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Animus Grappling

5 ★★★★★ 7 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Glendale, California

BJJ gym Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens

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
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule animusgrappling.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (818) 858-5817

Hours

Monday 12–1:30 PM, 3:30–8:30 PM
Tuesday 6–7:30 AM, 3:30–8:30 PM
Wednesday 9–10:30 AM, 12–1:30 PM, 4–8:30 PM
Thursday 6–7:30 AM, 4–8:30 PM
Friday 9–10:30 AM, 12–1:30 PM, 3:30–8:30 PM
Saturday 9–11:30 AM
Sunday 9 AM–12 PM

Hours shift for holidays, seminars, and open-gym times — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The classes they run

BJJ classes on the schedule at Animus Grappling, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🌱 Beginners 3 mentions

“I have participated in the adult instruction and would recommend this facility for all skill levels.”

All gyms that run beginners →

What members say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 7 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, high-level coaching 2 mentions

“We have friendly, great instructors, and colleagues who work hard to find answers together.”

🤝 no-ego, friendly academy 6 mentions

“We have friendly, great instructors, and colleagues who work hard to find answers together.”

🧠 builds confidence & discipline 3 mentions

“They’re AMAZING with kids and really help pull the shy ones (like our child) out from their shell, and give them confidence we hadn’t seen from our child before!”

From the reviews

If you want to train and learn somewhere that’s inviting and open to everyone, this is the place!! If you’re unsure about getting started, go try out a free class- you just might find you’ll wish you started yesterday! The two professors, Amanda and Gabe are incredibly knowledgeable and patient and kind.

★★★★★ — Alyssa, Mar 2024

I would highly encourage anyone interested in training at this facility to pull the trigger. Sensei Amanda and Sensei Gabriel are an amazing duo. They demonstrated patience when it came to their discipline. I have participated in the adult instruction and would recommend this facility for all skill levels.

★★★★★ — Vache, May 2024

If you want to make a healthy change in your life, Animus Grappling would be the best option. We have friendly, great instructors, and colleagues who work hard to find answers together.

★★★★★ — Connor, Mar 2024

I’ve trained at a bunch of gyms between San Gabriel Valley and San Fernando Valley and this is the best one! Professor Amanda and Professor Gabriel are the best!

★★★★★ — Eric, Mar 2024

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 7 reviews →

New to BJJ? Start at Animus Grappling

Animus Grappling 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.

Check beginner classes on their site

Your first BJJ class at Animus Grappling

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.

BJJ is a contact sport. Ease in, tap early and often, listen to your coaches, and if you have any injuries or health concerns, mention them before class and check with a doctor if you're unsure.

Where to find Animus Grappling

3515 N Verdugo Rd Unit B, Glendale, CA91208

Get directions

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and member reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this gym? Claim your listing — it's free.