We signed my 5 yr old son up with Silva Jiu Jitsu in January of this year and he has loved it! I've been impressed by the size and cleanliness of the training area, the professionalism and friendliness of the coaches, and the passion and energy of the jiu jitsu community! It is remarkable watching my son grow in discipline, improve his listening and body control, exhibit respect for others, and be excited about seeing his friends 3x/week to learn more jiu jitsu! My son is home-schooled, and Silva Jiu Jitsu provides an environment that he can socialize with kids his same age and learn new skills in a cooperative manner, in the spirit of competition. I'm excited for his first invitational where he will be challenged to demonstrate what he's learned these past few months, especially losing and winning matches with grace and humility. I'm strongly considering signing up myself, having no MMA background whatsoever, thanks to the inspiration provided by Silva Jiu Jitsu! read more

Silva Jiu Jitsu Academy - Self-defense Classes Near Me - El Cajon, California

We have really appreciated being a part of this Jiu Jitsu community. Coming from another gym, I have plenty to compare it with. The instructors lead with professionalism, patience, knowledge, and a clear commitment to the values that make martial arts so important- respect, discipline, and perseverance. What stands out most is the culture on the mats. The environment is structured, positive, and encouraging for the kids, while still maintaining high standard of training and overall SAFETY. Our girls enjoy coming here and are noticeably growing in both skills and confidence. We are very grateful to have found a place that not only focuses on techniques, but also on building character. read more

You can't judge a dojo by its exterior. Seriously. If you're just peeking through the windows or lurking in the parking lot with your iced coffee like some martial arts paparazzi, you're doing it wrong. You have to step inside to really get it -- the energy, the dedication, the way the instructors are in it 1000% with every kid. My children have been training here for over four years, and at this point, it feels less like a gym and more like our second home (minus the laundry and the endless snack requests). My daughter started when she was just 4 1/2 -- tiny, fierce... Now? She's competing across Southern California like a mini ninja on tour. But more than the medals or cool submissions, what keeps us here are the instructors. They don't just bark commands -- they give tough love, solid feedback, and... what's the word that's like compassion but with more grit? Oh right, heart. These instructors have the rare superpower of connecting with kids of all temperaments, learning styles, and energy levels (including, yes, those who arrive at practice like they just mainlined three snickers). They get it. They adapt. They encourage. And they challenge in all the right ways. My daughter isn't just learning how to defend herself -- she's learning discipline, confidence, resilience, and how to handle herself in life both on and off the mat. She's growing, and we've seen that same transformation in so many kids who've stuck with the program. Bottom line: this place isn't just teaching martial arts -- it's shaping character. With sweat, laughs, and a few bruises along the way. Totally worth it. read more

Silva Jiu Jitsu Academy - Self-defense Classes Near Me - El Cajon, California

Our journey with Silva Jiu-Jitsu academy has been amazing! The coaches are supportive, and the results speak for themselves, my daughter is more confident, focused, and strong. I love how family-oriented the academy is and how they truly care about building character, not just skills. We're so grateful to be part of this community! Thank you Profe Paulo and Mrs. Mel!!! We appreciate you!!! read more

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Our two sons, ages 4 and 6, have been attending for about a year, and the growth we've seen -- both on and off the mats -- has been incredible. Ms. Mel is patient, encouraging, and sets clear expectations while truly knowing how to connect with our boys. All the instructors at this academy have helped our boys build confidence, discipline, and focus. What we really appreciate is that the values taught at Silva go beyond just technique. Our sons have learned respect, perseverance, and how to stay calm under pressure. The environment is clean, safe, and supportive. read more

I've been training at Silva Jiu Jitsu Academy for two years and absolutely love it. The family-oriented environment (owned by a family of black belts - Profe, Coach Melissa and X), high-level instruction, and presence of multiple belt levels make every class valuable. More importantly, there are always 2-3 black belts on the mat helping students grow, which has been key to my development. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a supportive and skilled BJJ community. read more

