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1802 Jiu-Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 37 Google reviews · BJJ gym in San Diego, California
Plan your first class
- Free trial or intro class most gyms welcome new members with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
- Beginner-friendly all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
- Kids & youth classes kids and youth BJJ classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Open mat open-mat rolling sessions for members to practice live — always optional and at your own pace
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule 1802jiujitsu.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (858) 376-7537
Hours
| Monday | 6–7:30 AM, 11 AM–12:30 PM, 4:15–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 11 AM–12:30 PM, 5–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 6–7:30 AM, 5:15–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 11 AM–12:30 PM, 5–8:30 PM |
| Friday | 6–7:30 AM, 4:15–7:30 PM |
| Saturday | 8–11 AM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“If your looking for a family oriented but competition ready team or just a place to really get in shape through JiuJitsu then 1802 is the place for you and your kids!”
“It’s a safe space where toddlers, kids, teens, and adults can learn discipline, self-defense, and most importantly, build confidence.”
“Have been by for the 6am classes and 6am (secret) Saturday open mat.”
“It’s a safe space where toddlers, kids, teens, and adults can learn discipline, self-defense, and most importantly, build confidence.”
“The gym and instructors are all super friendly and welcoming, especially as someone coming in as a beginner.”
What members say
“The coaches and professors are incredibly welcoming, patient, and truly care about each student's progress — not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well.”
“If your looking for a family oriented but competition ready team or just a place to really get in shape through JiuJitsu then 1802 is the place for you and your kids!”
“He is also very safety-conscious and teaches the kids how to do techniques in a safe way and never to cause any harm to their teammates.”
“It has been amazing to watch our kids develop discipline, build genuine courage, and master control over their bodies.”
“The gym is clean and tidy.”
“One of the main reasons we started Jiu Jitsu was to help him build confidence — and the results have truly exceeded our expectations.”
From the reviews
How should I start? This place is just amazing. From the coaches to the people and kids training there, the atmosphere is so comfortable and open. Everyone is treated like family. Coach Derryck is so good with the toddlers and kids and his lovely wife, Leslie is such a great training partner.
I honestly can't say enough good things about this place. Coach Derryck has really set up an amazing gym and the coaches there are really fantastic. The previous location (above KidVentures) was a bit cramped, so it's really nice that they were finally able to find a new location.
Three years later and we are still proudly part of the 1802 Jiu Jitsu family. The academy continues to grow, yet the quality of instruction remains incredibly consistent. It has been amazing to watch our kids develop discipline, build genuine courage, and master control over their bodies.
I have visited other jiujitsu schools and THE STRONGHOLD is by far the the most welcoming environment. The Professors are amazing and truly care about individual progress as well as developing comraderie and Team Building.
New to BJJ? Start at 1802 Jiu-Jitsu
1802 Jiu-Jitsu comes up as a beginner-friendly gym, going by their listing and members’ reviews. If you've never rolled or set foot on a mat, that's exactly who a good beginners program is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit or flexible to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and coaches scale the intensity to you. Second, you won't be thrown into hard rolling — reputable gyms build fundamentals (positions, escapes, and basic submissions) for weeks, live rolling eases in gradually, and tapping early keeps every roll safe. Third, all levels really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners or fundamentals class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out, and leave your ego at the door. Most gyms are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.
Your first BJJ class at 1802 Jiu-Jitsu
Nervous about walking into a BJJ gym for the first time? Almost everyone is, and good coaches expect beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, then drilling basic positions and escapes with a partner — not hard sparring. Rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: athletic wear you can move in (or a gi if you have one); you'll train barefoot on the mats. What to bring: water and a mouthguard if you have one — many gyms lend a loaner gi for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own gi (or a rashguard and shorts for no-gi) and a mouthguard. Live rolling eases in gradually, once your fundamentals are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the coach. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.
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