BJJ Gyms in San Diego, United States

Alliance San Diego

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.

Barum Jiu-Jitsu San Diego

Barum Jiu-Jitsu San Diego is a family-run Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy located in the Morena area of San Diego. Founded by the Barum family, the gym has built a reputation for treating students like family, with reviews consistently praising the welcoming, patient, and caring environment created by the instructors. The academy offers flexible training schedules with classes throughout the day, including early morning sessions, midday classes, and evening training. They provide a comprehensive program structure with classes for kids (ages 6-9), juniors (10+), and adults, as well as specialized Women's Only classes on Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings. The gym teaches both gi and no-gi jiu-jitsu, with dedicated no-gi classes on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings. Open mat sessions are available on Friday evenings and throughout the weekend. The Barum family leads instruction at the academy, with multiple instructors including Alfredo Barum, Victoria Barum, Gustavo Zarichta, Neco Carvalho, and Graziela Barum. Students consistently describe the teaching style as patient and welcoming for all skill levels, from complete beginners to competitive athletes. The gym emphasizes building camaraderie and creating a fun, safe learning environment while maintaining high-quality technical instruction. With a 5.0 rating across Google, Yelp, and Facebook from over 550 reviews, Barum Jiu-Jitsu has established itself as one of San Diego's premier BJJ academies for students of all ages and skill levels.

City Boxing

City Boxing is the ORIGINAL martial arts school in Downtown San Diego, established in 2001 and located in the East Village. With over 40 structured training classes every week, City Boxing offers comprehensive training in Boxing, Muay Thai, Kickboxing, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for all levels from beginner to advanced. The gym prides itself on being led by world-class professional fighters who are actively competing and coaching, making them authentic experts in their disciplines. The training philosophy at City Boxing centers on developing fighters through dedicated instruction rather than relying on big-name athletes for reputation. The gym maintains a hard-core environment with controlled, professional training where safety is the primary concern. Classes run from 6:30 AM to 9:00 PM during weekdays, with trainers who are courteous and focused on helping members achieve their fitness and fighting goals. The facility welcomes a diverse membership including college students, downtown professionals, military personnel, and a strong co-ed community. The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program is headed by Carlos Baruch Ferreira, a black belt under the legendary Carlson Gracie. Baruch brings world-championship credentials and extensive MMA coaching experience, having trained fighters for the UFC, EliteXC, and WEC. His lineage includes training alongside legends like Vitor Belfort, Anderson Silva, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, and Paulo Filho at Carlson Gracie's Team and Team Nova Uniao. Baruch is a 2023 World No-Gi IBJJF Champion and multiple-time Pan-American and international champion in both gi and no-gi competition.

Eidson BJJ

Eidson Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in San Diego, CA, has been building a supportive martial arts community since founder Andrew Eidson first stepped onto the mat in 1992. The academy offers comprehensive training in both Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo in a family-friendly, non-ego environment where students of all ages and skill levels thrive. Head instructor Andrew Eidson holds a 3rd-degree black belt in BJJ and is also a black belt in Judo. He began practicing Judo in 1992 after being inspired by The Karate Kid, and transitioned to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 1999, training under 6th-degree coral belt Paulo Fernando Agusto. After earning his black belt and testing in São Paulo, Brazil, Andrew is registered under the Federação Paulista de Jiu-Jitsu. The academy is also guided by Sensei Paulo Fernando, a uniquely distinguished 7th-degree coral belt in both Judo and BJJ, who has won 34 gold medals in various championships and established one of the largest martial arts academies in the U.S. after moving to San Diego in 1997. The academy's teaching philosophy has evolved from creating competitors to supporting families and building community connections. Eidson BJJ emphasizes process-oriented training that celebrates every victory, focusing on consistent improvement over rapid advancement. Students benefit from practical, leverage-based techniques that work in real-life situations, safe sparring at full intensity, and a welcoming atmosphere that extends beyond class time. The academy offers specialized programs for kids (ages 4+), teens, and adults, with classes segmented by age and skill level to ensure proper development. Training includes fundamentals, intermediate, advanced, no-gi, open mat, and competition classes throughout the week.