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Gracie Barra Manhattan Beach
4.7 ★★★★★ 12 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Manhattan Beach, 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
- 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
- Website & schedule gbmanhattanbeach.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 424-423-9044
The classes they run
“My son started at their Redondo location when he was just 3, and now at 5, it’s one of his favorite places to be.”
“The classes there are on the smaller side right now, but that’s only temporary, and it’s actually been great for extra one on one attention.”
Other martial arts here
What members say
“My son has grown tremendously through Jiu-Jitsu at Gracie Barra.”
From the reviews
We absolutely love Gracie Barra! My son started at their Redondo location when he was just 3, and now at 5, it’s one of his favorite places to be. We made the 20 minute drive to Redondo a couple times a week for years and are so happy they finally opened in Manhattan. The coaches are absolute saints!
This is by far the best BJJ gym for kids in the area. The coaches phenomenal! They are very patient, kina, supportive and encouraging. I have 5 year old twin boys that are autistic and am always nervous trying new places around town for them to learn and grow in the community but they welcomed them with open arms .
I’m so excited this location opened! My son is four and has been thriving in this program. The coaches are so professional and gentle. There are boys and girls in class. Really teaching them how to interact with each other in a positive way. I’m so excited to have this for my son.
Gracie Barra Manhattan Beach is an incredible place! The owners and coaches are fantastic as well! My daughter and I both attend the classes, and I can confidently say that you won’t regret joining! 😊
New to BJJ? Start at Gracie Barra Manhattan Beach
Gracie Barra Manhattan Beach 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 Manhattan Beach
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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