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Rivalry Jiu-Jitsu Academy
5 ★★★★★ 55 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Fresno, California
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 rivalryjiujitsu.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 559-492-7832
Hours
| Monday | 9:30–10:30 am, 4:30–8:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 6–7 am, 4:30–8:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 6–7 am, 9:30–10:30 am, 4:30–8:30 pm |
| Thursday | 9:30–10:30 am, 4:30–8:30 pm |
| Friday | 9:30–10:30 am, 4:30–6:30 pm |
| Saturday | 9:30–11:30 am |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“They offer both Gi and no-Gi classes, including intermediate fundamentals, making it a great place for practitioners of all levels.”
“My daughter and I have been training at Rivalry for almost 3 years now and we have had nothing short of a great experience at this gym.”
“There are so many class times to choose from to accommodate everyone’s busy schedules with beginners classes all the way to advanced, Gi and NoGi.”
“There are so many class times to choose from to accommodate everyone’s busy schedules with beginners classes all the way to advanced, Gi and NoGi.”
“Victor, the owner, is not only an incredible instructor but also an active competitor, which adds so much value to the training environment.”
“There are so many class times to choose from to accommodate everyone’s busy schedules with beginners classes all the way to advanced, Gi and NoGi.”
What members say
“Victor, the owner, is not only an incredible instructor but also an active competitor, which adds so much value to the training environment.”
“The community/atmosphere are super welcoming and the rolls are super tough--all of which is a direct reflection of how the owner and head coach Victor carries himself.”
“The community/atmosphere are super welcoming and the rolls are super tough--all of which is a direct reflection of how the owner and head coach Victor carries himself.”
“Last but not least, professor's instructions are made in such a way anyone can learn not just techniques, but the concepts on WHY you move the way you move.”
“This particular class was not competition-based, which was perfect for what I was looking for—just some solid No-Gi rounds in a welcoming environment.”
“On top of that, the place is clean and has good locker rooms with showers in case you need to go somewhere immediately after class.”
From the reviews
Today I visited Rivalry Jiu-Jitsu in Fresno, California, during a weekend work trip, and it was an excellent experience! I checked their schedule online and decided to drop in for a class. From the moment I arrived, Coach Victor and the team were extremely friendly and welcoming.
Great gym! My husband, young son and myself all train. We have been apart of this gym for 6 years now. Coach Victor has created a perfect environment to train and grow and the proof is in the retention of the gym members. Many different opportunities to train during the week to meet your schedule.
Visiting Fresno for a week, and my cousin invited me here where he trains. I was able to attend 5 classes and the quality and culture is of the highest level. The facility is super clean, with artwork designed and painted by the professor himself!
Amazing gym, family friendly environment. Amazing curriculum for beginners, intermediate, and advanced practitioners. Extremely clean establishment and safe. All instructors are top notch. Best gym in Fresno for hobbyists and competitors alike.
New to BJJ? Start at Rivalry Jiu-Jitsu Academy
Rivalry Jiu-Jitsu Academy 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.
Your first BJJ class at Rivalry Jiu-Jitsu Academy
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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