The Cave Academy is an amazing place; safe, clean, immaculate vibes. I am not skilled enough to determine if the instruction is world-class, but it certainly feels that way. Sensei Mike and Papa Frankie (and many other colored belts) are all excellent professors. Overall an amazing place to learn and train on your journey. Everyone is friendly and supportive. During live rolls I've seen the black belts correct mis-behavior which is a good sign. I recently moved further away (from Pacifica to Millbrae) and made sure to map out how far it would be to the Cave. If you are interested in starting jiu-jitsu, or already experienced and want to find a new gym, I whole-hardheartedly recommend The Cave. read more

Great place to train!!! Mike is a phenomenal instructor!!! The environment is great for all ages, my son and I enjoy every class we go to and look forward to the next class before we even left. Whether its training for self defense, competition, fitness, or fun its a great team to be a part of. read more

The Cave has a very welcoming atmosphere. Whether you're a seasoned grappler or a complete beginner, the academy embraces everyone with open arms. The layout of the space is inviting, with well-maintained mats. Mike is also one of the best instructors I've had the pleasure to train/learn with. Mike has the ability to break down intricate techniques which has greatly improved my jiu jitsu. Whether it's guard retention, submissions, or positional sparring, he provides clear explanations and demonstrations that clarify even the most challenging techniques. I'm very pleased with The Cave and look forward to continue training with everyone! read more

Cave Academy is a great environment to train, learn and grow in your BJJ journey. The instructors, Mike, Papa Frank, George, Hunter, and many others, are amazing! They bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to help students grow and ensure that everyone gets the most out of their training. Equally as important, the community at this academy is welcoming and nurturing regardless of level. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced student, there are classes and training options that cater to your needs. You will frequently see upper belts helping lower belts out, which fosters a supportive environment, especially for someone new. I have personally been at this Academy for 2 years now, and it's been a great experience. I highly recommend it if you are seeking a place where instructors are great at guiding you through the details and helping you grow in this journey. read more

The Coaches, The Atmosphere!! It's like Family , The instruction is Above and beyond Stellar!!!. read more

Cave Academy is an awesome community! I'm grateful to be a student to Mike Murrell. Mike, Papa Frank, and George are amazing teachers who lead with patience and charisma. Everyone including the students are welcoming. No egos, just good vibes. I take the Intermediate No Gi. I love that Mike dives into the details and best practices. I'm always learning new things and breaking a good sweat. Even as a complete beginner (8 months of training), I am completely comfortable and confident when I step on the mat because of Mike. I've learned more in a single class at Cave than a month any other gyms. No matter the stage you are in, you can come in and learn I highly recommend Cave Academy. You won't regret it! Drop in or join an open mat session. You'll get your money's worth. read more

Sensei Mike and Cave Academy are one of a kind! My daughter has been taking lessons for the last couple of years and absolutely loves it! Shes learning so much about attentiveness, resiliency, self confidence and teamwork- plus she has a blast doing it! Absolutely recommend you give Cave Academy a try! It's about so much more than jujitsu alone. read more

World class instruction and some of the nicest people I've ever met. If you're just visiting or need a home gym, you wont regret going to The Cave Academy. read more

Had a 4yr old daughter try out the free class. She had fun. Sensei Mike was greeted us and lend her a gi. A bit oversized but made it work. Class had a lot of students two instructors managed the class. Asked her if she wanted to go again and she said yes. We will be signing her up next week. Thank you sensei Mike! read more

Cave Academy - Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Near Me - Pacifica, California

