I've been training at JTA for about two years - training BJJ for about 4 years total on and off at a couple of gyms - and this is by far the best spot I've been to and definitely where I'll stay for the long run. There are several other jiu jitsu gyms much closer to my house, but I gladly make the drive to JTA 5 times a week after work in rush hour traffic. I'm 32 years-old, I work full-time, I have some old injuries from before starting jiu-jitsu, and I was pretty overweight after taking a long break from training and exercise. Now I'm a couple years into training at JTA, and I'm down 50 pounds, in the best shape of my life, more confident, and extremely motivated to keep training and living healthy. I look forward to training every day. The black belt instructor, Josh Valles, is super friendly and treats everyone with kindness and respect. The whole team is the same way. I always feel welcomed and happy to see my friends and training partners. Even through the hardest training sessions everyone is encouraging each other, more advanced people are helping out the newer members, and everyone has a smile on their face. If you're new to jiujitsu and even if you've never done any martial art or sport before, do yourself a favor and try a class. JTA is a great environment for new people since it's so welcoming and Josh gives so much attention to every student. I'm glad I got back into it and chose JTA, it's been nothing but a benefit for me in all aspects of my life. If you're not new to BJJ, you'll instantly realize how high-level the instruction is. Josh is extremely skilled while being able to break down techniques and concepts in a way that all levels and learning styles will pick up. Roll with Josh once and you'll immediately feel that next-level black belt game. He really has a deep understanding of the art, tons of competition experience, and his knowledge is extensive. He always has answers for every question and tips for all styles of jiujitsu and all body types. Everyone including the newer white belts have a very solid understanding of the fundamentals and will surprise you with advanced techniques. I started at JTA as a blue belt having trained elsewhere for a couple years; even with a few years more experience than some of my training partners, they keep pushing me to improve my game. The more advanced people are very skilled and will always be happy to help you out on your jiujitsu journey. I felt like I had plateued in my progression, but now I actually feel like I'm getting better which is icing on the cake while training keeps me in great physical shape and does wonders for my mental health. I wasn't planning on writing so much, but I really can't say enough good things about this gym and couldn't be more grateful to be training here. It just checks off all the boxes from a super skilled black belt instructor who's an awesome guy, a team full of great people I always look forward to seeing and a very nice, clean gym with plenty of space to train. I can't wait for the next training session, and I'm looking forward to seeing you there. read more

Jiu Jitsu Team America - I always leave training feeling better than when I walked in - Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Near Me - Arcadia, California

My son was really excited for Ji Jitsu I called he attended a class and he liked it and then i kept reaching out. I called and texted and nothing back. read more

Excellent training facility- clean environment! Coach Josh creates a safe atmosphere for all students to learn in. The owner Josh also recently renovated the space and it looks fantastic. Classes are daily on weekdays at 6pm and Saturday at 10am. Follow @jiujitsuteamamerica for more events and updates. He also offers classes for kids too. It's a great place for kids to learn the fundamentals of BJJ and self defense. read more

I have been training with professor Josh Valles for over four years without any prior self defense or sports experience. Class is held in a clean, safe, and welcoming environment full of students of different ages groups and weight classes. Josh is highly proficient in jiu-jitsu and is always willing to share his wealth of knowledge. More importantly, what separates him from other instructors is his ability to clearly communicate and teach intricate techniques to all experience levels that is easy to understand. Jiu Jitsu Team America is definitely an exceptional place to train. read more

