Home › For beginners › Los Angeles, CA
BJJ for Beginners in Los Angeles
23 gyms in Los Angeles, California show real evidence — from their own sites or students' reviews — of being a welcoming place to take your very first BJJ class. That first class is simpler than the nerves suggest: you don't need to be fit or flexible, you won't be thrown into hard rolling, and a patient coach walks beginners through technique with a partner at their own pace. Wear comfortable athletic clothes, bring water, and expect a warm-up, some movement drills, and a few positions and escapes learned slowly — most academies lend a gi so you don't need to buy anything yet. Gyms are ranked below by local reputation (rating weighted by review count), and with 23 beginner-friendly options in town, it's worth calling ahead, saying it's your first time, and asking which class on the schedule they'd start you with.
1. Cobrinha Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Fitness
4.9 ★★★★★ 199 reviews
“We love Alliance Los Angeles by Professor Cobrinha the academy is world class. The attention to detail is incredible with no surprise given its Cobrinha HQ. Professor Cobrinha is…” — Michael
2. Renzo Gracie Los Angeles
4.8 ★★★★★ 188 reviews
“One of the best gyms I have had the privileged of training at. Welcoming. Amazing teachers and an actual jujitsu gym that teaches take downs(judo). Best place to learn. And they…” — R
4. 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu - West LA
4.8 ★★★★★ 128 reviews
“Scott was at my very first class with Eddie Bravo when there was just one location in LA. He forgot more about nogi than most teachers know. He runs a great program. His teaching…” — Russell
5. Autore BJJ
4.9 ★★★★★ 110 reviews
“My family and I absolutely love training at Autore. The instruction is world-class, but what truly sets this academy apart is the people. The coaches are incredibly knowledgeable,…” — Oded
7. Meraki
4.9 ★★★★★ 86 reviews
“I had a fantastic experience training at Meraki! It’s easily one of the most beautiful jiu-jitsu gyms around, and every single instructor is stellar. The curriculum places a…” — Sean
10. 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu Downtown Los Angeles
4.8 ★★★★★ 78 reviews
11. The Coop BJJ
4.9 ★★★★★ 64 reviews
“Outstanding experience. Gym was super clean. People were very welcoming. Alex and David the owners who are black belts were wonderful host and great rolls. Strongly recommend this…” — Odin'S
12. KATA JIU JITSU
5 ★★★★★ 53 reviews
“Took the women’s self defense class on Sunday and couldn’t have left feeling more empowered and confident. This was my first time taking a jiu jitsu class, it was so much fun and…” — Asjia
13. Beverly Hills Jiu-Jitsu Club
5 ★★★★★ 50 reviews
“We signed our 6 1/2 year old up for Jui Jitsu for both the exercise and the discipline. He loves it! Marcus is amazing - firm, yet patient. He is great with both young and older…” — Amanda
14. Los Angeles Jiu Jitsu Academy
5 ★★★★★ 44 reviews
“Joined for the evening adult class about a year ago and absolutely love the vibe.Everyone is so welcoming and encouraging, making each session a great blend of challenging + fun +…” — Bryan
15. STREET SPORTS JIU-JITSU
5 ★★★★★ 42 reviews
“This is an awesome gym. I had never done a martial art before joining as a white belt and felt extremely welcome and encouraged by the students and instructors since the first…” — Michael
16. Selva Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts
3.8 ★★★★☆ 51 reviews
“Selva BJJ has been a game-changer for me. When I walked in as a beginner, I was nervous about starting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, especially as someone new to martial arts and on a…” — Dj
17. Omni Jiu Jitsu Academy
5 ★★★★★ 34 reviews
“Coach Nick is hands down one of the best coaches out there. He doesn’t cut corners when it comes to teaching, and he has something to offer anyone, from beginners with no athletic…” — Daniel
18. Waves Jiu Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 27 reviews
“I’ll be honest—I'm not physically coordinated at all, and I sometimes feel like I’m allergic to physical activity. So, I was incredibly nervous to start my first class at Waves…” — Natasha
20. West Los Jiu Jitsu & Boxing
5 ★★★★★ 22 reviews
“I’ve been training jiu jitsu and boxing with Armando for more than two years. He is a patient and skilled teacher, and I’ve improved in my technique greatly through his…” — Matt
21. Eagle Rock Jiu-Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 21 reviews
“I am 66 years old, and going into my fourth month of training! It has been a great experience. The instructors are knowledgeable and patient, all the upper belts and the students…” — Ronald
22. Gomez Jiu-Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 20 reviews
“Great class. Useful moves in first class. I look forward to taking more classes here. I highly recommend Carlos.” — Jessica'S
Booking your first class in Los Angeles: practical notes
- Call ahead and say you're new. Ask which class they'd start a beginner with — many gyms have a fundamentals or all-levels class that's a gentler introduction than the main floor. A good front desk loves this question.
- Ask how rolling works. You won't be made to roll hard as a beginner; find out how and when a gym introduces live rolling so you know exactly what you're signing up for.
- Keep gear simple. Comfortable athletic clothes and water are enough for a first class — most academies here lend a gi, so you can try BJJ before buying anything. See the what-to-wear guide.
- Go at your own pace. Being winded the first time is normal and expected. Take breaks, drink water, and let your fitness build over your first few weeks — nobody expects a beginner to keep up with the regulars.
- Use a free trial. Many gyms offer a free trial class — the cheapest, lowest-pressure way to find the room that fits. See free BJJ trial classes.
Beginner BJJ near Los Angeles
All BJJ gyms in Los Angeles, CA → · All beginner BJJ cities →