This gym has truly become my second home. The class structure is incredible -- every session is…read moreorganized, purposeful, and packed with value, whether you're a beginner or advanced. The coaches are top-notch: knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely invested in helping everyone improve both on and off the mats. The gym itself is always spotless and well-maintained, which really shows the pride and care the staff put into the space. The atmosphere is unmatched -- there's a strong sense of community and family vibes that make you feel welcome from day one. Training here has not only improved my fitness but has also been a huge source of stress relief. It's helped me manage anxiety and stay positive even on tough days. Jiu Jitsu here isn't just a workout -- it's therapy, growth, and connection all in one. Couldn't recommend this place enough! Oss!

Highly Recommended!…read more I'm new to Jiu Jitsu and was a little nervous walking into Peaceful Warrior Jiu Jitsu in Dana Point--but those nerves disappeared quickly. From day one, the instructors made me feel incredibly welcome and supported. They all take the time to break things down in a way that's easy to understand, and they genuinely care that you're learning the right way. What really stood out to me is the vibe in the gym--not just from the coaches, but from the other students too. Everyone I've trained with has been patient, helpful, and encouraging, which means a lot when you're just getting started. I've been going for a few weeks now and already feel like part of the community. If you're thinking about trying Jiu Jitsu--whether you're brand new like me or experienced--I can't recommend Peaceful Warrior enough. Great people, great instruction, and a truly welcoming environment.

We've had such a wonderful experience at Gracie Barra Dana Point! My 4-year-old started in the…read moreParent/Child class, and from day one, Professor Fernando, Coach Paula, and Professor Collin were incredibly patient and encouraging. Over the course of two months, they helped build his confidence, focus, and ability to follow instruction. Once he showed he was ready, they invited him into the Monday/Wednesday class and he's thriving. A huge thank you to Coach Paula, Professor Fernando, and Professor Collin for the time, care, and positive affirmations you've poured into my son. In just four months, we've seen amazing growth in his skills, confidence, and respect for others. The classes are fun, engaging, and always rooted in the core values of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. We're so grateful to be part of this community!

Very nice and warm community at a great location! I highly…read morerecommend BJJ to everyone. Professor Fernando and Coach Paula are amazing with kids. Their lessons are way more than just the technical aspects of JJ.

Professors John, Ben and all the other coaches make this an awesome place to train. The gym is…read moreclean and you get top notch instruction for both jiu jitsu and MMA. There's also a killer open mat on weekends. Now go train!

Professor John and Don run a great gym that caters to all levels. My son attended Groundwork and I…read morenever felt as if he was in danger or unsupervised. In fact, this gym has way more coaches on the mats than most other locations because they encourage adult BJJ practitioners to monitor the children, regardless of the adult's belt level. BJJ is obviously a contact sport and things can happen; but that is the case at 100% of the gyms out there. There is a humility and respect for the sport that permeates from the professors and coaches: just watch the end of each class (adult or children) and you'll see the vibe I'm referring to. I highly recommend Groundwork and, yes, I am a student myself.

Wow! What can I say about Professor Grant? He is amazing! I am very new to martial arts and it was…read moremore than what I could ever dream of in one hour. His studio is beautiful and very clean. In fact, the mats were just mopped down as I was the first lesson of the day. First, I signed a waiver. Next, I got fitted for a gi and then, we were off to the mats. He gave a brief history of jiu-jitsu, Then, taught me many basic fundamentals. Brazilian jiu-jitsu is such a physical contact sport and I felt very comfortable and safe with Professor Grant. He was easy on me, yet I still broke a sweat. I really appreciated his passion & time and also appreciated his invite to stick around for the 11a class. Oooooooh, if only I didn't have another appointment bc this can be habit forming! I cannot wait to go back. Highly recommended!

It was my first time traveling for my new job in SoCal and I realized that some of my best…read moreopponents have come from Optimus/r1ng. You'd think that would matter but it didn't. Grant and his students welcomed me with open arms. Great school, great culture. This will be where I go to train whenever I'm in SoCal. Thank you sir!

Jakes the best trainer love this gym! He makes working out fun!!!! Go check it out!…read more Even if you have no experience definitely try it out!!!

