HomeCaliforniaUpland › UCS - University of Combat Sports, Carlson Gracie Claremont

UCS - University of Combat Sports, Carlson Gracie Claremont

5 ★★★★★ 107 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Upland, California

Part of Carlson Gracie

BJJ gym Free trial Affiliated Beginners welcome Kids & teens No-gi Competition team

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 ucsmma.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (909) 353-3827

Hours

Monday 6–8:30 PM
Tuesday 8–10:30 AM, 4–8:30 PM
Wednesday 8–10:30 AM, 4–8:30 PM
Thursday 8–10:30 AM, 4–8:30 PM
Friday Closed
Saturday 8–11 AM
Sunday Closed

Hours shift for holidays, seminars, and open-gym times — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The classes they run

BJJ classes on the schedule at UCS - University of Combat Sports, Carlson Gracie Claremont, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids BJJ 12 mentions

“Not to mention the wonderful kids program, where they teach them wrestling and kickboxing as well.”

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💪 Women's BJJ

“The UCS community is welcoming and friendly, and as a woman, I feel comfortable and respected.”

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🩳 No-Gi 2 mentions

“There’s an equal balance of Gi & Nogi BJJ.”

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🥋 Gi 2 mentions

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🏆 Competition Team 3 mentions

“If you are looking to compete or learn actual self defense skills I encourage you to attend a trial class at UCS before you sign on with another gym.”

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🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

“If you’re interested in martial arts either for fitness, self defense, or just to push your limits, then the University of Combat Sports is the gym for you.”

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🌱 Beginners 5 mentions

“When I came to UCS, I had no experience with Muay Thai or BJJ.”

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Other martial arts here

BJJ gyms are usually multi-discipline. Here's what else members mention training under the same roof at UCS - University of Combat Sports, Carlson Gracie Claremont — mined from their reviews and the gym's own info.

🥊 Muay Thai 22 mentions

“I highly recommend this Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and Judo Academy to anyone seeking a challenging yet rewarding martial arts experience.”

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🏟️ MMA 11 mentions

“Whether it's jiujitsu, Muay Thai, MMA, wrestling, or even fitness in general he is always there to help you grow and push you.”

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🥊 Boxing 2 mentions

“I initially came in to be trained in boxing, Muay Thai and kickboxing.”

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🦵 Kickboxing 3 mentions

“Not to mention the wonderful kids program, where they teach them wrestling and kickboxing as well.”

Other gyms that also teach kickboxing →

🤼 Judo 2 mentions

“I highly recommend this Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and Judo Academy to anyone seeking a challenging yet rewarding martial arts experience.”

Other gyms that also teach judo →

🤸 Wrestling 7 mentions

“Whether it's jiujitsu, Muay Thai, MMA, wrestling, or even fitness in general he is always there to help you grow and push you.”

Other gyms that also teach wrestling →

Disciplines are mined from reviews and the gym's own info — they show what members have trained, not a formal class guarantee. If you specifically want MMA, muay thai, or wrestling alongside your BJJ, confirm the current schedule with the gym.

What members say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 107 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, high-level coaching 9 mentions

“Jamar, the head instructor has been great and is always there whenever you need to ask a question about a move or transition when training.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 12 mentions

“Above all, the community is one of the most welcoming and family oriented which is a core value that trickles down from the owner - something I personally look for in a school.”

🤝 no-ego, friendly academy 17 mentions

“Above all, the community is one of the most welcoming and family oriented which is a core value that trickles down from the owner - something I personally look for in a school.”

📘 strong technique & fundamentals 4 mentions

“He is a skilled fighter and teacher who is detail oriented and makes sure that the people that come into the gym are safe and respectful.”

great workout & conditioning 3 mentions

“The school also offers Muay Thai, Judo, Strength & Conditioning, and MMA classes.”

🧒 strong kids program 3 mentions

“Not to mention the wonderful kids program, where they teach them wrestling and kickboxing as well.”

From the reviews

I highly recommend this Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and Judo Academy to anyone seeking a challenging yet rewarding martial arts experience. The professors are not only demanding but also fair and hardworking, pushing students to give their all in every session, nothing less.

★★★★★ — Suicide, Apr 2025

I initially moved to this area in October ‘22 and did a couple trial runs at a few of the surrounding schools before settling on the UCS academy in March ‘23. This academy is a rare gem for a few reasons, 1. There’s an equal balance of Gi & Nogi BJJ. 2.

★★★★★ — Jesse, Nov 2023

For about 2 years I've been training at UCS Carlson Gracie Claremont. I initially came in to be trained in boxing, Muay Thai and kickboxing. However professor Jamar pushed me to try training in Jiujitsu as well. Super happy that he did, The team here is all like family and welcomes anyone.

★★★★★ — Kenneth, Feb 2022

I’ve been training here at UCS for the past year now. Jamar (our instructor) pays great attention to detail and makes sure we understand what we’re doing and when to apply it. I train BJJ and Muay Thai here and not only have I gained new skills but have also become part of the Carlson Gracie family.

★★★★★ — Francisco, Feb 2022

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 107 reviews →

New to BJJ? Start at UCS - University of Combat Sports, Carlson Gracie Claremont

UCS - University of Combat Sports, Carlson Gracie Claremont 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.

Check beginner classes on their site

Your first BJJ class at UCS - University of Combat Sports, Carlson Gracie Claremont

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.

BJJ is a contact sport. Ease in, tap early and often, listen to your coaches, and if you have any injuries or health concerns, mention them before class and check with a doctor if you're unsure.

Where to find UCS - University of Combat Sports, Carlson Gracie Claremont

1242 Monte Vista Ave #13, Upland, CA91786

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and member reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this gym? Claim your listing — it's free.