Esteem Jiu-Jitsu

0.8 mi

This play is so welcoming and inviting. Classes are small at the moment which means a lot of one…read moreon one instructions. I've had crazy injuries doing bjj but I feel really safe here. Would definitely recommend.

From the owner: We offer and inclusive and safe space for all to learn jiujitsu. read more

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Tech Lab Jiu Jitsu

(6 reviews)

8.0 mi

Amazing facility, always clean, and outstanding coaches. I started my jiu jitsu journey here, and…read morefell in love with the gentle art thanks to everyone at the gym. If you're new to the sport or even have years of experience, I highly recommend this place!

Such a wonderful place for my kiddo. He is now 4 and asks about going all the time!…read more Owners are friendly and a great location.

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West County Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

(4 reviews)

15.5 mi

I've been training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu since 1999, across several countries, and at many…read moredifferent gyms and dojos. Over the years I've experienced a wide range of training environments, coaching styles, and gym cultures--and I've been fortunate to find a few BJJ "families" where I truly felt connected. The places I've always stayed the longest are the ones where I felt genuinely welcomed and safe, while still being challenged to grow and improve. After being on and off the mats due to kids, job, and injuries, finding my way back to consistent training felt like a big deal. I'm happy to say I've found my new BJJ home at West County BJJ in Sebastopol. The coaches are skilled, thoughtful, and conscientious, and the training partners create an atmosphere that is both supportive and motivating. It's a place where you can learn, improve, and push yourself. I highly recommend West County BJJ for both beginners and experienced practitioners, of all genders.

I've been training here for years because the focus is on technique, not brute force, and it's the…read moreonly way to improve as I get older. This is a small member-run collective organized by hard-working people with jobs and families who love the art of Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Visitors from around the world are welcome to train here during their travels to Sonoma County and they often remark that our little community is special. Classes are often taught in the gi, but not always. First class is free.

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Gracie Barra Santa Rosa

(23 reviews)

17.6 mi

From the moment I walked through the doors, with my 5 year old daughter. (She is now 9.) We felt…read morewelcomed, supported, and motivated. Professor Connor, Professor Natalie and The amazing coaches are not only incredibly knowledgeable and accomplished in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, but they are also patient, attentive, and genuinely invested in every student's growth--regardless of experience level. Gracie Barra Santa Rosa maintains a STONG culture of respect, discipline, and teamwork. Classes are well-structured, challenging, and Fun. Gracie Barra Santa Rosa has helped shape my daughter into a confident, disciplined and competitive athlete. Professor Natalie has been very influential with her one on one personal training sessions, her guidance and inspiration. Gracie Barra Santa Rosa Coaches are always there for the athletes.Wheter we are at a competition 60 miles away or 200 you can always count that a Gracie Barra Coach or Professor is Near. What really sets Gracie Barra Santa Rosa apart is the community. Everyone--from coaches to students, parents of students, grandparents of students --creates an encouraging, family-like environment. We support one another, are there for one another and look out for eachother . Our community is strong. The Academy is Prestine with cleanlines, mats are exceptionally maintained, extremely professional, and very well operated which reflects the high standards of the Gracie Barra organization. If you're looking for top-tier Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instruction, a welcoming atmosphere, and a place that truly feels like home, I can't recommend Gracie Barra Santa Rosa highly enough.

We love Gracie Barra Santa Rosa! I cannot say enough good things about them. I love that the…read morefacility is super clean! My family has been going there since 2020. My son used to not like people touching him or abrupt change in activities but just short weeks after starting at GBSR I have witnessed him gained confidence and physical capabilities to level that I have never expected. Professor Connor and Professor Natalie, as well as the coaches, are kind and genuinely care about their students they enforce good sportsmanship while in a competitive environment. I also love that Professor Natalie and coaches expect seriousness from each individual but kids also get to be fun and silly at the end of every kid lessons with game treats such as dodgeball, number game, red light/green light, and more. Professor Connor and Professor Natalie are both black belts, they have competition experience and have brought home many medals. I highly recommend anyone with an interest in learning self-defense or trying a new physical fitness challenge to visit GBSR.

Welcome back! First night class of 2024

Professor Natalie showing the technique of the day to our kid's class.

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Coach Daniel receiving his blue belt.

Checkmat Santa Rosa

4.2

(5 reviews)

14.9 mi

I've been to about 6 BJJ gyms now and this is my new home. Professor Rafael is fantastic, all the…read moremembers are kind and helpful but also competitive. It's a great family atmosphere and will improve your game quickly. If you have any interest in BJJ, give it a try. I go 3-5x a week and am starting to get my kids involved in some of the kids classes. And I'm truly baffled by any negative reviews here -- makes absolutely no sense.

