Palm Coast’s Boutique Jiu Jitsu Academy
❊ About Us
Train with purpose. Evolv with confidence.
Evolv Jiu Jitsu is a community-driven Brazilian Jiu Jitsu academy built for all ages and experience levels.
We believe jiu jitsu is more than a workout. It’s a tool for confidence, discipline, self-defense, and personal growth. Our goal is to create a structured, safe, and welcoming environment where students can train with purpose and progress with confidence.
Our programs are thoughtfully designed for every stage. From kids learning coordination and discipline, to teens developing real skills, to adults training for fitness, self-defense, or competition. With clear class levels and experienced coaching, every student knows where they belong and how to move forward.
Evolv is proudly family-friendly, with consistent schedules, a positive culture, and a strong focus on long-term development. You won’t find ego or intimidation here…just high standards, supportive teammates, and training that meets you where you are.
Whether you’re stepping onto the mats for the first time or continuing your jiu jitsu journey, Evolv Jiu Jitsu is a place to grow.
Our Team
Cory Taylor
Cory Taylor is the Owner and Head Instructor of Evolv Jiu Jitsu. A Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt with over 13 years of training, Cory brings a highly competitive background and a deep commitment to technical excellence.
Cory earned his black belt under Phil Cardella, who received his black belt from Relson Gracie, carrying forward a lineage rooted in the traditional Gracie system of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
As a seasoned veteran who continues to compete at a high level in today’s jiu jitsu landscape, Cory brings a modern, pressure-tested approach to his teaching. His experience on the competition mats informs every aspect of his instruction, ensuring techniques are effective, adaptable, and relevant to the demands of modern jiu jitsu.
Beyond competition, Cory believes that being a great instructor requires more than technical knowledge alone. He takes a systematic, intentional approach to teaching, studying how students learn and structuring classes to build skills progressively. His instruction emphasizes clear concepts, positional understanding, and repeatable systems — helping students understand not just what to do, but why it works.
Cory is committed to creating a training environment where beginners feel supported and advanced students continue to evolve. His focus is on long-term development, confidence, and consistency — both on and off the mat.
Outside the academy, Cory is a devoted husband to his wife Kali, Evolv Jiu Jitsu’s Chief Marketing Officer, and a proud father to his sons, Liam + Gavin. Together, they are building Evolv Jiu Jitsu as a family-centered academy rooted in integrity, growth, and purposeful training.
Owner + Head Instructor
Kali Taylor is the Chief Marketing Officer of Evolv Jiu Jitsu and an active leader within the academy. A Brazilian Jiu Jitsu purple belt, Kali brings firsthand experience as a dedicated practitioner and competitor in today’s jiu jitsu community.
She has recently competed at a high level, giving her a current perspective on training, preparation, and performance in modern jiu jitsu. Kali is especially passionate about building a strong, welcoming women’s program and creating space for women to grow in confidence, skill, and consistency on the mat.
Alongside her role at Evolv, Kali plays an important part in shaping the academy’s culture and community. She believes in training environments that support long-term development, balance, and sustainability — especially for women and families — drawing from her own experience as a mother.
Outside the gym, Kali is raising her son Liam with her husband Cory. Balancing motherhood and training, she brings a grounded, real-life perspective to Evolv and looks forward to helping build a women’s program rooted in strength, support, and growth.
Chief Marketing Officer