I was visiting the Berkeley area and was able to drop in on the Monday all levels gi and judo classes. Everyone at the academy were very welcoming and friendly. The caliber of jiu jitsu is very high at this academy (very tough rolls). Although there was a high intensity during the live rolling rounds, I never felt like I was going to be injured or hurt during these rounds. Professor Eduardo taught awesome technique with great detail and answered all questions. The caliber of judo is also very high. Sensei Newton and the other senseis were all very knowledgeable and technical. Very good explanation of techniques and able to answer all questions. Thank you for the hospitality and hope to train here again! read more

Ralph Gracie Berkeley changed my life. Eduardo Fraga has an incredible depth of knowledge and has always pushed me to continue training even through some dark times in my life. This place has become family and I'm so grateful that I walked through those doors. read more

I had an absolute pleasure studying judo here with Sensei Barry and Sensei Newton. They are very nice and knowledgeable.

One of the largest Brazilian Jiu Jitsu schools in the Bay Area, founded by Master Ralph Gracie and Luis Eduardo Fraga, who is a 6th degree Black Belt. Professor Eduardo still competes at the highest level himself and is also a passionate coach for a highly competitive team. There are about 400 students, but many high level instructors, including Nia a 1st degree female black belt. Be sure to stop by on Sunday 10:00 am to 12:00 pm for a free open mat to anyone willing to put on their Gi and roll! read more

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I started training BJJ/Judo at Ralph Gracie Berkeley pre-Covid. At that time, I was also training Judo at Cal Judo and tried out different Bay Area dojos. Prior, I was at a conventional UFC gym down in SoCal years ago. I'm back at RGB. Based on the different academies I've been to, I'm happy to say that this is my main gym and I'm here to stay as long as I can. For me, I struck gold with a gym that offers both BJJ and Judo... AND they have a lifting nook. The program is pay by # of BJJ classes, and then you are free to take other classes such as Judo, wrestling, mobility, etc. I eat that all up :P Aside the BJJ classes, I highly recommend wrestling with Coach Gian, and judo with Sensei Barry, Sensei Newton and Sensei Mugi. Tech instruction is thorough. If the class isn't too big that day, instructors are great at observing everyone, correcting tech, and giving game changing tips when students are rolling. Instructors are fun, dedicated to the tech and helping their students be better. They are friendly and trustworthy. You'll also find higher belts that are humble and very helpful. This is a steadfast community that has trained together for years, helped each other overcome life things through training and are welcoming to whoever wants to be part of that. As a woman, this place is inclusive and welcoming, and there's a solid group of badass women who train, have trained here and stay connected. TIP: If you take multiple (types of) classes, be ready to shift attitudes. The Judo classes have stricter formalities, just like any other dojo and overall, the gym is comp focused. Some students train casually and some are training very seriously towards a match/comp/personal goal. The goal is always to enjoy the moment but be respectful to the instructors and others. You can also request to spectate a class to get a feeling for whether the intensity and instruction style are for you. read more

Ralph Gracie Berkeley Jiu-Jitsu Academy - Another Great Judo class with Sensei Barry and Sensei Newton - Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Mongolian Judo!! As far as I know this is the only mongolian Judo in the United States. We were lucky enough to be invited here for a Saturday evening Judo work out. What an amazing workout. My kids have been doing Judo for years, and this was the toughest workout they've ever had. Dordjerem 'Mugi' Munkhbayasgalan is a 4th degree black belt in Judo as well as a black belt in Jiujitsu. He trained with the Mongolian Olympic team and is an MMA fighter. It shows in how he drives the kids. The whole class was in taught in Mongolian. My kids had to just follow the other kids lead. It was exciting to watch. The class started out with Uchi Komis. Then some training techniques. After that, they spent 1 hour doing Newaza in 3 minute intervals. There were abit 30 kids and my kids were out-matched. The Mongolian kids worked my kids into the ground. They showed perfect technique and barely worked up a sweat. After Newaza, the class did Randori for 1 hour. Our kids were pouring sweat. It was truly amazing to witness. At the end of class, they dropped ropes from the ceiling and kids climbed. A nice touch was after class, all the kid sat around and talked or played for 30 minutes. My kids really enjoyed that. I must say, if your kids are driven and want to be the Best, Mugi will get them there. read more

