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Charles Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy
4.8 ★★★★★ 32 Google reviews · BJJ gym in San Francisco, 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
- 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 (ages 5–14) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Private lessons private, one-on-one coaching available — a focused way to start or to work around a busy schedule; ask about availability and rates
- 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 graciesanfrancisco.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 415-941-7925
Hours
| Monday | 3:30–9:15 pm |
| Tuesday | 6–8 am, 3:30–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 6–7 am, 10:30 am–12 pm, 3:30–8 pm |
| Thursday | 6–8 am, 3:30–9:15 pm |
| Friday | 10:30 am–12 pm, 4–6 pm |
| Saturday | 9 am–12 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“They strike the perfect balance between discipline and fun, ensuring the kids are learning proper technique while also developing confidence, respect, and focus.”
“My son competes several times a year in tournaments, and Alex and Gianni are always there to support him, regardless of when or where or how long the tournaments are.”
“Strong leadership, elite standards, and a culture that builds winners—this place is built to last—send your kids, teens and adults of all ages here!”
“My son competes several times a year in tournaments, and Alex and Gianni are always there to support him, regardless of when or where or how long the tournaments are.”
“It's more than just self-defense; it's a supportive community that teaches valuable life skills.”
“The gym is a very welcoming environment and everyone I’ve met there so far is a beginner like me.”
Other martial arts here
“💪🏼 Consistently attending the striking/MMA classes here has been an incredible journey!”
What members say
“Each coach brings world-class experience, presence, and a sharp, disciplined mindset that sets the tone for everyone on the mat.”
“The gym is a very welcoming environment and everyone I’ve met there so far is a beginner like me.”
“The gym is a very welcoming environment and everyone I’ve met there so far is a beginner like me.”
“They strike the perfect balance between discipline and fun, ensuring the kids are learning proper technique while also developing confidence, respect, and focus.”
“My son developed a lot of self confidence since he started there.”
“My son competes several times a year in tournaments, and Alex and Gianni are always there to support him, regardless of when or where or how long the tournaments are.”
From the reviews
Alex and Mark have been great. The gym is a very welcoming environment and everyone I’ve met there so far is a beginner like me. They did a really good job easing me into the basics of jiu jitsu and I’d recommend to check it out for anyone looking to stay in shape, looking to switch up their exercise routine or if you…
My eleven year old son has trained at Charles Gracie on California street for years now. Alex, Gianni, and Mark have been incredible role models and coaches to him. Not only do they support him wholeheartedly in his martial arts journey, they also instill values, confidence, discipline, and good character in him.
I've been coming to class for 2 months so far with no martial arts experience. It's always been hard for me to maintain an active lifestyle because it always felt like work. BJJ has been incredibly fun! Alex and Mark are very supportive and attentive.
Charles Gracie Richmond is a new BJJ gem in the Bay Area—a rare find for anyone serious about growth. The coaching is exceptional. Each coach brings world-class experience, presence, and a sharp, disciplined mindset that sets the tone for everyone on the mat.
New to BJJ? Start at Charles Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy
Charles Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy 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 Jiu-Jitsu Academy
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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