I wanted my daughter to train in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu because I always heard such great things about it. I didn't realize there was a Pasadena location but I stumbled upon them recently through a Google search. My daughter had two sessions and loved it. She's 12, and decided to participate in their Women Empowered classes before adding their Compatives class later on. She has no prior Jiu-Jitsu training, but has settled right in. Fred is the owner of this location. He has been nothing short of amazing, but his staff and instructors and have been equally impressive, particularly Crystal, Michelle, and Lilly. They've made my daughter feel so welcome and supported, and now empowered. All the women in the class are just as amazing. They have different programs and membership packages. It's very affordable as well, making it accessible. The facility is fantastic, very clean and modern. Parking is easy, validated for 2 hours I think, but then only a couple dollars after that. Restrooms, locker rooms, and waiting areas are clean and comfortable. I highly recommend this Pasadena location if you're thinking about martial arts. It's a great place to start training and an amazing group of people to be associated with. read more

I am so shook and confused at what just happened today 09/17 when I took my daughter to the little champs free "bully-proof" class (second class) from 5-6pm. I had originally reserved this on Eventbrite for Saturday September 5th at 1pm and Saturday September 12 at 3pm. Unfortunately, the time was wrong on their EventBrite page for the 12th because it showed 3pm instead of 1pm. Anyway, we missed the second class and they offered me to go any other day of the week as a courtesy, which I agreed to. So today I showed up with my daughter and I was questioned if I had already been to the "free" class and I said yes, but this is her second (free) one. The girl didn't seem too friendly (my daughter was all excited talking to her and she seemed MEH!), but she brought out a temporary uniform for my daughter and we went into the class. I sat on the back this time and my daughter kept yelling "mom", so I would stand up walk up to the front to make sure she was ok. Every time I stood up to look at her, her uniform was worse in terms of fitting. Her pants were dragging, coat sideways off her shoulder, and belt coming off. I let it be and thought they would fix it (which is what her karate instructors usually do). Eventually, she yelled "mom" again and at least 3 kids were lined up and one of the 2 male instructors was fixing their uniform. I told my daughter "you need to fix your uniform". She then looked at the instructor and said "Can you fix my uniform?" He kept doing what he was doing. No eye contact. Nothing. He finished fixing the other kids' uniform and my daughter was still standing on her own with her sloppy, baggy uniform. Ignored. Although she didn't line up. She spoke up many times, she yelled "mom" at least 3 times and neither of those times was she questioned or cared for. I then said out loud "they're not gonna fix it?" Mind you, the kids were no longer in line, so I told her to come to me and she ran across to the beginning of the mat where I was standing. I began adjusting her pants, which were below her butt, and then my phone fell, I lost balance, landed on my knees, and hurt myself with the wooden tile. Not one of the two instructors said a thing. Did they really not notice ALL that?! I then said "What's going on?! I'm confused?" We are not ghosts! Lol, Can they not see/hear us and offer help? I Looked back and a lady looked at me also confused. I then said, you know what, we're being ignored, let's just go. Took off that uniform and left it on the mat. I'm sure they noticed that. I told the lady in the front what happened she said she would see what happened. See what?! Idk, but everyone else saw. The least the instructors could have said was "Do you need anything?" after all those "mom" callings my daughter did. Was it because she didn't line up that she was ignored, even after speaking up? If this is a learning class, you could at least correct/redirect her, so she can understand why you're not helping her. AGAIN, 2 teachers ignored her. Don't offer free anti-bully classes if you're going to ignore a new kid who isn't a member and hasn't paid for your classes yet (but could have). This whole scenario and my daughter telling me she doesn't want to go back to this class because the instructors ignored her so many times is all I needed to write this review. One star for the older male instructor on September 5th. He was fun, caring, and paid attention to all kids. Otherwise, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu felt very unwelcoming this second time, and this is probably why I don't go based off first impressions anymore. read more

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu - The one and only instructor who was kind and did not ignore my daughter. Plus the so not friendly lady in the front. - Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Near Me - Pasadena, California

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What an incredible light Gracie has been to our family. Both of my children look forward to their respective classes & the fun transfers into our household. They're excited to attend classes. They're excited to share what they learned after class. They're even excited to spectate each other's classes. Parking is easy & free. The facilities are clean & well equipped. My kids' instructors focus on a fun, safe, educational, & engaging class environment. I'm impressed at how personable the instructors are with the students, calling on them individually by name & giving everyone an opportunity to speak, participate, & lead. In my experiences, the coaches give the same respect to trial students as they do to veteran students. It's been a beautiful thing to see my children grow throughout their time here. I'm smitten. read more

I've been at Gracies Combatives for a month and a half and its been a great experience. The instructors and staff are amazing, professional and super friendly. read more

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu - Getting my first stripe. - Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Near Me - Pasadena, California

Very professional, friendly, and accepting staff. Would highly recommend for self defense, fitness, and boundary setting as a woman and student. read more

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu - Front desk emblem - Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Near Me - Pasadena, California