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My kids love it there. Seems like they have a fun group of kids who have gotten to know each other a bit. Staff is cool. Supportive but also tough when they need to be; they will bark if the kids don't listen or toe the line promptly. I personally believe nothing compares to BJJ when it comes to confidence and actual combat. I did it a long time ago and it changed my view of physical conflict. read more

I've trained at Ralph Gracie BJJ for a few weeks this summer and it was awesome. Prof. Fraga and his team were super welcoming, kind, and helpful. I loved the quality of instruction, the focus on proper technique and details, and Prof. Fraga's incredible ability to spot a mistake I was making even when I thought he wasn't looking! I also appreciated all of his suggestions after our rolls re things I could incorporate into my game or things I could consider saving for when I'm a higher belt. It was really valuable for me and showed me his passion for the sport and helping anybody who wants to train at his academy get better. The team was awesome too! I loved being able to train and get tips from higher belt women and all the black belts. As a white belt, it was a treat to get to train with so many of the latter, including prof. Fraga. It's a competition academy and it shows in both the level and philosophy of training and results they get () The academy, lockers, and common space have always been very clean. The atmosphere is casual and lighthearted despite everybody showing up to give their 100% and working hard. Ah! One of my absolute favorites were judo takedown warmups! So so fun and useful. read more

Ralph Gracie Berkeley Jiu-Jitsu Academy - With Ralph Gracie Berkeley team after a tough Sat workout! - Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Near Me - Berkeley, California

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My husband and I have been training at Ralph Gracie Berkeley, under Eduardo Fraga for the past four years. We moved here from Portland and our first stop in California was at this gym where we were immediately greeted by a black belt and invited to join the open mat. When picking out a gym we looked for, a large established gym with decent sized mat space, a variety of instructors at the gym (to cater to both of our sizes and training needs), and a schedule that offers multiple classes everyday of the week. Ralph Gracie Berkeley offers that and so much more. Through this gym we inherited an entire family of training partners and life long friends. We were encouraged to compete at all levels and traveled with our teammates to many major tournaments ( Nationals, Pan Ams, Worlds, No Gi Worlds). Our instructors helped us individually prepare for these competitions and also took the time to travel and stand by our side on competition days. One of the best things about Ralph Berkeley is how many tenured black belts and high ranking students are invested in the gyms growth. Everyday of the week you can get instruction from no gi focused instructors, wrestling specialists, gi competitors, judo instructors. Whatever you need to work on there are plenty of people in this gym who would love to train with you. We have an amazing beginners program, it's developed a nickname "Alan's white belt army" Alan truly knows how to hone in on what beginners need to build a solid base for jiu jitsu, this program thrives and many of these students do very well in their competitions. Recently I have had the chance to take a couple private lessons with a teammate and our instructor. This was such a crucial part of my technique development in the past year. Eduardo takes the time to hear what you think you need to work on, but can also individualize the instruction towards what he sees is missing in your game. His coaching is direct and specific. Eduardo is the type of coach who will invest in you most when you show you are dedicated and have a desire to learn. He expects a lot from his students but only because he wants the best for them and their jiu jitsu career. Training at this gym can be both a lot of fun and a lot of work! Some days our warm ups are focused on team moral so we play a bit of soccer, where as other days we have brutal warm ups to enhance cardio, mental strength and competition readiness. If you are looking to start training, COME TODAY this program has so much to offer you. If you are moving to the area and looking for a new gym GIVE US A CHANCE! Our family oriented, competitive team is here everyday of the week, providing a welcoming environment for people to learn and get in shape, but also producing world champions. read more