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The Cave Academy is Coastal California's best kept secret in the Bay Area jiujitsu community. Bar none. I have been practicing jiujitsu and serving as a public educator for the past twenty years (and counting), so I understand quality teaching and learning when I observe it or when I experience it. The Cave community balances rigor, discipline, and consistency with relevant, engaging content built on a bedrock of authentic relationships. You can expect that and more at The Cave, as led by owner-operator Mike Murrell and his right hand, "Papa" Frankie Nuñez, who were both cut from the same cloth of the original Ralph "The Pitbull" Gracie team lineage born out of the flagship academy in San Francisco, California. Mike and Papa are a dynamic duo who bring a blended wealth of expertise that incorporates "the tried-and-true and the new," from the old-school Gracie style jiujitsu to the ever-evolving techniques and methodologies of submission wrestling. Personally, my game excelled the most in my entire career after only a short eighteen months of dedicated study under Mike's tutelage, who is by all definitions an astute student of the game. More reasons to love The Cave: ~Locally owned and operated ~Seasoned black belts ~Welcoming atmosphere ~Hygienic, maintained facilities ~Showers; sauna; ice bath ~Weight room ~Teaching and learning chained techniques via 1:1 positional drilling, regressive situational training, and live sparring (Mondays through Thursdays) ~"Friday Night Free For All" Open Mat (Fridays; no-gi focused; all welcome) ~"Roots, Roll, Reggae" Open Mat (Saturdays; gi focused; all welcome) ~"Sucka Free" Conditioning @ 9AM and Gi/No-Gi Clinic @ 10 AM (Sundays; gi focused; all welcome) The bottom line: you will find a home at The Cave--whether you are a newbie white belt testing the waters, or a veteran black belt looking to lay down roots, or a passerby in town looking to get in solid rolls and dial in your technique. Much gratitude to Mike and Papa and their entire crew for bringing out the best in people and cultivating a community of esteemed jiujitsu practitioners. I found my home. read more

Great instructors, great facility, great culture. But there is a blue belt there named Rick that is pretty weird,,,,,

Great gym, great instruction, and welcoming environment. Offers both advanced and all level classes for gi and no gi.

As a beginner in BJJ, Papa Frank was very engaging and knowledgeable with his martial art. I was pleasantly surprise that the students were very friendly. Also, they had two classes being taught at the same time, the traditional kimono gis and no gi. I was amazed that they had two classes being taught at the same time. This was very impressive to me. I really enjoyed my time there and I am going to signed up with two other family members. read more

Detail oriented instruction, hygienic, and has (4) showers + sauna + cold plunge. Gi and No-Gi 7 days/wk.

My 6yo son started Cave Academy last summer and it has been a challenging but also rewarding experience for him. Sensei Mike is a wonderful instructor. He is patient and supportive, always encouraging the students to be the best they can be. I feel comfortable knowing that Sensei Mike instills important attributes in his students such as respect, confidence and perseverance which are wonderful life skills to obtain. If you're looking for a family oriented, welcoming, safe and fun training environment then Cave Academy is definitely the place for you or your family. read more

The cave is a hidden gem in Pacifica. Truly one of the best BJJ gyms in the bay area. Head instructors Mike and Papa Frank are extremely talented at not just BJJ but also teaching and explaining techniques. The owner has put a lot of hard work in to make sure the gym in a great environment for everyone to feel comfortable and welcomed, and encourages other gyms to come in for the free open mat every Friday. Mike is also a great mentor to the kids classes which happen right before the adult classes. Would highly recommend taking a trial class here so you can see for yourself. read more

Mike is an amazing Mix martial artist and even better instructor. His ability to teach multiple different skill levels is truly impressive and really hard to find. Great gym! read more

Mike is an amazing instructor and has a top notch facility. Very clean and organized if you live in the area you should be training there! read more

Great gym, great vibes, great people. You will not regret coming to the cave. Both Gi and No-Gi is offered here.

The facilities are well maintained and Mike is a great instructor. The gym has a safe and inclusive culture for people of all levels and backgrounds to train together. If you are in the area I can't recommend it enough to check out cave academy and come train! read more

My 8-year daughter's been going to the Cave for 6 months. I'd also trained at a few gyms when I was younger, so there's some basis for comparison. Mike's an incredible instructor -- patient, good with kids, and good at giving them techniques in bite-size lessons so they don't get overwhelmed with details. Mike also goes to train with Danaher and other top jiujitsu coaches. His adult students consistently bring home medals from high-level competitions. The gym is clean, spacious, well-ventilated, and has a ton of amenities. The big one for us is the parents' gallery -- it's great place to sit and observe the kids, chat with the other parents, form new friendships, etc. The value is incredible -- the gym fees don't feel like the Bay Area in 2024 -- more like 2009. And despite the low fees, the gym is packed with equipment -- there are weights, a sauna, ice bath, and lots of pads. If you're in Pacifica/Daly City/San Bruno, and are looking for the best place to train grappling/jiujitsu, this might just be it. read more

