I have recently done a few drop-in's here at this Gracie Jiu Jitsu Certified Training Center (CTC) around the Christmas season, since my home base academy has been closed for the holidays. Upon entering the CTC's parking lot, I immediately observed that it has an ample, well lit parking lot that can accommodate numerous students and customers. After entering the establishment, I was warmly greeted by the owner/operator/lead instructor, Mr. Dean WELLEN who is a well accomplished black belt currently under Ryron & Rener GRACIE of GRACIE UNIVERSITY. After introductions, I was given a gracious tour of the facilities where I immediately noticed how clean everything was, including the commode and changing area. While upon the mats, I was given fantastic, informative, as well as entertaining instruction by Mr. WELLEN who not only makes you feel at home and at ease, but he allows you to work thru problems and progress, while also making it a challenge to further your skills sets. In addition, the student base is extremely friendly and accommodating which goes to show how well the culture at the CTC has been fostered under the leadership and tutelage of Mr. WELLEN. In closing, if you're looking for high level instruction in a fun and friendly environment, with an emphasis on self defense and sport Jiu Jitsu, this is your spot. It's the type of school where you can train alongside your loved one or drop your teenager or toddler off at and not worry one bit. Bravo to Gracie Jiu Jitsu Long Beach. You have a new fan and customer. Thank you! read more

Gracie Jiu Jitsu Long Beach - The mats. - Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Near Me - Long Beach, California

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Easy parking, amazing teaching, laid back environment and community. I found my home for BJJ. Deano and sofia are amazing instructors and I highly recommend this place to everyone. They have beginner and advanced classes with all Skill levels. Perfect for me as a blue belt to sharpen up my fundamentals. I also notice when I came early they have classes for youth any all the kids are having fun while being engaged into the teachings. Do yourself a favor and an experience this studio, you won't regret it. read more

Gracie Jiu Jitsu Long Beach - Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Near Me - Long Beach, California

Our son Jack has trained with Dean for more than 2 years now. He started training with Dean Wellen since he was 6 years old at a Jiu-jitsu close to us in Huntington Beach. Our son Jack was very taken and fond of Dean from day 1! So when Dean left that studio - it wasn't the same anymore. We then decided to take private lessons with him instead. Once Dean opened his own dojo at Gracie Long Beach - we were very excited for him and happy to enroll Jack there!  I must admit - it is quite a drive for me coming from HB but our son absolutely loves taking his classes so it's all worth it!   Dean has a real gift with connecting to children. I think he was born to teach. He says one word and  they all listen to him!  One added bonus is we have Sofia too! The two of them are a great amazing team! The instructions they provide in class are easy to understand and they metaphor very good examples on how they can apply what they learned in class to real life situations. They teach them how to deal with bullies but at the same time stress that they should not hurt the bullies as well.  The classes are focused on not only learning but making it fun for the kids. Combining the two is a perfect recipe! To us as a family this is very important for our child's learning but also influence.   Besides their daily defense class - they also have "game days." This encourages the kids to earn badges and work on their day-to-day character development. Last month for example - they were working on respect and this month they are working on citizenship. We love this because we work together as a family with our son and at the end of the day he is very proud once he earn those badges.   It is hard to put into words why we like Dean because words doesn't do justice! Dean has been a very good mentor/big bro to our little guy.  He is full of positivity, very hard working, easy going and just good hearted person!  He is a good influence on our son. We also love that Dean has always been very honest with us when it comes to Jacks character and development, etc.   We like to keep our son busy with different activities but he says Jiu Jitsu is number one to him. I asked Jack as I'm writing this... Why do you like it so much Jack? He goes, "because Dean is the best! He is kind, super nice and very fun!"   If you want to be the best! You come work with Dean an read more

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Gracie Jiu Jitsu Long Beach is the place to be! Dean the head instructor is incredible at what he does and has an impressive resume. Really enjoy learning from him and applying all the lessons on and off the mat. Clean gym, amazing vibe, definitely recommend training here at Gracie LB. read more

