Home › California › Laguna Niguel › Royce Gracie Academy OC
Royce Gracie Academy OC
5 ★★★★★ 17 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Laguna Niguel, California
Part of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu
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 (ages 3–16) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule rgjjoc.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (949) 363-6500
Hours
| Monday | 10 AM–12 PM, 3–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 10 AM–12 PM, 3–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 10 AM–12 PM, 3–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 10 AM–12 PM, 3–8:30 PM |
| Friday | 10 AM–12 PM, 3–6 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–12 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“My son attended their school for over a year, and from the very first day, they found that perfect balance of discipline, skill, fun, and professionalism.”
“Kravitz will help your child or teen reach their goals through hard work and discipline.”
“Visiting from Texas to Los Angeles, I attended a self-defense class at Royce Gracie Academy.”
“From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere felt welcoming and respectful—perfect for both beginners and seasoned practitioners.”
Other martial arts here
What members say
“My son attended their school for over a year, and from the very first day, they found that perfect balance of discipline, skill, fun, and professionalism.”
“Instructor Ivan Kravits creates a welcoming, family-oriented atmosphere with a teaching style that empowers you to reach your personal goals.”
“The teaching system is clear, progressive, and intelligent — focused not only on technique, but on understanding, discipline, and long-term development.”
“They have been a profound and positive influence on my son—teaching not just technique, but confidence, respect, and a passion for learning.”
“Joining Royce Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in Laguna Niguel was the best decision I’ve ever made for both my mental and physical health.”
“Ivan welcomed me in with gratitude and confidence, and training with him feels as close as it possibly could to having trained under Royce all those years ago.”
From the reviews
Mr. Kravitz and Mr. Brantley are truly extraordinary teachers. My son attended their school for over a year, and from the very first day, they found that perfect balance of discipline, skill, fun, and professionalism. We recently moved to the East Coast, and we already miss them so much.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ World-Class Jiu-Jitsu, Methodology, and Environment As a black belt and someone who has lived inside the world of martial arts since the age of 6, with experience across numerous academies, teams, and teaching methodologies, I can say this with full confidence: Royce Gracie OC is truly exceptional.
We just left our trial class and at Royce Gracie, and I’m thoroughly impressed. From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere felt welcoming and respectful—perfect for both beginners and seasoned practitioners. What stood out the most was the balance between professionalism and a genuine, family-oriented vibe.
Joining Royce Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in Laguna Niguel was the best decision I’ve ever made for both my mental and physical health. Instructor Ivan Kravits creates a welcoming, family-oriented atmosphere with a teaching style that empowers you to reach your personal goals.
New to BJJ? Start at Royce Gracie Academy OC
Royce Gracie Academy OC 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 Royce Gracie Academy OC
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.
More BJJ gyms near Laguna Niguel
Z-Ultimate Self Defense Studios Laguna Niguel
5 ★★★★★ 27 reviews
Optimus Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 72 reviews
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site
Peaceful Warrior Jiujitsu
4.8 ★★★★★ 69 reviews
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site