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Vacaville Grappling Academy

5 ★★★★★ 63 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Vacaville, California

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

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 (ages 7–13) — 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 vacavillegrappling.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 707-676-3098

Hours

Monday 12–7:30 pm
Tuesday 6:30 am–7:30 pm
Wednesday 12–7:30 pm
Thursday 6:30 am–7:30 pm
Friday 6:30–7:30 pm
Saturday Closed
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 Vacaville Grappling Academy, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids BJJ 13 mentions

“Not only is my son getting a great workout physically - but also mentally and emotionally, improving his focus, memory and confidence!”

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Teens BJJ 2 mentions

“My teen son has been attending the adult classes at Vacaville Grappling Academy for six months.”

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🩳 No-Gi 2 mentions

“My preteen and teenage sons really enjoyed Coach Nick’s Grappling class.”

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🥋 Gi

“Apex Grappling is the place to go for no-gi training.”

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🏆 Competition Team

“Whether you're there for self-defense, fitness, or to compete, there's something for everyone.”

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🛡️ Self-Defense

“Whether you're there for self-defense, fitness, or to compete, there's something for everyone.”

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🌱 Beginners 5 mentions

“The class is welcoming for beginners and you can you train at your own pace to accomplish whatever your goals maybe.”

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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 Vacaville Grappling Academy — mined from their reviews and the gym's own info.

🤸 Wrestling

“He is just starting wrestling and wanted to get more practice and get more fit for it and this is helping him so much.”

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 63 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, high-level coaching 3 mentions

“The instructor is very knowledgeable and patient, and they take the time to explain techniques clearly.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 14 mentions

“I brought my 7 and 13 yr old in to start their grappling journey here and I couldn’t have asked for a more welcoming team.”

🤝 no-ego, friendly academy 16 mentions

“The emphasis on proper technique, discipline, and respect is ever-present, fostering a positive and supportive learning environment.”

📘 strong technique & fundamentals 7 mentions

“His methodology prioritizes dynamic, game-based scenarios that replicate real-life grappling situations, allowing students to build technique and adapt to different situations”

🧒 strong kids program 2 mentions

“Over time, I’ve noticed a significant improvement in my son’s confidence, and he’s eager to continue learning new skills.”

🧼 clean, well-kept mats 4 mentions

“The facility itself is top notch, conveniently located in Vacaville and immaculate cleanliness that makes every training session a pleasure.”

From the reviews

I cannot say enough great things about Apex Grappling and Coach Nick! From the moment you walk in, you're greeted with an atmosphere of camaraderie and mutual respect that is truly unparalleled.

★★★★★ — Gabe, Jun 2024

Apex Grappling has been a great place for our kids to train. We have been trying to get our girls to try it and were hesitant. From day 1, Coach Nick and the other coaches were super welcoming and friendly. They really take the time to explain and demonstrate the various moves in a way the kids can understand.

★★★★★ — Bernadette, Jan 2026

I recently started training here and couldn’t be happier with my decision. From day one, the environment has been welcoming, professional, and motivating. The coaches clearly care about both skill development and safety, and they do an excellent job creating a space where beginners feel comfortable while still…

★★★★★ — Lalo, Jan 2026

My 13-year-old son has been attending the adult classes for nearly a month, and the transformation has been incredible. His confidence has grown, his eagerness to show up is unmatched, and he’s found something that’s not only fun but also a fantastic way to stay active.

★★★★★ — Andrea, Sep 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 63 reviews →

New to BJJ? Start at Vacaville Grappling Academy

Vacaville Grappling Academy comes up as a beginner-friendly gym — noted on their own site. 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 Vacaville Grappling Academy

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 Vacaville Grappling Academy

310 E Monte Vista Ave # B, Vacaville, CA95688

Get directions

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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.