I joined The Cave 2 months ago and couldn't be happier about my decision. I love training here. I had trained jiu jitsu for 6 years at another academy but recently left it due to personal reasons. Choosing a new "home" was a big decision for me. Each person has their own personal criteria for what makes a school the right fit for them. Here's why I decided on the Cave: - Has an excellent nogi curriculum. 7pm Mon-Fri at the Cave is in both nogi and gi. Coach Mike teaches a lot from the Danaher system, which I have been dying to learn. Mike is what you'd call a true "student of the game"...he's constantly studying techniques and is open and willing to adapt if he believes he's found a better way. - Supports competitors. As an active competitor, I've seen Mike at competitions I've watched how Mike coaches his students in competition. I appreciate his calm and direct demeanor. No screaming at his students like a madman (that may work for some students, but it's not really for me). He puts a lot of care into helping his competitors get ready. - Genuinely nice people. No bro/macho vibes. Everyone was always kind and genuinely nice to me when I visited. People came up to me and introduced themselves to me when they saw I was a new face. I really appreciated the warm vibes. It's in Pacifica, which sounds far but it's actually not that bad. Does require a car to get there but good news is there's always parking. Whether you decide this gym is the right one for you or not, I think it's definitely worth checking out. I'm happy to answer any questions about it if anyone has any! read more

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I've been to many gyms MMA and BJJ ... this is definitely number one in my books for Brazilian jiu jitsu. Coach Mike and the team are the best. The guys and girls are very supportive and make training and learning fun. I wish I could've stayed, only had to leave due to moving out of the area. If you wanna learn no gi, gi, or even wrestling this is your spot !! 10/10 recommend . ossss read more

Mike and the Cave is great! Friends and I drop in for the Friday Night Free for All Open Mat often! While I train as more of a hobbyist/stay fit guy, there's a good mix of skill, and most importantly, respectful partners. The mats are clean, the place is big and tidy. Would definitely recommend all the way around! read more

Have dropped in here a couple times now, the people are awesome, the atmosphere is unmatchable. If I lived nearby this would be my gym of choice. read more

I couldn't be happier with our choice for my nine years old son to join the Cave Academy! Mike and his friendly coaching team are excellent trainers and great with kids. It's only been two months, but I see a tremendous improvement in my son's physical strength, self-confidence, and discipline. Thank you, Mike and the team! Awesome job! Yury & Daniel read more

Awesome coaches, great place to roll and awesome people to be around great atmosphere

A jewel of a grappling gym. Mike is a savant and has an incredible mind and teaching ability of the sport. Great for kids teens and adults of all skill levels. Always great vibes and you will develop your game for sure read more

You know it's a great gym culture when you see the classes having a good mix people of all ages, experience level and gender. Not just hyper masculine 20 something year olds or intimidating buff folks with tattoos. read more

Both my kids have been training at the Cave now for almost 3 years. A few things we look for in a jiujitsu academy.....curriculum. Sensei Mike is very intentional in his teaching methods. He makes adjustments when needed and he is very knowledgeable in his craft and with his students. The academy is an open space where all kids can be seen. The space is kept clean and is very welcoming. One last thing I'd like to mention is that my kids love going to jiujitsu and training with Sensei Mike and their teammates. It's definitely a team atmosphere where the kids are helping one another grow in their jiujitsu journey. Sensei Mike fosters camaraderie and discipline in the kids' classes. My kids respect Sensei Mike and they are comfortable being themselves with Sensei Mike. That says a lot! read more

My kids love it here. They have learned a lot while also having a lot of fun. The teachers are very friendly and wonderful with the kids.

Our Son has been going for a little under 2 years and we cant express enough how awesome Cave is. Sensi Mike, truly has a gift with his pupils- he learns names, temperaments, boundaries, and when/how to push to get that kid to the next level. genuinely impressive. We started for the confidence building but are staying for the skills, friendships, pride, and growth we see with each wrap gained. Thank you Sensi Mike & Team. read more

Cave academy is absolutely the most favorite activity place for my both sons 6 and 8. We enrolled them last year. Kids love going there. It's all in one: having fun, spending time with friends and learning jiu-jitsu. Instructors and amenities are great. MIke is great teacher and friend. And its great that Academy is close by since we live in Pacifica. Parents can wait there during the class watching their kids having fun and learning or can pick them up after class. Our friend is taking there their daughter too. Could not be more happy! read more