FALSE ADVERTISEMENT!!!! Showed up for the 10 am "nogi"…read moreclass that I saw I could "try to free" online. It was a gi class. Luckily I keep a clean gi in my car so wasn't such a big deal. I was just excited to try out a different gym since I live in SoCal and wanted to check out a new spot while I was in Santa Rosa. The professor proceeded to tell me it would be $50 to try out the class if I'm not a check mat member in SoCal and $30 if I was a member (they don't let their own members train for free when traveling??????) I read online that I could try any class for free so I felt very deceived at this point and left.. super awkward experience . Avoid gyms like this at all costs money hungry and in organized

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AKS Affinity Kickboxing Studio

(10 reviews)

8.6 mi

Coach nick is amazing, great with little kids and teens! My little one has so much fun while…read morelearning discipline. They both love kickboxing and jiu jitsiu

Coach Nick is amazing with the kids, and the assistants he has to help with them are wonderful as…read morewell. I love what my kids are learning about both martial arts and about how to interact with adults and other kids.

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Nor Cal Fighting Alliance

3.8

(23 reviews)

17.2 mi

Great gym! Kids classes are fun and big with everyone getting quality training. There are multiple…read morecoaches helping out all the kids. Dave, along with the rest of his team is awesome. We are so glad we found this place.

Best gym and best coach in the world. You won't get training like this anywhere else.read more

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Black Sheep Jiu Jitsu

4.7

(28 reviews)

17.5 mi

I'm over 40 and was looking for a place where I could train often, push myself, and still stay…read moresafe. Black Sheep Jiu Jitsu has been exactly that. The teaching is super high level, but the vibe on the mat is welcoming and safe enough that I'm able to roll 6-7 days a week. There are tons of black belts and brown belts here--Levon, Derek, Alex, Evan--who make every round tough but also take the time to help you get better while you roll. Coach Wolf is amazing with both technique and rolling, and Cole is awesome with the no-gi classes. Big shoutout as well to the morning crew--Noah, Nico, and Tyler--who make early training something to actually look forward to. This place is packed with knowledge, great people, and positive energy. If you're looking for a spot to improve and have fun on the mats--whether you're young, competitive, or just trying to stay sharp past 40--Black Sheep Jiu Jitsu is the gym

been training here for almost a year and my review would be five stars if not for the insane…read morehygiene issues. PLEASE for the health and safety of your students disinfect the mats between each class. Or at the very least east wipe them down so they're not drenched in others sweat when people step on... Staph infections, MRSA, and ringworm are very real things.

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Sabre Jiu Jitsu Academy

(41 reviews)

38.4 mi

Been training here for a year now and love the community feel combined with the competition-winning…read morelevel of technical knowledge. Great place for beginners and experienced athletes alike.

You probably go to learn BJJ and quickly find out you've become part of a family, onethat extends…read moreto other academies within the Sabre affiliation as well. The leadership and lessons are second to none. Great for beginners up to world level competitors. Classes are mornings, noon, nights and weekends. Highly recommend you check them out!!

Saturdays Competition Class

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Martial Arts USA

(18 reviews)

0.8 mi

We have been here for 5 years. Not a bad word to say about it! Such a variety of things offered and…read moregreat community.

This place is the best. Community-oriented, fun, and…read morefriendly. They have a great summer camp. Many other classes offered also. Young kids, teens, adults, seniors. Judo & kick boxing.

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Shollenberger Park

4.3

(56 reviews)

2.0 mi

I forget about this park sometimes and that it's pretty close to me…read more What I love- free parking, the trails are family friendly (flat) and the scenery can be very pretty. It feels like you're at a bird sanctuary- many varieties of birds and often you'll find swans in the water. There is also a small picnic area with a few tables facing the water. I saw all ages today- many kids on their bikes and people walking dogs. The only time I do not like visiting this park is on a hot day as there is no shade.

I enjoyed walking in this area. Bird watchers area. You can definitely get in several miles. Free…read moreparking

Lots of bird life here

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Flat walking trail loop.

Petaluma Swim Center

4.0

(12 reviews)

0.6 mi

If you like to swim laps - this Place ROCKS like no other. In the mornings they have Long Course -…read more50 meters, which is extremely rare in the world beyond competitive Olympic and some College pools. It's clean, nice people it's something like $6 or $7 bucks for a drop in. Ya gotta a problem with the fee - I've been to cities with lousy pools with a drop in for 2 1/2 quid in my mind that's $25 bones. Make a comment if you think it's less - it's hard to tell. Like clicks - how many clicks to get over the hill? Well, that'll be 2 clicks - I think that's a little more than a half a mile aka 1 Kilometer. Tangent - Love this pool, swam here last year during the fires, swim here whenever the SRosa pools are out of order or I have to work beyond 12:30 - pools close at 1, Petaluma closes later afternoon - like St. Ive's pool in Sebastopol if you - YOU are looking for lap swimming.

