I have been training here for about a year. Top notch, clean gym with great coaches and a very…read morewelcoming vibe. Definitely the place to go in the area for no-gi jiu jitsu. Check it out!

I would rate this review 500 stars if I could. Our kids started here in May 2024. From the…read morebeginning, it was apparent how much the community here is really a family, and they welcome you in without holding anything back. The coaches for the kids classes are experienced, kind, encouraging, and fun. Both of my kids were already fairly confident and in their bodies when they started, but even still, the positive impact of their practice here is palpable. The coaches emphasize being good teammates while honing your own skills. They know they are growing people, not just practice. My daughter benefits for too many unfortunately obvious reasons, and my son has a safe and fun way to channel his natural desire to battle and test himself physically, emotionally, and mentally in a safe and fun way. After the fire, the studio rallied in huge ways to help those of us who lost our homes, leveraging their extended family relationships with other studios throughout the state and beyond. They were the first business to reopen in the burn scar because they knew how much we all needed to grasp onto a semblance of normalcy in a very abnormal and traumatic time. I will never forget the first time I drove into the area at night to pick up my kids. Driving past the ghostly remains and rubble that was once our town, in abject darkness, no streetlights, was such a shock that I could not help but bawl as I drove through... then in the distance, the lights of 10th Planet Pasadena lit up the way like a beacon of light. As I drove into the lot, I could see the kids being kids like they were before. It made me remember that with community, nothing is lost forever. If you want to give a gift to your children that will pay dividends throughout their lifetimes, bring them to 10th Planet Pasadena.

I'd tried Jiu Jitsu at other academies but always felt intimidated and like I wasn't really getting…read moreit. This is the first place I've actually stuck with it (two years now, and I have no plans to stop). Alex and Sally have created a warm, playful, safe place to learn, with real emphasis on injury prevention and accessibility. Their game-based method had me feeling like I was learning and succeeding from day one, and the progress has been so tangible that I even feel more confident walking down the street. This is a community of high-integrity people and I can't recommend it highly enough.

Alex and Sally run a really great school here. They've somehow come up with a way to cater to…read moreevery experience level and every type of practitioner. They have gi and no gi classes including fundamental classes for both for beginners and the advanced. I say advanced as well because they go over fundamentals but with incredible detail and nuance that even if you've been practicing for years (I'm a purple belt writing this), you're going to pick up details youve never seen before. they're like advanced fundamentals. I describe Alex as a Danaher-lite version. they have membership plans strictly for beginners and also advanced memberships where you can take leg lock classes, takedowns, and MMA classes all the classes taught are from a curriculum curated from Alex's decades of experience. every class builds on each other and it's amazing how much Alex can teach with so much detail. and of course the environment and people here are really friendly if you're hesitant just drop in for a trial class

ZR Arcadia is a great place to train. Professor Lucas is one of the nicest guys you'll meet. He…read morewelcomed me with open arms when I started. I can tell you my Jiu Jitsu has reached a new level training at ZR. There is so much talent in this gym and everyone is very nice and respectful. I would definitely recommend ZR if you're looking to get into BJj or just need a new gym.

While I've only been here a couple weeks so far, I am very pleased with Professor Lucas Rocha and…read morehis school. There are many BJJ schools in the neighborhood (actually about 4 on the surrounding blocks). I have tried at least one other school in the area, as well as 3 or 4 more in the SGV but not nearby, and this one impresses me so far. First off, the space is a good size and clean, plus there is ample parking between the street and the free lot in back. The price is decent and the amount of classes offered is good. But what makes a school is the instructor(s). A lot of the places I have tried taking my young son have blue belts or at best purple belts teaching the kids. Some schools do not want to pay a black or brown belt to teach kids. And the curriculum suffers at those schools. Since I've been here, either Professor Rocha or another black belt have taught the children's classes. I cannot tell you how important I feel it is to have a black or at least brown belt teaching your class. In many of the kids classes here, the sizes are also quite manageable. Professor Rocha has split the kids into two groups (Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday - there is also a no Gi Friday class, a combined group class on Saturday morning, and a competition class on Saturdays) so the classes are not over full one day and empty the next. That is smart. So far the classes are about 10 to 12 kids per class. The last few places I tried out had upwards of 25 to 30 kids and with just one or two instructors for the entire class. That was too many. Here you have 10-12 kids and at least two instructors (a black and brown belt) and as many as four instructors (I've seen Professor Rocha teach along with 2 brown belts and a blue belt). With so many instructors, no kid is left behind or falling through the cracks. If a new kid needs special instruction or attention to learn what is going on, one instructor can focus on that new kid (as they did with my son), without the other kids suffering. I also appreciate the teaching style here. Some places let the kids goof around. Not here. Professor Lucas is young and has fun with the kids, but he also will make sure no one is zoning out or goofing off. That is important. Martial Arts should always include self-discipline. I also like that Professor Rocha is the nephew of Ze Radiola (ZR), who is a legend in BJJ. This is one serious place. That his own nephew is the head instructor is fantastic. These are champion builders. You can tell the training is traditional and old school in a good way. Some schools will be teaching brand new students how to do inversions and wild competition stuff that won't work in a real street fight. Here, so far everything I've seen has been practical and wonderfully explained. Simple sweeps done right. Effective take downs. And, happily he works on the core training which any BJJ practitioner needs. Some kid schools don't do this enough, but you need to build your core to lose weight and get faster and stronger. Professor Rochas doesn't neglect any of this. All in all, so far I am very happy. I think this is a very strong school and worth checking out. The adult classes I've seen following the kids classes seem very good, as well. I hope to train here myself one day soon. Highly recommended. At least come in and try a free class or two. You'll probably find yourself hooked, like me.

