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Academy Jiu-Jitsu and Kickboxing HQ | Checkmat Downey
4.7 ★★★★★ 92 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Downey, California
Part of Checkmat
Affiliated academy — reviews and the gym's own info point to a recognized BJJ lineage or affiliation (think Gracie Barra, 10th Planet, Renzo Gracie, Alliance, Atos or Checkmat). If lineage matters to you, ask which affiliation the academy belongs to and under whom the head instructor earned their black belt.
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
- Membership memberships run around $150/mo — many academies also offer a discounted first month and family plans, so ask about new-member rates
- 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 (ages 4) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Women's classes dedicated women's BJJ classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
- No-gi no-gi grappling classes — training in a rashguard and shorts, with faster scrambles and a natural bridge to MMA
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule academyjj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 562-614-4364
Hours
| Monday | 9–11:30 am, 4–10 pm |
| Tuesday | 9–11:30 am, 4–10 pm |
| Wednesday | 9–11:30 am, 4–10 pm |
| Thursday | 9–11:30 am, 4–10 pm |
| Friday | 9–11 am, 4–10 pm |
| Saturday | 8:30 am–1:30 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Facility is new, and I love the kids area where kids can play arcade games or with toys while adults can train.”
“I cross train there and drop in their women only classes - all positive and highly recommend!”
“I would recommend anyone from kids, teens and adults to check out Academy!”
“Feels like a unified team and a second home more than it does a jujitsu academy, definitely recommend for hobbyists, competitors, and families alike.”
“I’m glad I chose Academy because the beginner kids class is GREAT to introduce jiu jitsu for kids and teach them the fundamentals.”
Other martial arts here
“Great place if you want to learn Jiu-Jitsu Kick boxing and MMA.”
“Great place if you want to learn Jiu-Jitsu Kick boxing and MMA.”
“I had the opportunity to train at Academy Jiu-Jitsu & Kickboxing HQ – Checkmat Downey while I was in town, and it was an outstanding experience.”
What members say
“I’m glad I chose Academy because the beginner kids class is GREAT to introduce jiu jitsu for kids and teach them the fundamentals.”
“The staff is really friendly and the professor's and coaches seem willing to work with any level of experience.”
“His instruction was clear and detailed, he stayed engaged the entire time, worked with every student individually, and challenged everyone to improve.”
“My child's confidence has increased exponentially (to a fault) because of how secure he feels in learning the material here.”
“Feels like a unified team and a second home more than it does a jujitsu academy, definitely recommend for hobbyists, competitors, and families alike.”
“The facility was spotless, spacious, and well organized, with plenty of room to train.”
From the reviews
My kids have been in Jiu-Jitsu off and on for 6 years now. The progress I have seen in the 3 months we have been here is amazing. The classes are challenging yet safe. My child's confidence has increased exponentially (to a fault) because of how secure he feels in learning the material here. The staff is fantastic.
My son has been coming here for almost 2 years. I was nervous about where to start my son being that he was very timid and really not into any aggressive sports or Marital arts. I’m glad I chose Academy because the beginner kids class is GREAT to introduce jiu jitsu for kids and teach them the fundamentals.
My 3 kids attend Academy and have been for the past 4 years(respectively). The boost in confidence has been amazing, and their physical health has greatly improvement.
I can't say enough good things about Academy Jiu-Jitsu/Kickboxing! It's a truly family-friendly place where both kids and adults can learn and grow together. The professors are not only skilled but also incredibly patient and encouraging.
New to BJJ? Start at Academy Jiu-Jitsu and Kickboxing HQ | Checkmat Downey
Academy Jiu-Jitsu and Kickboxing HQ | Checkmat Downey comes up as a beginner-friendly gym — noted on their own site. 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 Academy Jiu-Jitsu and Kickboxing HQ | Checkmat Downey
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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