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 the BEST!!! We have 2 kids enrolled here and they love it. We love it. They teach…read moregreat self defense. How to stop being bullied and how to stop others from bullying others. They work with the kids on building self confidence and self pride. I would recommend this studio to everyone. I cannot speak for other Gracie Barra Jiu Jitsu studios but as for this one I would say it is a 12 on a 1 to 10 scale. Also all the professors are kind and patient with the kids. And all the kids are polite and patient with each other.

The gym reopened and this is their newest location. My husband and I come here every week. My…read morehusband has been with the gym for about 6-7 years (I think), and I only started going recently about 3-4 months ago. You really can't beat the price, especially with the amazing coaches who lead the classes here. One thing I've found that's incredibly rare is finding good coaches--it's so hard to find them in SoCal. Edith, Manny, Rudy, and Older Manny are wonderful teachers who push you to your limit. They care about a lot and really get to know you. As a woman, joining a combat sports class can feel a bit intimidating, but they make it easy to put in the work and see great results. Love the team and the people at this gym. So many good things to say!

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

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.

Get your kids off of their phones and get them down here for the summer ASAP people! This is a…read morelocal community gem! My son has been going here for 2 weeks now for Muay Thai and boxing and has absolutely fallen in love with this place. He rides his Ebike from our house less than a mile away and goes Monday - Thursday. My son, who just turned 14 has been training BJJ since he was 8 and just moving to SC wanted to learn standup. But with his membership, he can train with top-tier BJJ teachers, box, fight, Muay Thai, and do all-around MMA at this gym. This place is amazing! The teachers are excellent! And Adam who owns the gym and also owns SUR coffee is a local hero. Serious Sur is the best coffee in SC hands down as well.

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!!!

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.