This place is more than just a training gym, its a community full of people who want to see you…read moresucceed and become better, especially the coaches.

I cannot say enough good things about this place! My son went before COVID, and he just returned…read morethis year. All the coaches, especially Jon, remembered my son which made him feel very comfortable. The coaches are all really good with the kids, very encouraging, caring and knowledgeable. I also like the life lessons that Jon teaches. He makes sure the kids appreciate the opportunity to learn jiu jitsu and he reinforces that the kids should thank their parents for the opportunity. Great place!

I've been training on/off for over a decade, with massive gaps in between as "life happens."…read moreMarriage, Kids, Career, etc... Trained primarily in Oakland & Piedmont (when I lived/worked in Fremont), then eventually settled down in San Ramon. Just when I thought I had written off jiu-jitsu, a familiar sign/logo suddenly pops up on a storefront in San Ramon Square (a square we frequent, primarily for Café Attila & Best Donuts). How Ironic... I initially had signed up years ago at their HQ location in Pleasanton (before they relocated) but was working a very sporadic schedule due to "startup mode" at a Tech Company. With my Daughters now much older, THEY actually approached ME... "Daddy, didn't you do jiu-jitsu before? We want to do jiu-jitsu too." It was a combination of my Daughters wanting to train in a sport I used to train religiously in (before marriage) & the fact that I HATED saying, "Before" or "Used to." (+ the fact that it was only a 5-minute drive from the house sure didn't hurt either). Gave the Academy a call & met w/ Jeremiah (THE Jeremiah "The Kid" Labiano of Bellator fame btw) who happens to be one of the owners of the San Ramon Academy. #starstruck... For any of you Futurama geeks out there, I had a Phillip J. Frye "Shut up & take my money" moment. Paid 6 mos in advance to give the Academy a test-drive & within a few months, gave my sign-off to the girls that this location was LEGIT (& they too were both enrolled). Fast forward to the present... The quality of instruction from each of the Professors; Crispim, Jeremiah & Beto are truly unparalleled. They aren't just teaching as a job; they're teaching what they live/breath & love & it emanates from each of them during their instruction. As I mentioned earlier, I've been training on & off for over a decade, only to find that there were subtle details/variances in technique relayed by these instructors that I've NEVER been exposed to years prior (more aha moments that I can even keep track of). The end results? Even WITH the significant gaps in training, my game has since evolved exponentially. I began my training journey in my late 20's, though I can truly & confidently state without a doubt that I'm better now (a gentleman never reveals his age) than ever before. Their approach is different/unique than most, considering (in addition to the standard drills, rolling, etc...), they are also savvy in kinesiology, etc... They've introduced drills on movement (i.e., aerobic balls, bosu, etc...) that force you to work your steps, movement & balance, etc..., w/ a "Miyagi-Do approach." Consider these unique drills as "wax on, wax off" or "paint the fence," etc..., which will "click" once you realize its relevance towards guard passing, sweeps, etc... I'm sitting on the carpet drafting this review & just realized how I rose effortlessly to my feet, spinning towards the kitchen to grab my Yeti for a sip of water. The drills (which will be new to most) eventually become second nature & evolve your game as a result. Brilliant... Oh & about my Daughters? Once their initial contract had ended (paid for 6 mos up front), I asked them (no pressure), "Hey girls, jiu-jitsu is ending this month. Do you guys still want to train or do something else?" They both looked at each other, then looked at me & said, "We want to train jiu-jitsu." Yahtzee! THEN they dropped an unexpected bomb on me with, "Why didn't you sign us up when we were younger?" I had to remind them that they were wearing princess dresses w/ crowns & spinning around in tutu's at the time (though also reassured them, that they ARE still young & have the head start I wish I had at their age). Over a year later, they've been promoted twice & I couldn't be more proud to be alongside them throughout their journey. I'm not just saying this because I'm their Dad; I've got (2) petite young ladies who are rolling, sweeping, hanging & tapping out much larger opponents (including BOYS). This (size nor strength do not matter & it's all about technique) are the epitome of what jiu-jitsu represents... This isn't just a sport/hobby for my girls (though they may see it this way), but also a much-needed means of self-defense. What happens when a person grabs you from behind or tries to choke you? What happens if you're pinned to the floor? What happens if someone tries to tackle you to the ground? Guess what? THEY KNOW & they'll continue to get EVEN BETTER. Compound this with the amazing stand-up instructional they are also receiving from Jeremiah & Team as well & it's helping me sleep a bit better at night. Hats off again to Crispim, Jeremiah & Beto... Can't thank each of you enough for bringing jiu-jitsu back into my life & introducing the "gentle art" to my daughters as a result. You each have a knack not just for training, but for keeping everyone (including small children), motivated. You've built an amazing & unique system of training along with the best Academies I've ever had the privilege to train. Oss...

