to be treated.
Therefore, each student at our Jiu Jitsu academy feels valued and welcomed. Whether your goal is simply to become stronger or to become a champion black belt, you’ll have a sense of belonging here. Foremost, FOYA’s culture and family-like environment is unmatched. We share everything – time, experiences, lessons, knowledge, and passion for martial arts. Grow together and learn martial arts as a family when you’re a part of FOYA.
About Us: Meet Our
Team
Here at Fountain of Youth Academy, our staff is the secret to our student success.
Moreover, we are proud to have a team of highly experienced and dedicated instructors who are passionate about sharing their knowledge and helping our students grow. Additionally, each instructor has a rich background in the Jiu Jitsu industry and is eager to train the next generation of martial artists. Meet the team below!
Owner & Head Instructor
Professor Larry Glines
Head Instructor Professor Larry Glines.
I started my journey in Jiu Jitsu 24 years ago in Las Vegas under Nova Unaio/Gustavo Dantas. In 2014 I received my Blackbelt from ADCC and World Champion Robert Drysdale. I also have a blackbelt in Judo from Antonio Laucirica. I give all Glory to God! 🙌🙏
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Certified Kids Instructor
Leland Glines
Kids Instructor Leland Glines.
Leland is the youngest child of Coach Larry’s and has been training in Jiu Jitsu and Judo since he was 3 years old. He also is an avid surfer and teaches after school programs in surfing to children at the Surf Stop in St Augustine.
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Certified Instructor
Coach Yvonne
Coach Yvonne was born in Los Angeles, CA and raised in Las Vegas, NV where she met her husband in 1992, and they raised their 5 children until 2014.
In 2014, they decided to move to St Augustine, FL and open a martial arts academy, Fountain of Youth Academy (FOYA) in 2015. Coach Yvonne started training in Muay Thai with Master Toddy and Master Chan in Las Vegas in 2000, and immediately fell in love with the art. She was also training in Judo at the same time, paying homage to her dad who was a black belt 4th dan in Judo, but found that Muay Thai was more her style and henceforth dedicated her time to Muay Thai.
She has trained with some of the most famous and world renowned Muay Thai fighters in the world including John Wayne Parr, Angela Rivera Parr, Gina Carano, Kevin Ross, and Lisa King, to name a few. Coach Yvonne also had a professional fight in Las Vegas in 2003, where she won by decision. After Master Toddy moved back to Thailand, she went on to train at Randy Couture’s gym, Xtreme Couture, where she trained with UFC fighters and trainers like Dewey Cooper, Tim Lane and Ron Frazier.
For a period of 2 years Yvonne also trained in boxing with Skipper Kelp and Chris Ben-Tchavtchavadze. Although traditional Muay Thai does not have a belt system, Master Toddy did have one to promote students, therefore, Yvonne received her black sash in 2014 from Master Chan and Master Airr. Coach Yvonne no longer trains like she used to, but she does enjoy imparting her knowledge to those that are open to trusting the process and the journey. Coach Yvonne loves traveling with her hubby, spending time with her children and grandchildren, reading and selling real estate.
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Certified Instructor
Bill Duggan
Bill Duggan grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, IL where he played sports year round through high school. He still enjoys competing with his friends and training partners on a daily basis. During a normal week, you can expect to see Coach Bill at 5-6 classes. Coach Bill has been training at FOYA under Coach Larry since 2017.
He is most known on the mats for his sense of humor and butterfly guard. Bill is married to Katie Duggan and they have two daughters, Teagan and Rory who have both trained at FOYA under Coach Larry since 2017. When Coach Bill isn’t training and teaching at FOYA, he loves to spend time with his family, friends and Golden Doodle Ula. Bill’s helpful nature has led him to coaching the kid’s program three days a week.
Coach Bill aims to instill confidence in the kids and an ability to work through difficult physical situations while staying calm. If you asked his students, they’d tell you that his class always starts on time and that they are going to work hard for one hour. Coach Bill aims to be firm and fair but never cruel while encouraging his students to give their best effort. Coach Bill’s excitement and commitment to Jiu Jitsu is always evident when he’s teaching the kids class whether it’s a fun game or a hard round.
