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Marcellini's Martial Arts Academy - Riverside
5 ★★★★★ 37 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Riverside, 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 (ages 3–13) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Women's classes dedicated women's BJJ classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule riverside-brazilianjiujitsu.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (951) 742-5733
Hours
| Monday | 5–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 5–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 5–7:30 PM |
| Thursday | 5–9 PM |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“If you’re looking for a place to build real MMA fundamentals with a knowledgeable instructor who cares about his students, I highly recommend training here.”
“His students, from kids to adults, love and respect him, learning both martial arts and valuable life lessons.”
“What separates MMAA from other academies in the area is the clear focus on real world self-defense as opposed to “scoring points” as you would in sports Jiu Jitsu schools.”
“Whether you’re brand new or already have some experience, Sam makes you feel comfortable while still pushing you to level up every class.”
Other martial arts here
“Meanwhile, the advanced BJJ curriculum focuses on defending yourself against opponents trained in BJJ, boxing, wrestling, or Muay Thai.”
“If you’re looking for a place to build real MMA fundamentals with a knowledgeable instructor who cares about his students, I highly recommend training here.”
“Meanwhile, the advanced BJJ curriculum focuses on defending yourself against opponents trained in BJJ, boxing, wrestling, or Muay Thai.”
“The kickboxing and jujitsu classes are excellent, and the way he breaks down techniques while instructors guide and support everyone makes learning both effective and enjoyable.”
“Meanwhile, the advanced BJJ curriculum focuses on defending yourself against opponents trained in BJJ, boxing, wrestling, or Muay Thai.”
What members say
“If you’re looking for a place to build real MMA fundamentals with a knowledgeable instructor who cares about his students, I highly recommend training here.”
“The fundamentals/beginner curriculum focuses on defending yourself in a street fight against an untrained opponent.”
“All in all, if you’re looking to join a quality school with real-world applications and a true family-like atmosphere, MMAA is a safe bet.”
“His array of black belts, detailed instruction, and decades of training with the very best in the world reflects his commitment to provide the very best for his students.”
“From the moment you walk in, you’re welcomed into a clean, professional, and friendly environment.”
From the reviews
I’ve been training at this Martial arts gym with Sam for a while now, and it’s honestly a great experience. Sam is one of those rare instructors who’s not just skilled, but also a genuinely gifted teacher.
My experience here has always been great. Sam’s ability to not only teach jiu-jitsu but also share life experiences and advice is what separates him from other instructors. The students here are also fantastic to work with, they all are eager to help and guide you with whatever moves or positions you need help with.
I have been attending MMAA for just under 2 months now, and I learn so much in every class I attend. Sensei Sam genuinely cares about the growth and development of each one of his students, and I'm very happy with my decision to join.
Our daughter is now in her third year at Marcellini's Martial Arts Academy, and we truly couldn’t be happier with the experience. Before finding this academy, we tried several different activities and programs, but nothing really clicked for her.
New to BJJ? Start at Marcellini's Martial Arts Academy - Riverside
Marcellini's Martial Arts Academy - Riverside 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 Marcellini's Martial Arts Academy - Riverside
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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