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    Ralph Gracie Berkeley Jiu-Jitsu Academy

    4.5 (72 reviews)
    Open 7:00 am - 9:00 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

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    Another Great Judo class with Sensei Barry and Sensei Newton

    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.

    Tommy J.

    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.

    With Ralph Gracie Berkeley team after a tough Sat workout!
    Patrycja A.

    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.

    Only a portion of all the black belts at our gym on a daily basis!

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    7 months ago

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    8 months ago

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

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    6 years ago

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

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    3 years ago

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Ralph Gracie Berkeley Jiu-Jitsu Academy

    Do you have a class for my 4 year old grandson Hayden? What time each week is such class?

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    Review Highlights - Ralph Gracie Berkeley Jiu-Jitsu Academy

    Eduardo Fraga got his black belt in his early 20's making him a Jiu Jitsu legend (google him for more info).

    Mentioned in 9 reviews

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    5.0(9 reviews)
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    Great place to train if you're looking for technical Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Professor Liz and Mineiro…read moreare very welcoming and passionate about their craft. The academy caters to all ages, skill levels, and welcomes all. I've been fortunate to train here for over a year and have trained with multiple champions. 10 out 10 would definitely recommend.

    Professors Mineiro and Liz have been training my kids since they were 5 years old. They are now…read more7&9. Before they opened up shop in Emeryville, they used to travel from Fresno to San Jose to coach the kids class at LUTE. Their dedication to being there for the kids is what really stood out. Mineiro's style of coaching and disciplining a bunch of 4-7 year olds is pretty impressive. I've seen complete chaos at other academies, with kids not following simple instructions. But not Mineiro! He has always been firm and wasted no time. It was always "Keep Quiet and Pay Attention!" Some parents might think it's a little too direct, but it's exactly what every kid needs to hear. Mineiro always encourages the kids in class to try out the local competitions. It's always a you'll never know if they'll like it unless you try situation. In reality, it helps them build up the self confidence and teaches them to train harder win or lose. When the news came that they were moving to Emeryville to open up their 1st location our kids were so bummed. There's a special bond that sticks with them as well as us parents. You realize the kids become smaller versions of their coaches. Good news is we were always traveling north, so we made it a point to drop by every chance we could. Til' this day we still visit Mineiro once a month on a Saturday morning. When you step into the room you can see how much pride, and hard work was put into this place. The competition banners are starting to fill the walls, and when you watch how they train you know why they took home the 2024 JJWL 1st Place Academy Champion Banner. Potentially going for a back to back win this weekend. Seeing the growth on social media these past months, I wouldn't be surprised if they moved into a bigger space. If you're in the area looking for a reputable and well respected Professor, then you and your kids are in good hands. You'll also get a chance to meet the CEO Harley! Thank you Mineiro and Liz for pushing our kids to be the best versions of themselves. Nothing but love and respect to the both of you!

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    Ralph Gracie Berkeley Jiu-Jitsu Academy - brazilianjiujitsu - Updated May 2026

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