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Waza Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 118 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Elk Grove, 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 (ages 4–16) — 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
- Open mat open-mat rolling sessions for members to practice live — always optional and at your own pace
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule wazabjj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 916-667-3575
Hours
| Monday | 5:30–8 am, 12–1:30 pm, 3:30–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 10 am–1:30 pm, 2:30–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 5:30–8 am, 11 am–1:30 pm, 3:30–8 pm |
| Thursday | 10 am–1:30 pm, 2:30–8 pm |
| Friday | 5:30–8 am, 12–1:30 pm, 4–8:30 pm |
| Saturday | 10–11:30 am |
| Sunday | 9–10 am |
The classes they run
“I started training at Waza 8 years ago and through different life stages (career, children, Covid), I’ve spent what sometimes feels like more time away from the mat then on it.”
“Waza also offers speciality training for self defense and law enforcement as well as women’s only classes.”
“She is a tiny teenager, but with the skills she has learned through the years from Sensei John, I know that she will always know how to protect herself if she's ever in trouble.”
“Waza offers gi and no-gi classes at a wide variety of times including 530am during the week for the hitters!”
“Waza offers gi and no-gi classes at a wide variety of times including 530am during the week for the hitters!”
“Waza is great place for someone new to the sport or a seasoned competitor and everyone in between.”
“I train in the 6:30 am class and there is open mat available even earlier!”
“2017: My 7 yr old daughter is very petite for her age, so we've always known that we would introduce her to some type of martial arts for self defense.”
“There are no "gate keepers", you'll be met with a smile, if it's your first time here, and you'll continue to be greeted the same way every time you show up.”
Other martial arts here
What members say
“The kids in the class support one another and show respect, which is a reflection of the incredible coaching staff.”
“My initial impression of the gym when I first started was extremely positive, Coach Derek has created a very welcoming atmosphere for beginner’s.”
“It feels good to do something for myself when the family is still sleeping; I get back with a clear mind knowing that I challenged myself and got after it in the morning.”
“He is meticulous about good technique, and understands that each person is on a different journey according to their age and physical abilities.”
“The facility is top-notch—huge mats, multiple bathrooms and changing rooms, cardio equipment, and a clean, family-friendly waiting area.”
“My daughter loves going to class and interacting with other students and her instructor, John.”
From the reviews
I have been going here for 5+ years and love every minute of it. All of the adult class coaches are EXCELLENT teachers. They create an environment where everyone is willing and wanting to help each other learn. The kids program is phenomenal and very well put together.
Waza is the best place to train jiu jitsu in Elk Grove for adults, teens and kids. Waza offers gi and no-gi classes at a wide variety of times including 530am during the week for the hitters! Waza also offers speciality training for self defense and law enforcement as well as women’s only classes.
I have been training at Waza under Derek for almost 8 years and I love everything about it. It all starts from the top down: Derek creates an amazing environment of camaraderie and mutual success amongst students.
2017: My 7 yr old daughter is very petite for her age, so we've always known that we would introduce her to some type of martial arts for self defense. We were introduced to Waza BJJ by a friend 2 years ago and decided to enroll her.
New to BJJ? Start at Waza Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Waza 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 Waza 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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