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Certified Instructor
Michael Andreas
Is currently a Gracie Jiu Jitsu 4 Stripe Brown Belt. Michael originally started learning Jiu Jitsu from the Valente brothers (Gracie Academy Miami) where he earned his Gracie Jiu Jitsu purple belt.
Michael specializes in Gracie Jiu Jitsu for self defense and real life fighting situations. In addition to his Jiu Jitsu knowledge he holds a Masters Degree in Security and Safety Leadership M.P.S. from George Washington University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology from Barry University.
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Certified Instructor
Martin Trzaska
Martin is currently enrolled at Flagler College working towards becoming a Certified Public Accountant.
Martin enjoys playing soccer, surfing and is the bass player for the St. Augustine band Freyja. He started training in martial arts at the age of five, starting out with Judo and transitioning into Jiu Jitsu. Martin has been training and competing in Jiu Jitsu for over ten years.
He has competed at many local, regional, national and international tournaments including NAGA, Newbreed and IBJJF Pan American competitions. Martin was one of the first students at FOYA and has been an instructor for the kids class since 2022.
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About Our
History
Owner Larry Glines opened Fountain of Youth Academy in 2015 to live out his dream of opening a Jiu Jitsu academy.
Larry moved across the country to share the importance of martial arts with the community. Furthermore, it enriched every aspect of his life and he strives to give the gift of Jiu Jitsu in St. Augustine. The academy’s namesake speaks to the benefits of martial arts – training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu keeps you young and improves your life. Today, Larry continues to teach out of love for his students and passion for their improvement.
Additionally, regardless of your current martial arts experience, FOYA is here to help! We invite nearby communities including Jacksonville, Palm Coast, and more to join us in Marshview Executive Park to learn top-quality Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
What Are People Saying?
I stopped in to FOYA while in town for work. I travel extensively for work and I’ve stopped in to well over 30 schools over the last couple of years while on the road. I have to say that FOYA was easily one of the most fun places I’ve trained. Everyone was incredibly respectful and welcoming from the moment I walked in the door. Training was so much fun, and coach Larry led a great class filled with drills and competitive rolling while always keeping the atmosphere friendly, respectful, and down right fun. I highly recommend this gym for all belt ranks. I’m a brown belt and I’ve been training for over ten years. I learned a couple cool details while in class, watched coach Larry explain the fundamentals to his newer students, and enjoyed every minute of being in class. There's a great group of people training at FOYA and I can’t wait to come back next time I’m in town. Thanks for having me!
Adam B.
Student
While on vacation I stopped by and met coach Yvonne who gave me a printed schedule. I dropped in for the 5:30 class with Professor Larry. Their rate was very accessible and clearly posted on their website.The staff and students were accommodating and welcoming. During the single class I attended; I picked up a couple of tips and moves from the instruction. Great experience on my end!
Bob D.
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Student
I was vacationing in St. Augustine FL and checked the area for Jiu Jitsu gyms. I’m so glad I stopped in for a training session at FOYA. Everyone was beyond welcoming to a new face. Professor Larry runs a great gym and the people who train there are VERY GOOD. 💪🏼
Eric S.
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Student
My 7yr old daughter has been training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for almost 2yrs. When we travel we like to expose her to other BJJ gyms. We visited FOYA last week. Professor Larry was awesome! He treated Emma as if she was one of his own students. He had a different approach than back home at Randori Martial. His approach challenged Emma in different ways. Thanks for having Emma train with your class!
Kevin L.
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Parent
Great gym with great people. Very welcoming and kind. I rolled there for 2 weeks while visiting family and the only thing that sucked was having to leave. I will definitely be back.
Kyle H.
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Student
I had no idea what to expect when I first went to my first class. Everyone there welcomed me and made me feel welcomed and appreciated. Over the last 9 months I have experienced an amazing physical transformation and have pushed myself further than I thought possible. Coach Glines has mentored me in and out of the gym and I am truly thankful for summoning the courage to go through the door the first time. I encourage anybody who is looking for a gym to call home to stop by.
Mitchell D.
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Student