If you are looking for a Jiu Jitsu studio that has incredibly detailed instruction look no further. Josh Valles and his team are not only wonderful instructors but good people all around. Wether you are searching for an academy for your children, or yourself, this is the place to go. My husband and I started coming to JTA even though we live all the way in Rancho Cucamonga. We have trained with some pretty high level names in the sport due to affiliations as well as moving around a lot- and I'll say that Josh does a wonderful job explaining all the small details that sometimes get left out, as well as being hyper-observant of his students and making sure everyone is getting the moves correctly. He has a very good curriculum- not just jumping around from techniques on the fly. We always leave feeling like we've learned something that we can add to our game. Most importantly- there have been occasions where he shows a move (like the triangle) that perhaps my body type isn't the best at making a high percentage submission- and if you communicate with him he will troubleshoot with you to get it high level OR he will give you an alternative that works with your individual body type so that you feel confident to make the entry and submission work for you. We've only been training with Josh for a month and yet I've learned so many things to add to my game more so than the 3.5 years I've been training with other instructors or academies- and I've actually used them during sparring and gotten them! Also, from a female perspective- it is wonderful to train at an academy with other females, and to have an instructor who encourages the men rolling with females and not throwing us around like rag dolls (which I've experienced at other places) everyone in the team is awesome, and it's a fun yet professional environment with zero BJJ drama and politics. Honestly I don't see why you would train elsewhere if you live within a 30-40 minute drive time of this academy. read more

After training Gi for 4 years under Cobrinha I never thought I'd find quality training again. Then I moved away, had kids, and stopped training for about 5 years. When I decided to start training again I searched my local area. Luckily Josh's gym popped up and I went in for a trial. I immediately saw the clean white mats with a good amount of space. After the week trial I realized this was an ego free gym, everyone was super friendly, and it was the right fit for me. Josh's instruction is very applicable, who would've known I love no-gi so much. It's now been 2 years and my son trains there too. I'd highly recommend checking JTA out, they even have a free open mat most weekends. read more

My son has been attending this gym for about 2 months now and we could not be happier with our decision to join. Coach Josh and his team are amazing and wonderful instructors for the kids. They focus on building the skills and ensure that everyone participates. They closely monitor form and provide easy to understand instructions for the kids. But this is not a boot camp so while the skills and discipline are at the forefront of the class it is also a fun and lively environment. Your kids will build lifelong skills, gain confidence and make new friends here! Don't hesitate to check it out and join! read more

Great place to train your kids, not just for their body but also for discipline and respectfulness. Coaches are very professional and patient. The dojo is clean and safe. read more

For anyone considering starting Jiu Jitsu, JTA is the place to be for a welcoming, detailed, clean, and friendly environment. I was introduced to JTA by a coworker and I'm so glad this is the place where I got my start in Jiu Jitsu. Coach Josh has a way of making the most complex moves seem very simple with the way he teaches and explains things. Not only is Coach Josh very professional, approachable, and knowledgeable, but the other students are all totally chill, super friendly, and always willing to help you grow. I think that aside from the great teaching curriculum, the healthy atmosphere is what makes JTA so great, and makes starting something completely new a lot less daunting and more enjoyable. The entire facility is always well maintained and clean. The mats are exceptionally high quality and you won't feel like your skin is rubbed raw after rolling on it. Coach Josh takes extreme pride in the way he runs his gym, and you'll definitely see it. In short, I would recommend this gym to practitioners of all levels, as well as those who are looking to get a start in their Jiu Jitsu journey (like me). You can't go wrong with JTA! read more

I come here to learn jiu jitsu and women's self defense with Coach Josh. He is a very patient and effective teacher. The other students are really awesome as well, if you get socially anxious like me this is the best place to go because everyone is so chill and accepting. They always do their best to include everyone in the training and everyone is always so happy to help! The place is REALLY CLEAN and there is SO MUCH MAT SPACE unlike other jiu jitsu gyms. My niece also goes to kid's class and she has greatly improved in a span of few months. The kids always have the best fun with their classmates and coaches. read more

Jui Jitsu Team America was a game changer for me. Coach Josh does an amazing job at providing clear instruction, a clean environment to train in, and a very welcoming team of coaches that are ready to work right along side you. The amount of discipline and work ethic that goes on in here has transformed me as an athlete and as a person. I highly recommend dropping by and talking to Coach Josh about trying out the classes that he offers. read more

Professor Josh is the best.Hes a multi time Brazilian Jiu Jitsu world champion and a great instructor.Hes patient and breaks down techniques very well and cares to every students abilities and experience.Hes amazing with kids and his kids program is run very well with students learning the fundamentals of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu while building confidence,learning respect,and having fun.Professor Josh and his students are very welcoming and the school has a great and positive atmosphere.Saturdays there is OPEN MAT (free rolling,drilling techniques,) and is free to everyone...not just students but Professor Josh will make you feel like you're part of the academy as soon as you walk in.If you want to start learning or have thought about learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu....this is the place to come too read more

