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Makoto Jiu Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 19 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Turlock, California
Plan your first class
- Membership memberships run around $149/mo — many academies also offer a discounted first month and family plans, so ask about new-member rates
- Beginner-friendly all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule makotojiujitsu.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (209) 252-3280
Hours
| Monday | 6–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 6–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 6–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 6–8:30 PM |
| Friday | 6–8:30 PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Ares BJJ Turlock has a great atmosphere and is creating some really skilled competitors.”
“When I started I was just looking to learn self defense and now I gained a family.”
“Very welcoming to all levels, whether you’re a beginner, or looking to compete.”
What members say
“Thiago is a great instructor and motivates you to be better each class including that is a good environment… everyone in the class are friendly so any class it’s fun!”
“Ares BJJ Turlock is an incredible place to train, offering a welcoming and well-maintained environment.”
“Thiago is a great instructor and motivates you to be better each class including that is a good environment… everyone in the class are friendly so any class it’s fun!”
“It was a great experience, did technique in multiple positions and great people there super friendly and great atmosphere going back again👍”
“Ares BJJ Turlock has a great atmosphere and is creating some really skilled competitors.”
“It’s a place where training goes beyond physical skills, inspiring discipline, confidence, and personal growth in a positive and team-focused atmosphere.”
From the reviews
Ares BJJ Turlock is a welcoming environment for anyone interested in learning jiu jitsu. Black belt instructor, Thiago Ricci, is an accomplished Master who ensures you are advancing at your own pace while sparring with the right students. Within 3 months I was trimmed down and in the best shape of my life.
Ares BJJ Turlock is an incredible place to train, offering a welcoming and well-maintained environment. The gym fosters a strong sense of community where everyone supports each other’s growth, both on and off the mats.
It’s so cool! Thiago is a great instructor and motivates you to be better each class including that is a good environment… everyone in the class are friendly so any class it’s fun! You got it try it!!
Thiago is a wonderful professor and creates a welcoming environment for all members. Jiu-jitsu is for everyone and Thiago is so encouraging while helping us.
New to BJJ? Start at Makoto Jiu Jitsu
Makoto 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 Makoto 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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