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Raul Castillo Martial Arts

5 ★★★★★ 12 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Half Moon Bay, California

BJJ gym Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens Competition team

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 5) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule raulcastillomartialarts.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (650) 560-0100

Hours

Monday 9 AM–9 PM
Tuesday 9 AM–9 PM
Wednesday 9 AM–9 PM
Thursday 9 AM–9 PM
Friday 9 AM–9 PM
Saturday 8 AM–9 PM
Sunday 9 AM–9 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 Raul Castillo Martial Arts, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids BJJ 3 mentions

“Capoeira classes available here for Adults and kids.”

All gyms that run kids bjj →

🛡️ Self-Defense

“Self defense is a skill that is so important to learn.”

All gyms that run self-defense →

Other martial arts here

BJJ gyms are usually multi-discipline. Here's what else members mention training under the same roof at Raul Castillo Martial Arts — mined from their reviews and the gym's own info.

Disciplines are mined from reviews and the gym's own info — they show what members have trained, not a formal class guarantee. If you specifically want MMA, muay thai, or wrestling alongside your BJJ, confirm the current schedule with the gym.

What members say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 12 Google reviews — in their own words.

🤝 no-ego, friendly academy 4 mentions

“Have never been to a more welcoming and encouraging place.”

From the reviews

Capoeira classes available here for Adults and kids. All levels! Great space and family vibe!

★★★★★ — Ryan, Oct 2021

Raul and Iris are both amazing with kids. I can't recommend them enough! Whether its for classes, camps, or hosting parties they have it all and you won't be disappointed.

★★★★★ — Lacey, Apr 2026

Raul is absolutely fantastic with the kids. They learn athleticism, sportsmanship, and excellent life lessons in addition to jiu jitsu. We could not recommend more highly.

★★★★★ — Yosem, Jun 2023

Raul and his team are the absolute best. Have never been to a more welcoming and encouraging place. Would highly recommend to anyone that is interested in tough workouts and good people. Support local biz!

★★★★★ — Sara, Feb 2022

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 12 reviews →

New to BJJ? Start at Raul Castillo Martial Arts

Raul Castillo Martial Arts 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.

See their beginner class info

Your first BJJ class at Raul Castillo Martial Arts

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 Raul Castillo Martial Arts

765 Main St, Half Moon Bay, CA94019

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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.