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Hierba Mala Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 37 Google reviews · BJJ gym in San Leandro, California
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
- Women's classes dedicated women's BJJ classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
- Open mat open-mat rolling sessions for members to practice live — always optional and at your own pace
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule hierbamalabjj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 510-725-1289
Hours
| Monday | 5:30–8 am |
| Tuesday | 5:30–8 am |
| Wednesday | 5:30–8 am |
| Thursday | 5:30–8 am |
| Friday | 5:30–8 am |
| Saturday | 6:30–8 am |
| Sunday | 10:30 am–12:30 pm |
The classes they run
“The women’s only class on Sundays is also a very welcoming group that is 100% a pathway into the mixed classes.”
“I eventually got brave enough to try out an open mat and everyone was so warm and welcoming.”
“Hierba Mala is a great place to train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu from your first time stepping onto the mats to black belt and beyond.”
What members say
“Professor Luis sets the tone, super knowledgeable, patient and knows how to create an environment that’s both fun and focused.”
“Hierba Mala is a great place to train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu from your first time stepping onto the mats to black belt and beyond.”
“I no longer feel nervous about rolling with the guys because Professor Luis, Professor Bry, and Jason create a space that’s welcoming, respectful, and supportive for everyone.”
“His teaching style is perfect for beginners—he breaks everything down, and ensures the techniques are easy to understand without feeling daunting.”
“The women’s only class on Sundays is also a very welcoming group that is 100% a pathway into the mixed classes.”
“Professor Luis sets the tone, super knowledgeable, patient and knows how to create an environment that’s both fun and focused.”
From the reviews
I joined Hierba Mala Brazilian Jiu-jitsu 7 months ago, one of the best decisions I've ever taken. It has been such a positive and rewarding experience, Professor Luis, Bry, Tony and all the coaching staff have established such an amazing community.
Hierba Mala BJJ is an amazing academy that makes you feel welcome from day one. Professor Luis sets the tone, super knowledgeable, patient and knows how to create an environment that’s both fun and focused. Whether you’re just starting out or have been training for years, there’s something here for everyone.
I was hesitant to start BJJ as a beginner having watched a couple classes. However, after seeing friends having a blast, I decided to give it a try, and I’m so glad I did! From the moment I started, Luis made BJJ incredibly approachable.
I had always been curious about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu but felt a little hesitant to try it—it’s such an up-close-and-personal sport. When Professor Luis started the Women’s Class, I finally took the leap. And it only took that very first class to know: this was my next challenge.
New to BJJ? Start at Hierba Mala Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Hierba Mala Brazilian 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.
Your first BJJ class at Hierba Mala Brazilian 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.
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