I look for three things in a jiu jitsu school: level of instruction, mats, and team mates. JTA is exceptional at all three. INSTRUCTION: Coach Joshua Valles is both a phenomenal instructor and competes at jiu jitsu's highest levels. In short he is a unicorn. You know why the school is named JTA? In 2018 coach Valles represented the USA in international competition. After winning every match by submission, he was named the team USA's MVP (he'll never admit it though). BJJ is changing fast, want to know what the newest elite athletes are doing? Just ask coach Valles. What makes coach Valles exceptional is how well he can teach what he knows. LA is full of amazing BJJ players, but finding one who is also a good coach is another matter. He has a gift for making the complex, simple. Also he is the instructor leading class EVERY day. MATS: Dollamur mats. They are the best. Enough said. TEAM: Coaches Leo and Josh are both amazing, but another part of the reason I'm at JTA every night is how much I like everyone who is a member. Classes end and people just seem to stick around, whether it's because they have some questions on technique, want to get some drills/extra rounds in, or just want to banter and laugh with each other. The team enjoy being around each other so much people who aren't training that night will just drop in to hang out. That I have never seen at another school! read more

I've been training under coach Josh since I moved to the States about 2 years ago and I have nothing but praises for him, his instruction, his partner coach Leo and JTA. Coach Josh was the first jiu-jitsu instructor I met and I didn't bother looking or trying-out another gym because aside from the fact that I felt welcome right away, I knew that I was going to get top notch coaching under him. I had very little experience and knowledge about Jiu-jitsu but coach Josh has definitely honed my skillset, developed my game with solid techniques and changed my whole perspective towards the sport. He along with coach Leo, who is also an exceptional kids' coach at JTA, make Jiu-Jitsu a lot more fun and exciting than it already is while making sure everybody gets nothing short of the best instruction and attention in class. They really are world class. JTA is a great place to learn Jiu-jitsu, whether you're in it to train, compete or even just to put in a good workout. The gym is kept clean at all times, has an enormous mat space and a huge parking space for free. Lastly, JTA has the warmest, most welcoming people I have ever met and truly are like family to me so trust me, you will never regret coming to this gym! read more

Deciding to start training Jiujitsu was nerve wracking for me. I was just a powerlifter who didn't know anything about the sport, aside from what you see in the UFC. Luckily for me and you Jiujitsu Team America is here! The Coaches are very knowledgeable and make learning at any skill level very easy. I've been a student under Coach Josh and Leo for 3 years now and I can honestly say I don't think I would have kept training if it wasn't for their attention to detail and not letting my body type stop me from training. From Gi to No-Gi, they have 9am morning classes Monday through Thursday and Fundamentals at 6pm also Monday through Thursday with Advanced classes starting at 7pm. Want to test your skills? They also offer a Competition Class Fridays at 6pm. Weekend classes are Saturday at 11am and Sunday is an All Is Welcomed Open Mat for everyone and anyone who wants to train. But wait....there's more!! They also have an excellent kids program! Coaches Leo and Ji hold kids classes Monday - Thursday starting at 4pm and Saturdays at 10am. Everyone is so kind and makes the atmosphere at JTA one of a kind! From the Coaches to the students and friends who train here, you'll always be welcomed to train with us at Jiujitsu Team America! read more

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JTA JIU-JITSU TEAM AMERICA is GREAT!!! I can't say enough good things about this group of people!! Joshua Valles is the Head Instructor, he and everyone that teaches, and attends is very FRIENDLY, they are all like FAMILY to each other. They all help teach one another, and SUPPORT each other. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this JIU-JITSU ACADEMY. My son has been training with Joshua Valles for five years now. You will DEFINITELY come out of these classes with NEW FRIENDS, CONFIDENCE AND SELF-ESTEEM!! read more