With only one real community swim center it's good! Cavanaugh is small…read moreBut it works. How about a new aquatic Swim center fund raiser. Stay strong Petaluma swim center you rock. I was there a few weeks back left my change pouch on table the next day I was like let me know if y'all found it. Lifeguard checked the safe and the here it was. Thank you your the best‍‍

What better way to start your day?

Parked about to swim

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Walter Graham Aquatic Center

4.1

(42 reviews)

35.3 mi

Have lifeguards that care about their jobs...guarding lives. Kids were jumping into the big pool…read moreonto each other and near the cement corner several times, over and over. Brought it to a lifeguard's attention, they literally said "that is his area". We left after this comment. There appeared to be actual feces in the kiddie pool area. Not a just a little. The lifeguards at the diving boards did not ensure that yellow bands were on little kids' wrists. My nephew went over there and was obviously not 12. Nothing done. I took him away and put him where he belonged. I had three kids with me all different ages and heights. Lifeguards need to be lifeguards and not be checking out other teenagers and playing games amongst themselves. It was very obvious. Sad really. Won't be back.

I love this aquatic center! They are staffed well with young, excited youth that seem to like being…read morea part of the community. Seems like everyone is following the rules and having so much fun! They will allow you to bring your own food, tables, and chairs in! They have a snack bar that seems to have something for everyone with great prices! The price to get in is so affordable at eight dollars per child. It's the cheapest fun you can have! If you're a parent/caregiver and you want to swim, it will cost you the same but if you just want to go in it, it's five dollars to enter. We typically stay the full rec time that is 3 1/2 hours. We absolutely love it. The splash pad for the younger kids is really awesome with a waterslide that's perfect for youngsters! That waterslide is so much fun and these little ones have a blast! I highly recommend!

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Freitas Park

4.3

(11 reviews)

16.4 mi

This park is so fun! I like that you can control the water yourself - I was concerned it would only…read morefunction during certain hours. The playground above is better suited for older kids (3+) but it is a beautiful space to hang. Nice lush grass, too!

Playground is nice enough, but small and probably best suited for elementary school age kids not…read moretoddlers.

Shaded area with picnic tables

Water feature.

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Many hands.

Petaluma Golf Center

4.4

(33 reviews)

3.1 mi

This is a perfect weekend day date spot. We came here as first timers, had only been to TopGolf so…read morewe werent really sure what to expect, but it didnt disappoint. The staff was really nice and helpful, as mentioned it was out first time and we needed some guidance on what to do and where to go. The purchase of balls was cheap, and they actually have some clubs if you need to borrow one(we did) at no cost, please just dont forget to return these, its a nice touch on their end and it would be a shame if it was ruined. Its first come, so pick your lane, grab a chair and hit some balls. They have drinks and food that you can order while you're playing, or you can opt for a table after you're done. Regardless its a great place to come an enjoy a nice day.

5 tokens for $35 - pretty sweet deal…read more Thursday nights, they have $25 special for a bucket of golf balls. Clean cut and nice activity.

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Kegs on the golf field

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Heather H.

11 years ago

For the last 3 and a half years, my 2 oldest children and my husband have been a part of the team/family at Esteem BJJ. Just this last month, my 3rd child joined them on the mats. There is not a day that goes by that we as a family do not talk about what they have learned, experienced and earned as a student under Michael Stratton. Not only is the environment positive, healthy and encouraging but all of the staff, coaches, and the professor obviously give 100% to provide an amazing life skill. BJJ is something that my family thrives in and looks forward to growing in as the time goes on. Every week the kids look forward to every class and are super sad any time they have to miss a class. I do not think I can say enough great things to fully describe how happy we are with Esteem and what we have gained from them and the sport. OSS! read more

Christian S.

10 years ago

I've been training BJJ for the last 7 years and when I travel I take advantage of the opportunities of training with other schools. I spent 5 weeks in Petaluma and joined Esteem BJJ, Mike and his team welcomed me in and made me feel at home. This is truly one of the best experiences I have ever had training away from my home Academy. The technics were on point and Mike is a solid instructor, earning his Black Belt from the well-known Wellington Leal "Megaton" Dias. I had the chance to watch Esteems kids program prior to the adult class starting. These kids are focused and Mike and Rosie have the ability to maintain their undivided attention, not only are the little warriors technical, but they are having a blast. I would recommend this school to anyone that has thought of trying martial arts. read more

Kevin E.

