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Gracie Barra Riverside Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Martial Arts
5 ★★★★★ 59 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Riverside, 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 graciebarra.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (951) 558-8517
Hours
| Monday | 11:30 AM–1:30 PM, 2:30–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 2:30–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 11:30 AM–1:30 PM, 2:30–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 2:30–9 PM |
| Friday | 8:30–10:30 AM |
| Saturday | 8:30 AM–12:30 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“My children have been training at Gracie Barra Riverside for 18 months and I can confidently say it's been an amazing experience.”
“I really enjoy going to the all-women’s classes but I have fun no matter what class I’m in!”
“From hobbyist to competitor, to family bonding, this community has much to offer.”
“These classes not only teach strength, confidence, and self-defense- they empower women to do the hard things finding resilience and strength within each other.”
“From the moment she stepped onto the mats as a wide eyed beginner, she's absolutely fallen in love with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu here.”
What members say
“Coach Emmy provides great step by step instructions for groups of all age's and different skill level.”
“From the moment she stepped onto the mats as a wide eyed beginner, she's absolutely fallen in love with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu here.”
“The facility is spotless, welcoming, and super family oriented, with that classic Gracie Barra vibe of discipline wrapped in positivity.”
“They break down complex techniques into easy-to-understand steps and provide personalized feedback to help you improve.”
“If you're looking for a place where your kid can thrive, laugh, and grow stronger (inside and out), Gracie Barra Riverside is it.”
“I've been bringing my 6-year-old daughter to Gracie Barra Riverside for over two years now, and it's hands down the best decision we've made for her after school activities.”
From the reviews
Training at Gracie Barra Riverside has been incredibly welcoming for both my son and me. Although we primarily train at Gracie Barra Corona, we jump at any opportunity to train at GBR! Professors Emi, Kevin, and Gil bring their energy, experience, and genuine passion to each class.
Just signed my two boys up to get some exercise and learn self-defense. The coaches and staff made them and myself feel very welcoming. Coach Emmy provides great step by step instructions for groups of all age's and different skill level.
I have been training with Gracie for about 2 months and it is awesome. They offer a women’s only class on Saturday mornings at the Riverside location. All of the ladies are great. We are bonding and making our friendship better each weekend.
I've been bringing my 6-year-old daughter to Gracie Barra Riverside for over two years now, and it's hands down the best decision we've made for her after school activities. From the moment she stepped onto the mats as a wide eyed beginner, she's absolutely fallen in love with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu here.
New to BJJ? Start at Gracie Barra Riverside Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Martial Arts
Gracie Barra Riverside Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Martial Arts 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 Riverside Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Martial Arts
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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