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Chris Holdsworth’s Jiu Jitsu Academy
5 ★★★★★ 100 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Orangevale, California
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
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule holdsworthbjj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (916) 990-1591
Hours
| Monday | 9:30 AM–1 PM, 4:15–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 4–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 9:30 AM–1 PM, 4:15–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 4–8:30 PM |
| Friday | 9:30 AM–1 PM, 4:30–8 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM–1 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“As a complete beginner, I wasn’t judged by any of the experienced guys and everyone was more than happy to help me with everything I was struggling with.”
Other martial arts here
“I've been training with Chris for 7-8 years now and he is one of the best grappling and MMA coaches and practicianers in the game.”
“I’d for sure recommend everybody to this gym for starting or advancing their jiu jitsu, as well as the kickboxing that just started here!”
What members say
“Chris, Lou, and Dave are all amazing instructors and are truly passionate about what they teach.”
“As a complete beginner, I wasn’t judged by any of the experienced guys and everyone was more than happy to help me with everything I was struggling with.”
“The atmosphere is welcoming, the instruction is clear and beginner-friendly, and everyone is supportive whether you’re brand new or more experienced.”
“Chris is an amazing teacher and is extremely knowledgeable and detailed in his instruction and invested in every student’s success.”
“The people and atmosphere in the gym is welcoming and friendly, with a strong focus on competition level training and preparation.”
“The people and atmosphere in the gym is welcoming and friendly, with a strong focus on competition level training and preparation.”
From the reviews
I have been with Chris since white belt and what I can tell you is he is second to none as a martial artist and instructor. He has coached the highest level ufc champions to the day one white belt. He has competed at the highest level as the Ultimate Fighter season 18 champion.
Had my first time ever jiu jitsu class here and it was such a great experience! Head coach Chris Holdsworth is extremely knowledgeable, passionate, and professional. He breaks things down in the simplest ways and is super patient with beginners!
I have been training at Chris Holdsworth’s Martial Arts Academy for over a year now and I can’t imagine training anywhere else. Chris is an amazing teacher and is extremely knowledgeable and detailed in his instruction and invested in every student’s success.
The Chris Holdsworth jiu jitsu family welcomed me in about 6 months ago, and it has been a wonderful experience. This was my first attempt at learning any martial art, and it was very hard and nerve-racking just to walk through the door.
New to BJJ? Start at Chris Holdsworth’s Jiu Jitsu Academy
Chris Holdsworth’s 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 Chris Holdsworth’s 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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