We've have both of our boys in classes at Essence BJJ Walnut Creek for over a year now, and it's been a fantastic experience. We come every week for different age group classes, and both of my kids look forward to it each time. The instructors are excellent with the kids -- they know how to engage them, earn their respect, and create a positive and motivating environment. It's clear they care about the students and put a lot of effort into teaching and building character. I also want to mention the recent remodeling -- it really improved the facility and made the space even more welcoming and functional. Highly recommend Essence BJJ to any families looking for a great martial arts program for their kids! Although I have only my boys there for now, I will definitely sign up my youngest daughter to go there in about a year or so. read more

My 10 year old son has been training here for nearly 3 years now, and he absolutely loves it. Not only does he learn a practical defense, but the coaches also reinforce the values we practice in our own home; respect, fairness, discipline. Not only is he challenged to push himself physically, but he has fun too! He's made a lot of new friends since students come from different schools. The coaches listen to their students and their parents. They're always available and approachable to talk to. They're there to help. Safety is a top priority. And while this is a "martial arts" studio, this isn't a "fight" studio. Although if you do choose to compete, they will support you 100%, from kids to adults. Best of all, we're treated like family here. read more

The community and instruction here is amazing! I always learn a ton and I get a great workout. The environment is extremely positive and supportive. If you're looking to train BJJ, you couldn't find a better place! read more

Great gym, awesome instructors, upbeat vibes. Loved every part of training here. 10/10

Professor Vini is absolutely amazing. One of the most patient teachers, knowledgeable, fun, and does an amazing job with the students. I love this studio. Everyone is very kind and accommodating and kiddo has learned quite a bit from his lessons with professor Vini. Very reasonably priced. read more

The professors and staff are incredible. I started my 5-year-old daughter about a year ago, and her skills have only improved. The coaches and professors know their stuff! She loved it so much that I joined and fell in love with the sport instantly! I definitely recommend this place to anyone. There is something for everyone, from beginners to more advanced folks! read more

The family at Ralph Gracie Walnut Creek is top notch! From Professor Vini, his wonderful family, Coach Eduardo and all my training partners, the people are what make RGBJJ Walnut Creek a wonderful place to train. I have a little martial arts experience but no BJJ experience and Professor Vini, Eduardo and all my classmates helped me to be comfortable and learn in a very supportive environment. I train with my son and there are numerous families that train together here. I am proud to be a member of this community and will continue to be long term. read more

Great coach, Eduardo, and Professor, Vinni! My youngest learned to love BJJ with their guidance. Teachers take time even after classes to answer any questions and demonstrate their care for students and BJJ. The staff members are also friendly and prompt with their follow up. read more

Their customer service and teacher: student ratio was disappointing. I would be wary of this gym and be very careful on making commitments. They are a bit shady. read more

I had zero BJJ/martial arts experience but gave it a go as a way to stay in shape. I ended up getting that and much more from Eduardo & Vinni. Their gym is very welcoming and has a family atmosphere feel to it. Everyone helps everyone out, no egos at all. Whether you've never done BJJ before or you're very experienced, this gym caters to all levels. If you're looking for a gym, I can't recommend this place enough. read more

My daughter has been coming here for about 6 months. The team keeps the class fun but also ensures that the kids are respectful to each other. They are very patient with my daughter and the other kids to let them progress at their own pace. Great atmosphere and community. read more

This review is based on 6 months training BJJ for myself and my kids. First, the instructors are very knowledgeable and approachable. The culture at the facility is about learning and not about being "hard core." The kids programs are designed for the kids to have fun while learning. There are rules and the kids must follow the rules but the instructors work who the kids to make sure they follow the guidelines. I highly recommend Essence BJJ to train BJJ, especially if you are a new comer to the sport. Professors Vini and Jerry are top notch instructors! read more

This review is long overdue. We LOVE this gym. My boys have been training Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai here for a year and this is a special place. I am so happy we found Essence and it truly has enriched my kid's lives. Everyone here is excellent. read more

Love this place, so good for the kids and everybody is very kind and welcoming. Coaches are great. My son, Adam loves this class. read more

