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Essence Jiu Jitsu Walnut Creek
4.9 ★★★★★ 62 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Walnut Creek, 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
- 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
- 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 essencebjjwalnutcreek.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (925) 404-9876
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–8 PM |
The classes they run
“My son started jujitsu classes at here when he was four and a half, and now, at nearly six, he's excited to move up to the next age group.”
“I appreciate the newsletters sent to keep us updated on that’s going on and tournaments we can attend.”
“The staff was welcoming and friendly, and I took a few private classes with Vini.”
“I dropped in for the 12:15 PM open mat on Saturday.”
“They’re learning self defense techniques for sure, but I wasn’t aware they’re also being taught anti-bullying and personal improvement/responsibility lessons as well!”
“First time training Jiu Jitsu and teaching strength and conditioning classes at a Jiu Jitsu academy.”
Other martial arts here
“I was skeptical to put my boys in jiu jitsu because they didn’t take to karate very well and I’ll admit I also didn’t know much about jiu jitsu itself.”
What members say
“I really enjoy how family oriented the environment is and the outside events they hold really is a great way to get to know parents who already are welcoming.”
“I really enjoy how family oriented the environment is and the outside events they hold really is a great way to get to know parents who already are welcoming.”
“I really enjoy how family oriented the environment is and the outside events they hold really is a great way to get to know parents who already are welcoming.”
“They’re learning self defense techniques for sure, but I wasn’t aware they’re also being taught anti-bullying and personal improvement/responsibility lessons as well!”
“I appreciate the newsletters sent to keep us updated on that’s going on and tournaments we can attend.”
“I have been attending classes at Ralph Gracie Jiu Jitsu Academy for the past 6 months and I have been thoroughly impressed with my experience.”
From the reviews
We love the experience we’ve been having at Essence BJJ. The professors are so kind and so patient while at the same time very observant and helpful. I really enjoy how family oriented the environment is and the outside events they hold really is a great way to get to know parents who already are welcoming.
Amazing instructors, clean gym, great location... I've been training at Ralph Gracie Walnut Creek for a couple months already. The culture in this gym is very welcoming, both the staff and the members are knowledgeable, accommodating, and very respectful.
I was skeptical to put my boys in jiu jitsu because they didn’t take to karate very well and I’ll admit I also didn’t know much about jiu jitsu itself. WHAT A GREAT DECISION WE MADE!!! First of all, jiu jitsu is perfect for my rough and tumble boys.
My son started jujitsu classes at here when he was four and a half, and now, at nearly six, he's excited to move up to the next age group. We like everything here so far! The coaches and staffs are awesome—skilled, patient, and dedicated.
New to BJJ? Start at Essence Jiu Jitsu Walnut Creek
Essence Jiu Jitsu Walnut Creek 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 Walnut Creek
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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