BJJ Gyms in California, United States

Charles Gracie Team

Charles Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy is the headquarters location of a renowned network of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu schools founded by Charles Gracie, a senior member of the famous Gracie family. Established in Tracy, California, the academy represents a direct lineage to the originators of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, providing the highest level of instruction in traditional Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and self-defense techniques passed down through the Gracie family since 1925 in Brazil. The academy offers a comprehensive training approach that balances sport jiu-jitsu competition with practical self-defense application. Charles Gracie has instructed members of law enforcement, security professionals, U.S. armed forces, air marshals, and private citizens, emphasizing that jiu-jitsu is accessible to everyone regardless of age, gender, body type, or physical ability. Through leverage, balance, and technique, students learn to defend themselves against stronger, more physically capable opponents. The Charles Gracie Academy network has expanded throughout Northern California and Nevada, with locations throughout the Bay Area, Central Valley, and Truckee/Tahoe region. The academy promotes not only technical excellence and competition success at all levels (from local tournaments to Mundial World Championships) but also self-confidence, respect, and physical and mental wellness. Students are welcome to train at any location within the Charles Gracie network, creating a supportive community dedicated to preserving and sharing the Gracie family's martial art.

Checkmat Valencia Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Checkmat Valencia is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy located in Valencia, California, proudly affiliated with the Checkmat team under Master Leo Vieira. Led by Professor Alessandra "Leka" Vieira, a 6th degree black belt and the highest-ranked female BJJ practitioner in the United States, the academy offers world-class instruction in both gi and no-gi grappling. Leka is a legendary competitor with an impressive resume including 3x World Champion and 4x Pan American Champion titles, with her most recent Pan American gold medal victory in 2019 where she submitted all opponents on her way to the podium. Professor Leka's journey in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu began in 1992 in Minas Gerais, Brazil, after a handball injury led her to discover her true calling. Training intensively from the start, she earned her blue belt in just 6 months and achieved black belt status in 1998. After moving to the United States in 2001, she became a US citizen in 2010 and eventually opened Checkmat Valencia in 2014. In March 2022, she was awarded her 6th degree black belt by Master Leo Vieira, cementing her status as one of the most accomplished female practitioners in the sport's history. Her professional attitude, passion, and aggressive competition style helped elevate the women's division to what it is today. The academy offers comprehensive programs for all ages and skill levels, including adult BJJ fundamentals, intermediate and advanced classes, no-gi grappling, and specialized kids programs (ages 8-12 and teens). With a strong emphasis on respect, discipline, and building confidence, Checkmat Valencia provides not just self-defense training but also stress relief, physical fitness, and a supportive family environment. The curriculum includes anti-bullying education and stranger danger awareness for younger students. All no-gi classes require no-gi uniforms, and the academy operates by appointment only with no drop-ins allowed.

10th Planet Van Nuys, CA

Alder has been practicing various martial arts since the age of 8. He located in the Los Angeles area where he is the head instructor of 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu at 10th Planet Van Nuys, in addition to teaching private lessons at Legends (the home of Eddie Bravo’s 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu in Los Angeles). His approach to teaching is simple yet effective. Alder likes to teach the 10th Planet system to his students, whether new or experienced, in a way that creates their jiu jitsu game or improves upon their existing one. His approach works with people’s given & existing abilities, while simultaneously building up their weaknesses. Nothing makes him smile more than seeing his students taking a sense of pride in their lessons and the feeling they get the first time they’ve pulled off a move they’ve been perfecting. Alder runs the jiu-jitsu blog http://www.10thplanetwatch.com, where he promotes the art of 10th Planet jiu jitsu and it’s application in MMA. He is available for seminars & private lessons worldwide.