239

11 years ago

This is a truly fantastic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy. Both new and experienced grapplers will find a welcoming, fun and challenging atmosphere that feels likes family. I wrestled in high school and in college back in 2009-2010 and had since wanted to get back into some sort of grappling. I wandered into Esteem bjj knowing nothing of Bjj but found what has become my passion in life. My goal was to compete and I found that the competition team here is very active and talented. On the other hand my wife has no grappling or martial arts experience yet felt totally welcomed and not intimidated training at the gym. No matter what your goals may be, whether competitive jiu jitsu or simply to learn a new hobby, this gym is quality and you will not regret checking it out! read more

Cami B.

11 years ago

Esteem BJJ is the best training facility you could ask for. They have an excellent coaching staff, lead by our incredible Professor, Michael Stratton. We started our kids almost 3 years ago and have watched their knowledge, confidence, friendships, and skills blossom. I began training 1 year ago myself and have been pushed to achieve personal goals that I wouldn't have otherwise achieved. This is the best investment I make for my family every month. When you train at Esteem, you not only get the training you need to meet your personal fitness goals but you get the support of an entire BJJ family read more

Michael C.

11 years ago

Being an elite athlete and being a teacher are two very different things, and few people possess an aptitude for both. Mr. Stratton is that rare combination of traits that make a great instructor. His knowledge, energy and seemingly effortless coaching style make every class fun and enlightening. Esteem BJJ is a great place to train and learn. Both of my boys (4 and 7) attend several classes per week and I'm in the adult classes in the evenings. "Coach Mike", with his wife Rosie and two boys, have built a strong BJJ community here in Petaluma. We are glad to be a part of it. read more

Paul O.

9 years ago

I have been training at Esteem bjj For 7 years and love coming to class every day while looking forward to the next class! I have lost over 60 pounds less than one year because of Esteem bjj and Coach michael Stratton. I no longer have sleep apnea, physical ailments, and overall health issues. Everybody always has a smile on their face and are happy to see everyone in the gym. Esteem bjj is a family that strives to help everyone bring out the best in each other. you will be in the best shape of your life, and you will love the training and friendly atmosphere! read more

Sigrid T.

11 years ago

Not only is Esteem BJJ a top notch training facility, it's family friendly and has THE best coaches. The level of support and patience coming from not only the owners and staff but the teammates is above and beyond. Whether you're looking for an addition to your fitness routine, want to gain a life skill, increase self confidence or train to compete Esteem BJJ is definitely the place for you. I train, my 6 year old daughter trains even my teenager loves it. We've felt comfortable and welcomed from day one. You'll be hooked, I guarantee it. We were!!!! read more

Mark S.

111

9 years ago

I started at Esteem a little over a year ago. The positive effect it has had on my life is uncanny. I had suffered from severe depression and anxiety for a long time and was very out of shape. Esteem has changed all of that. I had negative experiences at other gyms in the area, but Esteem was a very welcoming and comfortable environment. The coaches are amazing, and the people are like a big family. No matter what your goals are this is the right place to come train. You won't regret it! read more

Zach V.

11 years ago

This gym is awesome. I went reluctantly to one session with a friend who invited me. Never thought I'd be doing Jiu Jitsu, never had an interest but now I'm hooked. The staff is incredible. The people here are really supportive and it is an amazing community. I really can't say enough about this place and what they're doing. It's a great workout, in a really friendly environment, worth every bit of the investment. I cannot give this place a high enough recommendation. For real! read more

John M.

9 years ago

Michael's coaching and friendliness are above and beyond any gym I have ever visited. The vibe here is unbeatable. Whether you want to learn at your own pace and follow along or go full on competition you will be supported and feel welcome! Do yourself a favor, if you are thinking of trying out the sport of BJJ, stop by and check it out. read more

Eric C.

9 years ago

I've been training at Esteem for a year now. I can attest to the quality of instruction and atmosphere. Michael Stratton and his wife Rosie run a friendly, family orientated academy. Both Michael and Brett are top notch instructors. Equally important, I think, is that the other students are welcoming and supportive. read more

Rosie S.

239

11 years ago

The best jiu jitsu gym in the area, definitely recommend this gym if you want a fun and friendly atmosphere, and above all family. We are all one big family! read more

Esteem Jiu-Jitsu - brazilianjiujitsu - Updated August 2026

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