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Charles Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy - San Mateo
4.8 ★★★★★ 23 Google reviews · BJJ gym in San Mateo, California
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 3–15) — 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
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule graciesm.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (650) 458-8331
Hours
| Monday | 4–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 11 AM–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 4–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 11 AM–8:30 PM |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 10:30 AM–1:30 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Professor Cris really knows what he is talking about not to mention he is great with kids and everyone were very friendly and welcoming!”
Other martial arts here
“The training was properly rigorous and structured (I have a wrestling background and will say I got a good workout), with clear and concise technique.”
What members say
“Our family has been part of Charles Gracie Jiu-Jitsu San Mateo for the past five years, and it has been one of the best decisions we’ve made for our daughters.”
“The training was properly rigorous and structured (I have a wrestling background and will say I got a good workout), with clear and concise technique.”
“Our family has been part of Charles Gracie Jiu-Jitsu San Mateo for the past five years, and it has been one of the best decisions we’ve made for our daughters.”
“Coach Christiano is a really good BJJ professor, he teaches well, he adapts to each student, and not only he teaches BJJ but also discipline and self-confidence.”
From the reviews
We are extremely happy and satisfied with this academy. The ratio of child to coach is beyond ideal. There is little room for kids to get lost and missed during class. Attention and support is given evenly to all students seems like.
Our family has been part of Charles Gracie Jiu-Jitsu San Mateo for the past five years, and it has been one of the best decisions we’ve made for our daughters. The coaches are exceptional—not just technically skilled, but genuinely invested in the kids as individuals.
Fantastic instructor. Professor Cris really knows what he is talking about not to mention he is great with kids and everyone were very friendly and welcoming! No one will try to smash you in here, it's about learning with many high belts and to learn from, simply a Great place!
My son has been coming here for two years and we love the coaches and team so much. Coach Chris and Coach Daniel teach the kids skills that will carry on for a lifetime. They are both amazing mentors. I recommend this academy for any adult or child, you will not be disappointed.
New to BJJ? Start at Charles Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy - San Mateo
Charles Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy - San Mateo 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 Charles Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy - San Mateo
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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