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Esteem Jiujitsu HQ
5 ★★★★★ 18 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Petaluma, 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
- 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
- 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 esteemjiujitsu.net — book classes and see the live schedule
Hours
| Monday | 9 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 9 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 9 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 9 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 9 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“They have amazing kids classes and i would say they put a ton of energy into the kids, just looking at the schedule you will see the emphasis they put towards the kids.”
“Whether you prefer gi or no gi, you’re a beginner or a black belt, you’re a child or an adult there is a class that’s perfect for you and your skill level.”
“This is a championship gym, hence the medals, belts on the wall however the family friendly atmosphere and love transcends among those who train here.”
“They are welcoming of visitors to their open mats and I learn something every time I roll here.”
“Whether you prefer gi or no gi, you’re a beginner or a black belt, you’re a child or an adult there is a class that’s perfect for you and your skill level.”
What members say
“Michael Stratton Jr and the entire team at Esteem Jiu Jitsu are supportive and welcoming to students of all levels especially brand new.”
“This is a championship gym, hence the medals, belts on the wall however the family friendly atmosphere and love transcends among those who train here.”
“This is a championship gym, hence the medals, belts on the wall however the family friendly atmosphere and love transcends among those who train here.”
From the reviews
Great environment for kids. Very supportive coaches and a great group of kids and parents.
v been training at Esteem BJJ since January 2016. I have been extremely pleased with this team, coming from another academy didn’t matter as i was taken in with open arms and supported 100%. The Instructor and coaches are so passionate and supportive.
This is definitely the best gym to train at in the area. The Coach Michael Stratton works diligently to encourage his students to grow in the gym. His wealth of knowledge, instruction and heart for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu can be seen from the kids to adults classes, from the beginners to advanced and champions he has…
I started training at Esteem a little over a year ago. The positive effect it has had on my life is uncanny. I had suffered from severe depression and anxiety for a long time and was very out of shape. Esteem has changed all of that.
New to BJJ? Start at Esteem Jiujitsu HQ
Esteem Jiujitsu HQ comes up as a beginner-friendly gym, going by their listing and members’ reviews. 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 Esteem Jiujitsu HQ
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. 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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