GRIP Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu HQ

GRIP Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu HQ is a world-class martial arts academy located in Venice, Florida, offering comprehensive programs for kids, teens, adults, and women. Founded by Professor Fábio Leandro, a 4th degree black belt under Alexandre Paiva with over 30 years of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu experience, GRIP BJJ is committed to building champions both on and off the mats. The academy's philosophy centers on respect, tradition, discipline, unity, and character development. GRIP BJJ offers specialized programs including Kids & Youth (Little GRIPs), Adults, Women's Empowerment classes, Competition Team training, Self-Defense, MMA, and Fitness programs. The curriculum ranges from beginner fundamentals to advanced competition preparation, with certified IBJJF black belt instructors guiding students through every stage of their journey. GRIP BJJ emphasizes community involvement and giving back through youth empowerment programs, anti-bullying initiatives, women's self-defense workshops, and specialized training for law enforcement and first responders. The academy is more than just a training facility—it's a family-oriented community where students develop confidence, discipline, and lifelong friendships while learning authentic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

10th Planet Ventura, CA

10th Planet Ventura was founded by black belts Scott Ross and Matthew Dempsey on the idea of approaching jiu-jitsu as the most fun a person can have while getting in shape. Scott, an EBI commentator, is a 10th Planet OG who has trained under Eddie for more than fourteen years, serving as an instructor for seven of those years. Matt, the master of reversing the Truck, has trained under Eddie for ten years, teaching for seven. It’s not easy being two of the most experienced instructors in the 10th Planet system – but they make it look that way.

Defensive Edge

Defensive Edge Martial Arts in Wakefield, MA has been helping men, women, and children achieve a healthy and fit lifestyle since 1999. Founded by Master Rick Alford, Defensive Edge is a modern, multifaceted martial arts training center that is home to world-class instructors who are true masters of their craft. The academy offers a comprehensive range of martial arts programs including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Team Forsa, Muay Thai, MMA, Boxing, Wrestling, and reality-based self-defense (iCAT). Current owner and head BJJ instructor Sensei Josh Johnson is a 1st-degree black belt under Andre "Dedeco" Almeida and leads the F5 Fight Team, coaching both youth and adult programs. The gym features expert instruction across all disciplines, with Muay Thai head coach Dave Lyons (national-level fighter and MSAC-licensed trainer), boxing head coach Brandon Montella (undefeated pro boxer 9-0), and No-Gi specialist Dana Sharpton (BJJ black belt and active competitor). Defensive Edge is a family-friendly school that values character development alongside technical training. The academy emphasizes self-discipline, respect, patience, integrity, and courtesy while teaching modern, cutting-edge techniques that strengthen both mind and body. With separate programs for kids and adults, students become well-rounded martial artists in a supportive team atmosphere. The facility serves Wakefield and surrounding communities including Malden, Saugus, Lynn, Stoneham, Reading, and Woburn.

10th Planet Walnut Creek, CA

Your portal to the 10th Planet system in the East Bay area. A great place to learn, work hard and have a good time. The instructor of 10th Planet Walnut Creek is Alex Canders. Alex is a lifelong martial artist, training and achieving instructor level in many styles since age 11. Alex fell in love with Jiu Jitsu through the remote teachings of Eddie Bravo, which led him to Denny Prokopos’ 10th Planet San Francisco where he has received the best training of his life. Since, he has had success in competition due to attention to detail, proper training, healthy mindset, and consistent work ethic. Alex’s goal with 10th Planet Walnut Creek is to provide a supportive, positive and expert training atmosphere to those in the East Bay; basically to build a gym where he would love to train. © 2010 - 2026 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu. All Rights Reserved.

Claudio Franca Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Watsonville

Teaching the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is very important here at Claudio França BJJ in Santa Cruz, San Jose, Scotts Valley & Watsonville. Our instructors are here to guide, instruct, and motivate our members to be the best they can be and impact our local communities in a positive way. We are here to help parents raise their children to be confident leaders, boost their self-esteem, feel healthy, and get in great physical shape. At our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academies, we focus on building positive role models in our communities. Through training and mentorship, we help students develop strong values, leadership skills, and a spirit of respect. Our goal is to inspire the next generation to lead with integrity and confidence. Our community-based method of instruction integrates beginners into ongoing classes with advanced students. Newcomers learn not only from the class instructors but also from more experienced students, providing a wider pool of knowledge, wisdom, and technique. Advanced students, in turn, gain insight by helping beginners to progress. All classes are taught by qualified instructors. We choose our instructors based on teaching ability, technical knowledge, personal integrity, patience, and dedication to the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Students also improve their quality of life through developing their focus, discipline, skill, self-confidence and physical fitness. Jiu Jitsu can provide families with a lifetime of shared memories, personal growth, and common interest.