BJJ Gyms in California, United States

10th Planet West Los Angeles, CA

Scott “Einstein” Epstein is a professional mixed martial artist with the record of four wins and zero losses. Epstein obtained his black belt from Eddie Bravo and has been with Eddie from the day he opened 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu . Epstein is former UFC champion Chuck “The Iceman” Liddell’s Jiu-Jitsu coach and was recruited by Chuck Liddell to coach the fighters on Team Liddell on The Ultimate Fighter season 11. 10th planet West LA is an all levels gym and all classes are taught by Scott Epstein. “Einstein is one of the best teachers I have ever seen.” © 2010 - 2026 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu. All Rights Reserved.

Gomez Jiu-Jitsu

As the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu continues to evolve, we at Gomez Jiu-Jitsu continue to adapt. Founded in 2010 in Los Angeles, California, Professor Carlos Gomez has focused on both Self-Defense and Competition style Jiu-Jitsu. From general practitioners, to hobbyists, to building World Champions from the ground up, Gomez Jiu-Jitsu is a great place to begin, or continue your journey.

Level Up Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

We know that finding a martial arts school can be overwhelming. At Level Up Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, our priority is to help you and/or your children become better versions of yourselves. After 35 years of teaching, training, and competing around the world, Professor Erik Klinger, the founder of Level Up Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, had formed a specific vision of the way he thought martial arts should be taught and delivered to students and the public in an authentic, safe and effective manner. Through his vision, Level Up Brazilian Jiu Jitsu was born. The belief and movement itself can be described in the Level Up core statement of purpose. “Through great teaching and great service, we can see great change in the world.”-Erik Klinger, Founder of Level Up This embodies the true goals of the Level Up philosophy and vision to have world class teaching and service in every corner of the world. Level Up offers classes for children and adults of all ages and we strive to deliver a service and class unparalleled to students, parents, and families looking to better themselves, their community and in fact, the world. Our expert instructors are here to learn your goals, and help you achieve them in a fun, exciting, and welcoming environment. Take a minute to learn more about our facility, programs, and community through our website, and we look forward to seeing you soon! At Level Up Jiu Jitsu, we believe that embracing the discipline of martial arts is a gateway to living your most empowered life. Dive deeper and discover how our school can be your first step towards transformative growth and self-discovery. Choose one of our three locations at **Studio City, Woodland Hills, and Culver City!** [Select a Program](https://levelupjiujitsu.com/#program-select)

Like Water Jiu-Jitsu

Like Water Jiu Jitsu was founded in 2021, under the leadership of 3thd Degree Blackbelt Mauricio Antunes. The enviroment at Like Water Jiu Jitsu is unique. Our academy strives to provide a safe and supportive enviroment for all types of athletes. We offer an unpretentious and results-orientedcommunity that’s invested in your goals and success. Check your ego at the door and get ready to sweat!

10th Planet Stockton, CA

Personal and school name — Tim Freeman — 10th Planet Stockton School address and location — 3422 W Hammer Lane Suite G, Stockton, CA 95219 — (209) 975-7279 Personal Biography Tim Freeman is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Sergio Silva) and a 10th Planet Brown Belt with over 15 years of experience studying, teaching, and competing. Tim has met and trained with many talented Jiu-Jitsu practitioners leading him to develop a well rounded skill set in wrestling, judo, self-defense, Gi and No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu.