This place is great! Dropped in for a class over the new year and had a ton of fun. Dean gives clear, concise instruction, the gym is clean, every guy I rolled with was solid and safe (important for aging guys like me). Definitely check Gracie Long Beach out if you're in the area. read more

I've had the privilege of training with Professor Dean Wellen for the past 15 years at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in Torrance, and I can confidently say he is one of the most knowledgeable, dedicated, and skilled instructors I've ever worked with. Dean is a Gracie Jiu-Jitsu black belt and an exceptional teacher who has played a significant role in my own Jiu-Jitsu journey. His ability to explain techniques clearly, tailor instruction to each student's needs, and foster a respectful, encouraging learning environment makes him stand out as an instructor. A few years ago, I referred one of my closest friends to Dean for private lessons, as his schedule didn't allow him to attend evening classes. Dean now trains both my friend and his son. Under Dean's guidance, his son has gone on to medal in multiple Jiu-Jitsu tournaments--a testament to Dean's skill not just as a practitioner, but as a mentor and coach. Having known Dean for so many years and personally witnessing the positive impact he's had on countless students--men, women, kids, beginners, and advanced practitioners alike--I have zero hesitation in recommending him for both group classes and private instruction. His approach is technical, patient, and always grounded in the fundamentals of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. If you're considering training, I highly recommend stopping in and taking a class with Dean. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your skills to the next level, you'll be in excellent hands. read more

I delayed jumping into BJJ for quite a while and was looking for a studio that taught well without the ego along with it. This is the place! They always make you feel so welcome every time you step through the door. The instructor is legit, and has a great way of communicating and teaching the moves in a very digestible and understanding way. If you're considering BJJ, definitely come give this place a shot. You won't be disappointed! read more

Coach Dean is an outstanding instructor with a rare combination of skill, personality, and heart. From day one, he made our family feel welcome. His friendly and charming personality helps newcomers feel comfortable right away, which is so important for kids who may be nervous about trying something new. His partner, Coach Sofia, is equally dedicated, and together they run a safe, fun, and very applicable program. One of the things that stands out most about Coach Dean is how much fun he makes training. If kids don't enjoy the process, they won't stick with it and he understands that better than anyone. My children not only look forward to every class, they have truly fallen in love with jiu-jitsu. The curriculum is based on the Gracie Bullyproof System, which focuses on teaching children self-defense, conflict resolution, and character development. It emphasizes using minimal force to stay safe and stop confrontations without escalating them. We've already seen this in action: one of my kids was able to resolve a violent confrontation with a bully calmly and effectively, using exactly what he learned in class. As a parent, that is priceless. Coach Dean may be teaching physical and de-escalation techniques on the surface, but what he's really doing is shaping character and instilling strong moral values. He often talks about respect, discipline, and doing the right thing. That kind of influence will have a lasting impact on my kids well beyond the mats. The gym itself is excellent. It is clean, well-maintained, with immaculate mats, air conditioning, and convenient parking. It truly is a Jiu-Jitsu practitioner's dream. I don't usually write reviews, but this one is long overdue. Coach Dean and Coach Sofia have created something special in Long Beach. If you're looking for a place where your kids can not only learn to defend themselves but also build confidence, character, and a love for training, this is it. read more

Great experience as a white belt. Very relaxed, controlled environment and excellent instruction. Also the structured syllabus is nice for people wanting to learn BJJ in a more methodical way. read more

If you want to learn Jiu Jitsu, come train under Dean and Sofia. They create a patient and collaborative environment for people with little to no experience. read more

