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    Checkmat Northridge

    5.0 (13 reviews)
    Open 9:00 am - 12:00 pm, 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    Updated 1 month ago

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    Photo of Paul V.
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    1 year ago

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    2 years ago

    Really good gym, everyones friendly. Really worth it. Very flexible and most classes are all levels

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    3 years ago

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    7 years ago

    Awesome school. Great students and an excellent instructor - Arnaldo is the best. Come try it out.

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    7 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    7 years ago

    Really nice group of people. No over the top Ego's. Just a great school with a great instructor. Always clean, with classes every day.

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    6 years ago

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    Review Highlights - Checkmat Northridge

    Checkmat Northridge is ran by Arnaldo Maidana, a 2nd degree black belt, active competitor and excellent instructor.

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

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    Jean Jacques Machado Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy - Professors Jay Zeballos and Mark Armstrong along with Masters Jean Jacques Machado and Rickson Gracie.

    Jean Jacques Machado Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy

    4.6(41 reviews)
    4.6 miWoodland Hills

    I personally trained at this academy for many many years until I moved from Los Angeles. It's the…read moregold standard of BJJ training by one of the original practitioners of the sport who went on to train world renowned names in the martial arts like Joe Rogan and Eddie Bravo! It's funny to see 2 or 3 people state here on Yelp that the fees are high or that it's not a good place for women. This is so untrue it's obvious their reviews are complete "hit pieces" - having personally spent 2 decades there I think I'm qualified to say "all women" are treated as equals, and as family. Don't believe me, go ask the women who train there now. Or, just go watch a class and judge for yourself. As for the cost of classes, you are paying for a school and instructor that safely trains or trained everyone from children to law enforcement to "major world celebrities" like Hollywood action icon Keanu Reeves (from the "John Wick" Films), and famous comedians like Kevin James (from the TV series "The King of Queens" and "Mall Cop" movies)... and many other famous people who I don't wanna name drop here. But you get my point. Signing up at Jean Jacques Machado's Academy is like becoming a member of an elite community. So you never know who you might recognize that drops in to train. "That's" how in demand this academy is!!! There are a lot of BJJ schools in LA today who are jealous of the success this academy has rightfully gained and maintained (due to its history and perfectionism) and has been a staple in the Los Angeles community way longer before any of these other schools even knew what BJJ was. So any 1 or 2 negative reviews that were posted on yelp are directly from people with an "agenda." The honest truth is if you want safety, top of the line instructions in BJJ in a clean environment, checking this place out would be the smartest thing you could do. You'll see once you study at this academy any other school in Los Angeles will be inferior. Don't believe me? Go see for yourself. I promise you if you're a girl, an old man, or young child it won't make a difference as it won't be long before your membership turns into a family affair filled with many friendships, good times and insane knowledge of the world's greatest self defense system. ... and FYI - I don't benefit from this review... this is from someone who left CA and in hindsight realizes there's no other academy that can compare to it. Anyway that's my 2 cents. Good luck with your journey.

    Absolutely the best hands down BJJ academy in southern calif. Being taught by one of the legends of…read moreBJJ and is an unreal honor and an amazing team of professionals who are respectful friendly and super knowledgeable teach daily. Professors Mark and Jay add to the overall experience with their professionalism friendly demeanor and are super knowledgeable about all of the strategies positions and details that they learn personally from Master JJ. Blessed to have been training here.

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    Jean Jacques Machado Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy - Display showing gift and certificate given to Jean Jacques Machado displayed in the Academy office

    Display showing gift and certificate given to Jean Jacques Machado displayed in the Academy office

    Jean Jacques Machado Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy - Jean Jacques Machado watching on with a few of his black belts standing next to him.

    Jean Jacques Machado watching on with a few of his black belts standing next to him.

    Jean Jacques Machado Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy

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    Forge Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy - JJWL Anaheim team titles

    Forge Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy

    5.0(19 reviews)
    2.1 miVan Nuys

    I can't say enough great things about this BJJ studio! From day one, coach Alex and his coach…read moreassistants has been incredibly welcoming, knowledgeable, and truly passionate about what they do. They take the time to break down techniques in a way that makes learning both fun and effective, no matter your experience level. The level of instruction here is outstanding -- you're not just getting a workout, you're learning real skills that build discipline, focus, and confidence both on and off the mats. The coaches genuinely care about each student's growth and create an environment that feels supportive, motivating, and safe. What really stands out is the sense of community. Everyone encourages each other, and you quickly feel like part of a team. I've seen huge improvements in my child's skills and confidence since joining, and it's been an amazing experience overall. Proud to be part of this community especially for my kiddo. If you're looking for a place for yourself, your family especially your kiddos to learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, gain confidence, and train with amazing coaches who truly invest in their students, this is the place to be. Highly recommend!