The coaches here are all fantastic. I have two daughters in separate aged classes and they have…read morelearned so much, not only in jiu jitsu but in becoming better people. Coach Marco is a wizard at getting the kids to pay attention and grasp what is being taught. The kindness, safety, and combined knowledge is ever present here and I am so grateful we all train at this gym. My wife and I also train and continue to get better with every class. As someone that spends A LOT of time here, believe me when I say this is the gym you are looking for. It is more than just a place to learn, it can be a great community as well. Hearing some of the talks to the kids before class starts is inspiring. Coach Marco is like a violent Mr. Rogers in a Gi.

If you have children and haven't been to SBG SoCal, check it out!…read more We have toured all the major jiujitsu studios in Pasadena and none can match it in cleanliness, teacher:student ratios and quality of instructions. Coach Marco and his team really know how to teach and empower kids. Not only do the kids learn jiujitsu and other martial arts, they also learn life lessons. Marco has been a life coach for my son. Teaching him about humanity, friendships, bullying and respect. And it's super clean which I appreciate. If you are searching for a jiujitsu experience with both quality instructions and amazing instructors that care for your children, then check it out. I've learned how to properly execute gentle, yet firm, parenting, just by watching Marco in action. I also want to add that Marco and his team are heroes. During the Eaton Fire, they were helping displaced kids, housing them at the gym, and subsidizing dozens of kids' jiujitsu membership because of their loss. Kindness at its finest. A++++++

I wanted my daughter to train in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu because I always heard such great things about…read moreit. I didn't realize there was a Pasadena location but I stumbled upon them recently through a Google search. My daughter had two sessions and loved it. She's 12, and decided to participate in their Women Empowered classes before adding their Compatives class later on. She has no prior Jiu-Jitsu training, but has settled right in. Fred is the owner of this location. He has been nothing short of amazing, but his staff and instructors and have been equally impressive, particularly Crystal, Michelle, and Lilly. They've made my daughter feel so welcome and supported, and now empowered. All the women in the class are just as amazing. They have different programs and membership packages. It's very affordable as well, making it accessible. The facility is fantastic, very clean and modern. Parking is easy, validated for 2 hours I think, but then only a couple dollars after that. Restrooms, locker rooms, and waiting areas are clean and comfortable. I highly recommend this Pasadena location if you're thinking about martial arts. It's a great place to start training and an amazing group of people to be associated with.

I am so shook and confused at what just happened today 09/17 when I took my daughter to the little…read morechamps free "bully-proof" class (second class) from 5-6pm. I had originally reserved this on Eventbrite for Saturday September 5th at 1pm and Saturday September 12 at 3pm. Unfortunately, the time was wrong on their EventBrite page for the 12th because it showed 3pm instead of 1pm. Anyway, we missed the second class and they offered me to go any other day of the week as a courtesy, which I agreed to. So today I showed up with my daughter and I was questioned if I had already been to the "free" class and I said yes, but this is her second (free) one. The girl didn't seem too friendly (my daughter was all excited talking to her and she seemed MEH!), but she brought out a temporary uniform for my daughter and we went into the class. I sat on the back this time and my daughter kept yelling "mom", so I would stand up walk up to the front to make sure she was ok. Every time I stood up to look at her, her uniform was worse in terms of fitting. Her pants were dragging, coat sideways off her shoulder, and belt coming off. I let it be and thought they would fix it (which is what her karate instructors usually do). Eventually, she yelled "mom" again and at least 3 kids were lined up and one of the 2 male instructors was fixing their uniform. I told my daughter "you need to fix your uniform". She then looked at the instructor and said "Can you fix my uniform?" He kept doing what he was doing. No eye contact. Nothing. He finished fixing the other kids' uniform and my daughter was still standing on her own with her sloppy, baggy uniform. Ignored. Although she didn't line up. She spoke up many times, she yelled "mom" at least 3 times and neither of those times was she questioned or cared for. I then said out loud "they're not gonna fix it?" Mind you, the kids were no longer in line, so I told her to come to me and she ran across to the beginning of the mat where I was standing. I began adjusting her pants, which were below her butt, and then my phone fell, I lost balance, landed on my knees, and hurt myself with the wooden tile. Not one of the two instructors said a thing. Did they really not notice ALL that?! I then said "What's going on?! I'm confused?" We are not ghosts! Lol, Can they not see/hear us and offer help? I Looked back and a lady looked at me also confused. I then said, you know what, we're being ignored, let's just go. Took off that uniform and left it on the mat. I'm sure they noticed that. I told the lady in the front what happened she said she would see what happened. See what?! Idk, but everyone else saw. The least the instructors could have said was "Do you need anything?" after all those "mom" callings my daughter did. Was it because she didn't line up that she was ignored, even after speaking up? If this is a learning class, you could at least correct/redirect her, so she can understand why you're not helping her. AGAIN, 2 teachers ignored her. Don't offer free anti-bully classes if you're going to ignore a new kid who isn't a member and hasn't paid for your classes yet (but could have). This whole scenario and my daughter telling me she doesn't want to go back to this class because the instructors ignored her so many times is all I needed to write this review. One star for the older male instructor on September 5th. He was fun, caring, and paid attention to all kids. Otherwise, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu felt very unwelcoming this second time, and this is probably why I don't go based off first impressions anymore.

