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Rio Combat Team

5 ★★★★★ 33 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Alameda, California

BJJ gym Free trial Affiliated Beginners welcome Kids & teens No-gi Competition team

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 riocombat.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (415) 200-5597

Hours

Monday 10:30 AM–12 PM, 5–8 PM
Tuesday 10:30 AM–12 PM, 5–8 PM
Wednesday 10:30 AM–12 PM, 5–8 PM
Thursday 10:30 AM–12 PM, 5–8 PM
Friday 10:30 AM–12 PM, 5 PM–12 AM
Saturday 12 AM–5 PM
Sunday Closed

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 Rio Combat Team, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids BJJ 3 mentions

“Great team of instructors and I am so happy my kids are learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.”

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Teens BJJ 2 mentions

“There are BJJ and muay thai programs for children and teens as well.”

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🏆 Competition Team

“Whether your goal is to compete or learn BJJ and Muay Thai as a hobby and to keep in shape, Rio Combat is a great and friendly place to train for all age groups.”

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🛡️ Self-Defense 3 mentions

“Classes offer a blend of technique, strategy, and real-world application, all delivered with patience and precision.”

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🌱 Beginners 3 mentions

“I lost 20 pounds and got close to the best shape of my life, competed for the first time since college and made great friendships along the way.”

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Other martial arts here

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

🥊 Muay Thai 4 mentions

“In addition to Brazilian Jiujitsu, RCT offers classes in Muay Thai and Judo, giving members a well-rounded experience and the chance to explore other martial arts.”

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🏟️ MMA

“If you looking for a MMA gym to train at check out Rio Combat in Alameda CA.”

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🤼 Judo

“In addition to Brazilian Jiujitsu, RCT offers classes in Muay Thai and Judo, giving members a well-rounded experience and the chance to explore other martial arts.”

Other gyms that also teach judo →

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 33 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, high-level coaching 3 mentions

“Great gym with amazing coaches and a welcoming team.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 11 mentions

“I lost 20 pounds and got close to the best shape of my life, competed for the first time since college and made great friendships along the way.”

🤝 no-ego, friendly academy 22 mentions

“Whether your goal is to compete or learn BJJ and Muay Thai as a hobby and to keep in shape, Rio Combat is a great and friendly place to train for all age groups.”

📘 strong technique & fundamentals 3 mentions

“Wence teaches the fundamentals class and he's made for it - super patient, super knowledgeable, and just lives to teach.”

great workout & conditioning 2 mentions

“I lost 20 pounds and got close to the best shape of my life, competed for the first time since college and made great friendships along the way.”

active competition team 4 mentions

“Whether your goal is to compete or learn BJJ and Muay Thai as a hobby and to keep in shape, Rio Combat is a great and friendly place to train for all age groups.”

From the reviews

This is my home gym and it's been an awesome community to be a part of. The instruction really is set up to hit all ages and skill levels. Austin and Zach are great with the little ones. Wence teaches the fundamentals class and he's made for it - super patient, super knowledgeable, and just lives to teach.

★★★★★ — Owen, Nov 2023

When I was looking for a new gym, I came across Rio Combat. When I first arrived, everyone was friendly and welcoming. When I started training at Rio Combat, my skills improved significantly. Currently I've been on and off from training due to work.

★★★★★ — Hector, Apr 2024

Been sending my 11 year old son here since he was 5 years old. Diego and his coaches/team are professional and always welcoming. They instilled training hard and being respectful. My son gained confidence, discipline, and knowledge with them. He continues to improve as a fighter and good human everyday.

★★★★★ — Scott, Apr 2024

Been training here for 7+ years and love it! The Instructors are very experience to train all belt levels. If you're thinking about trying it out for the first time, i would encourage you to stop thinking and just come do a free trial class. All are welcomed! Check out the schedule!

★★★★★ — Peter, Apr 2024

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 33 reviews →

New to BJJ? Start at Rio Combat Team

Rio Combat Team 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.

Check beginner classes on their site

Your first BJJ class at Rio Combat Team

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 Rio Combat Team

800 W Tower Ave Bldg 40, Alameda, CA94501

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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.