I can't say enough about Women Empowerment at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Vallejo! What started as a personal goal to earn my pink belt quickly turned into joining a community of inspiring women who truly have each other's backs. From day one, I felt welcome and supported. Nikki is a phenomenal instructor--she teaches with clarity, structure, and real-world practicality that makes every class feel valuable and impactful. Whether you're looking to learn self-defense, build confidence, or find a strong community, this is the place for you! read more

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu - Taekwondo Near Me - Vallejo, California

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We first tried a Jiu Jitsu gym in Fairfield, and after just one class, we left very unsatisfied. My daughter, who was only 5 at the time, was placed in a class with much older, more experienced kids without any explanation, guidance, or pairing with a mentor. During one exercise (which had never been explained to her), a more experienced student took it upon himself to "correct" her by tripping her, causing her to fall face-first. The instructor neither checked on her well-being nor addressed the behavior. The incident left her shaken and unwilling to try Jiu Jitsu again for quite some time. After months of encouragement, she finally agreed to give it another try, this time at Gracie Jiu Jitsu, which had been highly recommended by fellow school parents. From day one, the difference was night and day. The coaches are not only professional and skilled, but also incredibly patient, welcoming, and attentive to each child's needs. They make sure every student understands the exercises and feels safe while learning. One moment that really stood out to me was when my daughter accidentally overextended her wrist. Both coaches checked on her at separate times, Coach Miro even offered to wrap her hand, and later Coach Nikki reassured her that these things happen and everything would be okay. As a mom, that level of care spoke volumes and showed me they truly prioritize their students' well-being. What I also love is how they blend skill-building with play. They incorporate games like Simon Says and end the class with dodgeball. This isn't just fun, it's smart. Play is a crucial part of how children learn, and it's clear the coaches understand how to keep kids engaged, motivated, and happy while still teaching discipline and technique. Beyond physical skills, Gracie Jiu Jitsu focuses on life lessons. Each month, they highlight a value, last month's was respect. The coaches talk about what it means, how to show it, and how it applies outside the gym. They also teach the importance of community, standing up for others, and resolving conflicts peacefully, using Jiu Jitsu techniques only when truly necessary for self-defense. My daughter is now not only learning how to protect herself, but also how to be respectful, compassionate, and confident. Gracie Jiu Jitsu is giving her tools that will serve her for life. Highly recommended. read more

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu - The girls earned their Respect badge after showing what it truly means to be respectful. - Taekwondo Near Me - Vallejo, California

My 6-year-old son loves Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in Vallejo! The instructors not only teach solid jiu-jitsu skills, but also focus on building character, confidence, and respect. They do an excellent job teaching kids how to stand up for themselves in a positive way and how not to be bullied. The atmosphere is welcoming, supportive, and fun. I definitely recommend this place for any parent looking for more than just martial arts training--it's a great investment in your child's growth. read more

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu - Kids class - Taekwondo Near Me - Vallejo, California

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Joining Gracie Jiu jitsu Vallejo has been one of the best decisions I've ever made. I started and got my combatives belt through the Gracie university online program but coming in person and joining the Women Empowerment program was a game changer! Not only did I learn to be assertive in both my life and jiu jitsu journey but I've gained confidence and literally feel empowered every time I walk through those doors. The atmosphere and energy at the Gracie locations I've been to are always welcoming but in Vallejo, Miro and Nikki are such real and genuine people that have always made us feel like family. They'll always have my gratitude! read more

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I can't say enough positive things about this school. It's a safe, family - friendly and fun environment to learn this fantastic life skill. Personally, it has enhanced my life and I am so grateful. This awesome martial art is taught by an exceptionally caring and thoughtful husband and wife who are the best teachers of anything that I've ever been taught. They understand that everyone is on their own journey and they make it easy to integrate Jiu jitsu into your busy life. I started 3 years ago and I have made friends for life learning at this school. I never plan on stopping; I truly believe that I would not have this same attitude at any other school. Thank you, Miro/Nikki and family . read more

Having searched around, Miro's Taekwondo is the BEST place for anyone to learn some self-defense! I've been attending for 4 years and can't get enough. Solid teaching in a wonderful, welcoming community. Great for families! read more