    Where Science Meets Chaos, and Somehow You Get Better at Jiu-Jitsu…read more If you've ever wanted to join a gym where the instruction feels like a mix between a NASA launch briefing and a National Geographic documentary on apex predators, look no further than Forge BJJ. Let's start with Coach Alex. This man teaches Jiu-Jitsu like he's been studying under John Danaher and Pythagoras simultaneously. A typical technique breakdown goes something like: "Given that the sun rises in the East, the wind is blowing northeast at a steady 25 mph, and your opponent is experiencing mild existential dread... you're going to want to approach at a 45-degree angle, shift your weight by 17%, then rotate counterclockwise like a seasoned rotisserie chicken." By the time he's done, you don't just know the move, you understand its astrophysical implications. And then... there's Coach Rico. This man has zero hesitation about teaching heel hooks to kids and white belts like it's arts-and-crafts time. Most gyms: "No heel hooks for beginners." Coach Rico: "Soooo... let's break the leg in a controlled manner." Kids' class warm-up: Forward rolls Bridge escapes 'This is a heel hook, don't do it unless you want enemies.' Adults' class warm-up: Surviving whatever Rico thinks is funny that day. Despite the chaos, the vibe is chef's kiss. Everyone is friendly, supportive, and shockingly durable considering what happens on the mats. You'll laugh, you'll sweat, you'll question your life choices, but in the best way. Forge BJJ is the perfect combination of: Elite instruction Unhinged humor Real community Occasional fear for your ACL A team that actually cares If you want a gym where you'll get better fast, have fun, and leave every class with a story worth telling, this is the spot. Highly recommend. Bring water. And maybe knee braces.

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    Forge Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy - JJWL Anaheim!

    JJWL Anaheim!

    Forge Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy - JJWL World's 1st place team titles! GI and NoGi

    JJWL World's 1st place team titles! GI and NoGi

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    Kings Combat Sports

    Kings Combat Sports

    5.0(21 reviews)
    3.0 miChatsworth

    You can now do Taekwondo, BJJ, Muay Thai, MMA and wrestling. This is truly a one stop place for…read moreall combat sports. They have MMA fighters to national champs here. Great place to train. Highly recommend.

    Kings Combat Sports has been an absolutely transformative experience for my son. From the moment we…read morewalked in, we could feel the discipline and purpose that defines this gym. The coach doesn't just train fighters--they build character. Strength, resilience, and humility are at the core of everything they teach. My son has grown immensely since joining. Physically, he's stronger and more confident, but what's even more important is the personal growth I've seen in him. He's learned that true strength isn't about aggression--it's about control, respect, and humility. The discipline instilled by the Kings team has helped him not just on the mat, but in his everyday life. He approaches challenges with focus, bounces back from setbacks with resilience, and treats others with a quiet, grounded confidence that's rare for his age. Also important is the wonderful cohort at Kings and that comes from the amazing coach. The kind of strength and skills these individuals have is amazing, yet they are not arrogant like other studios. They display their strength through a quiet confidence which is aligned with martial arts. The genuine support this cohort provides daily in practice and for competitions is something I have never seen before! Kings Combat Sports is more than just a training facility--it's a place where young people are shaped into respectful, strong, and humble individuals. I can't recommend them enough for any parent looking to give their child not just skills in combat sports, but lifelong tools for success.

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    Kings Combat Sports - MMA, Benito Fight night

    MMA, Benito Fight night

    Kings Combat Sports - Sir Manny and Sir Luis

    Sir Manny and Sir Luis

    Kings Combat Sports - Always supporting teammates.

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    Always supporting teammates.

    10th Planet Jiu Jitsu Van Nuys

    10th Planet Jiu Jitsu Van Nuys

    4.8(52 reviews)
    2.9 miVan Nuys

    Awesome place to train. Came here for open mat and it was one of the cleanest and coolest bjj…read morefacility I have ever visited. It also has a private stretching area, private changing area and a mma room. The owner was so nice and sweet, she showed us around the facility and offered me drinks, coffee and tea multiple times. The vibe was really cool and welcoming. If you live in the area and are looking for a place to train in no gi and mma, this is the spot. Definitely recommend!

    My husband started jiujitsu at Van Nuys Tenth Planet for the first time since moving back to…read moreCalifornia and he loves it! He has never done anything like this before and quickly fell in love with it. The owners do an amazing job keeping the gym clean! It always smells so nice there. Everyone is super friendly and you feel like part of a community there. Since my husband loved it so much, we enrolled my son into the kid's classes when he was six. My son does the jiujitsu classes on Monday and Wednesday and he does the Muy Thai classes on Thursdays. He loves it! We are planning to sign my daughter up once she's old enough. There are a lot of girls that take the classes too! I asked one of the other moms why they signed their daughter up for the class and she said that her daughter was being picked on at school. It's a great way to teach our children about self defense. The gym also gives back to the community by having members donate supplies for teachers and they are doing a toy drive for kids right now. When they compete in local competitions, they win! They're actually holding a competition for teens and adults this February as well! I would highly recommend trying it out. The class that my husband takes has women in it as well! You should check it out!

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    10th Planet Jiu Jitsu Van Nuys
    10th Planet Jiu Jitsu Van Nuys
    10th Planet Jiu Jitsu Van Nuys

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    Checkmat Northridge - brazilianjiujitsu - Updated May 2026

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