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Renzo Gracie Jiu Jitsu Pasadena
4.9 ★★★★★ 48 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Pasadena, California
Part of Renzo Gracie Academy
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
- 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 3–7) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Women's classes dedicated women's BJJ classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
- Private lessons private, one-on-one coaching available — a focused way to start or to work around a busy schedule; ask about availability and rates
- No-gi no-gi grappling classes — training in a rashguard and shorts, with faster scrambles and a natural bridge to MMA
- Open mat open-mat rolling sessions for members to practice live — always optional and at your own pace
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule renzograciepasadena.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (626) 491-5850
Hours
| Monday | 12–1:30 PM, 6–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 12–1:30 PM, 6–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 12–1:30 PM, 6–9 PM |
| Thursday | 12–1:30 PM, 6–9 PM |
| Friday | 6–7:30 PM |
| Saturday | 10–11:30 AM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“The foundations class is a must, I made tremendous progress taking it, and I could see it in the first few weeks.”
“Both coaches use the same approach in their toddler classes, which I take my kids to and which they look forward to every weekend.”
“I attended the NOGI fundamentals class as a drop in from Australia.”
“After a few months in group classes, I decided to try private lessons as well, which covered these skills in a more in-depth way.”
“Alex and Sally recently hosted a set of self defense classes for our middle school group.”
“Their teaching methodology is incredibly methodical, organized, and well-structured, which greatly enhances the learning experience for students of all levels.”
Other martial arts here
“Coach Sally also weaves elements of boxing, kickboxing and judo into the lessons for a mixed martial arts experience.”
“Coach Sally also weaves elements of boxing, kickboxing and judo into the lessons for a mixed martial arts experience.”
“Coach Sally also weaves elements of boxing, kickboxing and judo into the lessons for a mixed martial arts experience.”
“Coach Sally also weaves elements of boxing, kickboxing and judo into the lessons for a mixed martial arts experience.”
What members say
“The combination of excellent instruction, supportive training partners, and a welcoming environment make it an exceptional place to train.”
“Their teaching methodology is incredibly methodical, organized, and well-structured, which greatly enhances the learning experience for students of all levels.”
“If you're serious about learning Jiu Jitsu in a supportive, professional, and highly effective setting, I can't recommend Common Ground Jiu Jitsu enough.”
“What sets this academy apart is the instructors' ability to break down complex techniques and concepts in a way that's easy to understand and apply.”
“My experience over the last year at Renzo Gracie Pasadena has been nothing short of transformative.”
“I feel very lucky to have such a great gym right down the street and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to get into martial arts or those with experience.”
From the reviews
I feel very lucky to have such a great gym right down the street and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to get into martial arts or those with experience. Coach Alex's lesson plan is clearly presented and the class flows very efficiently.
As a white belt who has relocated a few times and travels for work, I’ve been to a handful of jiu-jitsu schools, and Common Ground is hands down the best. When I joined, I went through a screening process and was introduced to the school’s policies and rules.
Common Ground Jiu Jitsu is an exceptional martial arts academy that truly lives up to its name. The instructors, Alex and Sally, are not just highly skilled practitioners but also outstanding teachers who have mastered the art of effective instruction.
I have been training at Common Ground BJJ for awhile now, and I couldn't be happier with my experience. Alex is an exceptional instructor who is passionate about teaching BJJ and helping his students grow both on and off the mat. The training environment at Common Ground is welcoming, supportive, and inclusive.
New to BJJ? Start at Renzo Gracie Jiu Jitsu Pasadena
Renzo Gracie Jiu Jitsu Pasadena 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 Renzo Gracie Jiu Jitsu Pasadena
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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