Best gym in the world. Gritty environment and the staff are true lovers of the art of fighting.read more

Sensei Paulo consistently goes above and beyond for his students. His attention to detail and deep…read morededication to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is evident in every class he teaches. Guillobel BJJ not only maintains a welcoming and respectful atmosphere, but also produces high-level practitioners--a true reflection of the schools leadership and passion for the art.

5 star facility and 5 Star coaches. Sensei Anvareyan and Sensei Guillobel are amazing to work with.read more

The Instruction:…read more I've been involved with jiu-jitsu for over a decade and have floated around various gyms, but have always found my way back to Jason and Albert. I have learned from both Jason and Albert individually over the years; both have shaped and influenced my style significantly. So, naturally, when they came together as partners it was a no-brainer for me to return. They will accommodate any skill level and will help and nurture you to achieve your goals. Be it weeknight warrior or Champion. As a result the intensity and vibe of practices will evolve from week to week, but the Dojo will always be a fun and safe atmosphere to train in. The Facilities: Clean Clean Clean. I've never had any mat-borne afflictions since training at the Dojo! There are also weight machines and dumbbells available for use during class hours if you need to get your pump on instead.

Jason is the sexiest Jui Jitsu instructor I have ever had the pleasure being instructed by. His…read moreGluteus Maximus muscles were beyond amazing. As he was choke holding me, every single fiber in the bottox area were dancing like Jon Travolta's hot pants in Saturday Night Fever. Let me get this straight, I am a straight, not homosexual type of guy, my wife is hotter than Jessica Alba in the movie: Into the Blue but when I saw the baby got back on Instructor Jason B. I almost turned gay! None the less the hotness of the instructor doesn't take away from the friendly, well skilled environment the club has to offer! I recommend this place to the serious UFC-Silva heads to the just beginning IDK-WTH I'm doing type crowd! Very welcoming environment no intimidation here at all!

Finding a gym for you or your little one can be intimidating. That first step is always the…read morehardest. When we moved, we were looking for the right place... and Evolve immediately felt like family. From the moment I walked in, I felt comfortable, welcomed, accepted, and taken care of. Now my daughter trains here to, and she doesn't want to try any other gyms. This is her spot. The coaches are excellent. They know how to push you in a healthy, encouraging way. My daughter just had a major breakthrough with Coach Todd. He encouraged her to keep going, and from that moment on, she's been a completely different person. Highly recommend this gym

We've had such an amazing experience at Evolve Checkmat, and I can't say enough great things about…read moreProfessor Todd. From day one, he made both my daughter and I feel genuinely welcome. Professor Todd has a really special way of working with kids. He blends discipline with a warm, supportive style that earns the kids' respect and trust. One of the most rewarding parts of this experience has been watching my daughter's confidence grow. Week after week, you can see her becoming more comfortable, more focused, and more proud of what she's learning. That kind of growth goes far beyond the mats, and it speaks volumes about the environment Professor Todd creates. It's one thing to be skilled, but it's another to break techniques down in a way kids can truly understand and he does that exceptionally well. The gym itself is another huge plus. It's always incredibly clean, well-organized, and has an open, airy feel that makes it a comfortable place to spend time. You can tell a lot of pride goes into maintaining the space. Overall, we couldn't be happier with our experience here, it's truly a special place.

I am so sad to hear about the closure of one of OCs best gyms. This place was more than a gym but a…read moreplace many caked home. The couple that ran things facility were loving and humble. They gave many a reason to change and be better. Thank you for all you did for the community. I pray that God continues to guide you and bring you propserity

The BEST boxing gym! The people treat you like family and the workouts are amazing. I've been going…read morehere for a year and plan to workout here for a long time! I go 3 days a week, doing the classes and 1 private session. I feel so strong and fit. Highly recommend if you're looking for a good gym!

We Love this Dana Point Dojo. Mike & Mel are the Beat. All 3 of our girls have been doing karate…read morehere for over 3 years. Best decision we have made as a family. What girl doesn't need to know self defense! Highly recommend.

We did not expect this to happen! We simply thought our daughter would just learn the basics of…read moreself defense but it's been so much more than that. We quickly saw her become more confident in herself. She used to be really shy but became more social and outgoing after just a couple of months in the dojo. Even our close friends saw the difference and both families signed their kids up for karate! Our family loves Sensei Mike and Mel. They have been such positive role models for our daughter. Thank you!