10th Planet Pasadena, CA

Erik “Compella” Cruz was born in the Bronx, New York City where he was raised until his family relocated to Los Angeles at age 12. At age 15 he found a boxing/kickboxing academy run by the world famous Benny “The Jet” Urquidez and began learning striking techniques. At age 17, Erik began training in Quantum Jiu-Jitsu at UC Santa Cruz and started gravitating towards the grappling side of martial arts. Erik also studied Tai Chi and sparred regularly with a small group of Jeet Kune Do students. He later met Muay Thai champion Chris Reilly at the Muay Thai Academy in North Hollywood, CA who introduced him to the Bomb Squad gym in Hollywood, CA featuring 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu with Jean Jacques BJJ black belt Eddie “The Twister” Bravo. Up to this point, Erik had only trained in a Gi and was intrigued by this no-gi, MMA applicable style of grappling and thus began mastering the 10th planet system of no-gi jiu-jitsu. Over 13 years later, now a 1st degree 10th planet black belt under Eddie Bravo, Erik continues to compete at local and regional tournaments. Having earned a CAMO record of 3-1(all wins via first round submission), Erik is no stranger to utilizing jiu-jitsu in an MMA environment. His approach to jiu-jitsu emphasizes a well-balanced, yet guard-ready game to prepare for worse case scenario situations that occur during a MMA or self-defense encounter. By nullifying your opponents attacks and counter attacking with submissions you can control the pace and ultimately the ending of the fight with the proper sequence of techniques. Erik was the founder and head instructor of 10th Planet Sylmar from 2008-2010. He has taught at several notable martial arts academies including: 10th Planet HQ, 10th Planet Sylmar, 10th Planet Van Nuys, 10th Planet Burbank, The Academy (Rigan Machado), Mejiro’s LA, House of Champions, Grabaka Gym (Tokyo, Japan), Endure BJJ (Yakota Air Force Base, Japan) and 10PJJ Amsterdam. Erik recently sponsored the opening of 10th Planet Geneva, Switzerland in June of 2017. Erik has been doing commentary for the Eddie Bravo Invitational since EBI 1 and continues to do so on UFC Fight Pass and PPV. Eric Ramey Eric Ramey, a black belt under Eddie Bravo, began his training at the Renzo Gracie Academy in New York City. He then moved to Los Angeles in 2009, where he continued his development under Eddie Bravo at 10th Planet Headquarters. Eric has been teaching at 10th Planet H.Q. since 2010. Well known for his extensive knowledge of leg lock systems, he’s a sought after coach amongst many in the 10th planet competitive community. Extremely methodical and precise in his instruction, Eric is regarded as one of the leading innovators in the 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu System. He has taught seminars all around the world; including the U.K., Europe and across the U.S. Lila Smadja-Cruz is one of the top female competitors and pioneers representing 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu. As one of 10th Planet HQ’s original and longest training students she is the 3rd woman to ever receive a brown belt from Eddie Bravo. Most recently she was a competitor in the first all-female EBI Tournament on UFC Fight Pass and can boast the second fastest submission ever at 23 seconds. She has dedicated her life to fitness and martial arts. Beginning in 2006, training first in Muay Thai and then jiu jitsu, she has since added spinning instructor, certified yoga teacher and certified personal trainer to her resume and coaches both kids and adults. In 2016 co-founded the original 10th Planet Women’s Self Defense program that has a mission of empowering women through the sport of jiu jitsu. 10PWSD is homed at 10th Planet Pasadena where Lila is heading up the Kids program.

Checkmat Neezam Anaheim

Neezam Jiu Jitsu, also known as Checkmat Anaheim, is a premier Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy in Anaheim, California. "Neezam" means discipline, and this principle guides everything they do at the school. As an official Checkmat affiliate, they are part of an international competition team founded in 2008 by master Leo Vieira, with affiliate academies in 34 American cities and 16 countries worldwide. The gym creates a welcoming community for like-minded individuals who want to learn martial arts, stay fit, and enjoy the journey of self-improvement. At Neezam, the training philosophy emphasizes developing well-rounded practitioners who excel not just on the mats but in all aspects of life. The program is designed to help students master self-discipline, build self-confidence, develop effective self-defense skills, and achieve their fitness goals through engaging training methods. The academy fosters an inclusive environment with no discrimination, where members of all ages and skill levels can train together and support each other's growth. The academy is led by Professor Saeed Dunkaev, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Leo Vieira, founder of the Checkmat team. Saeed is one of the main athletes of his generation in the Masters division, having been ranked #1 brown belt in both Gi and No-Gi across all divisions at IBJJF ranking. He has won multiple IBJJF World Championships and Pan American Championships in both Gi and No-Gi. His lineage traces through Mitsuyo Maeda > Carlos Gracie > Helio Gracie > Rolls Gracie > Romero Cavalcanti > Leonardo Vieira > Saeed Dunkaev. Known for his patient teaching style and world-class competition experience, Professor Saeed creates a safe and professional training environment where students develop technical skills and competitive confidence.

