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Paragon Academy Jiu Jitsu-Boxing-Kickboxing Gym
4.7 ★★★★★ 35 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Santa Barbara, 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
- No-gi no-gi grappling classes — training in a rashguard and shorts, with faster scrambles and a natural bridge to MMA
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule paragonbjj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 805-730-1927
Hours
| Monday | 10 am–2 pm, 3–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 12–2 pm, 3–7 pm |
| Wednesday | 10 am–2 pm, 3–8 pm |
| Thursday | 3–7 pm |
| Friday | 10 am–2 pm, 5–8 pm |
| Saturday | 10–11:30 am |
| Sunday | 9–10 am |
The classes they run
“The Fundamental Classes were invaluable.”
“I'm new to BJJ and started from scratch - no wrestling and only a few moths of martial arts as a kid.”
“Highly recommend Attended Friday noon NoGi class as a drop-in visiting from out-of-town.”
“Theres a body type for everybody, and whether you compete, want to get in shape, or just come to enjoy the vibe, you're in the right place!”
“Paragon was the perfect combination of coaches teaching you, pushing you, and being cautious of safety for beginners.”
Other martial arts here
“They train in Jiu Jitsu and boxing and private boxing.”
“I'm new to BJJ and started from scratch - no wrestling and only a few moths of martial arts as a kid.”
What members say
“Great coaches and overall community.”
“Paragon was the perfect combination of coaches teaching you, pushing you, and being cautious of safety for beginners.”
“The community of BJJ at Paragon was super welcoming and encouraging.”
“Very thorough instruction in the technique and one of the coaches spent a good amount of time helping me and my drilling partner get the crucial details.”
“This is an excellent program for self confidence, strength and balance and anti bullying.”
“Theres a body type for everybody, and whether you compete, want to get in shape, or just come to enjoy the vibe, you're in the right place!”
From the reviews
I just celebrated my 1 year anniversary at Paragon. I'd marveled at jiu-jitsu and been wanting to learn for years - even drove by the place a few times. I didn't have a wrestling or martial arts background, was getting older, and felt a bit intimidated. Joining has been one of the best decisions I've made.
I recently stopped by this gym during my vacation in Santa Barbara and the experience was great. When I first reached out by email asking about the possibility of drop-in just for a few classes, professor Sandoval accepted me in his prompt reply. When I visited the morning class, he and his students were all kind.
I'm new to BJJ and started from scratch - no wrestling and only a few moths of martial arts as a kid. I was pleasantly surprised at how open and friendly every has been. I've been going for three months and although I'm still very much a newbie, the team has been nothing but supportive.
My Grandsons started at Paragon when they were 5 and 6 years old. They train in Jiu Jitsu and boxing and private boxing. The coaches genuinely care about the kids They are very on top of promoting when the kids earn it and address any issues that come up between them.
New to BJJ? Start at Paragon Academy Jiu Jitsu-Boxing-Kickboxing Gym
Paragon Academy Jiu Jitsu-Boxing-Kickboxing Gym 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 Paragon Academy Jiu Jitsu-Boxing-Kickboxing Gym
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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