Home › California › San Gabriel › Gracie Barra Pasadena
Gracie Barra Pasadena
5 ★★★★★ 38 Google reviews · BJJ gym in San Gabriel, 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
- 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 graciebarra.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (626) 537-1499
Hours
| Monday | 12–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 12–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 12–8 PM |
| Thursday | 12–8 PM |
| Friday | 1–8 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–12 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Professor David and Haas are great at teaching my 6 year old the fundamental basics of BJJ.”
“My son just started his first Jiu Jitsu classes with Gracie Barra Pasadena and let me just say he is one happy, excited young kid when he know he’s going to class.”
“He is a jiu jitsu champion from the world renowned Gracie Barra HQ Competition Team.”
“Whether you’re looking for exercise, learning self-defense, or just wanting to push yourself in a positive environment, I would highly recommend this school.”
“They make this gym what it is - a place where anyone can come and join, learn, grow stronger and faster, and improve yourself at all levels.”
What members say
“I wasn't sure what to expect but Professor Haas and Professor David are really great coaches and the environment is very welcoming.”
“The facility is always clean and welcoming, and the coaches are not only incredibly knowledgeable, but also patient, encouraging, and never judgmental.”
“The facility is always clean and welcoming, and the coaches are not only incredibly knowledgeable, but also patient, encouraging, and never judgmental.”
“Any time I needed clarification on how to execute a move efficiently they were more than willing to take the time to provide detailed technical advice.”
“I am so thankful I found this place and the fact that my child loves it makes me know as a parent he is comfortable and enjoys the atmosphere and life lessons he is learning.”
“A curriculum suitable for all skill levels, and a culture that fosters camaraderie rather than just competition.”
From the reviews
Professor David is the head instructor at Gracie Barra Pasadena. He is a jiu jitsu champion from the world renowned Gracie Barra HQ Competition Team. Prof. David's friendly and enthusiastic personality made me feel comfortable and excited about being in class with him.
This dojo is truly my second home. From the moment I started training here, I felt welcomed and supported. I genuinely look forward to every class. Our Sensei David and coach Hass are incredibly professional, patient, and passionate about what they do.
My children have been training at this gym since it first opened in June, and it has been wonderful experience from day one. Professor David and Coach Haas are exceptional instructors who bring both expertise and heart to every class. Their ability to connect with kids is truly impressive.
Gracie Barra Pasadena has truly been a blessing for my kids (ages 8 and 11). I had been searching for the right BJJ school for some time and feel fortunate to have found this location. They just opened this past summer, and Coach Haas and Professor David have been incredibly welcoming and supportive from the start.
New to BJJ? Start at Gracie Barra Pasadena
Gracie Barra Pasadena 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 Pasadena
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.
More BJJ gyms near San Gabriel
SCHOOL Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 45 reviews
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site
Mountain Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 12 reviews
Jiu Jitsu Team America
5 ★★★★★ 13 reviews
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site