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Higher Ground Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 25 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Rowland Heights, 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 — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule hgbjj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (626) 667-4082
Hours
| Monday | 10 AM–12 PM, 6–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 6–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 10 AM–12 PM, 6–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 6–8:30 PM |
| Friday | 12–1 PM |
| Saturday | 10–11:30 AM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Highly recommend anyone who’s curious about the sport to come in and give it a try, whether if it’s just to get in shape or learning self defense.”
“Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced practitioner, they provide the individual attention necessary to sharpen your technique and boost your confidence.”
What members say
“Julio and Sean are amazing professors with great knowledge of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu.”
“If you are looking for a place that balances technical excellence with a welcoming atmosphere, Higher Ground Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is the gold standard.”
“If you are looking for a place that balances technical excellence with a welcoming atmosphere, Higher Ground Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is the gold standard.”
“Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced practitioner, they provide the individual attention necessary to sharpen your technique and boost your confidence.”
“I am 52 and was not in great shape.”
“Julio is a black belt under Rodrigo Teixeira and Sean is a black belt under Saulo Ribeiro.”
From the reviews
I started doing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu about 15 months ago. I lost over 40 lbs in the first 3 months and have kept it off. I dropped from over 210 to just under 170.
If you are looking for a place that balances technical excellence with a welcoming atmosphere, Higher Ground Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is the gold standard. From the moment you walk through the doors, it’s clear that this isn't just a gym—it’s a community.
Can't recommend this play enough! Great atmosphere, helpful instructors and many practitioners of varying skills helping each other out. Great for kids and adults.
I've been training at Higher Ground for over four years now. Julio and Sean are the owners and instructors. Julio is a black belt under Rodrigo Teixeira and Sean is a black belt under Saulo Ribeiro. Both instructors offer solid fundamental techniques and a positive attitude.
New to BJJ? Start at Higher Ground Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Higher Ground 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 Higher Ground 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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