Such a great place for kids! The environment feels very safe, and the instructors (shout out to sensei miro & wifey) are patient, friendly, and professional. My son Jade was welcomed right away and looks forward to every class. The staff truly care about the kids, not just teaching jiu-jitsu but also building confidence and respect. I'm so glad we enrolled him here, it's been nothing but a positive experience! read more

When considering a number of BJJ academies to start my journey, I was specifically looking for: thoughtful/caring instruction, safety/cleanliness and a structured environment, whereby both the student and instructor would be in partnership. After considering a number of schools, I found the environment and community at Gracie Vallejo as a place that embodied all the important elements that I was searching for. The instruction is top-notch and there's a lot of focus to make sure that everyone feels welcome. Having started my journey a bit later in life (with some pre-existing injuries), I was hyper focused on a development path that would allow me to understand the basics, before rolling more intensively and safely. The Gracie University system for the introductory Combatives program is specifically designed with the beginner in mind. And having now moved on from this initial program and into Masters Cycle, I can attest to the incredible quality of my experience, so far. I have intensively early weekday hours (up at ~3am each day) and have a 90 minute round trip commute from Marin County to train each day, so I have a high bar for where I choose to stay on my BJJ journey. Yes, there's many academies closer to me, but I still choose to make the trip to Gracie Vallejo for the unparalleled experience! read more

Awesome job captivating kids attention. Instructors work well with the kids, maintaining a fun and safe environment.

Amazing care and patience in teaching young kids! Good activity for kids all year around

Gracie Jiu Jitsu in Vallejo is a great facility to train at. All the staff are super helpful and patient. Great learning environment for beginners or experienced folks. Would highly recommend stopping in and trying their two week free trial! read more

Gracie Jujitsu in Vallejo, CA is an amazing facility. Coach Miro is not just the owner, but a great coach as well. I've always wanted to train in a place where the coach cares about his students and enjoys teaching and training. Coach Miro is patient and kind to all his students, from the young ones to the older ones like myself. I definitely would recommend this gym to anyone, especially coming from myself. I travel all the way from San Jose to train at this particular gym.thank you coach Miro for showing us the meaning of teamwork. read more

I've been training at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Vallejo for 12 years. I started off doing taekwondo in which I received my black belt, and I'm a purple belt in jiu-jitsu and a pink belt in women empowered. The quality of instruction there is exceptional. The instructors are highly skilled, patient and dedicated to ensuring every student understands both the technical and practical aspects of the class. What sets this academy apart from others is the strong sense of community. The students support each other which makes each class very enjoyable. When I started, I was a very quiet person and kept to myself. Training here has not only helped me with defending myself but it has also helped me in using my voice and to be more assertive. The vibe here is amazing, everyone encourages each other and there's always laughter mixed in with the hard work. I've gained not only better self defense skills but also new friends and a huge boost in confidence. read more

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Gracie Vallejo is the highest level Gracie CTC in Northern California. They follow the Gracie University curriculum which is rooted in self defense. This is the perfect place for anyone starting their jiu jitsu journey or looking for a family oriented program. Miro is a very knowledgeable, detail oriented, and patient instructor. A very technical Brown belt who will calmly wrap you up in a pretzel if you decide to roll with him. Adult Class: Gracie Combatives is their beginner class. Highly recommend. All technique and no rolling if you're worried about that. There is a Master Class once a week for more advanced students where rolling is optional. Super chill vibe. No one is trying to kill you every roll here. Kids Class: The Gracie Bullyproof curriculum is essential for kids these days. They are taught self defense through fun games as well as different character lessons every month. They keep it very playful. I've been to many other BJJ gyms in the area and this is the only place that truly emphasizes self defense. Check them out and try the 10-day trial! read more

Great place to train! Friendly and clean environment. I'm enrolled in the Gracie Combatives program. The structure of the curriculum keeps you excited to learn street self-defense that is actually applicable vs. any larger or smaller untrained opponent. The class will definitely boost your confidence in your everyday life. Miro is an outstanding coach who truly enjoys teaching all walks of life. If you're looking to learn Gracie Combatives, this is the only Gracie Certified Training Center in the Bay Area and is the place to learn - they also offer your first 10 consecutive classes free and the gi is included for you to use. Bring yourself and a friend or family! You will not be disappointed! See you on the mats! :) read more

