I've been training with Cadu for 2 yrs now and I cant express how much Jiu Jitsu has changed my life its a great place to learn Brazillian Jiu Jitsu. Cadu takes alot of extra time to show proper technique wether your a novice or advanced. read more

Respectful, professional and fun. But please, don't take my word for it. Try it for yourself!

Great place, fantastic instructors, friendly, knowledgeable, great kids program, and a family atmosphere, couldn't recommend a better place. read more

Jiu Jitsu saved my life. I was stuck in a rut in life and looking for a new direction. I had been a fan of BJJ for several years prior to joining JJF but, was concerned that I was too old to begin. I couldn't have been more wrong. The team at JJF welcomed me with open arms and got me into class quickly. The instructors and staff are true professionals and genuinely care about each member. They will not hesitate to answer questions, give extra instruction, or provide guidance. My only regret is that I waited so long to begin my Jiu Jitsu journey. If you are stuck in a tough spot in life or want to learn a new skill BJJ is for you and Jiu Jitsu Foundation is the place to take your first class! read more

Took a class tonight with a family member who has been training here for about six months. I was impressed with both the facilities and the instructors. The mats, locker rooms, and bathroom were impeccably clean. Probably cleaner than my kitchen table. The class was led by two high-level black belts. Most schools I have been to, have only one black belt teaching (or none). It's important to me to learn from a black belt because it gives more confidence and belief that the move really works and is being presented correctly. But to have two black belts teaching at once, gave us (the students) a very good degree of individual attention- in a good way. They corrected us patiently with any minor adjustments, and praised us heartily when we executed the move correctly. The class was safe, and fun, and moves for each level of participant (basic and intermediate). The teachers kept asking us how we were feeling, and kept a watchful eye to make sure no one was at risk of getting hurt. Due to the clear emphasis on safety, and the fact that one of the instructors is a small female, this is probably one of the best places for beginners, women, or smaller people to train at. read more

Today was my first visit ever, I was so impressed I signed up and got a uniform on the spot. I think this was the right move for me. Everyone involved are friendly and respectful. read more

Jiu Jitsu Foundation is a premier martial arts academy. I trained here for a little over a year (only due to needing to relocate to the Bay Area for work) and every day I couldn't wait to train because of the excellent instruction and leadership by Master Cadu Francis and Gabi Francis. What I found to appreciate the most and what made me want to train consistently was the fact that it's a such a welcoming community environment from all the instructors and fellow students. When I initially tried out BJJ at other academies, I always came out thinking Jiu Jitsu wasn't for me, but once I found JJF I knew it was a special academy. Master Cadu sets the tone of there being no egos at JJF and everyone easily has fun and is safe while learning. JJF can meet the needs of all of yours or your child's training needs. Whether that be Self Defense or Competition. In my experience, Master Cadu provided me with very detailed self defense lessons, a prepared and complete curriculum that built your skill level step by step, as well as an online video instructional series. And when I prepared to compete for my first competition, Master Cadu and the instructors had my back all the way. It's easy to train when you have a whole family supporting you and that's what JJF does! I'm proud to say that I began my Jiu Jitsu journey at JJF! Ouss! read more

JJF offers a top notch kids program. Our son has been a student for nearly 6 years. The growth JJF has experienced is a testament to the kind and knowledgable teaching of Master Cadu and Master Gabi. We are honored to be part of the JJF family. read more

The Tuesday and Thursday morning classes have a lot of purple and blue belts.

What kind of fitness/wellness are you looking for? While struggling to find a gym/activity that wasn't high impact on my aging back, knees and ankles and to keep me sane and fit a Marine Corps Brother of mine mentioned Jiu Jitsu, he said it helps him with everything. I found Jiu Jitsu Foundation one night my business partner (wife) and I were closing up an open house, she pointed to a sign across the street that read Jiu Jitsu Foundation, she said, "there you go, take a picture and call them". I took the picture, arrived home, quickly found Jiu Jitsu Foundation's website, emailed them through their website. There was a quick response, I booked for my first lesson. That was over two years ago and over 20 pounds ago as well. For me Jiu Jitsu Foundation is great place to train, I feel safe while I train and I learn something new everyday I train, just feels good walking in knowing I can have a great workout without all the high impact on my aging back and knees. As well, entire families train here, a super family feeling here, some loving people. One of the family's had a Christmas party and a white elephant gift exchange for the kids. I feels I'm in great company here. read more

JJF is the best! Master Cadu and Master Gabi are just amazing with the children. Our son has learned so many techniques, gained self confidence and control, most of all has a great time. They have fun events for the families to interact and even nighttime bonding events for the kids. :) We LOVE JJF read more

My son is training at this place for about two years now. We are super happy with the results inside and outside the mat. Outstanding work.

