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Gracie University of Jiu-Jitsu

4.9 ★★★★★ 837 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Torrance, California

Part of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu

BJJ gym Free trial Affiliated Beginners welcome Kids & teens

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 3–15) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • Women's classes dedicated women's BJJ classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule gracie-torrance.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 310-893-0400

Hours

Monday 6:30 am–9 pm
Tuesday 6:30 am–9 pm
Wednesday 9 am–9 pm
Thursday 6:30 am–9 pm
Friday 6:30 am–9 pm
Saturday 8:30 am–3 pm
Sunday Closed

Hours shift for holidays, seminars, and open-gym times — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The classes they run

BJJ classes on the schedule at Gracie University of Jiu-Jitsu, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids BJJ 30 mentions

“My daughter enjoyed her 1st trial class so much that as we were leaving the facility that she said that she wanted to come back regularly.”

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🛡️ Self-Defense

“The program stood out to us because it teaches confidence, discipline, and practical self-defense in such a positive and encouraging environment.”

All gyms that run self-defense →

What members say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 837 Google reviews — in their own words.

🌱 welcoming to beginners 13 mentions

“Although my three year old was a bit intimidated at first, the teachers were kind, the fellow parents were welcoming, and the center was so clean and well taken care of.”

🤝 no-ego, friendly academy 24 mentions

“The space is very family-friendly with plenty of room for parents, and there’s even a separate area where I can get some work done while his little sister plays with the toys.”

🎖️ legit lineage & affiliation 24 mentions

“We recently started our journey with Gracie University for my 4-year-old, who just began public school, and I felt he could benefit from the skills taught here.”

🧼 clean, well-kept mats 9 mentions

“Although my three year old was a bit intimidated at first, the teachers were kind, the fellow parents were welcoming, and the center was so clean and well taken care of.”

🧠 builds confidence & discipline 9 mentions

“I was looking for a good place for my 4-year-old son to start learning Jiu Jitsu, with the goal of building his strength, confidence, and ability to protect himself.”

From the reviews

We recently started our journey with Gracie University for my 4-year-old, who just began public school, and I felt he could benefit from the skills taught here. From the very beginning, everyone has been so welcoming.

★★★★★ — Alice, Sep 2025

My five-year-old son had his introductory class today and I was thrilled with the level of care and professionalism of the Gracie University staff. They made him feel welcomed from the onset, despite him being quite shy and nervous.

★★★★★ — Ryan, Apr 2026

I would just like to talk about how exceptional this place is. My son was so nervous coming here. He literally cried all morning and by the time he got here, it is just a feeling that you get when you walk in here all the teachers are active with the kids helping the kids.

★★★★★ — Yoceline, Apr 2026

Zac and Rawann @ Gracie were super professional, friendly and communicative throughout our trial experience at Gracie. My daughter enjoyed her 1st trial class so much that as we were leaving the facility that she said that she wanted to come back regularly.

★★★★★ — Rae, Jan 2026

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 837 reviews →

New to BJJ? Start at Gracie University of Jiu-Jitsu

Gracie University of 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.

See their beginner class info

Your first BJJ class at Gracie University of 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.

BJJ is a contact sport. Ease in, tap early and often, listen to your coaches, and if you have any injuries or health concerns, mention them before class and check with a doctor if you're unsure.

Where to find Gracie University of Jiu-Jitsu

2440 W Carson St, Torrance, CA90501

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and member reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this gym? Claim your listing — it's free.