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Gracie Barra Lake Elsinore

4.6 ★★★★★ 52 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Lake Elsinore, California

Part of Gracie Barra

BJJ gym Free trial Affiliated Beginners welcome Kids & teens Private lessons No-gi Competition team

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
  • 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 gblakeelsinore.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 951-764-4253

Hours

Monday 1–9 pm
Tuesday 1–9 pm
Wednesday 1–9 pm
Thursday 1–9 pm
Friday Closed
Saturday 10 am–1 pm
Sunday Closed

Hours shift for holidays, seminars, and open-gym times — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The classes they run

BJJ classes on the schedule at Gracie Barra Lake Elsinore, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids BJJ 42 mentions

“He offers all levels of classes that are great for kids and adults, so if you are looking for a martial art for your kid, then you must check out Gracie Barra Lake Elsinore!”

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🏆 Competition Team

“Professor Hector believed in my son and encouraged him to sign up for his first GB Competition and he won his very first GOLD medal!”

All gyms that run competition team →

🛡️ Self-Defense 3 mentions

“It has helped my confidence and self-defense skills.”

All gyms that run self-defense →

🌱 Beginners 4 mentions

“Professor Hector and coaches are not only highly skilled but also patient and encouraging, making sure students of all levels feel comfortable while being challenged to improve.”

All gyms that run beginners →

What members say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 52 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, high-level coaching 7 mentions

“Professor Hector is an excellent instructor and I would recommend him and his academy with no reservations.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 7 mentions

“Professor Hector and coaches are not only highly skilled but also patient and encouraging, making sure students of all levels feel comfortable while being challenged to improve.”

🤝 no-ego, friendly academy 20 mentions

“Every student as well as parent treat everyone like family even on your very first day, which made me feel right at home.”

📘 strong technique & fundamentals 9 mentions

“Professor Hector brings a wealth of knowledge and a real gift for teaching—clear explanations, thoughtful progressions, and great attention to safety and fundamentals.”

great workout & conditioning 2 mentions
🧒 strong kids program 4 mentions

“My boy is going to turn 5 this month and my daughter is 9. They love coming here, the schedule and availability of classes is perfect.”

From the reviews

We have been going to the GB lake Elsinore for a year now. And when I compare the very first day my son tried the class and now I see a huge difference in my 8 year old son. He grew physically, emotionally and mentally. Professor Hector is an amazing teacher and truly have made a difference in my son's life.

★★★★★ — Feras, Aug 2017

Gracie Barra is an outstanding place to train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. From the moment you walk in, you feel welcomed and part of a supportive community. Professor Hector and coaches are not only highly skilled but also patient and encouraging, making sure students of all levels feel comfortable while being challenged to…

★★★★★ — Diana, Aug 2025

I train with my 4 boys at Gracie Barra Lake Elsinore. It has been the BEST bonding experience I could ever have the privilege to experience in my life. I could never imagine myself feeling as good as I do today. I have more energy, more flexibility and confidence knowing I can defend myself if needed.

★★★★★ — Amberlee, Jan 2017

My boy is going to turn 5 this month and my daughter is 9. They love coming here, the schedule and availability of classes is perfect. Professor Hector was recommended by several people for his knowledge and ability to work with kids of all ages.

★★★★★ — 1Moe, Dec 2019

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 52 reviews →

New to BJJ? Start at Gracie Barra Lake Elsinore

Gracie Barra Lake Elsinore 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.

See their beginner class info

Your first BJJ class at Gracie Barra Lake Elsinore

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.

BJJ is a contact sport. Ease in, tap early and often, listen to your coaches, and if you have any injuries or health concerns, mention them before class and check with a doctor if you're unsure.

Where to find Gracie Barra Lake Elsinore

109 S Main St, Lake Elsinore, CA92532

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and member reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this gym? Claim your listing — it's free.