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Best jiu jitsu in the world. Family friendly. Amazing teachers, mentors, and friends. Safest and most welcoming/encouraging environment to get in shape, self improvement, and improve your skill set and confidence. This place will change your life in priceless ways. Get off your phone and come try a class today. Yes they have class today. Everyday. First class is free. Dude come try it it is freaking awesome. If you are new and never tried jiu jitsu before, this place is PERFECT! No one is even allowed to submit you on your first few classes. It will be so fun and the best work out. Another great thing is that it is so fun that you don't even have to effort the same way you do in regular workouts! You'll finish the class and be like omg that was the most fun I've had in years not even realizing you just sweat off 3 pounds. I can't even describe how great this place is. You've got to give it a try. Come on in, kids, ladies, old geysers, experienced grapplers, everyone: This is the best jiu jitsu and best training environment in the world. (Trained at 100 + locations worldwide). Please give yourself this life changing chance. Come on in today. Bro... first class free! Let's gooo!!! read more

So far its only been one week, my husband and stepson love this place. Eduardo and Newton are hands on with kids, paying attention to detail and quick to cease any goofing around. They discipline with a firm but gentle hand, like father figures, giving off a true sense of caring. There is a rule to wear shoes off the mat which promotes cleanliness. This is enforced as it should be. Adult classes are taken serious. When they roll, they roll hard. The students are there to train, not social hour. Everyone is respectful, you feel the positive energy and are welcoming. The dojo is drama free promoting a true family atmosphere. I like that my stepson is able to take a class with his father. That's really cool to see them on the mat together. One thing that stood out compared to our last place, black belts are on the mat rolling with everyone. There is no discrimination nor favoritism. They focus on your techniques and correct. So far no cell phones have been on the mat. The black belts pay 100% attention to the class. This place is top notch!! Only downside, if you could even call it that, the 6:30-8:30pm class causes hubby to miss dinner and gets less family time in the evening. But he loves the sport and I support him 100%. Since my husband is a competitor, I'm curious to see how the coaches are at competitions. From prior posts, sounds like they support and coach their team. Exactly how it should be! I'm excited we came to Ralph Gracie Berkeley. read more

I've been training here for two years now, after trying a few other bjj schools. I consider myself a lifetime martial artist. Somehow bjj is the workout that I absolutely work out the hardest at. Dropped 12 pounds. I'm in some of the best shape of my life. The instruction is top notch,lots of classes at different times. Very friendly environment. Clean gym. It's definitely changed my life. read more

I love this place and am probably here more than I'd like to admit. I joined Ralph Gracie a little over 3 months ago and am so grateful to have found this place. All the instructors are incredible and go out of their way to make sure to give everyone some individual attention. Class structure is simple with warm up, drill/technique, and some rounds of sparring. The thing that surprised me most about Ralph Gracie is the amount of experience that the instructors and the students have, especially when considering how low key folks are here. I'm talking 10-40(!!) years....This gym is well known by the BJJ community and houses many top athletes who compete (and win) regularly. Everyone is extremely generous with the wealth of information they've amassed and are eager to share. As a small female, I always get intimidated when trying a new fighting sport but found that everyone here is incredibly welcoming and looks out for one another. BJJ in general is not for the faint of heart but I've really come to appreciate the sense of empowerment that comes with seeing myself grow and improve in this art form and to be able to properly defend myself against bigger guys...and perhaps sometimes submit them too ;). For people starting out, I recommend taking Alan's beginner class at 530-630 on Tu/Th. He teaches the fundamentals in a clear, straightforward manner and helps creates a solid foundation for the more complicated techniques that Eduardo, the head instructor, teaches. The morning and noon classes All level classes are also great because they are typically smaller and offer more individual attention. All in all, I've tried out several BJJ gyms in the East Bay and this one is truly the best! I recommend anyone to give it a solid try. read more

I've always had an interest in jiu jitsu, and after trying a few other gyms, I decided on Ralph Gracie here in Berkeley. Mostly because there seems to be people of all levels and expertise who train here and it was a welcoming environment for someone just starting out. They have a "fundamentals" class that's mostly geared towards people who either have no experience or very little experience with jiu jitsu. The learning curve is still a little steep which was expected, but the instructors are very helpful and are always around to answer questions. All in all a great experience so far at this gym. read more