After a 4 year layoff from practicing jiu-jitsu I decided to put my health first and come back to the gym. As a new white belt I met Professor Vini Nunes while he was teaching at another school in Danville. Having a great interaction with his style of teaching I decided to have my son and I join the jiu-jitsu family 2 months ago. The experience here has been nothing short of perfect! All of the teachers give wholeheartedly and without reservations. I usually attend the early morning workouts with Professor Teddy and have benefited immensely both in knowledge of the art and in my overall fitness goals. My son is taking the afternoon sessions with Professor Vini, Coach Brian, Coach Eduardo and their enthusiasm and kid friendliness has made jiu-jitsu a fun and safe sport for him! For these reasons, I highly recommend Vini Nunes Walnut Creek jiu-jitsu for anyone who wants to get back in shape, learn self defense, or even start a hobby that can last a lifetime! read more

I love the jiu-jitsu classes you learn so much and have fun at the same time it's just really fun the way they teach us and it's awesome I highly recommend Ralph Gracie Jiu-jitsu. read more

Essence BJJ Walnut Creek is a great gym to train for me as a beginner level. This is a family-operated business, and I always feel welcome when I enter, even when I am anxious or tired. This martial art isn't easy; people who train come from different walks of life and have varying athletic abilities and acumen. Crucially, Professor Vini and his coaches and staff make everyone feel welcome and encourage you to train to the best of your ability, even for practitioners who aren't athletically gifted and slightly older people like me. They also encourage discipline and respect for other students, ensuring that we don't go too hard (or too easy) on the training partner during the specific training, especially if the opponent is of the opposite gender. It is fun to re-learn etiquette and values such as honesty, determination, respect for yourself and others, and honoring those who are more accomplished and know more than you as an adult. I learned to be more minded and understand that there are a lot of things I don't know but I can be taught them with patience and by coming back. Importantly, they carefully moderate the specific training to ensure everyone stays safe and has fun while giving their best. If you are looking for a family-run gym that makes you feel at home and meet some great people while looking for a great workout and new skills, this is your place! read more

I would highly recommend this gym to anyone looking for a ego-free and fun learning environment. The mats are always clean, instructors are amazing and classmates are respectful/supportive. I look forward to every class. If you're on the fence about BJJ, sign up for a free class and you will be hooked by the end of it. read more

Vinnie and Eduardo great guys just the best place to train have my son going he loves it Ralph Gracie excellent place

i cannot recommend this place enough. Amazing family atmosphere. Great instruction for adults and children. If you have been thinking about starting Jiu Jitsu check this is the place to go. Test your physical and mental limits and get better with every class. Amazing. read more

My two girls have been learning Jiujitsu from Vini in the kids class for about 3 months now and they love it. They have gained so much confidence and skill. Vini is an amazing teacher and he is really good with kids. I take the Woman Self Defense on Saturdays and I can't say enough good about things about the class. It's been the most rewarding, humbling, confidence building experience I've been through. I highly recommend Jiujitsu at Forma in Walnut Creek. read more

My five year old started jiu jitsu here and absolutely loves it! The instructor Vini is awesome and helps the kids build confidence and learn discipline. This program has been great for building my son's agility and coordination and he will choose to go to jiu jitsu class over just about anything! read more

If you are looking to start Jiu-Jitsu, or are already working on your craft, this is a great place to train! Vinnie, the instructor, is the BEST! He is friendly, helpful, and just an all-around good person. The location is right off of the freeway, so there is also a convenience factor. There are multiple classes daily, so people can choose when to train. You won't regret giving it a try at the very least. read more

I started doing jiu jitsu for the first time back in October. My experience has been nothing short of amazing. Vini is an amazing instructor but more importantly cares about helping people no matter what their experience is. If you are thinking of trying it, this is the place to do it. I love it so much that now my son and wife both do it regularly. Vini has done a great job of building a great community that feels more like family. read more

I tried my first BJJ class a few months ago, and was immediately hooked! So much so, that my 2 daughters (ages 9 and 7) are now also signed up. We all love it. It's a mixture of great exercise, hard work, self defense, camaraderie, friendship, and human chess! Vinny and Johnny are awesome instructors. They are not only amazing black belts, but also super nice, knowledgeable, and patient (with old men like me and the kids). My girls and I are looking forward to enjoying Ralph Gracie BJJ for a long time to come. read more