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Gracie Barra Dana Point Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & Martial Arts
4.9 ★★★★★ 39 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Dana Point, California
Part of Gracie Barra
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 4–14) — 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
- No-gi no-gi grappling classes — training in a rashguard and shorts, with faster scrambles and a natural bridge to MMA
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule gbdanapoint.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (949) 388-8886
Hours
| Monday | 7–8:30 AM, 12–1:30 PM, 4–7:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 7–8:30 AM, 12–1:30 PM, 4–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 7–8:30 AM, 12–1:30 PM, 4–8 PM |
| Thursday | 7–8:30 AM, 4–8 PM |
| Friday | 9–10 AM, 12–1:30 PM |
| Saturday | 9–11:30 AM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“I was no kid when I started but Professor Fernando and all the coaches went out of their way to keep me and everyone in the class safe and make it an enjoyable experience!”
“Professor Fernando and his team of Professors and coaches create a family-like environment for all levels from beginners to competitors.”
“There are fun classes for young kids to learn jiu jitsu and its philosophy of discipline and respect and other classes for older adults to learn the art of self defense.”
“Professor Fernando and his team of Professors and coaches create a family-like environment for all levels from beginners to competitors.”
What members say
“Professor Fernando runs the best training facility.”
“Professor Fernando, Coach Paula, and all the instructors have created a super welcoming, well-organized environment that makes it easy to get started and keep improving.”
“Professor Fernando, Coach Paula, and all the instructors have created a super welcoming, well-organized environment that makes it easy to get started and keep improving.”
“Our son Max has learned so much from body awareness to simple techniques and its great exercise as well!”
“Gracie Barra Dana Point has been an integral part of my childhood! I have developed strength, discipline, and a sense of contributing to my community.”
“Most very good however Gracie barra Dana point has something special that I have never experienced.”
From the reviews
Professor Fernando runs the best training facility. He makes it fun for kids, yet it is organized and teaches the kids discipline, respect and how to help others. My son, who is on the autism spectrum, absolutely loves going there and training jiu jitsu.
Truly - I cannot say enough wonderful things about Professor Fernando and his entire team. You would have a hard time telling which of his students are his own children because he treats each one like his own.
Gracie Barra Jiu Jitsu in Dana Point is a very special place for all ages of students. Professor Fernando and his coaching staff are incredibly talented and so caring of all of their students. All age groups are represented.
Dana Point Gracie Barra is the absolute best! The knowledge, compassion, understanding and comradery is a cut above the rest! I'm in the people business and only do business with good people! Learning Jiu-Jitsu is one thing but having an amazing experience while you learn trumps everything!
New to BJJ? Start at Gracie Barra Dana Point Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & Martial Arts
Gracie Barra Dana Point Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & Martial Arts 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 Gracie Barra Dana Point Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & Martial Arts
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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