My 6 year old son has been training with Dean and Sofia for about six months and it has been such a positive experience! My son has tried numerous other sports and jiu-jitsu is the only one that has kept his interest. The Bullyproof program teaches self-defense and focuses heavily on strong character traits, with incentives like "Game Day" for exhibiting those character traits outside of the gym. Now as much as I love the program, I love the instructors at Gracie LB more. Dean and Sofia are what makes this gym so special. They are knowledgeable and excellent teachers. They are also goofy and playful with the kids... My son is always excited to go train, asking to go multiple times per week. During class, Sofia incorporates her knowledge of yoga and breathing techniques, which has been incredibly helpful with big kid emotions at home. She has such a warm personality and both of my kids really love her! Dean is a phenomenal leader and my son admires him so much. His standards and expectations are high, and he has the heart and patience to meet kids where they are and build them up. My son has his eyes set on becoming a black belt one day because Dean planted that seed. Soon we will have two kids training here... After 6 months of observing from the sidelines, now my 3 year old daughter is asking to join! Dean and Sofia have made such a positive impact on both of my kids that at home, they actually pretend-play that they are the two of them - teaching jiu-jitsu It's adorable. As a parent, I truly appreciate what Dean and Sofia are doing at Gracie LB... a safe place for my kids to build confidence and learn lifelong skills, with people they respect and enjoy being with. Doesn't get any better than that! Come try it out, you won't be disappointed. read more

Great studio, awesome instructor! Dean makes it so fun for the kids while still maintaining a strong learning environment! Definitely recommend, we tried 3 different jujitsu studios before this one, and this place is just next level! read more

I started jiu-jitsu back in 2008 and after a 17-year hiatus, I finally returned - and I could not be happier to be training at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Long Beach with Dean and Sofia. Their academy has an outstanding culture that is welcoming, safe, and motivating for everyone who walks through the door. Two of my sons have joined as well, and seeing the way Dean and Sofia teach kids with patience, respect, and discipline has been incredible. You can tell they truly care about each student, no matter their age or experience level. If you are looking for a jiu-jitsu academy in Long Beach, I highly recommend checking out Dean's place. It's more than just an academy - it's a place where people grow in confidence, skill, and character. Five stars all the way. read more

Dean is an amazing instructor! True professional at his craft after spending his whole life on the mats. The kids classes are awesome. Sophia and Dean do an amazing jobs teaching the kids self defense and self confidence. This is the best gym to start your child's jui jistu journey. The gym is also great for adult classes. The intro classes teach self defense and the advance classes teach high level jiu jistu. It's an amazing balance for both beginners and advanced BJJ enthusiasts. Also, there's a free 10 day trial! Come check it out read more

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Dean and Sofia provide a welcoming, fun and safe space to learn jiu-jitsu. They are trained directly from lineage of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, and it shows in their explanation of technique and ability to help students learn. I highly recommend this school for anyone thinking about learning self-defense in a fun and positive atmosphere. read more

Great addition to Long Beach. Good location, friendly instructors, basic to advance classes.

Here is my YELP REVIEW for GRACIE JUI JITSU of LONG BEACH! Its beginner friendly...I REPEAT...ITS BEGINNER FRIENDLY!! So don't worry about getting humiliated on the mat because that's not going to happen. Owner Black Belt and Head Instructor DEAN WELLEN and SOFIA are inviting and very friendly, putting you at ease as soon as you meet them. They prioritize safety first over everything. The level of self-defense instruction from PROFFESOR DEAN is top tier...trust me on this!! The facility is CLEAN and sanitized, so you don't have to worry about that. Just come by and meet them and you'll see what I mean when I say their good people. Professor Dean's teaching approach is detailed, technical and very empowering and fun for the students, leaving you feeling like you can do this! He has eyes on the back of his head so if you do the technique wrong, he will see it and help you get it right! He studied and grew up in Jui Jitsu all his life, training with the Gracie family and other icons of the sport! I love it here and so will you if you give it a shot! Oh Yeah...Children, Women, Men anyone that wants to learn are all welcome! And if you live in the neighboring cities close to long beach...come through and check it out! Defecio read more

Dean is an incredible instructor! Super friendly, welcoming, and knowledgeable. He will show you the smallest details that change everything. He is extremely patient and professional. Gracie Jiu Jitsu Long Beach is an amazing addition to the community. I highly recommend giving this gym a try. Thank you Dean! See you again soon! read more