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Tama Jiu-Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 140 Google reviews · BJJ gym in San Diego, 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
- 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
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule tamajiujitsu.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (619) 717-2789
Hours
| Monday | 6–7:30 AM, 12–1:30 PM, 4:30–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 12–1:30 PM, 5–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 6–7:30 AM, 12–1:30 PM, 5–8 PM |
| Thursday | 12–1:30 PM, 4–8 PM |
| Friday | 6–7:30 AM, 12–2 PM, 5–7 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–12 PM |
| Sunday | 10 AM–12 PM |
The classes they run
“Not only is he great with the adults but he also is amazing with his kids class students who he adores sharing his passion for jiu jitsu with.”
“As a woman, I feel very safe and comfortable training here, even though jiu-jitsu is a male-dominated sport.”
“Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced competitor, I highly recommend training here.”
“Tucked in prime location being in the center of San Diego, Tama Jiu Jitsu is a place where all shapes of life can learn self defense with jiu jitsu.”
“Professor Tama has created a place that is fun to learn at and he delivers precise information that is easily digestible for all levels.”
What members say
“Johnny is a World Champion and an outstanding instructor. The level of Jiu-Jitsu is world-class, but what really makes this place special is the culture and the people.”
“The environment at Tama is welcoming and family-friendly, and you can tell the coaches truly care about the kids’ growth both on and off the mat.”
“There were a lot of women in the class and they were all so welcoming they even had a kid there so I knew it was a family friendly spot.”
“The coach challenges us to learn everything from basic to high-level techniques in a way that is clear and easy to understand.”
“I’ve trained and competed across four continents over the last 18 years and I can share with you that the culture, instruction, and community is among the very best here.”
“He has created a supportive atmosphere and community within his spotless gym.”
From the reviews
I had an amazing experience at Tama Jiu Jitsu with this group of incredible women. I’ve trained in jiu jitsu on and off for bit, but like many, life and work sometimes get in the way. I was invited to join their all-women’s class, and I’m so glad I said yes.
Awesome jujitsu gym! Positive atmosphere. People are helpful and nice. Professor Johnny was so kind. He got me a chair, while I watched my boys. I didn’t even ask. Made me feel special. There is a fantastic cross breeze that keeps the gym cool! Right by fiesta Island! If you’re in the area check it out!
Tama Jiu-Jitsu is incredible! Johnny is not only a world champion but also a top-tier professor. He has created a supportive atmosphere and community within his spotless gym. He truly cares about his students. I am constantly learning and being challenged in the best way possible in every class.
I went to try out a class at Tama for the first time and it was an amazing experience! The instructor Professor Johnny is so patient and knowledgeable he didn’t make me feel uncomfortable at any time of the lesson.
New to BJJ? Start at Tama Jiu-Jitsu
Tama Jiu-Jitsu 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 Tama Jiu-Jitsu
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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