Wow! What can I say about Professor Grant? He is amazing! I am very new to martial arts and it was…read moremore than what I could ever dream of in one hour. His studio is beautiful and very clean. In fact, the mats were just mopped down as I was the first lesson of the day. First, I signed a waiver. Next, I got fitted for a gi and then, we were off to the mats. He gave a brief history of jiu-jitsu, Then, taught me many basic fundamentals. Brazilian jiu-jitsu is such a physical contact sport and I felt very comfortable and safe with Professor Grant. He was easy on me, yet I still broke a sweat. I really appreciated his passion & time and also appreciated his invite to stick around for the 11a class. Oooooooh, if only I didn't have another appointment bc this can be habit forming! I cannot wait to go back. Highly recommended!

It was my first time traveling for my new job in SoCal and I realized that some of my best…read moreopponents have come from Optimus/r1ng. You'd think that would matter but it didn't. Grant and his students welcomed me with open arms. Great school, great culture. This will be where I go to train whenever I'm in SoCal. Thank you sir!

I started my 5 yo who's slow to warm up to things and 7 yo who has a hard time focusing just a few…read moremonths ago. They are both excited to train, and it's been the best experience! I expected my 5 yo to go on and off the mat through the class but she stays and participates the whole time! And my 7 yo is loving it and working so hard that he leaves the mat drenched. Teachers and professors are strict yet kind and keeps them in check. Been awesome for us and we hope to continue for years to come.

If you're looking for authentic Brazilian Jiu Jitsu this place has it. They have 2 Brazilin born…read morechampion Black Belts that originally came here as athletes and they're no joke when it comes to what they know and how they teach. They also have several other high ranking coaches that really know what they're doing. We've been at Checkmat V1sion in Ladera since day 1, but my daughter has been training with Coach Annie and Coach Joao for almost 2 years. They've taken her from wearing a "loaner" Gi to competing in 14 competitions and winning 13 medals last year. I can tell you from my almost daily interactions that all the coaches are extremely dedicated to each and every student and supporting their BJJ journey no matter where that takes them. In my case, I've seen my young daughter grow dramatically in her self-confidence under the guidance of Coach Annie and Joao and both of them took their own personal time to attend every competition she had last year. Not only supporting my daughter but the entire team. The facility is spotless and right in the center of town. They have a ton of classes 6 days a week so it's super easy to find a time that works for me and my daughter. Something that makes this Jiu Jitsu Academy different than some others is its competition program. The primary coaches not only teach/train regular BJJ classes they also train champion competitors. My daughter's entire group of about 30 kids in her specific age group competes regularly. But, the biggest thing I love about this gym and the BJJ community, in general, is that it's more like family than anything else. Everyone is really engaged and supportive, especially the parents of all the kids. I myself started training recently and if you're considering any type of martial arts program I'll tell you there's nothing quite like Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and this gym checks all the boxes for me. Like most BJJ gyms you can come in anytime for some free trial classes and get on the mat to see what it's all about. That's how I started.

Sensei Paulo consistently goes above and beyond for his students. His attention to detail and deep…read morededication to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is evident in every class he teaches. Guillobel BJJ not only maintains a welcoming and respectful atmosphere, but also produces high-level practitioners--a true reflection of the schools leadership and passion for the art.

5 star facility and 5 Star coaches. Sensei Anvareyan and Sensei Guillobel are amazing to work with.read more

Master Cardenas has an amazing program focused on building character in children. My three children…read morestudied under Master Cardenas for years. It's obvious he loves what he does. He's a pillar off the community... not to mention a 6th degree blackbelt which my children were able to watch him achieve. If you're looking for a program for you or your children, i highly recommend studying under Master Cardenas.

Can't beat the level of instruction and care that Master Cardenas and Master Liz bring at Tkdojang…read more Getting my black belt here was an amazing experience filled with lessons learned beyond taekwondo itself that I carry with me outside the gym. Discipline, perseverance, respect.. from young kids to older adults, everyone can learn so much from here!

very impressive how good these guys are with kids. Some of the coaches are teens. they are amazing…read moreat handling little kids. i bring my 5 y o Grandson here. I'm so glad to be here. The kids are constantly being taught to respect themselves and to respect others something that is greatly lacking in our society today. even kids that are upset or afraid at the beginning are quickly drawn in as they see all the other kids having so much fun if you are even doing do not want to regret it.

This place is top notch, the community is great, the professors are awesome, if you're looking to…read moreget into Jiu Jitsu, this is the place to do it!

