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Gracie Barra Whittier
4.9 ★★★★★ 132 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Whittier, 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
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule graciebarrawhittier.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (562) 640-1400
Hours
| Monday | 11 AM–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 11 AM–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 11 AM–9 PM |
| Thursday | 11 AM–9 PM |
| Friday | 11 AM–7 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM–9 PM |
| Sunday | 11 AM–9 PM |
The classes they run
“She was scared and unsure, but the professors have been so patient, kind, and amazing with children that they helped her feel comfortable right away.”
“Not only has she learned valuable self-defense skills, but she has also developed great sportsmanship, resilience, and a positive attitude both on and off the mats.”
“Everyone is treated with kindness and encouragement, whether they’re a beginner or have been training for years.”
Other martial arts here
What members say
“Professor Alex is especially amazing—so informative, patient, and great at explaining things in a way kids can understand.”
“From day one, everyone made me feel welcome, and over the years the academy has started to feel like a second family.”
“My boys have been attending this jiu-jitsu studio for many years, and it has been an incredible experience for our family.”
“The coaches do a great job of breaking down techniques in a way that’s easy for kids to understand, regardless of skill level.”
“Since starting, we’ve seen a huge boost in our child’s confidence, discipline, and respect for others.”
“One of the things we appreciate most about Gracie Barra is how safe and supported she feels while also learning discipline, confidence, and respect at such a young age.”
From the reviews
We’ve had an amazing experience at Gracie Barra Whittier with our 11-year-old. The instructors are incredibly professional, patient, and truly care about each student’s growth—both on and off the mats. Since starting, we’ve seen a huge boost in our child’s confidence, discipline, and respect for others.
My boys have been attending this jiu-jitsu studio for many years, and it has been an incredible experience for our family. We’ve watched them grow not only in their skills and confidence but also in their character, discipline, and respect for others.
Gracie Barra Whittier has been a great experience for me. The coaches are knowledgeable, patient, and really take the time to help you improve. The environment is welcoming, respectful, and motivating whether you’re brand new or already have experience.
Here’s a review you can post: I’ve been training at Gracie Barra for a while now, and it has been one of the best decisions I’ve made. The instructors are knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely care about helping every student improve, regardless of experience level.
New to BJJ? Start at Gracie Barra Whittier
Gracie Barra Whittier comes up as a beginner-friendly gym, going by their listing and members’ reviews. 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 Whittier
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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