BJJ Gyms in Fullerton, United States

Ethos Jiu-Jitsu

Ethos Jiu-Jitsu is a family-oriented Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy in Fullerton, California, founded by second-degree black belts Ron Mukai and Jerardo (Jerry) Linares, both under William Tetsch of Leon Jiu Jitsu. The academy prides itself on being a home for jiu-jitsu, self-defense, and anti-bullying, with a mission of building character through jiu-jitsu. The lineage traces back through Helio Gracie, Royler Gracie (Gracie Humaita), Cleber Luciano (Cleber Jiu Jitsu), and William Tetsch. Ethos offers specialized programs for the entire family, including Kids Pee Wee (ages 5-7), Kids classes (ages 8-13), and comprehensive adult programs with Fundamentals classes for beginners and All Levels classes for intermediate and advanced practitioners. The academy also offers women-only classes held bi-weekly in partnership with another local gym. The head instructor is Rodnei (Roy) Barbosa, a third-degree black belt who has been training since 2004 and earned his black belt in 2015, with an impressive competitive record including Brazilian Nationals, South American, European, World Pro, and World's IBJJF NoGi titles. The instructors at Ethos include Ron Mukai (second-degree black belt, founder), Jerardo Linares (second-degree black belt, founder and Real Estate Broker), Wendy Mukai (black belt, received on the podium at IBJJF Master Worlds 2023), Filipe Pimentel (second-degree black belt, international referee), and Rodnei Barbosa (third-degree black belt, head instructor). The academy emphasizes that jiu-jitsu is for everyone, welcoming students of all ages and fitness levels, with Ron Mukai himself starting training at age 39 and now competing in his 50s. Ethos also operates East LA Jiu Jitsu, a non-profit jiu-jitsu school founded in April 2021.