Mike is an awesome and knowledgeable teacher, constantly evolving and refining his craft. He puts a lot of effort into his students, and is very generous with his time. His attention to detail, coupled with his skill on the mat can be compared to wizardry in a grand sense of the term. Aside from high quality instruction, the academy has a great sense of community and a healthy learning environment. The facility is clean, and has showers. All around, a great academy. read more

Cave Academy is fantastic! As a complete beginner I really enjoy how well Mike explains the fundamental concepts behind each position, escape, submission, etc. BUT what really stood out to me was how Mike places energy into avoiding injury for his students. There have been numerous times where Mike will slow the class down and have students apply a submission slowly, or emphasize the important of tapping during grappling to minimize the risk of injury. I would also be one sided if I forgot to mention the school is full of amazing BJJ practitioners. The level of grappling is really impressive and I genuinely feel that if you want to learn high yield BJJ this is a solid all around academy. If you live in the area, highly recommend. Go train! read more

The Cave is just awesome. As a complete beginner to Jiu Jitsu (and any martial art), I have felt welcomed and encouraged, regardless of my lack of skills and schedule that keeps me out of the gym most days. I frequently drive down from SF to catch their classes. Mike's instruction is always technical, thorough, and tailored to where the class is at. He's patient enough to ensure that everyone has got the basics, but ambitious enough to push those who can to go further. Papa Frank's warmups and Skull Island conditioning & basics has been huge for me. Due to some persistent injuries, I can't always drill as much as I'd like, so having a class I can go to where I can keep my cardio up and work on fundamentals is really important. The gym's welcoming atmosphere is a direct result of Mike & Papa's attitude and guidance, and the love they put into their craft and this gym. The only downside to the Cave is that it is not closer to where I live. read more

Just realized I've been part of The Cave Academy for 3 years now. I went from 3 days a week to pretty much train every day. And let me tell you, under the guidance of Mike and Papa Frank, my jiujitsu has grown exponentially. Mike's instructions are still top notch and Papa Frank's energy is still infectious. Plus there's also Gennady who teaches kids judo. He'll show you some cool judo throws too if you ask nicely. Mike is completely dedicated to his craft and is constantly seeking knowledge that he eventually passes down to his students. He's always pushing his students to do their best. Even if it means making me do sprints until I hate myself. But hey, whatever gets me the win (https://imgur.com/VtmAQGb). Also, the place was upgraded a couple years ago (and continually gets improved) and I'd say it's probably one of the nicest jiujitsu schools in the area. Lots of mat space, multiple showers, heaters, etc. Come down and try a class! read more

Occasionally I would drop in to the Cave for some extra training. Mike Murrell is seriously amazing. He is very detailed and technical. Just when you think you've got the move down correctly, he'll come over and fine tune it which of course makes that move much more efficient. Mike pays close attention to every single one of his students and makes sure he caters to each individual based on their capabilities. This only shows the amount of dedication he has for his students and to this sport. I've also watched him teach the kids class. I've mentioned before (jokingly) that I'll have a kid just to send them to the Cave. The patience he has for the kids is outstanding. Jiu Jitsu is a complicated sport even for adults but Mike's analogy when teaching the kids makes it super simple to understand. read more

I can't say enough good things about this place. Very welcoming from the second you step into the door and on the mats you are greeted with a smile. A safe place to train..and grow. A gem in the Bay Area for martial arts (bjj) grappling and all around great place to hangout and TRAIN.. mostly train. Anyway I love this place and highly recommend this. read more

I take Mike's morning nogi classes at RGSF, and drive down to The Cave a couple times a month to take night classes. I can't say enough positive things about Mike's teaching or the vibe at The Cave (shoutout to Papa Frank!). Everyone is super welcoming and always ready to train hard. I agree with basically everything other people have already said in these reviews. So I won't repeat all of the awesome qualities this place has. The only thing I'd add--which is really important to me--is that Mike is a perfect mix of old school and new school. He teaches and believes in the fundamentals, but he also pays close attention to where jiu jitsu is going. He's a true student of the game. After ADCC this year, Mike studied the matches to see which techniques were most effective, broke them down for us, then folded them into our curriculum. Most instructors don't do stuff like that. He does all the time. If you're thinking about starting jiu jitsu, or are passing through the areas and looking for a great place to get a roll in, I can't think of a better spot. read more