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Gracie Barra Jiu Jitsu in San Diego - Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 105 Google reviews · BJJ gym in San Diego, 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 — 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 graciebarrasandiego.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 858-886-7058
Hours
| Monday | 9 am–8:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 9 am–8:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 9 am–8:30 pm |
| Thursday | 9 am–8:30 pm |
| Friday | 9 am–12:30 pm, 3–8 pm |
| Saturday | 9 am–1 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Teaches kids self discipline, leadership, anti-bullying tactics (real world scenarios and what to do), self defense, respect, and no quitting attitude.”
“Teaches kids self discipline, leadership, anti-bullying tactics (real world scenarios and what to do), self defense, respect, and no quitting attitude.”
“They break down techniques in a way that makes them accessible to everyone—whether you’re stepping on the mats for the first time or have years of experience.”
Other martial arts here
What members say
“I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a strong community and excellent instruction.”
“They break down techniques in a way that makes them accessible to everyone—whether you’re stepping on the mats for the first time or have years of experience.”
“From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted with a warm, family-like atmosphere that makes you feel welcome no matter your experience level.”
“They break down techniques in a way that makes them accessible to everyone—whether you’re stepping on the mats for the first time or have years of experience.”
“Ogawa Sensei's positive attitude and reinforcement are things that I value highly, especially since it is helping my daughter's self-confidence flourish.”
“We are all so fortunate to have Gracie barra jiu jitsu, Alexandre and his team so near to us in Clairmont and surrounding area.”
From the reviews
5-Star Review – Highly Recommend Gracie Barra San Diego! I’ve been training jiu-jitsu for over 15 yrs and I have went to many different Jiu-Jitsu schools on my journey . I genuinely wish I had found Gracie Barra much earlier. From the moment I walked in, it was clear this place is special.
Ogawa Sensei is an Outstanding Instructor!!! His martial arts skills are equally matched by his kindness and genuine willingness to help you understand the concepts and technical aspects behind the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills he teaches.
Father Son Jiu-Jitsu @ Gracie Barra San Diego! As a newbie at Gracie Barra South Austin ("GBSA") I was excited to train with my son at Gracie Barra San Diego. Big shout out to Coach Carol at GBSA for setting everything up for us!
I visited as a GB guest from another school. Absolutely great coaches, awesome guys to roll with, I fully enjoyed! I can’t say enough good things about this Jiu-Jitsu location! From the moment I walked in, I felt welcomed and supported. The instructors are incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and encouraging.
New to BJJ? Start at Gracie Barra Jiu Jitsu in San Diego - Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Gracie Barra Jiu Jitsu in San Diego - Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 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 Jiu Jitsu in San Diego - Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
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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