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Essence Jiu Jitsu Danville
5 ★★★★★ 23 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Danville, 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) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Women's classes dedicated women's BJJ classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
- 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 essencebjjdanville.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 341-465-2598
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–7:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 5–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–7:30 pm |
| Thursday | 5–8 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–7 pm |
| Saturday | 9 am–2 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“It is excellent for kids to learn and practice Brazilian jiu-jitsu, improve self-esteem and discipline while having fun.”
“Similarly, Eduardo and Brian are elite brown belts that compete regularly.”
“Finally, Saturday open mats at Essence Danville are the best.”
“Whether you're a complete beginner or an advanced student, he welcomes everyone and ensures that each individual gets the attention they need to improve.”
Other martial arts here
What members say
“Everyone from Gabriella at the front desk to Tony & Felipe the 5th degree black belt instructors have been so welcoming.”
“Whether you're a complete beginner or an advanced student, he welcomes everyone and ensures that each individual gets the attention they need to improve.”
“His lighthearted demeanor creates a friendly and supportive atmosphere in the gym, making it easy to ask questions and learn from each other.”
“He has a knack for breaking down complex techniques into simple, easy-to-understand steps, making them accessible to students of all levels.”
“Top notch instruction, amazing kids program, beautiful facilities and on top of that a wonderful community of people to spend time with.”
“If you're new to BJJ (like we are) or if you're experienced and looking for a clean, beautiful studio to learn/practice BJJ, check out Essence.”
From the reviews
Professor Jerry and the whole team are THE BEST! Professor Jerry teaches my husband and I and also our 3 year old daughter. He is so thorough, patient and very talented. He meets every one of us at our level, which we are all not on the same level.
I've been training at Essence Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Professor Jerry, and I can confidently say it's been an incredible experience. Professor Jerry teaches with unmatched passion, simplicity, and genuine care for all his students' progress.
Professor Jerry, Professor Tony, and Carol have been amazing! Our child recently started Jiu Jitsu and I just completed a trial class as well. The professors are great with children (which isn't always the easiest thing to do).
Essence BJJ Danville is a beautiful, brand-new facility that looks and feels like a premium academy. Just like the Walnut Creek location, the atmosphere at Essence Danville is warm and inviting. Everyone is dedicated to improving themselves and others.
New to BJJ? Start at Essence Jiu Jitsu Danville
Essence Jiu Jitsu Danville 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 Essence Jiu Jitsu Danville
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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🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site