This is a real deal jiu-jitsu academy. The level of training and instruction here is as good as it gets. On any given day you will find at least a half dozen black belts on the mat - in addition to a big group of friendly, skilled, and competitive training partners. No, you won't find scented candles in the bathroom. And nobody will hand you a sparkling glass of spa water when you sign up. Instead, what you will get is a bad ass, dedicated instructor who will push you to be your best, who will show up to every tournament to coach you, and who gives everything he has to his students. Eduardo and his team have created a temple of jiu-jitsu where everyone from hobbyists to pro fighters can come and find a better version of themselves. read more

This is a great gym friendly environment i give it 5 stars great for kids reasonable prices and there is always healthy competition on the mat read more

Review is for the kids jiujitsu class. My 11 yr old son has been training with instructor Eduardo Fraga at Ralph Gracie for over 2 yrs now. The kids class usually has between 10 and 20 kids each class and the class is rarely overcrowded. Some times more or less depending on the time of year, day or the week, etc. Kids can train up to 5 days a week, which is encouraged, but not necessary. Eduardo encourages competition, but kids are not required to compete. My child trains 2-3 days a week. Currently the kids class is taught by Eduardo and 1-3 assistant instructors. I think a different instructor (Newton) teaches on Wed. Mon, Tues, Thurs and Fri is gi training, Wed is no-gi. Open mat is on the weekends and has given me a chance to come and train with my son. A typical class will start with a warm-up, followed by instruction and drilling of a technique and finished with some 'sparring'. Usually 1 type of technique is focused on in a given week, so as long as you make 1 class a week (regularly) you will be exposed to the breadth of techniques taught. The same techniques (or variations) are revisited over time. The dojo has seating for parents to watch their child in class. It's amazing how much he and other kids have progressed. He has also made a couple of close friends on the mat. There is a good mix of kids with various levels of experience as well as new comers. Most of the kids are aged 9 to 12 yrs old, particularly the ones that keep training for longer periods of time. I'm an experienced martial artist and I watch how the class is taught as well as how many of the kids progress over time. It's great to see them develop both in their technique but also their attitude. I hope my child continues into his teenage years. read more

This is a top notch institution backed by the Ralph Gracie team, which has a long history of pumping out high level competitors. Even with the tough pedigree the VIBES are always good, if I get my ass kicked I always walk away with a genuine smile on my face(maybe im just weird). The instructors are great Eduardo, Dave, Pete, and Newton all have a lot of matches under there belts and want to help you succeed. The facilities are great, on the off chance you choose a gym based on the showers or mat size. I spend a lot of time here sometimes 8+ hours a week. I dont even always come to train. If Im in the area Ill stop by to see whats up. I spend a lot of time here... because I love Jiu Jitsu and I love this gym. If you are a competitor. Know that somebody from this gym will always have your back at competitions. Whenever we compete we roll deep. An instructor is always there to man my corner, game plan. If you are serious about competition, you want to get in shape, or just are a casual fan of the gentle art, or want to meet like minded people. This is a gym for you. Update: So I have been here for while now, and this place has really become a family for me. I am a blue belt now and I know just enough jiu jitsu to know I know nothing about jiu jitsu. It isnt that I havent been learning but there is so much to learn you can never learn it all. It is a life long pursuit and I will be doing this until I cant do it anymore. read more

Great instruction and community. The new mobility class has been great, allowing me to train more. read more

I started Brazilian jiu-jitsu here about 7 months ago and love it. Eduardo is a great instructor who really gets involved in helping you learn and motivating you. The school was recently remodeled and is large, clean and full of friendly people. I highly recommend Berkeley Ralph Gracie Jiu-Jitsu for anyone wanting to gain confidence, humility, discipline and get in the best physical and mental shape of their life. read more

This place is amazing! Clean facility. Dedicated and experienced staff. Reasonable prices. Great for kids!!! Come check it out!

