I was 53 when I first went to Claudio's. I needed a safe enviroment to learn this gentle art and…read morefound it with Claudio, his world class instructors, and the warm big hearted members.

Was camping at New Brighton and stopped in for an open mat. Everyone was very welcoming and…read morefriendly. They all had great technique and I was able to get a lot of rolls in. Will definitely stop by when I am in the area again.

Sandro Batata BJJ changed my life! Having never trained any martial arts before, I was hooked from…read moremy first introductory class with Julio and quickly discovered my passion for BJJ that I hope to continue for as long as I can. From day one I felt like part of the family and was continually pushed to work harder and progress my BJJ game. Each class has a proper conditioning warm up, followed by thorough and detailed instruction on the move(s) of the day, and finished with intense, competitive style training. Julio always takes the time to answer any questions anyone has, re-explain techniques when necessary, and gives on-going advice on techniques, position, and opportunities that arise during training. Having sadly moved away from Santa Cruz and having to switch to other gyms, I can confidently say that I owe the basis of all my knowledge and progression in the sport to Sandro Batata BJJ of Santa Cruz and its instructor Julio. Thank you for everything!

Great place to train! Julio is the head instructor here and is hands on with technique. He…read morecompetes at the black belt level himself so he is up to date on the latest techniques and moves. Awesome environment...with some top level students from white to brown. They also have a few world champions at the academy in Gi and NoGi. The kids class is always packed and a lot of the kids do really well in competitions also! With all the options available these days, this is a great place to start your journey and get real authentic Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Julio doesn't water down his teachings, that is why all the students here do really well. Keep up the good work!

This is a beautiful studio, with a welcoming atmosphere. It's clean and comfortable, with plenty of…read morespace. The bathroom is clean as well. I was visiting in Santa Cruz, and stopped by on a Thursday night for Family Capoeira @ 5 pm... a fun but super-challenging class that teaches skills, language, and music to adults and children alike. Our class had 4 adults, and 6 children - the youngest of which was 2!! Everyone followed our instructor "Teacher Tony" - Formando Currupio. A great time, solid training and a beautiful gym!

Classes are good, however the lady at the front desk has a son who bullies my three year old girl…read more I told the boy to leave her alone and he went and told his mom I was being stern which turned into a big scene and all I wanted was my son to learn jujitsu. Instead I got a lecture on how she wanted me to handle her bully son differently which I didn't care about

I am deeply grateful to the SCJJ coaches for providing my daughters with exceptional martial arts…read moretraining, invaluable individual mentorship, and a village of the most supportive parents and peers. Only 10 and 7 years old, my girls thrive as practitioners of the sport (the youngest even travels nationally for competition), but more importantly, they each have developed a sense of belonging, integrity, grit, and self confidence as a direct result of Nico and McKenna's coaching philosophies, programmatic framework, and gym culture. Cannot recommend this program enough!

From the owner: Locally owned martial arts gym for kids! We offer classes for all ages and levels in Jiujitsu and…read morekickboxing!

For me, this place has been fantastic. However they do it, they've fostered an extremely supportive…read moreand safe environment across the board.

I trained here one morning while vacationing nearby with my family. Travis ran a fun class with…read morevery good technical instruction. Everybody I got to train with was welcoming, treated me like I was a regular and put up a tough roll. The owner Thomas went out of his way to help me out with the visit and is clearly passionate about his gym and his students. I'll definitely come back if I have the opportunity in the future.

I've been training at GB for just over two 1/2 years now, and it's truly been a life-changing…read morejourney. From day one, the staff made me feel welcome, and the community here is incredibly supportive. Whether you're a beginner or advanced, there's always someone willing to help you improve. When I started, I was diabetic and dependent on both metformin and insulin. Within eight months of consistent training and lifestyle changes through Jiu-Jitsu, I was completely off all medications. That alone speaks volumes about the impact this place has had on my health and well-being. What makes it even better is that this academy is now a part of our whole family's life. My wife trains here, along with our 8-year-old son and 4-year-old daughter. The boost in their confidence, discipline, and personal growth has been incredible to witness. If you're looking for a place to transform your health, build real confidence, and grow as a person--and even as a family--Gracie Barra is it. Highly recommend.