Alpine Jiu Jitsu

Alpine Jiu-Jitsu is a local, family-owned Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy in Alpine, CA, serving the East County community since 2016. Located just 30 miles east of downtown San Diego and minutes off the 8 freeway, the academy offers comprehensive BJJ training for all ages 5 and up. With over 20 years of combined experience, the academy provides a welcoming, family-friendly environment where students can build coordination, confidence, and self-defense skills. The academy is led by founder Professor Frank Califano, a black belt under Master Fabio Santos (7th degree coral belt), who has dedicated nearly 20 years to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and opened the academy in 2016. The coaching team also includes Tarsis Humphreys, a 4th-degree black belt and multiple-time IBJJF World Champion who trained under Fabio Gurgel at Alliance Jiu-Jitsu Academy in São Paulo, Brazil. Tarsis brings world-class expertise in pressure passing, guard work, and strategic gameplay. Additional instructors include Deborah Clem, David Goan, Danielle Kaiser, Hector Mena (purple belt), Matt Heinemann, and gym manager Jennifer. Alpine Jiu-Jitsu offers programs for all experience levels including Mini's (ages 5-10), Juniors & Teens (11-16), Adult Beginner/Fundamentals, and Advanced classes in both gi and no-gi styles. The academy emphasizes fundamental techniques, self-defense, coordination development, and competition training. All head instructors are black belts, and coaches are CPR, AED, and First Aid certified. The academy partners with Adopt A Cop BJJ and We Defy Foundation, supporting law enforcement and combat veterans through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training.

Camarillo Jiu-Jitsu

Camarillo Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is one of the top competition Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu schools in the United States, located in Bakersfield, California. Founded and led by Professor Daniel Camarillo, the academy has established itself as a premier training facility for both competitive athletes and recreational practitioners. With a national and international competition pedigree, Camarillo Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has produced numerous champions and maintains a strong presence in the BJJ competition scene. Professor Daniel Camarillo, the owner and head instructor, brings over 40 years of competition and coaching experience to the academy. He has strategically combined his intense Judo background with technical Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to create a unique training methodology. His approach provides students with a comprehensive grappling education suitable for competition, self-defense, fitness, or recreational training. The academy's instructors are required to be SafeSport trained, a program developed and supported by the U.S. Olympic Committee, ensuring a safe and professional learning environment. The academy offers classes in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Gi and No-Gi) and Judo for kids, men, and women, with 28 classes per week across various skill levels. Camarillo Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is known for its welcoming and supportive family atmosphere, making it an ideal choice for beginners while maintaining the high-level instruction that advanced students and competitors require. The facility features over 2,300 square feet of mat space, providing ample room for training. The academy's philosophy emphasizes respect, confidence, coordination, self-discipline, patience, and teamwork, fostering both technical skill development and personal growth.

Kraken Jiu-Jitsu

Jiu-Jitsu isn't easy. Like chess, it takes years to master and the best practitioners never stop learning. Help BJJ practitioners advance as fast as possible by providing a knowledge resource that is second to none. We focus on the underlying principles and concepts of BJJ and grappling in general. Understanding **BJJ strategy**, **Balance, Pressure, and Leverage (BPL)**, as well as the **Hierarchy of Needs (HON)** is critical to the development of a grappler and rarely taught inside an academy class setting. These concepts are building blocks and should be learned early in a BJJ practitioner's grappling career. We're here to provide that knowledge. Many BJJ practitioners struggle for years trying to gain the requisite knowledge to earn the coveted BJJ black belt. [Read more](https://krakenbjj.com/bjj-is-human-chess/) It's important to learn about fundamental Jiu Jitsu concepts on a theoretical level outside the academy so you can better understand what's going on while you're at the academy. Studying Jiu Jitsu outside of the academy is the number one way to progress faster in this art. [Read more](https://krakenbjj.com/learning-outside-the-bjj-academy/)