A great gym, with high level guys. I came from Renzo Gracie in NY and didn't skip a beat here!! I feel at home and it's nice to have an instructor that is competing on a regular basis, makes the instruction more relevant. This kid's classes look like a blast, with warmups that are engaging and fun. The adult classes are a perfect balance of cardio and technical. If you are looking for top level training in Berkeley/Oakland I would suggest this place in a heartbeat! read more

I've been training here for 15 months. The first thing I noticed when I began was how friendly, respectful and welcoming everyone was. I came in with no Martial Arts experience and was quite out of shape. Fortunately, the instructors and other students are dedicated to not only training hard and enjoying themselves, but also helping their academy mates to do the same. Today I'm in much better shape than when I started and I would recommend this Academy and sport to anyone of any shape, size, gender or any other demographic. read more

CAUTION. My family member stopped attending due to injuries in class (black eye, etc.) and a feeling of being unsafe in class. A few months later we realized that we were still being charged $120/month, which they refused to refund. There is no monthly notification or receipt from the billing service, which feels very close to a scammy situation. I wish I had seen the other reviews of people having the same problem. Expensive lesson learned. :( Ralph Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, if you're listening, you can still make this right.... it's good business not to charge people for services you have not rendered. read more

My work relocated me so I could not continue with the classes. I had already paid $500 for only three classes yet they still held me to a contract. With only 3 classes under my belt I continue to get bills in the mail, each time with their fee increasing. It's now at $1,200! I have been to many schools but never have I seen one run so inconsiderate for their students. While the school may come well regarded, the place is run like a cut throat business. read more

Ralph Gracie Berkeley is unbelievable. It feels like family. I've been training there for 2 years, and can say that after 6 months, I felt completely welcomed. Everybody is encouraging, tough while training, and positive about increasing ability together. It welcomes every level (there are white belt classes for those starting out), and every age. I came to Jiu Jitsu as a Judo player. I think having this background saved me from having a really tough time at first. And it is DEFINITELY a tough place to train. It is sink or swim, and it is not for the feint of heart. For those who are doing other martial arts, I must say that it was a shock at first how informal Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is. You're not going to be stuck with a lot of Asian formality, and it's nice as an American not to have to put up with hierarchical BS. I'm not saying that Asian hierarchy has no value--I've trained Judo in Korea no less and learning another culture is valuable. It is a matter of taste. I want to make it clear that despite the informality, there is a clear hierarchy and it is based on ABILITY alone. Respect is earned by what you do, not the color of your belt. You are always expected to prove yourself. That said, Jiu Jitsu is highly rewarding. It gives you confidence, health, positive energy, and very good self defense. You couldn't ask for more in a club. Most importantly, you'll love the person you become and the new friends you'll make. You'll love doing it! I promise :o) read more