Love this school. Staff is nice and understanding. Kids love it! Highly recommend it!read more

We've had such a great experience here. My son is nine and just started jiu-jitsu at the beginning…read moreof the summer, and I've been incredibly impressed with everything. The coaches are fantastic with the kids. They do a great job teaching technique while also reinforcing discipline, confidence, respect, and sportsmanship. My son is learning a ton, but more importantly, he genuinely looks forward to going and has so much fun while he's there. The overall community is also really special. It feels positive and encouraging, which made it easy for him to feel comfortable even as a complete beginner. It's been amazing to see his confidence grow in such a short amount of time. We couldn't be happier that we found this studio and would absolutely recommend it to any family

I've been training at Essence Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Professor Jerry, and I can confidently say…read moreit's been an incredible experience. Professor Jerry teaches with unmatched passion, simplicity, and genuine care for all his students' progress. His vast knowledge and experience shine through in every class, making learning Jiu-Jitsu both enjoyable and rewarding. One of the things I appreciate most about Professor Jerry is his inclusive teaching approach. Whether you're a complete beginner or an advanced student, he welcomes everyone and ensures that each individual gets the attention they need to improve. He has a knack for breaking down complex techniques into simple, easy-to-understand steps, making them accessible to students of all levels. What sets Professor Jerry apart is his dedication to his students' growth. He is always willing to stop and help you perfect a technique, offering constructive feedback and guidance on how to improve. His lighthearted demeanor creates a friendly and supportive atmosphere in the gym, making it easy to ask questions and learn from each other. Overall, Essence Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is more than just a martial arts school; it's a community of individuals passionate about Jiu-Jitsu and dedicated to helping each other grow. Whether you're looking to improve your skills, get in shape, or just have fun, Essence Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is the place to be. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in learning Jiu-Jitsu in a welcoming and inspiring environment.

At this gym you will find world class coaches and athletes. There are a variety of classes at a low…read moreprice. The gym is very large and has a ton of new equipment to use. One side of the gym has multiple striking and grappling equipment for the MMA program including a ring and cage. The other side of the gym has a full CrossFit area with weights pull up bars. I personally have attended most of the classes the MMA program has to offer and all the coaches are some of the best in the game, but I attend the morning Muay Thai class with Amber the most and she is a fantastic coach with years of experience. My overall striking and grappling have improved because of this gym and I plan to train here as much as I can. Thanks CSA!

This gym has truly changed my life. By simply showing up consistently, I've lost 101 pounds, and I…read morecouldn't have done it without the support and guidance of the coaches here. From day one, they made me feel welcomed, encouraged, and capable--no matter my fitness level. The coaching is top-notch: they pay attention, help with form, push you when you need it, and support you when you don't think you can keep going. The community is just as amazing. Everyone is supportive, motivating, and genuinely happy to see you succeed. This isn't just a CrossFit gym--it's a place that helps you build confidence, discipline, and a better version of yourself 100%. If you're on the fence, stop thinking and just show up. It worked for me, and it can work for you too

Pretty nice BJJ dojo. I came here for an open mat and enjoyed training with this crew. The coaches…read moreare nice and are very welcoming to newcomers to the gym. There are hobbyists and competitors, so you get the best of both worlds. Check this gym out if you are in the area!

Put my girls in Warriors since fall of 2022 twice a week after the trial class. My girls are not…read morenaturally physical or into sports/martial arts, and for one of them, it's very much out of her comfort zone! But Coach Alex is simply fantastic with kids and instructing them in the most positive way. I was a little concerned about the potential injuries and chokeholds in BJj, but the coaches are so good at watching the kids closely and making sure kids stay safe. There are several assistant coaches that vary depending on be day, and all are excellent and promote learning, safety and positivity. The dojo is spacious and clean. I honestly can't say enough good things. There are classes for the whole age range of kids and adults. I never thought my girls would do BJJ and I have to say, it's been a great experience--my kids used to get nervous going, bc again, physically grappling with another kid was an alien concept to them, but now they are pretty comfortable and I can see how empowered they feel after each class. Their stamina and physical fitness are much improved--they used to complain about PE in school but now, they have no problems running the laps, doing pushups, etc. If you are a parent looking for a new activity for your kid that will help with not only their physical wellness but also really promote feeling confident and empowered, Warriors BJJ under Coach Alex is a fantastic option, great for both girls as well as boys!

We love our neighborhood Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Studio. My Son started here a few months ago when…read morethey first opened going twice a week. I really enjoy watching him learn and I can see that he has so much fun doing it week after week. I am 47 and now going twice a week myself. It is amazing what I have learned in such a short time. Highly recommend this. I truly feel anyone can do it.

AVA is a GREAT BJJ Academy, awesome instructors! Everyone on the mats is super welcoming, and the…read morecoaching is top-notch whether you're totally new or have been training for years. Really glad my son found this spot, definitely check it out if you're looking for a solid place to learn and train. The facility is new, clean and organized team!

I did 20 jiujitsu for over 20 years, but after two spinal neck surgeries and pushing 50 years in…read moreage, I needed to find a new martial art. I discovered Ali and this gym a couple of months ago with my son, and I can't say enough about the professionalism, cleanliness, and the open culture of the gym. Tristan is awesome. Classes start and end on time, they're well structured and thought out, and even if it's a large group, Tristan always has good individualized coaching and feedback. There's also no pressure to sign long commitments or buy gear. The gym is also super diverse (women, kids, etc.) but I'd love to see more people my age, so if you're a professional dad looking to get into boxing or fitness, I can't recommend a better gym than this! My teenage son and I both give a huge thumbs up

Great Professional Training with Coach Ali and Coach Olivia. They offer fitness classes too, full…read moregym with weights and cardio. They will motivate you to meet your Fitness goals. Good Ventilation, not stuffy like the other gyms, everyone is easy to talk too and train with.

Good Vibes Abound I was visiting the area on business and…read moredecided to try and visit a local BJJ academy . Coach JT was great and the detailed instructions he gave helped this old fart understand the chain. Katiana went above and beyond to make me feel welcome. I'm looking forward to returning to GJJ on my next trip to the area . Thank you

If you are in the area and are looking for a jiujitsu academy to join, Guerilla is going to be one…read moreof your top options. They have an extremely clean facility, and all the instructors and practitioners are committed to helping you elevate your health and martial arts goals. My experience here for open mat preparing for competition was amazing, and I benefited from training with people here immensely. Thank you Guerilla Jiujitsu.