One of the nicest Gyms I've ever visited. I went there for their Open Mat on Sunday. Everyone is welcomed. Josh (Owner of the Gym) is doing something incredible over there. Everyone I met there was super chill and they make you feel welcomed. You'll get some really good rolls there too. If you're ever in town or around the area, be sure to drop by JJTA. read more

Jiu Jitsu Team America - Sunday Open Mat - Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Near Me - Arcadia, California

I started training jiujitsu at JTA. I've been here for 4 months and I'm in love with the sport. It's great for exercise and self defense. Most of all I love the community here at JTA. Everyone is friendly, welcoming, and encouraging. Coach Josh is great at breaking the moves down and finding alternatives for different bodies. I'm 4'9 and not everything works for me but Coach always knows what I can do different to make of work for me. His lessons are always detailed and technique oriented. This makes for a safe and productive training experience every class. The class is formatted in a way that you focus on one thing and variations of that one thing for maybe multiple weeks so you really nail it. Other BJJ gyms I check out taught 5 different things during one class and you won't see the same curriculum for months. read more

Whether you're looking to learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for either self defense purposes or to pick up an amazing sport/workout, JTA (Jiu Jitsu Team America) provides an amazing experience. The environment is very welcoming and pristine, and the coach is super fun while also maintaining a very good curriculum. It's an awesome experience and if you've ever thought about joining, you definitely should. read more

I live and work out of town but I am frequently back in the 626 area to visit friends and family. Josh and his team at JJTA are always super welcoming and make me feel like part of the family. You have a wide range of body types, experience levels, and ages. The environment and instruction are top notch. Classes are great and weekend open mats are a blast. I would not hesitate to recommend this academy to a beginner or experienced practitioner alike. Check'em out. read more

JTA has not only re-sparked my son's passion for jiu-jitsu , but it has been a big foundation for his confidence. He trained in a neighboring city for almost three years (he is 12 now) and became stagnated from the lack of growth and motivation with his previous training. We tried JTA and he loved it. He learned more in the first few months at JTA then all his previous months combined. The kids training is age appropriate and family friendly. Josh and all of his coaches share the passion, patience and support that really help my son thrive. read more

Like this place so much. Every one there are very nice and willing to teach. I lost almost 20lbs in couple month. The coach is very patient and detail. My initial goal is just lose weight and get in shape. Now I totally fall in love with BJJ, the coach Joshua did such a good job to explain all the details. Highly recommend. read more

Highly recommend Jiujitsu Team america. My very active son has been attending for a year now and he absolutely loves it. All the coaches are super knowledgeable and patient with all the kids. My sons progression has been impressive.  Juijitsu has also improved my son's coordination and discipline. Really happy with the classes and planning on my son attending long term. As soon as my daughter is old enough she'll be attending also. If you're looking for Jiujitsu classses, Coach Josh and his team are the best. read more

As a slightly introverted person when I initially joined JTA I was a bit nervous of the environment. I've had people tell me past altercations and controversies about the places they went to go train jiu jitsu. Fortunately that isn't the case at JTA. JTA brings out the best/kid in me, I feel nothing but good vibes and positivity due to Coach Josh and the rest of my fellow teammates. I feel as if someone is about to sign up for a combat/contact sport it can be quite intimidating at first but it never felt that way for me while attending class. JTA is a very welcoming place, and I wish nothing but success and further growth. OSS. read more

I got to know Josh very well when we competed under team USA out in Kazakhstan. He is a pure spirit and has a lot of conviction about what he does. These are priceless qualities you look for in the leadership of a gym. read more

My two boys love training here! It feels like you were walking into a family environment. Coach Josh is great! So is everyone that attends helps out to make each other better. My kids were both very shy and lacking confidence interacting with other kids. Ever since I started them in JTA, i have seen a huge improvement with them being more outgoing and looking forward to train. If fact, I was so happy with the results, I actually signed myself up for the adult class as well. I love it!!! read more