I am one year shy of being on the wrong side of 50 and I have been training at Ralph Gracie - Berkeley (RG-B) for 4.5 years. Simply put, joining this academy is one of the best decisions I have ever made. My only regret is that I didn't start earlier in life, but better late than never, right? If your motivation is to learn self-defense, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is one of the most effective martial arts one could study, and arguably the single most effective - as proven in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and the fact that so many military personnel and police officers swear by it. It is particularly well suited for people who are smaller and weaker, because it is a grappling art that uses leverage to attack an opponent's soft tissue (i.e., neck and joints). I weigh 230 lbs., so I often enjoy a size and strength advantage. Regardless, I have been submitted by innumerable training partners who I could literally bench press, if I had to. Why? Because my neck and joints are no stronger than the average person's, and technique usually prevails in a fight. Unlike striking arts (e.g., boxing, karate, and Muay Thai), BJJ sparring (or "rolling") can be done at near maximum intensity, because practitioners can submit (or "tap") without any damage being done. By contrast, a punch or kick to the face can often result in a contusion; or worse, a concussion. Therefore, even if one were to assume that BJJ is not inherently the most effective martial art solely in terms of its techniques, the fact that you do not have to "pull your punches" - so to speak - while training, certainly elevates it to being one of the most effective. And this is what makes it such a great workout and so much fun to do! I could go on and on about how BJJ allows a practitioner to dictate how much damage one inflicts on an attacker if used in self-defense, being anywhere from merely escaping and getting away safely, to breaking an arm or choking someone unconscious. I could also talk about how endlessly fascinating and fun BJJ is to learn. However, I am going to assume you know this already, so let me explain why RG-B is such a great place to train. First, you have one of the most knowledgeable and accomplished head instructors in the S.F. / Bay Area in Professor Eduardo Fraga, a 6th degree black-belt with 35+ years experience, and a man of the utmost integrity. You have an academy with 20+ other legit BJJ black-belts, many of whom teach classes, and all who train regularly. You have numerous training partners of all belt-levels, sizes, body-types, male / female, ages, athletic ability, you name it. You have a large training facility with new mats that are cleaned regularly. You have access to classes offered six days a week in the mornings, noon, late afternoons, and evenings; with open-mat on Sunday mornings. There are gi, no-gi, judo, and strength & mobility classes offered. You have a school where safety is paramount. Yes, BJJ is a contact sport and the training is often rigorous, so accidents can and do happen occasionally. However, in my time here, I have never personally witnessed anyone intentionally hurt a training partner; and in the (very) rare cases where I have heard of people being overly aggressive during sparring, these people have been quickly weeded out. But best of all, you have the people and the culture! RG-B welcomes anyone and everyone, just so long as you are committed to being safe and respectful to others. It is a truly diverse place, not merely in a superficial way based on race, ethnicity, nationality, etc.; but rather, in terms of life experience. You will meet people from all walks who share a love for jiu-jitsu and each other. Or, as Prof. Fraga stated upon receiving his 6th stripe, "I don't need much in my life to be happy, because I have my [literal] family, and then I have my other family [RG-B]." I highly recommend giving this academy a serious look and doing a trial lesson for free. ______ NOTE: If a large academy does not suit you because you prefer a lower student to teacher ratio, and/or the Berkeley location is not easy to reach, I also highly recommend two schools closely affiliated with RG-B. Namely, the Estrella Jiu-Jitsu School in Albany, led by Prof. Igor Estrella, a 2nd degree black-belt who trains under Prof. Fraga; and the Guardian Gym in Oakland, led by Prof. Caleb Khan, who received his black-belt from Prof. Fraga and trains at RG-B. I consider these schools to be part of the RG-B extended family (or "diaspora," if you will). read more

Best place to train. But beware... the addiction of bjj will set in! Wether you train for competition, for the love of the sport, for self defense, or to get in shape... the support, intensity, and motivation is there! Also wonderful for the kids... teaching them dedication, how to stand up for and protect ones self (anti-bully), and always in a discipline yet fun environment. read more

I started training jiu jitsu about 8 months ago, and I can confidently say being at RGB is a major reason I have stuck to it this long, and will hopefully continue to stick with it for years to come! I am a 5'4'' female with no real fighting background, so needless to say walking into a place with dozens of bigger guys who have been training for years is very intimidating, but I have found nothing but support and goodwill from everyone I meet here. The instructors at this gym are incredible. Eduardo, Alan, Ahmed, Newton, and so many more highly experienced, professional, and supportive instructors make this experience what it is. I would highly recommend Alan's 5:30-6:30 beginner classes on T/Th give you a solid base for more advanced techniques, but also Alan will make sure you have a lot of support in the classes and make you feel more confident in your jiu jitsu game overall, no matter how new you are. Eduardo's MW 6:30-8 classes are always a great experience. As a woman, it's always great to see other women training jiu jitsu, and given the size of Eduardo's classes, I always get the chance to train with other women. Also of course, being taught by a BJJ legend like Eduardo is amazing. Last but not least, Ahmed's no-gi classes on Th 6:30-8 are always so informative but also a lot of fun. We usually start off the class with a dodgeball game that always does wonders for our warm-up but also our team spirit. Ahmed manages to make the most complicated and effective no-gi moves manageable even to a beginner. I mostly train with gi, but the techniques I have learned in Ahmed's classes have become a foundational part of my technique. All in all, I really do love this gym, and I think you will too. Don't be intimidated by the big sweaty guys wearing what seem to be pajamas. Everyone here is wonderful, and I am glad to be here. read more

