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Gracie Barra Rancho Santa Margarita Jiu-Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 81 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Rancho Santa Margarita, 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
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule graciebarrarsm.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 949-558-0719
Hours
| Monday | 10 am–1:30 pm, 3–8:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 6–7:30 am, 9–10 am, 12–1:30 pm, 3:30–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 11 am–1:30 pm, 3–8:30 pm |
| Thursday | 6–7:30 am, 9–10 am, 12–1:30 pm, 3:30–8:30 pm |
| Friday | 6–7:30 am, 12–1:30 pm, 4–8:30 pm |
| Saturday | 8:40 am–1:15 pm |
| Sunday | 9–10 am |
The classes they run
“For a long time I have been looking for a place where teachers talk to children with similar bases of what I have learned in positive discipline principles.”
“They also have a women’s only program taught by a female instructor.”
“They have classes for the entire family, kids, teens adults, and paren & child.”
“In addition to jiu-jitsu classes, they offer conditioning classes and a competition class.”
“I also recommend taking private or semi private lessons with their experienced professors to improve your skills.”
“Not only do they teach self defense but also enforce good habits to kids like listening to their parents, helping their parents, eating healthy.”
“The classes are well-structured, catering to all skill levels, whether you're a beginner or advanced practitioner.”
What members say
“If you want to learn BJJ from world class professors you no longer need to search, GBRS is the right place for you.”
“The environment is welcoming, fostering both personal growth and a sense of community.”
“But when one of the Gracie family, a national champion, is a Professor at your school, that means something.”
“The emphasis on technique, discipline, and camaraderie creates an inspiring atmosphere for learning and growth.”
“In addition to jiu-jitsu classes, they offer conditioning classes and a competition class.”
“My son loves it here and has made a lot of new friends.”
From the reviews
I’ve been training at this school over 3 years now and I really enjoy it. They have classes for the entire family, kids, teens adults, and paren & child. They also have a women’s only program taught by a female instructor. In addition to jiu-jitsu classes, they offer conditioning classes and a competition class.
The instructors at GB not only teach my 6 year old son BJJ, they also have taught him respect for himself and others. I would definitely recommend this facility to any adult or anyone with children, it's a place for everyone.
The kids have been going here for nearly two years. They have learned respect and self-discipline while gaining valuable skills and getting physically fit. The staff brings the same positive energy and focus to every class. Even the other kids in the class are well-trained and helpful whenever there’s someone new.
Gracie Barra Rancho Santa Margarita Jiu-Jitsu has truly been a game-changer for me! The instructors are incredibly knowledgeable, passionate, and dedicated to helping every student succeed. The environment is welcoming, fostering both personal growth and a sense of community.
New to BJJ? Start at Gracie Barra Rancho Santa Margarita Jiu-Jitsu
Gracie Barra Rancho Santa Margarita 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 Rancho Santa Margarita 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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