My daughters started BJJ here in January and I could not be more impressed. The coaches are…read morefantastic - they are kind, clear and so personable with kids. They remember their names, intentionally connect and provide incredible instruction. These guys know their stuff and communicate it into teaching so well. My girls have come so far with BJJ in just a few months and Gracie's is their favorite place to be (we go almost every day!). They learn so much every single class and have gained a ton of confidence and strength in themselves. I have several friends (adults) who attend classes here too and love it. Trying it for myself next week. I cannot recommend this gym and the coaches enough!

My son (7 y/o) has been there for over a year, and my husband has joined 6 months ago. It's more…read morethan just learning martial arts, they made a lot of friends. It feels like we've been welcomed into a community. Coach Jerry is very passionate about BJJ and his goal is to have all his students succeed. I recommend coming here if you're looking to learn a new skill set, challenge yourself, and getting into shape. You'll meet great people along the way. - Come in and check out it. They offer 3 free trail classes before you officially sign up.

Brought my kids to learn some BJJ, workout and socialize. Kids get all of this and enjoy…read morethemselves. All the parent are supportive of all the kids and friendly. Coach Jerry is easy to speak to and gets along with students and parents. We do our best to make sure the kids attend 4 days out of the week.

I had been searching for a place like AOE for a long time since living on the peninsula. I have a…read moredaughter who is autistic and a husband who was in need of friendship and camaraderie, especially during "his solo working out" at the gym. Chris and his beautiful family have created a place for Everyone. He is not only a very talented athlete but he is a beautiful human being that God has placed him where and when He is needed during a time when All people need active fun lifestyles, with love and respect. We are truly blessed to have AOE on the peninsula. They go above and beyond. It is worth every penny and then some. I hope and pray he and his family do well and are gifted beyond as they should be! Sign up! You have nothing to loose, and Everything to Gain

If you live in the area and want to learn Jiu Jitsu this is the place for you. Professor Chris is…read moreextremely welcoming and will treat you like family. The facility is clean and spacious with ample parking. Art of Entanglement should be at the top of your list if you're looking for an academy to call home. I came to visit for a seminar and am from out of town otherwise I would be training here full-time!

Nice gym with lots of class options and a clean facility. Nice and knowledgeable coachesread more

Jose has been an amazing coach for our son. My son "Nasty Nate" always is asking to go train with…read moreJose at Hollister BJJ. BJJ has been so much more to my son than just an activity. His confidence, leadership and "heart" have grown exponentially. I think Jiujitsu is the single greatest thing you can do for your child and this is the place for it in Hollister!

*A love letter to my favorite place in the Monterey Bay area.*…read more If you are looking for a martial arts gym in the area that will introduce you to the art and take you to the next level, look no longer. Coach Mark is truly the best with whom I trained under and cares very deeply about helping students continue to realize their potential as human beings and as martial artists. I had my first class here Feb 2021 and was impressed with Mark's high level instruction, and the quality of my fellow teammates. The impression of a martial arts dojo for people who have never trained is that it is full of dangerous people ready to smash newbies. And while this is true for some gyms, Eliteteam Monterey is the type of place that will simultaneously push you to become better and empower you. It was through the coach and teammates' encouragement that I decided to compete, and if you are willing to learn the program and train consistently, you will be carried to another level with the support of a stellar coach and hard working team. Having trained at four different gyms since 2016, one learns to look at some details to understand the "health" of a gym: 1) The mats are always clean and are sanitized after every session. 2) Mark pays close attention to the organization, cleanliness, and vibe of the whole facility, so you feel right at home. 3) A shower is available for those on morning, noon, or evening training schedules and is stocked with "Defense" soap so that every person can keep the team safe with good hygiene (anti-ring worm, anti-staph). 4) This academy now has a Full Monday to Sunday schedule, with 6 AM classes, 12 PM classes, 4 PM classes, and 6PM classes. 5) It is a very inclusive academy and has classes for all levels, and women's classes 8-9 Saturday. 6) The coach constantly emphasizes fundamentals while helping you build skills, and then try them in live sparring under his close supervision so that everyone stays safe. 7) Striking classes are offered as well In addition to jiujitsu, I also benefited a lot from Coach Mark's advice about applying principles of the art in my professional and personal life, and how to improve my health. He provided me with strengthening exercises, cardio exercises, cool podcasts, and coaching at competitions, to help me build more confidence as a person and as a martial artist. Thank you coach Mark and the Elite Team Monterey crew. Catch you on the next roll.

I was visiting for a few days due to work and this was the highlight of my trip. Great vibe, I felt…read moresafe as a visitor, awesome technique. Thanks Coach Mark, and all the others of the team. Highly recommended