I am very fortunate to be able to train under Coach Joshua. He is a wonderful coach, and he is very patient and attentive to each single one of us. When he explains techniques in class, he explains everything in detail. He usually chains the series of moves together, so when someone counters technique number 1, we can use technique number 2 to counter their counter. He makes Jiu-Jitsu fun and easy to grasp. I know I am in good hand when I am training with him because he holds a very high standard to his students. He keeps the gym extraordinarily clean, and he makes sure that when people step on the mat, they have the best training environment. He is not one of those coaches just sitting on the sidelines and watches us roll. He engages with his students, and he knows how much progress and improvements we have made. Simply put, he is very caring coach. I am also very fortunate enough to have met many great friends in this gym. They are my second family. There is no ego in the gym, but everyone trains hard and always tries to help each other out on and off the mat. My teammates always push me to the next level, and I am grateful and humble that I can train with them every single day. Coach Leo is another wonderful coach at JTA. He is a kid's coach, and he is a very kind and a patient coach. Coach Leo and I are a big anime nerd, so we will always talk about anime together. He is always very fun to roll with, and he is someone that I look up to and is a great model for kids because he genuinely cares about his students. I have been training with Coach Josh and Coach Leo for two years and four months. They are both top notch coaches. During the time I have been training with them, I have so much fun. Every day, I am looking forward to roll at JTA because the people in this gym makes the gym great. This is a friendly, no ego Jit- Jitsu School. With all said and done, the bottom line is that Coach Josh and Coach Leo care about his students and their progress. If you ever want to try martial art, self-defense, or just a great workout, please drop by. Coach Josh and Leo will take good care of you read more

Clean facility , amazing instruction , family environment , and world class jiu jitsu . Nothing I write here will be able to do Josh or his gym any justice , you'd have to come down and check it out for yourself , you will not regret dropping in read more

Team JTA is absolutely amazing. Being in Bjj for over 5 years and visiting many gyms, JTA has been one of my favorites. Josh is so hands on and an amazing and very successful competitior if you want to learn from the best and up your bjj game this gym is your place to be at read more

Coaches Josh and Leo are two of the best instructors in the 626. Instruction is technique orientated and Coach Josh has seemingly unlimited modifiers for movements and technique to accomdate any age and body type. Great atmosphere, and members. Learning and improving yourself is the baseline here. If you are considering Jiu-Jitsu - Josh and Leo will take good care of you. read more

My family loves Jiu Jitsu Team America for so many reasons. We have been with Josh who is the owner and head coach for the last 3 years and can not rave enough about his passion for the sport, his patience with new guests, and his love for his team. They have very convenient class times including AM classes and kids classes. All of the coaches are professional, experienced and fun. This team is so welcoming and feels so much like a family than just classmates. I would definitely recommend team America if you are looking for a team environment with a variety of classes and professional and experienced coaches. read more

Jiu Jitsu Team America is a great place to train for all levels of skill, from beginners to experienced jiu jitsu players. All the students who train here are awesome people and it's such a pleasure to train with them. Coach josh and coach Leo are great teachers and genuinely care about helping you improve your jiu jitsu, and the classes are always insightful and fun. I competed recently and took first place in the tournament and I definitely credit the victory to my coaches and teammates. Everyone was so helpful and supportive, Coach josh helped me with a game plan and went to the event to coach me during my matches and everyone else pushed me to get better each training session. I truly believe JTA is one of the read more

Being based out of another gym, going to their open mat I didn't know what to expect. But once I stepped in through the door, any feeling of doubt or uncertainty went out the window. I was greeted with smiles and refreshments and not just from Josh the owner, but from every student there. They provided a relaxed, "good vibe" environment. Even though it was just open mat, you could find Josh teaching techniques in a very technical and simple manner to understand. I was able to easily apply what he showed me. In addition to open mats, JTA hosts sick beginner tournaments. Having competed in one of them, I can honestly say that it provided me with a valuable experience that will help me down the line in future tournaments. If you're looking for a gym to help you reach your goals, JTA will help you get there. read more