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu - Armbar Avenue - Taekwondo Near Me - Vallejo, California

Can't recommend Mr. Miro's studio more! If you're considering signing up your child for an extracurricular - look no more. The class goes beyond the art of jiujitsu. Both Mr. Miro and his wife offer an environment that is safe, engaging, motivating, and teaches their students important life skills on and off the mat. read more

WHAT?!? Gracie Academy jiu jitsu in Vallejo?!? Had to check it out. From the moment I stepped In I was hooked. Miro is very easy to understand and break down techniques to the tee. Combatives class teaches moves you can in use real world situations. Very friendly atmosphere and fun for all Hey read more

Enrolled my daughters in taekwondo last year, have this family vibe in class and every end of the month they got game day which truly my kids look forward. Especially my youngest one (4yrs. old) who started few months ago she looking forward every Tuesday and Thursday. They enjoy it so much at the same time learning martial arts! Coach Miro is detailed and has a good rapoor with all the kids.. its like extended family ! BTW started my BJJ journey too! read more

Had a great time . My son had a ton of fun. Tremendous value in training . Looking forward to more training

Great atmosphere, lots of positive reinforcement. You advance to a higher belt when you are ready. The cardio is off the chain way more fun then doing the elliptical for 30 min , plus you actually get to learn self defense I've only been going for a few months now and i am hooked , I can actually throw a round house kick with my left leg with no problem also a back kick . I've gotten way more flexible. Feel like I've been getting in better shape then when I was in high school. I'm ready for the long run too juiced to receive that black belt . After every class you feel like you pushed yourself a lil harder then the last class and you feel accomplished . Personally I be feeling like a character of avatar the last air bender or as lethal as a ninja turtle. read more

Coach Miro really teaches the kids about kindness. They have "mat chats" and talks to kids about daily life lessons. Respect and discipline are wonderful traits to learn and he never has to raise his voice to teach the children. He definitely is a role model. Thank you Coach Miro! read more

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu - Yellow belt June 2018 - Taekwondo Near Me - Vallejo, California

Miro is an excellent instructor, and passionate about what he teaches. He provides a calm, relaxed learning atmosphere while still giving thorough instruction. I highly recommend this gym to anyone who is looking to get started in their jiu jitsu/martial arts journey. read more

While you can find a lot of BJJ gyms in the Bay Area, this is only one of three NorCal gyms that is a Gracie Certified Training Center (CTC); the other two being in Santa Cruz and Monterey. The value of this location being the most accessible one in the Bay shouldn't overlooked. For the unaware, the Gracie family are single-handedly responsible for bringing the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu into the modern age, and the curriculum at this gym is unlike any other BJJ gym. While other BJJ gyms focus on sport and competition, Gracie Vallejo follows the Gracie Combatives curriculum that is standardized across Gracie CTCs across the globe. This curriculum focuses on self-defense, and is more holistically in-line with the Gracie philosophy of BJJ. Because of this, the curriculum is extremely friendly for newcomers, does a tremendous job of prioritizing the safety of its practitioners, and leads them them down a path of longevity and health. The classes themselves are led by Miro and Mark, whose detailed instructions strike a perfect balance of informative but not overwhelming. The classes are also really FUN, and you never feel like you're overexerting yourself physically; instead, you leave each class feeling more confident in your abilities to defend yourself from danger. Obtaining this confidence is one of the most important takeaways from the Gracie curriculum. Even if you go to just ONE class, you'll leave the gym feeling more equipped to handle yourself. This is unique to Gracie Jiu Jitsu, and, once again, the value of this gym being one of the few in the Bay area can't be overlooked. This gym also offers a 10-day free trial; which, to me, is an extremely valuable offer that shouldn't be overlooked either. Give this gym a try... It's truly a Vallejo gem. read more