Although I don't have a basis for comparison (brand new to Jiu Jitsu and any form of martial arts, so have never been do a dojo in my life), I will say that this place is fantastic. Eduardo, the head instructor, is patient, technical and a super nice person. The other students I have met are all very helpful as well. Regardless of skill level, everyone has the right attitude and respect toward the sport. I'm happy to have signed up for the classes and the prices are very reasonable. My cousin, an LAPD cop of 20 years trains at Big John McCarthy's gym in Valencia (and has trained for over 25 years in various styles) confirms that this gym is legit and in the right price point, especially for a "Gracie" named establishment. Good Stuff! read more

I have trained here a few years back and I have also trained at other gyms since then. This school is hands down the best school for Brazilian Jiu-jitsu in the east bay!!! Quality instructors... Excellent facilities... and a very friendly atmosphere. Everyone is like family here... No meatheads trying to act all tough, cuz they're quickly humbled!!! Jiu-jitsu is still martial arts... you will learn respect, honor, loyalty, humility, confidence, etc... and you get in shape. and at Ralph Gracie's you will learn the wonderful art of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu from some of the best instructors at the best facilities. read more

Within 15 minutes of my intro class the co instructor Barry White (is his name really Barry White?) comes up behind me without warning and whacks me hard in the ribs to stand up. Fact is I was standing on my feet trying to stretch my legs. Meanwhile there is literally another woman crouched down on her knees seated on her heels right in front of me. When I tell him that's not ok, suddenly he is shy and says, "Maybe this isn't the right place for you". He was bold when he whacked me and barked that I should stand but shy when I stood up for myself. What a guy. I changed and got ready to leave. I don't tolerate being treated like that, I don't care if someone feels mighty that they are a big instructor man and I am a small beginner female. It was my first visit and my quads already felt worked by the crouching exercise. I was doing my best. On my way out Eduardo asked me what was wrong and it told him. He said he didn't see it but Barry just tapped me on the shoulder. I said did you see it or no? Because he came up behind me and hit me in the ribs and then told me I was in the wrong place for telling him that isn't ok. Eduardo said he will check the video on his phone. I said ok let's do that since you are holding your phone. He said he will do it at his leisure. He then proceeded to lecture me on respect and reminded me I signed a waiver. As a female standing 5'2 I was excited to come there and was happy to be invited, although a little intimidated walking in. But I got myself to go in and try it. Another female said hello and how nice it is to have more females there and how friendly it is and how I will love it. I was optimistic even though nervous about being around all these men in such an environment. My experience is this place is machismo and not friendly to me as a female. They have an instructor who will sooner ask you to leave than apologize for whacking you in the ribs to prod you to stand up like some kind of farm animal, or worse. They have another instructor who will lecture you on respect to deflect how you have been disrespected, and try to overshadow what happened to you by dismissing it with comments about how long they have been training and how that has never happened before. Not only is that doubtful, but also completely irrelevant. Sad to have this experience in a place that generally gets good reviews. I guess I got the special treatment. Thanks guys. All the best with your training. read more

Excellent instructors and very welcoming environment. Great gym for people who are looking to compete as well as for those who want to learn the sport. read more

I have been coming to Ralph Gracie Berkeley for almost two years now training both Jiu-jitsu and Judo. The instructors here are top notch and the class schedules are very flexible. I truly enjoy coming to classes and have always felt at home at Ralph's. I commute all the way from Dublin to come and train, and though I'm sure there are many other schools along the way, none of them can beat this one! read more