Gracie Jiu Jitsu Pasadena exceeded all my expectations. Training has genuinely changed the way I see myself--building not just physical skills, but confidence and resilience that carry over into everyday life. One of the most meaningful parts of the experience has been the community. I've met incredible people here, and some have become my closest friends who support and motivate me both on and off the mats. The instructors are truly exceptional. They treat every student with respect, patience, and genuine care, regardless of experience level. You never feel out of place or overlooked--everyone is supported and nurtured every step of the way on their jiu jitsu journey. GJJP has shown me that jiu jitsu really is for everyone, and I'm so grateful I took that first step to walk through the door. read more

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I would absolutely recommend Gracie Jiu Jitsu Pasadena to anyone. Regardless of age, gender or experience it is a welcoming, fun, supportive environment with excellent instruction. GJJP is unlike any martial arts gym I've been to. Extremely clean and upscale. Kind of like equinox gym but jiu jitsu. Personally, my experience with this gym has been so good I have invited my dad to train (now a 4stripe white belt) & have invited my close friend to train as well! Fred & Aida foster a non toxic, encouraging environment & I am very grateful to be able to train here . Additionally, the kids program is amazing, fun and informative while also focused on really life tools that kids need & heavy focus on growing morals and responsibility. 10/10 school. I drive daily from Van nuys to train here. Can't get better training than this. read more

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I really learning from everyone in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Pasadena the instructors and training partners that help each other learn self defense and to keep it playful for demonstrating purposes to be very prepared in the streets. I miss being there and shall return after paying off and finishing school ASAP. I need a lot of time to complete my school training for me to return ASAP. read more

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu - My Combatives certificate I earned 5-6 years ago from Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in Granada Hills. - Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Near Me - Pasadena, California

I came to do a free Women empowerment workshop and it was such a great experience. The staff and location have very friendly and welcoming vibes. I recommend this place if you are new and looking for somewhere to start your self-defense or jiu jitsu journey. read more

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu - Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Near Me - Pasadena, California

I went to the Women Empowerment Seminar!!! I highly recommend joining!!! They are so fun and sweet and really care about everyone who walks in the door. read more

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu - Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Near Me - Pasadena, California

Beautiful studio, wonderful staff, clean and welcoming!! Did the Women Empowerment seminar and it was great!!

Amazing instructors and the atmosphere was very welcoming. Also great and beautifully furnished basic amenities areas. I'm a fan!

Felt really empowered after the women empowered seminar! It's a great and welcoming community!

Joined about a week ago and have tried 3 other Jiu jitsu places the last 4 years. I could safely say I have finally found my permanent home. The culture, the vibe and the university style training has immensely improved my game. The focus on the fundamentals, self defense, and the techniques over sparring has helped me absorb the content. I was finding myself gassed and exhausted at other places and needing to take a break for 3-5 days afterwards to recover. At Gracie Jiu Jitsu Pasadena, the distinct slow down approach and really stressing the details has really been appreciated for my body and my mind. I look forward to my journey here and appreciate Fred and Aida's approach to Jiu Jitsu. Thank you both and the rest of the team for being open and warm during my first week. read more

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu - Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Near Me - Pasadena, California

Best gym in Pasadena for a reason. Very welcoming, and family oriented. Well structured, and clean gym to train in. Instructors are very helpful and accept all levels of questions from beginners. I highly recommend! -John read more

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu - Great training! - Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Near Me - Pasadena, California

Such an amazing space and community of people! Learn so much just in the seminar class alone. Instructors were amazing!

Amazing woman empowering self defense class super clean and safe place to come too really enjoyed it

Love my experience. I just finished the women's empowered seminar and Love the energy the team brought to it. Made me feel super comfortable and pumped! read more

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu - Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Near Me - Pasadena, California

Finally a Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Pasadena! Love the class structure, you really spend time to learn each technique in an environment that fosters learning without ego. You are able to ask questions and fully work out each technique and get better every day. They also have different hours that you can train and more classes are being added. There are classes for beginners and advanced students, some specifically for women, and soon some for kids as well. Going there is really one of the highlights of my day and I look forward to it each and every time. read more

I had such a great time today visiting the women's empowerment seminar. I did not know what to expect as I have never done any martial arts class. Very well put together event and left feeling so informare and empowered to sign up. read more

Great experience! I went alone and felt so welcomed. I would recommend to anyone who's never taken a class before or just interested!

Great place to train with friendly staff. Clean facility with wonderful coaches and peers. Come for a free trial because you won't regret it. You become family when you are here and I am so glad I joined! read more

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu - Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Near Me - Pasadena, California

I did the Women's Empowered seminar with a friend and we had so much fun. Everyone was so welcoming and non-judgmental. Definitely signing up to become a member. read more

Attended the Women's empowerment seminar. Learned basic safety techniques incase of an attack. Highly recommend!

