# Alliance San Diego > San Diego, United States ## Overview **Name:** Alliance San Diego **Description:** Alliance Jiu Jitsu San Diego is San Diego's leading training center for kids, teens, and adults, offering world-class Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instruction in a safe, supportive, and competitive environment. Part of the legendary Alliance team — a proud 14x World Champion organization with over 300 affiliates worldwide — Alliance San Diego continues the tradition of excellence established by master instructors who have shaped the sport globally. Led by Professor João "Johnny" Faria, a black belt with over 30 years of experience and 23 years as a black belt, Alliance San Diego provides structured programs for all ages starting from 3.5 years old. Professor Faria is a multi-time IBJJF medalist and respected coach who oversees three successful academies in the San Diego area (Alliance San Diego, Alliance Carlsbad, and Alliance Chula Vista). His teaching style blends old-school fundamentals with modern techniques, always focused on growth, community, and respect. Alliance San Diego offers comprehensive programs including Toddlers (3.5-5), Youth BJJ (6-12), Youth Competition, Youth Muay Thai, Adult BJJ, No-Gi, Women's Only BJJ, and Competition Class. The academy features a large, clean facility with multiple training areas, an experienced coaching staff including black belts Jena Bishop (3rd degree), Marcos Lopes, Vando Silva (3rd degree), and Dustin Wooldridge, plus dedicated instructors at brown and purple belt levels. Whether training for fitness, self-defense, or competition, students join a welcoming family atmosphere where high-level athletes train alongside beginners. **Status:** Active ## Contact Information **Address:** 8990 Miramar Rd ste 225, San Diego, CA, United States of America San Diego, CA 92119, United States **Phone:** (858) 549-1226 **Email:** info@alliancesandiego.com **Website:** https://www.alliancesandiego.com **Social Media:** - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alliancebjjsandiego/ - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alliancebjjsandiego/ ## Hours of Operation - Monday: 6:00 AM - 8:30 PM - Tuesday: 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM - Wednesday: 6:00 AM - 8:30 PM - Thursday: 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM - Friday: 6:00 AM - 7:30 PM - Saturday: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM - Sunday: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM ## Pricing ## Instructors ### João Faria - Black **Role:** Head Instructor **Bio:** Over 30 years of experience on the mat and 23 years as a Black Belt. Multi-time IBJJF medalist and head instructor overseeing Alliance San Diego, Alliance Carlsbad, and Alliance Chula Vista. Originally from Brazil, moved to San Diego in 2007 to build world-class Jiu-Jitsu academies. ### Daniel Martinez - Purple **Role:** Instructor ### Dustin Wooldridge - Black **Role:** Instructor ### Gio Mayer - Brown **Role:** Instructor ### Jena Bishop - Black **Role:** Instructor **Bio:** Jena Rae Bishop was born on February 22, 1986, in St. Charles (Missouri), United States of America. Throughout high school, Jena ran track and field for her school as well as cross country – though she thrived in the sprinting distances. It wasn’t until Jena’s 21st birthday that she started training jiu-jitsu, influenced by her (then) boyfriend Tyler Bishop. Tyler was a white belt at the time, and the couple’s relationship grew in parallel with their love for BJJ, eventually joining in matrimony by the time they reached the blue belt rank. Jena dwelled with the prospect of following a path in mixed martial arts (MMA) early in her combat sports career, going on to train Thai boxing, judo as well as wrestling before she placed all her focus towards jiu-jitsu. Throughout her rise to black belt, Jena’s instruction was led by JW Wright, a well-respected coach and a former pupil of Royler Gracie . Bishop trained with Wright in St. Louis, MO from white to black belt – a process that took nearly 10 years, while feeding knowledge from different sources including that of her husband Tyler who was a big part of her development in the sport. Bishop was promoted to black belt on July 13, 2013 – not long after she conquered her first world title (brown belt). Having spent years representing Missourian jiu-jitsu, in 2016 Jena and Tyler Bishop decided to move to San Diego – California, to be closer to one of the busiest BJJ hubs in the world and reap the benefits it could provide. Being in The Golden State also allowed Bishop to work with one of the best coaches in the world ( Regis Lebre ) with good competitive results soon flowing from this wise career move. Jena Bishop vs Danielle Alvarez (2017) Jena Bishop vs Leanna Dittrich (2013) ### Marcos Lopes - Black **Role:** Instructor ### Vando Silva - Black **Role:** Instructor ## Programs ### Toddlers **Skill Level:** Beginner **Age Group:** kids **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Fun, structured classes for ages 3.5-5 that help little ones build focus, coordination, and confidence in a safe, playful environment. **Classes:** ### Youth BJJ (6-8) **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** kids **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Structured training, real self-defense skills, and a positive environment where kids grow stronger inside and out. **Classes:** ### Youth BJJ (9-12) **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** kids **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Structured training, real self-defense skills, and a positive environment where kids grow stronger inside and out. **Classes:** ### Youth Competition **Skill Level:** Intermediate **Age Group:** kids **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** A focused, high-energy training program where kids build skill, push their limits, and grow into confident, disciplined athletes. **Classes:** ### Youth Muay Thai **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** kids **Gi Requirement:** No-Gi **Description:** Build real confidence, self-control, and practical skills—all in a fun, structured environment kids look forward to every week. **Classes:** ### Fundamentals **Skill Level:** Beginner **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Beginner-friendly BJJ program focusing on core techniques for adults 16+. **Classes:** ### Intermediate **Skill Level:** Intermediate **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Train with purpose, build real skills, and connect with a community that pushes you to grow on and off the mat. **Classes:** ### Advanced **Skill Level:** Advanced **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** High-level training for experienced practitioners looking to refine their technique and push their limits. **Classes:** ### No-Gi **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** No-Gi **Description:** Train with purpose, build real skill, and challenge yourself in a focused, high-energy environment built for growth. **Classes:** ### Competition Class **Skill Level:** Advanced **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Push your limits with focused, high-level training designed to prepare you for real competition. Build skill, stay accountable, and train with purpose. **Classes:** ### Women's Only BJJ **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Transform your fitness, confidence, and mindset with our Women's Only BJJ classes. Join a supportive community where you'll grow stronger, both physically and mentally. **Classes:** --- **Last Updated:** March 01, 2026 **Data Source:** BJJ.Space (https://bjj.space/gyms/united-states/california/san-diego/alliance-san-diego)