Enrolling my two kids in Master Machado's Jiu-jitsu class was one of the best decisions we've made…read more His experience, patience, and genuine kindness shine from the moment you walk in. My kids were initially nervous, but as soon as they met Master Machado, it felt like they'd known him their whole lives. He's engaging, warm, and incredibly approachable, which made all the difference for my beginner kids. Whether you're a complete newbie or looking to hone your advanced techniques, this is the place to be. For those who know about BJJ, the Machado family are foundational pioneers of the sport in the U.S.--they truly represent the cream of the BJJ world. Parking can be a bit tricky depending on the time of day (street parking), but it's worth a small effort for the class experience. Highly recommend for families and anyone seeking a supportive, top-tier BJJ environment.

Best of the best and nothing but class is how I would describe Professor Roger Machado and all of…read morehis brothers. With training, it's his attention to the tiny details and his explanations of difficult concepts broken into digestible pieces are what helped me and meeting lifelong friends on the Professor's mats was an added bonus. Thank you Professor for being part of my BJJ path and for all the lessons on and off the mats. You are one of my role models. And thank you to all my rolling partners who've shared generously just like Professor continues to lead by example.

We've been bringing our kids here for a little over a year, and I can't say enough good things…read moreabout Professor Rich, his team, and the community they have built. Rich is incredible with kids. He has a great balance of being patient, encouraging, and supportive while also knowing when to be stern, set expectations, and hold them accountable. He teaches so much more than just jiu-jitsu, he teaches discipline, respect, confidence, perseverance, and important life lessons that carry far beyond the mats. One of the biggest things we've noticed is how much our kids' confidence has grown since they started training here. It has been amazing to watch them become more comfortable in themselves, more resilient, and more willing to take on challenges. His entire team is also fantastic. You can tell they genuinely care about the kids and are committed to helping them learn, grow, and become better both in jiu-jitsu and in life. The community here is something special as well. There's a welcoming, positive atmosphere among the coaches, kids, and families that makes this place feel like much more than just a jiu-jitsu academy. We're incredibly grateful for Professor Rich, his team, and the guidance and positive influence they've had on our kids. We truly cannot recommend this place highly enough!

We've been coming for about 3 months. Since training here, our little one has gained confidence in…read morehow she moves, gaining core and lower body strength. The social-emotional aspect, including teaching kids how to play fair and treat each other with respect in how they move and interact physically is awesome.

My 10-year-old son has been attending K Taekwondo for just over a year, and we couldn't be happier…read morewith the experience! Grand Master Lim and ALL the instructors are amazing--patient, encouraging, and truly dedicated to helping each student grow both in skill, confidence and discipline. We've seen such positive changes in our son's focus, discipline, and self-esteem since he started. The classes are well-organized, energetic, and fun, while still maintaining a strong sense of respect and structure. It's clear that the school cares deeply about each child's progress, both on and off the mat. If you're looking for a Taekwondo program that builds character as much as it teaches martial arts, K Taekwondo is the place to be!

I have 2 kids (9 and 8) who wanted to learn martial arts. I tried researching Karate vs Taekwondo…read morevs Hapkido and really could not decide what would be best. We randomly stopped by K Taekwondo on a Saturday (they were doing belt testing) and the kids loved what they saw. They have a really nice intro package (something like 6 weeks and free uniform for 40 dollars) and the kids enjoyed it from the get go. They have been going now for 3 months and overall the experience has been great. The instructors are great and the Grand Master is amazing. Kids look forward to the weekly classes (2 classes per week) and we are impressed by all they have learned to date. Would definitely recommend, for kids and teens and adults alike (they have a separate adults class).