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The Original Stronghold Jiu Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 33 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
- 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
- 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
- Website & schedule thestrongholdsd.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 858-722-0942
The classes they run
“When my kids are older, I will be enrolling them in the kids class especially after seeing how much fun these kids are having with their coaches and training partners.”
“The Stronghold offers female only classes which is great opportunity to forge strong female energy.”
“Gi or No Gi, The Stronghold offers classes which concentrate in each and does a great job of highlighting the differences when working on a technique, drill or sparring.”
“I am honored to help teach the kids No Gi class where I can share my judo and wrestling experience.”
“Great place for families, athletes, competitors, or people just looking to get in shape and pick up a couple self defense skills along the way.”
“Great place for families, athletes, competitors, or people just looking to get in shape and pick up a couple self defense skills along the way.”
“Whether you are brand new to Jiu Jitsu or a seasoned vet looking for a home to train this is a place.”
Other martial arts here
“The kids classes train Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, elements of wrestling, judo and self defense.”
“The kids classes train Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, elements of wrestling, judo and self defense.”
What members say
“Coach Mike Cusi, Professor Jaime, Professor Johnny, Coach Raquel, Coach Audric and many others are knowledgeable, friendly, patient and caring.”
“This place is awesome, very welcoming and family oriented.”
“Now the whole family trains and we can't say enough good things not only about Coach Raquel and professor Johnny, but the entire jiu jitsu family we have joined.”
“Gi or No Gi, The Stronghold offers classes which concentrate in each and does a great job of highlighting the differences when working on a technique, drill or sparring.”
“Raquel is an amazing coach and my kids love going and learning new skills and playing games.”
“Great place for families, athletes, competitors, or people just looking to get in shape and pick up a couple self defense skills along the way.”
From the reviews
It took me about 2 years of convincing to start Jiu Jitsu. Once I did, I regretted not starting sooner. I instantly caught the BJJ bug. I truly believe the fun, laid back, and family atmosphere of The Stronghold is a major factor why I continue my Jiu Jitsu journey with this academy.
I started jiu jitsu about 6 months ago, and it has completely changed my life. Stronghold is the best instruction and community that I have found around the San Diego area. I leave each training session with such a positive feeling and strong motivation for the next class.
Coach Raquel and Coach Caesar are very encouraging! The Stronghold has a family vibe, also has a Tea Area and they offer Art Camp for kids. Very good workout, I felt great after Coach Caesar’s teaching on S-Mount. I recommend!
I have been coming here for two years. I wish I would have come sooner. The People - The teachers are outstanding. Coach Mike Cusi, Professor Jaime, Professor Johnny, Coach Raquel, Coach Audric and many others are knowledgeable, friendly, patient and caring.
New to BJJ? Start at The Original Stronghold Jiu Jitsu
The Original Stronghold 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 The Original Stronghold 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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