I am so sad to hear about the closure of one of OCs best gyms. This place was more than a gym but a…read moreplace many caked home. The couple that ran things facility were loving and humble. They gave many a reason to change and be better. Thank you for all you did for the community. I pray that God continues to guide you and bring you propserity

The BEST boxing gym! The people treat you like family and the workouts are amazing. I've been going…read morehere for a year and plan to workout here for a long time! I go 3 days a week, doing the classes and 1 private session. I feel so strong and fit. Highly recommend if you're looking for a good gym!

I've been training at AOJ MV for almost 2 yrs, I'm there 3-4 times a week for adult classes and my…read morekids go twice a week in the afternoon. We came from Gracie Barra Headquarters, I was there for 4 years before I decided to switch to AOJ. It was the BEST decision I've made in regards to BJJ training. I love everything about AOJ, the classes, the professors, the facility the bathroom! They are often cleaning the mats, windows, bathrooms. The Professors are all highly skilled and the techniques they teach are so much more complex but they break it down so it's easier to understand. I love how the kids group is separated into smaller clusters giving kids more personalized training. AOJ encourages kids to train multiple classes a day/week if they are able to, our previous school limited kids to 2 classes a week. Not bashing GB but they are more of a intro to JJ school, AOJ is more focused on detailed/higher level instruction.

I asked a BJJ black belt friend of mine if he had any recommendations for schools. He said, "If you…read morelive near AOJ, go to AOJ." He is not a student here but it shows the reputation and respect he has for AOJ. I've now been training here for 6+ months and love it. AOJ was one of the few places with morning and evening classes, so it fit my schedule nicely. The Basics class will get you confident quickly because you're being taught by world class professors and coaches. They patiently work with you and make sure you understand the concepts. Not only do you have world class instructors, but the other students all want to help each other get better. There's no egos and it's a great community. Lastly, it's very clean and they have plenty of facilities to shower if you go before work.

Jakes the best trainer love this gym! He makes working out fun!!!! Go check it out!…read more Even if you have no experience definitely try it out!!!

Best gym in the world. Gritty environment and the staff are true lovers of the art of fighting.read more

We've had such a wonderful experience at Gracie Barra Dana Point! My 4-year-old started in the…read moreParent/Child class, and from day one, Professor Fernando, Coach Paula, and Professor Collin were incredibly patient and encouraging. Over the course of two months, they helped build his confidence, focus, and ability to follow instruction. Once he showed he was ready, they invited him into the Monday/Wednesday class and he's thriving. A huge thank you to Coach Paula, Professor Fernando, and Professor Collin for the time, care, and positive affirmations you've poured into my son. In just four months, we've seen amazing growth in his skills, confidence, and respect for others. The classes are fun, engaging, and always rooted in the core values of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. We're so grateful to be part of this community!

Very nice and warm community at a great location! I highly…read morerecommend BJJ to everyone. Professor Fernando and Coach Paula are amazing with kids. Their lessons are way more than just the technical aspects of JJ.

This gym has truly become my second home. The class structure is incredible -- every session is…read moreorganized, purposeful, and packed with value, whether you're a beginner or advanced. The coaches are top-notch: knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely invested in helping everyone improve both on and off the mats. The gym itself is always spotless and well-maintained, which really shows the pride and care the staff put into the space. The atmosphere is unmatched -- there's a strong sense of community and family vibes that make you feel welcome from day one. Training here has not only improved my fitness but has also been a huge source of stress relief. It's helped me manage anxiety and stay positive even on tough days. Jiu Jitsu here isn't just a workout -- it's therapy, growth, and connection all in one. Couldn't recommend this place enough! Oss!

Highly Recommended!…read more I'm new to Jiu Jitsu and was a little nervous walking into Peaceful Warrior Jiu Jitsu in Dana Point--but those nerves disappeared quickly. From day one, the instructors made me feel incredibly welcome and supported. They all take the time to break things down in a way that's easy to understand, and they genuinely care that you're learning the right way. What really stood out to me is the vibe in the gym--not just from the coaches, but from the other students too. Everyone I've trained with has been patient, helpful, and encouraging, which means a lot when you're just getting started. I've been going for a few weeks now and already feel like part of the community. If you're thinking about trying Jiu Jitsu--whether you're brand new like me or experienced--I can't recommend Peaceful Warrior enough. Great people, great instruction, and a truly welcoming environment.