BJJ Gyms in Pasadena, United States

Common Ground Jiu-Jitsu

Common Ground Jiu-Jitsu is an independent Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu school located in Pasadena, California, specializing in the Ecological Dynamics approach to learning BJJ. Founded in 2018, Common Ground is the first BJJ school in the Los Angeles area to use this science-backed training methodology, where students develop technical skills through carefully designed "games" and live training from day one. Common Ground is proud to represent a strong lineage through Renzo Gracie and Shawn Williams. The academy teaches modern BJJ techniques developed at the highest levels of competition, ensuring students receive world-class instruction. The school offers comprehensive programs in Gi Fundamentals (2-year curriculum), No-Gi Fundamentals (3-year curriculum including wrestling and leglocks), and Mixed Martial Arts (3-year curriculum integrating striking and grappling). Head instructor Alex Aung is a 3rd degree black belt under Shawn Williams (5th degree black belt under Renzo Gracie). With nearly 30 years of BJJ experience and a background as a licensed psychotherapist, Alex creates an optimal learning environment that balances technical excellence with psychological safety. The academy also features instructor Sally Chung, a brown belt who brings expertise in helping students feel empowered through BJJ. The school's culture is guided by values of technique, performance, humility, harmony, compassion, community, critical thinking, and freedom, with a strong emphasis on creating a safe, supportive, and welcoming training environment for students of all levels.