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Humboldt Jiu Jitsu
4.9 ★★★★★ 49 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Arcata, 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
- 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
- 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
- No-gi no-gi grappling classes — training in a rashguard and shorts, with faster scrambles and a natural bridge to MMA
- Open mat open-mat rolling sessions for members to practice live — always optional and at your own pace
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
- Website & schedule humboldtjiujitsu.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (707) 822-6278
The classes they run
“They have a great open mat that usually includes attendees from all of the other gyms, gi and no gi classes, self defense, lots of kids classes, and a women's only class.”
“They have a great open mat that usually includes attendees from all of the other gyms, gi and no gi classes, self defense, lots of kids classes, and a women's only class.”
“They have a great open mat that usually includes attendees from all of the other gyms, gi and no gi classes, self defense, lots of kids classes, and a women's only class.”
“They have a great open mat that usually includes attendees from all of the other gyms, gi and no gi classes, self defense, lots of kids classes, and a women's only class.”
“There are opportunities to compete and train with affiliate gyms, and guest teachers regularly host seminars.”
“I especially had a lot of fun at their Saturday open mat- lots of friendly people, even from different gyms, coming together to share their take on tactics, style and spar.”
“And if you’re in a place in your life where self-defense training will help boost your confidence, sense of safety, or healing from abuse or trauma; this is the place to go.”
“Wonderful group of kind and professional people that took the time to show me some beginner moves and made me feel welcome and accepted from the beginning.”
Other martial arts here
What members say
“Great instruction, beautiful facility and competitive rolling.”
“Wonderful group of kind and professional people that took the time to show me some beginner moves and made me feel welcome and accepted from the beginning.”
“I especially had a lot of fun at their Saturday open mat- lots of friendly people, even from different gyms, coming together to share their take on tactics, style and spar.”
“Kids have fun and have great technique, gym is clean and friendly and will push you to be your best.”
“Front desk person is welcoming and amazing, the instructors know what they are doing and they are great with kids!”
“There are opportunities to compete and train with affiliate gyms, and guest teachers regularly host seminars.”
From the reviews
I have been training at Humboldt Jiu Jitsu for a little over three years now. Was looking to get in shape and learn some grappling skills, but I also found an amazing community of individuals who support and encourage each other to be the best versions of themselves.
This is my favorite bjj gym in the area. They have a great open mat that usually includes attendees from all of the other gyms, gi and no gi classes, self defense, lots of kids classes, and a women's only class. They also give everyone their first week for free. They have gis you can borrow/rent.
I had the pleasure of training at this amazing jiu-jitsu gym during my time in Arcata for a couple of weeks. From the moment I walked in, the energy was fantastic, and I immediately felt welcomed. Whether you’re a beginner (like me! first timer) or more experienced, this place provides a great environment for learning.
Super friendly people and staff! Front desk person is welcoming and amazing, the instructors know what they are doing and they are great with kids! Had the pleasure of meeting folks when I was taking my nephews to class and always felt welcomed! I will forever recommend them!
New to BJJ? Start at Humboldt Jiu Jitsu
Humboldt Jiu Jitsu comes up as a beginner-friendly gym, going by their listing and members’ reviews. 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 Humboldt 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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