The following review is as much about Josh Valles, the owner, operator and main instructor as much as it is about the facility. First, Josh is incredibly persistent upon his cause; wether it's assisting with privates for his clients and students or attending to the necessities of the gym-he gets things done. As a competitor, he maintains a ferocious pace, combining a depth of technique in conjunction with athleticism. What the aforementioned entails is that wether one is an aspiring competitor or simply using jiu jitsu as a mode for self improvement or weight loss- Josh is your guy. He can break techniques down such that a novice would be able to digest and conceptualize the moves. The facility is representative of Josh, clean and focused solely on the sport. There is an abundance of mat space which assures the safety not only of the students but of attendees. Inside are gender-neutral bathrooms, changing rooms, and a dedicated waiting area for parents or friends. There are large windows facing the main street that allows for the late afternoon sun to poor in with natural light. I've personally trained at the facility with Josh and his team of students and they are all very warm, accommodating and respectful of everyone regardless of team affiliation, background, or ideology. If you're in the neighborhood, I strongly insist upon checking Jiu Jitsu Team America. read more

Our family of four trains at JTA and we could not have asked for a friendlier, engaging, and fun group of training partners and coaches who are all equally vested in their own development as well as yours! People who train here motivate and challenge one another to become better on and off the mats, and are respectful of each person's individual paths (recreational, competitive, fitness, etc...). The space is as bright, warm and welcoming as the people who train here. There is a beautiful large mat space, and there is a nice little area for spectators. There is a good mix of gi, no-gi, and kids classes as well as a weekly open mat on the schedule. Coaches Leo, Josh and Ji are always there to help. Side notes: As a female and a mother, I appreciate that there are separate women's and men's restrooms, as well as two changing rooms with benches and doors. It is located near many restaurants and other businesses which makes it convenient for other reasons. There is parking in the rear and it is actually better to enter through the back entrance. read more

Jiu-Jitsu Team America is one of the finest gyms I have came across. The head instructor Josh Valles is a talented practitioner and instructor with a wealth of knowledge to convey to his students. He has an incredible ability to articulate the various concepts in Jiu-Jitsu in simple terms making the learning process much easier. The environment in the gym I's very positive and encouraging and you can feel it in the atmosphere. I'd highly recommend you to begin or continue your martial arts journey at JTA! read more

Really amazing school, Very impressed with the level of instruction and attention to detail for every technique that is taught. Coach Josh and Coach Leo and really alot of fun and teach with the idea of real use in life and on the matts. There is an open matt every Sunday and no matter what school you are from you can come in and have an amazing time. Thanks so much for putting your school there and cant wait for class. read more

Perspective from someone new to martial arts. I've been with JTA for almost one year. Thanks to my training here I have exceeded not just my physical expectations but what I can expect from myself. Coach Josh and the entire Team are welcoming and create an open atmosphere. When I began searching for a place to learn Jiu Jitsu, I was worried about what to expect. From the ones I sampled in my area, JTA has been the best by far. Professional and experienced coaches, willing to work patiently with anyone. Concepts and Techniques are clearly explained. What I especially like is that you'll learn the Why, not just the How, behind a technique. All in all a great place to learn and train! read more

This is my favorite gym to train and exercise with Josh and everyone else's. The gym is very clean and super friendly with all ages. I am highly recommend to anyone want a good training & exercise should go check out this read more

JTA, from the first time I contacted the Academy I was greeted by the owner & head instructed Josh Valles. As you can imagine for any one that is 100% green to the discipline it was a bit looming even inquiring about membership or what the it even intel. However, in speaking to coach Josh he made me feel at ease and created for me a very welcoming try out session. From the first time I walked in I immediately took note of how organized, detailed orientated and how knowledgeable coach Josh is in his instruction of technique and drilling and over all presentation of to the class. As for the Academy it self, all the team members are extremely welcoming and willing to share their knowledge of their techniques and what they have learned, every single person in there is incredibly respectful and humble and one of my favorite things is that they encourage asking questions weather is to ask about a grip, technique or movement which is a plus if you are a beginner like me. As for the mat space, it is real broad and it is visually awesome with the light grey floor mats and white walls with team name in big bold blue letters (sense of pride training there) which are always clean and the color scheme keeps the academy true to cleanliness, you couldn't ask for a better place to train in. Lastly, not to mention the gear!!! everything from Gi's to Rashguards, Team Shirts, Stickers to represent! The JTA swag is pretty awesome! I would gladly roll with any one who is looking start or continue and advice their training with coach Josh and the JTA Team! read more