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Waza Project
4.8 ★★★★★ 20 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Santa Monica, California
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
- Private lessons private, one-on-one coaching available — a focused way to start or to work around a busy schedule; ask about availability and rates
- 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 wazaproject.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 424-416-4569
Hours
| Monday | 3–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 3–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 3–8 pm |
| Thursday | 3–8 pm |
| Friday | 3–8 pm |
| Saturday | 8–11 am |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“They helped my kids build confidence and learn proper techniques at their own pace.”
“Coach Lou is incredible — She has this perfect balance of playfulness and discipline that really connects with the kids.”
“I had an excellent one-on-one intro session to Brazilian jiu jitsu.”
“I never thought I could do jujitsu but they make it so easy to learn and such a fun experience, now I actually feel like I know some form of self defense!”
What members say
“Coach Lu does an amazing job motivating the kids—not just in the art of Jiu-Jitsu, but in life.”
“The instructors are incredibly welcoming and create a fun, supportive environment where you can learn, laugh, and have fun.”
“Coach Luanna and Coach Caue are so supportive of each individual’s path, and they clearly want us to be successful - knowing that success for each of us is a different place.”
“They helped my kids build confidence and learn proper techniques at their own pace.”
“My son absolutely loves it here!”
“The gym was clean and well-kept, and my instructor, Caue, took the time to explain everything clearly and made sure I felt comfortable.”
From the reviews
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ My five-year-old son absolutely loves Waza in Santa Monica! From the moment we started, it’s been such a positive and welcoming environment. Coach Lou is incredible — She has this perfect balance of playfulness and discipline that really connects with the kids.
Excellent place to learn Brazilian jiu-jitsu. The coaches were knowledgeable, professional, and welcoming. They really took their time to instruct and help me learn some of the fundamentals. I felt right at home immediately and will be returning.
If it weren’t for Waza Project, I genuinely don’t think I’d be seven months into jiu-jitsu earning my first stripe and building so much confidence in both self-defense and the sport itself. The instructors are incredibly welcoming and create a fun, supportive environment where you can learn, laugh, and have fun.
We had such a wonderful experience at Waza Project! The space is spotless and beautifully maintained. From the moment we walked in, the front desk team made us feel so welcome and everyone was friendly and professional. My kids loved it! They felt comfortable and safe right away, which means everything to me.
New to BJJ? Start at Waza Project
Waza Project 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.
Your first BJJ class at Waza Project
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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🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site