Very friendly welcoming and helpful front desk staff and instructors. Spacious mat to train. Very clean facilities locker rooms restrooms. Lockers to secure personal items. They validate for parking up to 2 hours. Very accessible read more

Just finished the Women's Empowerment Seminar. Fred and Aida were great as well as all the instructors. I recommend this experience to every woman. Thank you read more

I attended the Women Empowerment Seminar and it was so wonderful! The staff was great, and the facilities are amazing as well. Very clean and useful spaces provided to users. I would recommend to anyone! read more

I am home! Incredible gym with a focus on jiu jitsu for everyone. The instructors are knowledgable and provide a safe environment where you can learn all the details and nuances of this fascinating and highly effective martial art. The culture of this gym is what keeps me coming back. Everyone from the instructors to the staff and the other students make you feel like family. From day one I felt welcomed, included and listened to. I had trained at other gyms that offered more sport and MMA oriented programs. For a 53 year old dad, those programs were not for me: I was solely focused on surviving sparring rounds with younger, stronger and more athletic training partners than learning proper technique, or any technique for that matter. At GJJ Pasadena every technique is thoroughly explained and broken down so the student can learn its proper execution. I love the initial focus on self defense and realistic street fighting situations. I also love that the instructors address variations and adjustments for different body types (I am short and have short legs, but thanks to Fred and Gilbert's thorough instruction, I am able to execute moves that I previously thought were not for me due to my body type.) As the program progresses, sparring is introduced and the resistance and intensity gradually increases. By this time, the student has a better grasp of the art and can perform the moves safely and with better control. This insures less risk of injury to self and your training partners. If you are looking for a jiu jitsu gym that is truly jiu jitsu for everyone, do yourself a favor and check out Gracie Jiu Jitsu Pasadena. read more

Gracie Jiu Jitsu Pasadena is a welcoming environment that provides an amazing learning experience! Thank you! read more

Gracie jujitsu their curriculum is like no othe, it's designed so that you will learn & master the techniques precisely. If life at times didn't get in the way of living I would be attending class everyda, but I have to work. Coaches Fred & Gilbert do such an excellent job of conveying every detail of the techninques. Excellent place for learning jujitsu for self defense. I highly recommend it. read more

I'm new to any sort of martial arts and I absolutely love it here! The classes are all beginner friendly and a whole lot of fun. It's absolutely wonderful that there's women focused classes on self defense! read more

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I have nothing but great things to say about Fred and the team at Gracie Jiu Jitsu Pasadena. I came in for a free trial as a total beginner and wasn't sure what to expect, but everyone was so welcoming from the second I walked in. Fred and Gil were awesome. They broke everything down in a way that actually made sense and made me feel super comfortable the whole time. I learned so much in just one session. The vibe here is really supportive, no ego, just good people. Highly recommend this place out if you're even a little curious about Jiu Jitsu. 10/10. read more

At 48, I had some reservations when I joined in March of this year. I was not in very good shape, I didn't want to get injured, and I wasn't sure if I would enjoy it. But my experience has been extremely positive and rewarding. I've lost weight, my blood pressure has improved, I've met a lot of friendly and cool people, and I've learned techniques and strategies on how defend myself in a fight. If you ever wanted to try Gracie Jiujitsu, this is the place to start your journey. The facilities are very clean, the staff is welcoming, and the sense of community is amazing. ALL the instructors are knowledgeable, caring, patient, and express a genuine love of sharing what they know. And everyone who trains here takes care of their partners and has a good time. I highly recommend Gracie Jiujitsu Pasadena!!!! read more

This is a great place for kids and adults to learn self defense in friendly and safe environment. The studio and bathrooms and studio are so clean and modern. It is conveniently located in a nice area, too. read more

The atmosphere is incredibly welcoming and feels like home. The Gracie family creates a wonderful learning environment. Glad I'm back to my home away from home! read more

It's one of the best modern Jiu Jitsu facility in Pasadena and they have an excellent location. The instructors and its staff are amazing and very professional and friendly. This is the place to go if you're looking to enroll. read more

I started 3 weeks ago and have been really enjoying myself. the classes are beginner friendly and challenging in a good way. A very friendly environment with cool people of all experience levels. Great culture to introduce newbies to Jiu-Jitsu. The instructors are thorough, specific, and helpful. My favorite class is Women Empowered, it is practical and I am feeling more confident in my ability to defend myself. I look forward to the community events as well! epic read more

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu - Cute decorations - Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Near Me - Pasadena, California

Where do I start? I've been coming to GJJ Pasadena since April 2024 and it's become something I look forward to day after day. It's a place to learn BJJ in a safe and structured environment. The instructors are top notch (shoutout to Fred, Doc and Gilbert) and the members are all friendly and helpful. What sets this school apart from others is the focus on self-defense and how jiu jitsu can be applied to any stressful situation. So whether you're looking to boost your self defense skills, learn some slick submissions, give your kids the confidence to defend themselves or just looking to learn jiu jitsu in a fun and safe atmosphere then look no further than GJJ Pasadena. read more

Had such an awesome time training at Gracie Jiu Jitsu Pasadena! The staff is super friendly and welcoming. There is plenty of parking and the facility is clean too. Can't wait to continue training here! read more