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Tillis Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
4.8 ★★★★★ 82 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Whittier, 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
- 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 tillisbjj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 562-631-2408
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–9 pm |
The classes they run
“From fighters training for their next pro bout to kids and hobbyists, Tillis makes everyone feel comfortable and respected.”
“I am able to defend for myself as a woman and fight comfortably if ever needed.”
“I trained at this facility since the beginning (2013) as a high schooler.”
“Tillis offers all types of programs from wrestling, Bjj gi and nogi , boxing, and MMA!”
“Tillis offers all types of programs from wrestling, Bjj gi and nogi , boxing, and MMA!”
“He has built a safe space for those who are looking to get in shape or for those wanting to compete.”
“Coach Noah’s teaching style makes learning fun and accessible for beginners while keeping it exciting for experienced practitioners.”
Other martial arts here
“What I enjoy the most is the access to various martial arts forms like boxing, kickboxing/Muay Thai, MMA, & wrestling.”
“What I enjoy the most is the access to various martial arts forms like boxing, kickboxing/Muay Thai, MMA, & wrestling.”
“What I enjoy the most is the access to various martial arts forms like boxing, kickboxing/Muay Thai, MMA, & wrestling.”
“What I enjoy the most is the access to various martial arts forms like boxing, kickboxing/Muay Thai, MMA, & wrestling.”
“What I enjoy the most is the access to various martial arts forms like boxing, kickboxing/Muay Thai, MMA, & wrestling.”
What members say
“This place has the most amazing instructors and coaches that make anyone, especially girls feel safe and at home.”
“Coach Noah’s teaching style makes learning fun and accessible for beginners while keeping it exciting for experienced practitioners.”
“We’ve been training at this gym for about 9 months now, and it’s been one of the best decisions we’ve made for our family.”
“Their passion and attention to detail inspired me to step out of my comfort zone and take on the striking classes too.”
“There are male and female instructors, and they have an awesome kids program as well as for adults!”
“He has built a safe space for those who are looking to get in shape or for those wanting to compete.”
From the reviews
Amazing gym for males and Females! I’ve been apart of this gym since 2018. I’ve moved to a different city and will make the drive to come to my bjj home! You and your kids can come train! Tillis offers all types of programs from wrestling, Bjj gi and nogi , boxing, and MMA! Most programs are also available for kids!
We’ve been training at this gym for about 9 months now, and it’s been one of the best decisions we’ve made for our family. I originally brought my kids in because they were shy and timid. From day one, the coaches and members were kind, respectful, and genuinely helpful. I'm in my 40's and decided to give it a shot.
Tillis BJJ is the best martial arts academy in the Whittier area. Professor Noah is an awesome instructor who breaks downs techniques to simplify them for those new to Jiu-Jitsu. He also has extensive knowledge for those seasoned practitioners who need assistance expanding their game.
Over the past few months, Coach Noah and the entire coaching staff have completely transformed my confidence in BJJ! Their passion and attention to detail inspired me to step out of my comfort zone and take on the striking classes too.
New to BJJ? Start at Tillis Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Tillis Brazilian 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 Tillis Brazilian 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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