My son Gavin goes here and I can't tell you how much we love it. The instructor's are amazing.

Very nice and professional instructors. They are great at teaching and take their time to explain stuff. Very fun family environment and makes you feel very welcome. read more

I've been training with Cadu for over 3 years now and he's an excellent teacher and friend. Jiu Jitsu Foundation is great environment for all ages to learn the gentle art. There are many different students that train for there own reasons such as, personal fitness, self defense, and competition. Also now that we are finally open in La Mesa Cadu's wife Gabi is also a black belt and fitness instructor. Academy is always clean and safe place to learn Jiu Jitsu. read more

Started with signing up my son to get confidence and balance. He has learned so much more. His in school focus is better. Daughter was signed up later, and it has helped her with overall fitness and confidence. These are the best instructors. read more

We put our Grandson in classes at the Jiu Jitsu Foundation for a fun thing to do. We got so much more. From the minute you walk into the building everyone is so friendly. The atmosphere is so positive! The kids learn such great values.I think it is great for their self-esteem, as well. Also it is great exercise while they learn great skills. Master Cadu and Master Gabi are such a great team. I couldn't say enough good things about our experience at the Jiu Jitsu Foundation. read more

I have been training with Cadu Francis for a little over two years and I could not ask for a better Jiu Jitsu Professor. About a year before starting to train with Cadu I trained for about eight months with another black belt instructor in San Diego. What I learned in the first several weeks with Cadu in technique was more than I did the entire time I spent under another black belt instructor. There was no comparison. With Cadu I learned the basics to gain a solid foundation in which to build off of. I was no longer cannon fodder for more experienced grapplers; I was actually learning how to protect myself. His attention to minor detail is amazing. If you have a question or issue about a specific move or situation you might find yourself in he has a knack for telling you what to do to resolve it and make it work for you. The Jiu Jitsu Foundation itself is a new facility in La Mesa built from the ground up with both training and students in mind. The Zebra mats are floated for extra bounce when training take downs, there are men's and women's bathrooms as well as both men's and women's showers and changing rooms. All are kept very clean. There are also free weights, a pull up bar, Olympic lifting plates & bars as well as a Pilate's machine which can be used with Gabi (Cadu's wife) who is a certified instructor that can offer private classes if you like. Not only is Gabi a Pilates instructor she also adds something very unique to the Jiu Jitsu Foundation she is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu as well. I would say that if there are ladies looking to learn Jiu Jitsu for general self defense or competition she offers a very unique perspective that you are sure to benefit from and cannot really find many other places. Both Gabi and Cadu hold kids classes as well. If you are looking for your child to be enrolled somewhere that has a safe and friendly environment and want them to gain the ability to defend themselves and to gain self confidence I would recommend you go by and check out a class. From what I have seen all the kids seem to be having a blast. In general though if you or anyone in your family are looking for a friendly environment to learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu that will give you the results you are looking for whether it be exercise, self defense, or to become a top tournament level grappler this is the place to be. Both Cadu's and Gabi's resumes speak for themselves, but do your own homework to see for yourself. When you come in and meet them you will not be disappointed. All said I am happy I have my foundation set in the Jiu Jitsu Foundation, and I am sure you will be as well. If you are within a reasonable driving distance in any direction of the JJF, this is the place you want to learn and train Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Come in and try a class, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain! read more

As a present day teacher, I can attest to Master Cadu's and Master Gaby's teaching methodology of teaching jiu jitsu a great one and is one that should be modeled after. They take their time to instruct and go over a technique at least four times and at the same time ask students questions about what was taught. They have a great system for evaluating a students performance too among some of the few things that they do well. Everything has a procedure and they prepare you to do your best. The instructors as well as the rest of the class make you feel welcome and are all very willing to embrace you and teach you to the best of their knowledge. I can say from my experience that no one there is selfish and each is willing to share with you what they have learned. If they see that you are having trouble or are not applying the proper technique then they will tell you and will show you how to perfect it. They only want you to become better and that's what this place is all about. To prepare you for the unexpectedness of the outside world and yet having fun while your doing it. They actually care for you and your well being whether you're in or out of the gym. For this I praise the instructors hard work, dedication, and attention to everyone's needs. If you are looking for a place to learn a martial arts take Brazilian jiu jitsu at Jiu Jitsu Foundation. I highly recommend it! Just as a side note, my 6 year old is taking the kids classes and he loves it. It's also a great place for your child to learn self-defense and confidence! Keep up the great work Master Cadu and Master Gaby you're both doing a great job! read more

