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South Shore Jiu Jitsu & Mixed Martial Arts
5 ★★★★★ 40 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Imperial Beach, California
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 southshorejiujitsu.org — book classes and see the live schedule
Hours
| Monday | 4:30–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 4:30–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 4:30–8 pm |
| Thursday | 4:30–8 pm |
| Friday | 4:30–8 pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“The kids program is so fun for the kids and the coaches are so attentive and take the time to get to know their students.”
“It’s a place where families learn self-defense, build resilience, and support one another.”
“If you're in town just for the weekend, trying out jiu jitsu for the first time, or looking for a new home gym, I don't think you'll need to go further than here.”
Other martial arts here
“After visiting many BJJ studios across the world, including in Asia, South Shore Jiu Jitsu & Mixed Martial Arts stands out as truly world-class.”
“I've known the "Major" brother's since 1998 when I met them from Highschool wrestling.”
What members say
“Ronnie and Shawn are amazing professors and make South Shore a super friendly, family oriented environment.”
“If you're in town just for the weekend, trying out jiu jitsu for the first time, or looking for a new home gym, I don't think you'll need to go further than here.”
“This gym is so great, we’ve tried so many gyms in SD to find our fit, and have never been to a gym this down to earth and welcoming.”
“The kids program is so fun for the kids and the coaches are so attentive and take the time to get to know their students.”
“I’m so glad south shore has sparked their passion for bjj ❤️ PS- the gym is also spotless and in such a great location with a view and plenty of parking.”
From the reviews
I attended a class at South Shore Jiu Jitsu while visiting San Diego for work. From start to finish, Professors Shawn and Ronnie were exceptionally welcoming, helpful, and engaging. The class was so great. Everyone I trained with was friendly and technical. Got some very helpful feedback along the way.
This is the spot.! Professor Shawn & Professor Ronie are the best in the business! These guys have been training they’re whole life and have both done professional cage fighting. They have a wealth of knowledge!
Excellent gym for all experience levels. The instructors are very talented and fun to be around. Members are friendly and great at helping newbies learn the techniques. Highly recommend checking it out!
The absolute best BJJ and Muay Thai gym in IB. These guys raise champions on the mats and in their lives outside of the mats. Highly recommend them to train your little ones into future champions. Laid back positive vibes, everyone is friendly and the facility is spacious, professional and clean.
New to BJJ? Start at South Shore Jiu Jitsu & Mixed Martial Arts
South Shore Jiu Jitsu & Mixed Martial Arts 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 South Shore Jiu Jitsu & Mixed 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. 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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