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Carlson Gracie Riverside
4.8 ★★★★★ 34 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Riverside, California
Part of Carlson Gracie
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
- 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 7–12) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- No-gi no-gi grappling classes — training in a rashguard and shorts, with faster scrambles and a natural bridge to MMA
- Open mat open-mat rolling sessions for members to practice live — always optional and at your own pace
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule carlsongracieofriverside.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 951-215-0734
Hours
| Monday | 10–11:30 am, 4–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 8:30–11:30 am, 4–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 10–11:30 am, 4–8 pm |
| Thursday | 8:30–11:30 am, 4–8 pm |
| Friday | 10–11:30 am, 4–8 pm |
| Saturday | 12–1:30 pm |
| Sunday | 10 am–1 pm |
The classes they run
“Coach Tony and Coach Courtney are wonderful with the little kids—very patient, encouraging, and consistent.”
“After a couple years my husband and I also began training, now our whole family train and compete in Jiu Jitsu!”
“From young to old, beginners to competitors, this place covers it all at the same time.”
Other martial arts here
“I think Coach Tony is an amazing Muay Thai coach and does really well with my 6 yr old.”
“My whole family trains here, jiu jitsu, judo, and kickboxing.”
“My whole family trains here, jiu jitsu, judo, and kickboxing.”
What members say
“I think Coach Tony is an amazing Muay Thai coach and does really well with my 6 yr old.”
“Ralph, the owner of the gym, was very welcoming, didn't make me feel inadequate, everybody was friendly, and immediately made me feel at home.”
“Ralph, the owner of the gym, was very welcoming, didn't make me feel inadequate, everybody was friendly, and immediately made me feel at home.”
“Since starting here, I’ve noticed a positive change in my child’s focus, discipline, and confidence, and those skills are carrying over into school and other activities as well.”
“After a couple years my husband and I also began training, now our whole family train and compete in Jiu Jitsu!”
“Carson Gracie Riverside is a great dojo for both jiu-jitsu and Muay Thai.”
From the reviews
My son is 11 years old. Very shy and good hearted kid. He used to get bullied, but it all changed. He is being taught by coach Merrill, coach Tony, coach Sean and coach Adrian...... best coaching staff ever! My son is gaining confidence and is learning how to defend himself and I couldn't feel happier.
My son has been at this gym for over 2 years now focusing on BJJ. He absolutely loves it. It has completely transformed his confidence. I started attending the adult BJJ classes 6 months ago and I absolutely love it. I can’t wait for them to open up after all of this COVID stuff. I really miss it.
This place is amazing! All professors and instructors are top notch. From the youngest and most novice levels through the adult and advanced levels they create an engaging learning environment. My whole family trains here, jiu jitsu, judo, and kickboxing.
Amazing program, makes everyone feel welcome. Outstanding coach's and very kind. I got 2 sons that go a 20 year old and a 12 year old. Best decision ever. Recommend to everyone 👍🏽
New to BJJ? Start at Carlson Gracie Riverside
Carlson Gracie Riverside 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 Carlson Gracie Riverside
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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