This was the best thing we have done for our son. He was having a hard time in school and was to rough with other kids. After putting him in the jjf he is a kind and respectful kid. They are amazing and positive. We are blessed to have found master cadu and master gabby. Thank you!!! read more

Master Cadu and Gabby are people who really care about their students and families. My son looks up them both and holds on to every compliment they have given him. Their instruction is delivered with thought and with an understanding of their student's needs. Gabby and Cadu are pillars for our community and I appreciate their dedication to teach kids the art of jiu jitsu, but more importantly, how to translate this towards living life reflectively. read more

For those thinking about doing brazilian jiu jitsu for the first time: Jiu Jitsu Foundation has a special class for those who have never grappled before. When someone walks into the door and grappling is completely foreign to them, JJF understands that it takes some time to develop a level on comfort on the mat, along with a certain amount of prerequisite technical knowledge and a unique kind of athleticism. All of this takes time. So, you will start with basic movements, basic positions and techniques, and "positional" sparring until you are ready for the more advanced classes. The retention rate of beginners at many jiu jitsu gyms seems to be near zero, because classes dedicated to beginners are not common. No one who is brand new to jiu jitsu wants to be "thrown to the wolves" every time they go to train. Jiu jitsu will be a humbling experience for any brand new practitioner, but bullying is nonexistent at JJF. Everyone gets along and while the level of competitiveness varies between individuals, the environment is healthy and Cadu (C-ah-due with an accent on either syllable; he doesn't care) and Gabi invest an equal amount in every student. For those who have some experience in grappling: Cadu and Gabi are genuinely friendly and have dedicated their lives to bjj. The space is perfect for jiu jitsu as it basically consists of one giant, completely unobstructed, mat. At the time of this writing, some purples and a zillion blues train regularly. Cadu and Gabi also roll frequently and seem to know all of the veteran blackbelts in San Diego. Cadu teaches every class. He is a true veteran of bjj and his game is elite. He also has an extremely thoughtful approach to teaching and emphasizes details that are usually omitted entirely by other instructors. Cadu also explains "why" you make this grip, swim this underhook, push off the mat in this way, etc. It's the best possible way to teach and it makes it easy to retain knowledge or alter later on where needed. The clear instruction and the personal time that Cadu and Gabi invest in each student are the best aspects of JJF. I've trained at other gyms for enough time (few years, each) to know that JJF has the easy-going atmosphere, technical students, and healthy level of competitiveness -- a combination that is rare. I commute quite a ways.. past some other pretty good bjj gyms in fact, to train at JJF. Definitely check it out. Oss read more

I love training at Jiu Jitsu Foundation. I work full time, have two children and limited time but this is something that I do for me. Master Cadu and Master Gabi are not only top notch champion fighters, they're amazing instructors, patient mentors and the most genuine people you could ever hope to meet. They have created a family environment here that is like no other. Both of my children also train at Jiu Jitsu and they love it as much as I do. I am so happy to have found my new passion and so proud to be one of the newer members of the Jiu Jitsu Foundation family. Come join us! read more

jiu jitsu foundation is easily the best academy around hands down. i have been taking my son jesse there for a lil over 2 yrs now and man has he learned alot and grown up fast wile in the academy. it started when my son jesse turned 5 yrs old we were looking for a academy who had kids classes of that age and as you know no one else wanted take the time to train a 5 yr old unless wiling to train with adults in a mixed class. then we bumped into the jiu jitsu foundation just as passing by we decided to step inside and see what they had to offer and man immediately felt at home and shocked to see someone so wiling to train a 5yr old. although he was there smallest and youngest at that time. after talking with the instructors cadu and gabbi, i felt there would be no one better for the job than master cadu and gabbi francis. the perfect match ,very polite, respectful and qualified for the job. we are born again christians and it is very hard to find a training center that is clean and not full of foul mouthed people who like to start fights and train to put the hurt on someone or make bad decisions. which is the exact opposite of this academy which trains, self defense,with loyalty,honer, respect. and looking out for partner. they also said there program would teach jiu jitsu and life skills which would lead to better behavior at home/school , cleaning of there room,and doing homework lol. i was thinking in my head ya well see about the room cleaning and homework but for now at least he can train here with a group close to his size and instructors who know what there doing. well here we are 2+ yrs later and i can easily testify that my sons behavior in school and at home has been dramatically changed from a d to an a , and we walked out of there with so much more than can ask for and anyone who knows lil jesse can also say how he has changed and grown so fast full of respect and jiu jitsu skills. and imediatly after joining he wanted to clean his room and keep it clean so could continue going to the jjf. so to end this long review i would most definantly recommend joining this academy. trust me it is a blessing to have them here to train, and you will not be dissapointed. and like i said by far the best academy around hands down. read more