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Latif Kadri PHD BJJ

5 ★★★★★ 14 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Bakersfield, California

BJJ gym Beginners welcome Kids & teens Competition team

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
  • 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
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule latifkadribjj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (661) 428-1798

Hours

Monday 8–9 AM, 12–1 PM, 5–8 PM
Tuesday 8–9 AM, 12–1 PM, 5–8 PM
Wednesday 8–9 AM, 12–1 PM, 5–8 PM
Thursday 12–1 PM, 5–8 PM
Friday 12–1 PM
Saturday 11 AM–1 PM
Sunday 11 AM–1 PM

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 Latif Kadri PHD BJJ, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🏆 Competition Team 2 mentions

“The way he teaches and explains sequences, set-ups, finishes is perfect for any level of BJJ-practitioner and competitor.”

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🔓 Open Mat

“I was by an open mat on a Sunday.”

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🛡️ Self-Defense

“Highly recommended for anyone interested in self-defense, fitness, or competition training.”

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🌱 Beginners 5 mentions

“The coaches are extremely knowledgeable, patient, and passionate about helping every student improve, whether you’re a complete beginner or an advanced practitioner.”

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What members say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 14 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, high-level coaching 2 mentions

“The mats are always clean, the members & staff are always friendly , & the coach/ owner Latif, is amazing at coaching jiu jitsu.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 11 mentions

“The coaches are extremely knowledgeable, patient, and passionate about helping every student improve, whether you’re a complete beginner or an advanced practitioner.”

🤝 no-ego, friendly academy 15 mentions

“The mats are always clean, the members & staff are always friendly , & the coach/ owner Latif, is amazing at coaching jiu jitsu.”

📘 strong technique & fundamentals 4 mentions

“Latif is a very dedicated trainer and sparring partner who trains safely and explains the technique in a very clear and respectful way.”

active competition team 2 mentions

“The way he teaches and explains sequences, set-ups, finishes is perfect for any level of BJJ-practitioner and competitor.”

🧼 clean, well-kept mats 5 mentions

“The mats are always clean, the members & staff are always friendly , & the coach/ owner Latif, is amazing at coaching jiu jitsu.”

From the reviews

I’ve had an amazing experience training at this Jiu Jitsu gym. The coaches are extremely knowledgeable, patient, and passionate about helping every student improve, whether you’re a complete beginner or an advanced practitioner. The facility is always clean, well-maintained, and has a great training atmosphere.

★★★★★ — James, Feb 2026

Excellent classes, clean facility, and a welcoming atmosphere. I started here with basically no experience, the whitest of white belts. Latif has been incredibly patient, nuanced, and detailed in both his instruction and demonstrations of BJJ techniques.

★★★★★ — Robert, Aug 2025

Latif Kadri Jiu Jitsu is truly top-notch. The instruction is world-class, the atmosphere is welcoming, and the level of detail in the teaching is exceptional. Whether you're a beginner or more advanced, you'll feel supported and challenged.

★★★★★ — Andy, Aug 2025

Had the honour to train with Latif for over nearly 4 years. The way he teaches and explains sequences, set-ups, finishes is perfect for any level of BJJ-practitioner and competitor.

★★★★★ — Thomas, Aug 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 14 reviews →

New to BJJ? Start at Latif Kadri PHD BJJ

Latif Kadri PHD BJJ 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.

Check beginner classes on their site

Your first BJJ class at Latif Kadri PHD BJJ

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 Latif Kadri PHD BJJ

900 24th St Unit 113, Bakersfield, CA93301

Get directions

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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.