I have been training here for 3 years, and absolutely love it. There are Kickboxing, Boxing, Judo and Gracie Jiu Jitsu classes that are top notch. I have been doing martial arts since I was a wee little whippersnapper, I can say that this is hands down the best martial arts school I have ever found in the Bay Area ,and has awesome bang-for-the-buck compared to the other options I was considering. If you are thinking of taking some classes in the area, this is definitely the place to go. I have made so many friends and had so much fun at this academy. I had never trained jiu-jitsu before coming to this academy, and was really welcomed and encouraged by everyone at the school. Everyone has been so supportive and makes every class here really fun. Ralph Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Berkeley is the BOMB!! Come in and check it out for yourself, you wont regret it :) read more

I have been training at Ralph Gracie Jiu-Jitsu for just over 2 years, and I can't say enough positive things about my time there. Eduardo Fraga, a fourth degree black belt, is the head instructor at Ralph Gracie, and is an encyclopedia of jiu-jitsu knowledge and technique. Even more importantly, he is not only a complete bad ass in the world of jiu-jitsu, but he is a truly nice person and respectful representative of the sport. The academy boasts seven other black belts all with different styles of games that augment Eduardo's offerings and are all wonderful and talented people. It also offers an exceptional judo class three times a week taught by 2nd degree judo black belt Newton Casimero as well as a striking class 2 times a week and a no gi class offered three times a week. The instructors not only facilitate a safe and friendly environment but one in which people of all levels of fitness and ability can succeed and surpass their goals, whether it's getting in shape or bringing home some gold. read more

Ralph Gracie Berkeley has been my home for over 11 years. If you already train Jiu Jitsu this place has an impressive number of high level competitive and recreational upper belts with multiple classes daily. If you have never trained and are interested in trying Jiu Jitsu, Ralph Gracie Berkeley has multiple white belt/ beginner classes weekly. Eduardo Fraga, the head instructor and sixth degree black belt, is an excellent teacher for both the brand new novice and the black belt level competitor. I can't say enough great things about this place and the people who train here. read more

The best blend of family oriented and competitive Jiu Jitsu I've seen in over a decade of BJJ training. Professor Eduardo Fraga sets the tone. He's an excellent instructor, and provides straightforward and technical instruction in both new and old school techniques. The environment is very supportive. My best two years of training were at this academy, and I visit as often as I can. read more

Trained at 2 other east coast academies before moving out to the Bay area. You will find a top flight jiujitsu academy headed by Eduardo Fraga who is very hands-on and sets the tone. For jiujitsu nerds, the school offers a mix of old school (Gracie self-defense/top pressure - after all, this is a Ralph Gracie school) and new school (sports jiujitsu/lower body submissions). I would describe the mat culture as serious but not over-bearing; very welcoming environment to all ages and experience levels, from weekend warriors to serious competitive players. There is also a strong women's team and kids' team. For those who want to focus on stand-up game, the school also offers excellent adult and kids judo programs. read more

Being very expensive is beyond the point. The children's 5-15 yr old class is a very unorganized helter-skelter zoo of kids. The actual "Jiu-Jitsu" instruction is VERY weak and minimal. The children are not properly shown or taught about the most basic moves and what the objective of each is. Keep in mind some of these basic moves are still very technical and require alot of practice and PROPER instruction. The kids are shown once, maybe twice and left on their own to roll around aimlessly. Whether the instructor has a wealth of knowledge or not has no relevance, you either know how to teach the art or you don't and it is the latter with this place, maybe it's different for the adult class. Parents, you are better off taking your kids to a playground or ACTUALLY putting them on a soccer team (the first 25-35 minutes of class three out of five days a week ,the kids ranging from 5-15 yrs of age play indoor soccer, as their warm up, with literally 20-25 kids including the instructor and a few parents running around trying to score on each other, all trying to kick at a small soft soccer ball, with most of the younger kids staying out of the mix on the sides, very unsafe with bare feet and just plain ridiculous.) Soccer is soccer and Jiu-jitsu is something else, we are paying very high membership fees for Jui-jitsu NOT indoor soccer! You would also think with the amount of money this place makes they could at the least, afford to pay a couple more instructors to help out. This is not the case. DO NOT waste your $ here, you are paying for the name, I've come to find out there are MUCH better martial arts studios in the area for half the price with far better instruction and organization. read more