Hi guys, I've been a student of Miro's for a little over two years now in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and have learned so much during this time( you could be reading this all day with all the things I've learned so I'll keep this short). During this period I also became an assistant instructor of his because of how much an impact he had on me. You'll find a very welcoming and safe environment from not only Miro himself, but from everyone here at the academy. I've gone through our beginner's combatives program and can say that with Miro's guidance and teaching I felt more empowered and confident in all aspects of my life. I'm still learning new lessons to this day and have no intentions of leaving anytime soon. If I had a time machine and went back to when I was around 5-10 years old I would've love to have Miro as my Jiu-Jitsu instructor. I help out in our kid's bully proof classes and I watch kids have so much fun playing jiu-jitsu games, empowering themselves to stand up to bullies and learning how to cooperate with each other. Watching Miro teaching kids is always awesome, he blends amazing messages in his teachings and does it in a way that's playful where kids are engaged and are having fun. I can say a lot more but I recommend coming in, share the mats with us and experience what we see everyday. Hope this review helped you out in any way. read more

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This place is a wonderful environment to learn a new skill I've been going since September 2018 and i can honestly say i like the people the vibe and the jiu jitsu i learned i feel super confident and happy I decided to go to this Mixed Martial Arts Academy. read more

Fantastic. Mr. Miro Ayala is a great teacher and great example for Martial Arts. This is also a great place for kids to learn true martial arts discipline, respect, and self-defense. I've even seen him encourage and be friendly to "neighborhood" kids that were "loitering". He didn't shoo them away for "hanging out" outside his business. Keep up the great work.... Keep being a great role model. read more

I have been coming to Miro's Taekwondo for nearly 10 months and Miro and his team are fantastic instructors. Miro's Gracie Combatives course is perfect for me, as I had no previous martial arts experience, and the course was geared for self defense on day one. In my mid 40's, I never thought I would be able to learn Jiu-Jitsu, but almost a year later, I have lost weight, and increased my flexibility and will never have to worry about a hand to hand combat skills against the average person. My son, age 5 has been in a few of Miro's youth classes, and I have already noticed a huge change in his confidence, respect and general behavior. I would highly recommend stopping by and meeting Miro, as his personality and experience are top notch for people of all ages looking to better themselves. read more

Had my sons 11 and 7 do the 2 week trial. Really impressed with the teachers interaction with the class. Please check this place out and see for yourself. read more

I've joined this school about 8 months ago and I didn't think it would influence me this much. First off Miro is an excellent instructor. He is very passionate on what he teaches, his instruction is very detailed and he welcomes everyone with open arms. I was very skeptical on joining any school but once I came in and tried a couple of trial classes, I knew this is the school I have been looking for. I am very lucky and fortunate to be learning from him. Next off Miro teaches Gracie Jiu Jitsu and this is the most northern Gracie Certifide Training Center in Northern California. The curriculum is great and Miro teaches the class like it is your first day so you don't feel lost or overwhelmed which is what I need because I'm much older than everyone is class and I have no martail arts background. I recommend this school and Miro as an instructor to anyone who is interested in Taekwondo or Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. You will not be disappointed. read more

This is such a good place. The coach is so nice. He teaches your kids discipline,self defense and how to spar in the green and purple belts. Mr. Miro is a perfect role model. :) read more

At first I was nervous about enrolling my son who was 4. Afraid he was to young and wasn't going to be interested. Boy was I wrong!!! After attending a session as a buddy with a friend, he was begging for me to enroll. So I did and have to admit, it has been the best decision ever. Mr. Miro is full of patience, he actually takes time to deal with each kid. My son is still a work in progress but have to admit Mr. Miro is helping with his discipline. read more

Great place. Made me feel welcome from day one. If its self defense instruction you want look no further.

Coach Miro is so smart & patience Im excited to go back everynight. Good location right off Sonoma Blvd easy access from Vallejo public transit. Good hours. read more

A fun, friendly environment for kids to learn. Mr. Miro is a great insteuctor and knows how to handle young ones very well.

Miro at Gracie Jiu Jitsu of Vallejo is an incredible instructor. I have taken my toddler to 5 other Jiu Jitsu schools before this one and my son loves Miro's class. Miro is very good with kids. Here, kids have fun, learn the art and want to come back again and again. Thank you Miro and keep up the great work. read more

My son has been going to this school for almost 2 years now, taking Taekwondo as well as Jiu -Jitsu. They're the only certified Gracie Jiu-Jitsu school in the bay area. Miro is great with the kids and my son enjoyed it so much he convinced me to join about 6 months ago. Couldn't be happier with the entire experience. Miro is a great role model and positive influence for my son and my training is coming along nicely for an old man, starting to get my body into shape while learning self-defense techniques. read more