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Cho's Academy - Martial Arts & Self Defense
5 ★★★★★ 46 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Laguna Beach, 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 3–5) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Women's classes dedicated women's BJJ classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
- 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
- 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 chosacademy.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (949) 281-7517
Hours
| Monday | 3–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 12:30–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 3–9 PM |
| Thursday | 12:30–9 PM |
| Friday | 4–6:30 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–1 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“COVID-19 has left few options for kids to get quality exercise along with positive messages, and we've been thrilled with his online experience with Master Cho.”
“My boy is on his journey to black belt and loves the teens Kick boxing and Jiu Jitsu.”
“Everyone looks forward to TKD even when there are conditioning work outs right before a tournament.”
“Jacob demonstrates an amazing balance of discipline and good-natured fun that creates an engaging and rewarding environment for kids at all levels.”
Other martial arts here
“My oldest son loves his Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and kickboxing classes here.”
“My boy is on his journey to black belt and loves the teens Kick boxing and Jiu Jitsu.”
“Kickboxing and B Jujitsu is a lot to master but at Cho's Academy the discipline and skills each student learns is second to none.”
What members say
“Jacob Cho is a fantastic instructor. He takes a great interest in how each child develops.”
“Jacob demonstrates an amazing balance of discipline and good-natured fun that creates an engaging and rewarding environment for kids at all levels.”
“Master Cho cares deeply about the development of his students, not just in martial arts but in their overall development as good people.”
“Everyone looks forward to TKD even when there are conditioning work outs right before a tournament.”
“Our kids have gained confidence, focus, and strength while having a great time.”
“The facility is always kept clean and well organized.”
From the reviews
Cho’s academy feels like home. I’ve been going to the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes for the past 8 months and I have learned so much. Jason and Adrian are both experienced black belts and have their own unique style of teaching. Cho’s Academy is very inclusive and has people of all ages and skill levels training.
Our son has been training at Cho's Academy for ten years, since he was three. Over the years, he has progressed in taekwondo and jujutsu and we are extremely proud of his accomplishments. Master Cho is serious about martial arts and belts are not awarded unless they are deserved.
I've been training at Cho's Academy for a little over a year and I could not be happier. The school offers a wide variety of classes on many days of the week, it really lets you be flexible with your schedule. All the teachers are incredibly knowledgeable and will cater to all skill levels.
My son started here when he was 8 after moving from another gym where we felt he wasn't progressing. Cho's Academy is the perfect balance of serious jiu jitsu instruction and safety and fun. My son has progressed and all the kids have fun and work hard.
New to BJJ? Start at Cho's Academy - Martial Arts & Self Defense
Cho's Academy - Martial Arts & Self Defense 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 Cho's Academy - Martial Arts & Self Defense
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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