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Gracie Originals Jiu-Jitsu Academy
5 ★★★★★ 6 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Santa Monica, 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
- Kids & youth classes kids and youth BJJ classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule gracieoriginals.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 310-894-0398
Hours
| Monday | 10:30 am–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 10:30 am–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 10:30 am–8 pm |
| Thursday | 10:30 am–8 pm |
| Friday | 10:30 am–5:30 pm |
| Saturday | 10 am–2 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“For the person just starting out, to those competing, to kids looking to build confidence, this place offers everything you’d want in an academy.”
What members say
“The culture is extremely positive and supportive, reflective of the lineage and the owner/head instructor, Erik Soderburgh.”
“Great school for all levels and abilities, its curriculum primarily focuses on old school traditional Rickson Gracie Jiu Jitsu.”
“For the person just starting out, to those competing, to kids looking to build confidence, this place offers everything you’d want in an academy.”
From the reviews
The pedigree of this Dojo and the Instructors are of the purest Jiujitsu. Rickson Gracie Jiujitsu is considered the finest expression of the Art. The name Originals says it all. The high moral character of the Owner and Head Sensei Erik shines throughout the vibe, Black Belt Instructors, and students.
Great school for all levels and abilities, its curriculum primarily focuses on old school traditional Rickson Gracie Jiu Jitsu. The space has a large roll up door with extra high ceilings which gives it a super chill indoor/outdoor feel, locker rooms and clean showers.
For the person just starting out, to those competing, to kids looking to build confidence, this place offers everything you’d want in an academy. Training here is top-tier, structured and disciplined, and the community is growth-oriented, supportive and warm.
This school has the authenticity of a family owned restaurant! Instructors have an incredible depth of knowledge and experience but everyone is on a first name basis and the vibes are excellent! I train with the adults but if I’m lucky enough to have kids I would not hesitate to sign them up here too! 🤙
Your first BJJ class at Gracie Originals Jiu-Jitsu Academy
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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