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Gracie Jiu Jitsu Long Beach
5 ★★★★★ 44 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Long Beach, California
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 (ages 3–12) — 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
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule gracieuniversity.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 562-900-6078
Hours
| Monday | 4–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 11 am–2 pm |
| Wednesday | 11 am–8 pm |
| Thursday | 4–8 pm |
| Friday | 11 am–2 pm |
| Saturday | 1–4 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“They use fun, Jiu-Jitsu-based games to teach fundamentals in a way that’s engaging and age-appropriate.”
“Both of my sons have joined as well, and seeing the way Dean and Sofia teach kids with patience, respect, and discipline has been incredible.”
“It’s the type of school where you can train alongside your loved one or drop your teenager or toddler off at and not worry one bit.”
“He gave us the personal attention we needed when we decided to do private lessons, as well as the extra push we needed in group classes.”
“In closing, if you’re looking for high level instruction in a fun and friendly environment, with an emphasis on self defense and sport Jiu Jitsu, this is your spot.”
“Whether you’re a beginner, an experienced student, or a parent looking to enroll their child, you can expect him there teaching and supervising with his full attention.”
Other martial arts here
“He grew up with the Gracie family, and some of his best friends are currently the highest level UFC/ MMA fighters in the country.”
What members say
“With excellent instruction and an emphasis on safety I look forward to many years of continuing with Gracie Jiu Jitsu Long Beach.”
“I’m a complete beginner and had been wanting to try Jiu Jitsu for years—finally pulled the trigger and couldn’t be happier that I chose Gracie Jiu Jitsu Long Beach.”
“In addition, the student base is extremely friendly and accommodating which goes to show how well the culture at the CTC has been fostered under the leadership and tutelage of Mr.”
“I’ve been attending classes for about 3 weeks now, and I genuinely appreciate how much care they put into making sure everyone is learning the techniques safely and effectively.”
“I must admit – it is quite a drive for me coming from HB but our son absolutely loves taking his classes so it’s all worth it!”
“I started jiu-jitsu back in 2008 and after a 15-year hiatus, I finally returned – and I could not be happier to be training at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Long Beach with Dean and Sofia.”
From the reviews
Where do I begin. The good things to say about Dean would fill multiple reviews. My son and I have been training with him for nearly 3 years. His background alone is mind blowing. He grew up with the Gracie family, and some of his best friends are currently the highest level UFC/ MMA fighters in the country.
I am a complete beginner, so I was a bit nervous going into Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Long Beach for my first class. I could not have imagined a more welcoming and encouraging environment.
Absolutely nothing could have prepared me for the level of strength, confidence, and community I’ve found at Gracie Jiu Jitsu in Long Beach. I began my jiu jitsu journey with Dean and Sofia in the Combative's class!
Our son Jack has trained with Dean for more than 2 years now. He started training with Dean Wellen since he was 6 years old at a Jiu-jitsu close to us in Huntington Beach. Our son Jack was very taken and fond of Dean from day 1! So when Dean left that studio – it wasn’t the same anymore.
New to BJJ? Start at Gracie Jiu Jitsu Long Beach
Gracie Jiu Jitsu Long 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 Jiu Jitsu Long 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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