1 YEAR UPDATE -- STILL AMAZING!! The family that owns ands operates Silva Jiu Jitsu are absolutely amazing and SO committed to the kids that we parents trust them with! 1 YEAR SINCE WE STARTED My two kiddos have transformed from little kids messing around into legit jiu jitsu apprentices! They listen, follow directions, build strength and have SO MUCH FUN! ARE YOU CURIOUS? If you have any curiosity, I highly encourage you to just come by and see how many kids find PURPOSE, develop STRENGTH and create FRIENDSHIPS here! This amazingly pristine, well-kept gym and the people who run it are a blessing to our family and our community! THANK YOU SILVA JIU JITSU TEAM!! read more

Silva Jiu Jitsu Academy - Sparring under the supervision of the awesome "Ms. Mel!" :) - Self-defense Classes Near Me - El Cajon, California

Since joining the gym my son has gained amazing confidence in himself. My son has been going to Silva Academy for a year and seven months and he has grown so much in the sport and in every day life. The instructors truly care for their students as their own. We are not just an academy but a family! We love our jiu jitsu family and blessed to have found them! read more

I have been a member since 2019 and the Silva's have been great with me and my kids. They have one of the best kids programs in San Diego! There are multiple coaches to help and ask questions. Come on by and try a class. It's fun, great work out, and good skill to have. Ask for Mrs. Mel. read more

Silva is truly exceptional and feels like family. My son began just before turning 4, and now at age 6, he's thriving. Ms. Mel has a wonderful way with the kids; her patience and caring nature really shine through, especially with my energetic son. She's firm when needed, which is perfect for him. We are also eager to enroll our 3-year-old in the littles class soon. Additionally, my husband trains at Silva and has experienced various gyms, yet he finds Silva to be the best--supportive for both recreational rollers and those serious about competition. The program is robust, the coaching is outstanding, and the facility is always clean and well-organized. You won't be disappointed! read more

LOOK NO FURTHER!!! If you're looking for a BJJ location that does it for all ages, you found the best location in San Diego County! Paul, Melissa and Justin are awesome with the kids too! They focus on whats important in any sport or craft, The Fundamentals!!! They hold the kids accountable to learn the basics before moving on to more advanced techniques. The instruction and language is unique to each child's ability which is rare to find, that's leadership in practice. They're personal yet professional at every level! Come join the family, you won't regret it! read more

Silva Jiu Jitsu Academy - Self-defense Classes Near Me - El Cajon, California

Home away from home! Family-like adults class and one of the best kids programs I've seen. Melissa is the absolute best with the children. Facility is beautiful, and clean! read more

Silva Jiu Jitsu Academy - Self-defense Classes Near Me - El Cajon, California

When my daughter was 8 years old she was a victim of bullying. They had targeted her because she was slightly heavy for her age. Kids would follow her and pull her hair, call her names, and she was hurt and scared. We quickly moved schools and started looking for ways to rebuild our daughters self esteem and confidence. This is how we found Paul and Melissa Silva. They made us feel so welcomed and our daughter quickly made friends there. She wanted to practice everyday and even started doing competitions within her first year. 4 years later, we are still here. Our daughter has lost all of her baby weight and is no longer being bullied. She is never scared to roll because they are boys, older, heavier or a higher belt color since there is much to learn in losing and she knows she can also possibly beat them, her self-esteem is back!! She loves BJJ and aspires to be a black belt so she can help Paul teach the kids when she is an adult. This BJJ family has taught her how to be a team player, to be healthy, confident, to be a lead and respect everyone.. especially your fellow teammates.The kids, parents, adults are all very cool. The gym is very clean, spacious, good parking and the new ceiling fans rock!! read more

Silva Jiu Jitsu Academy - Self-defense Classes Near Me - El Cajon, California

Our boys are new to this academy. They are young and are flourishing under Coach Mel's guidance. They are so welcoming at this Academy ; you feel right at home. Coach Mel sets clear expectations for the kids and parents. I highly recommend checking them out if you are looking for a BJJ Academy. Professor Paul and Coach X are also great and pour knowledge onto all of us! read more

These guys are legit. They treat everyone like family and love watching everyone grow, whether they compete or train for exercise. The kids classes are done very well and it's fun to watch them do king of the May, the kids go nuts and the energy is insanely strong and positive. read more

Very family oriented. Always make us feel welcome. I like that Paul and team promote based on merit. You really feel like you earn your stripes and belts here. read more

I'm writing my own review and also answering to some of the "complaints" written by NoOneUKnow N..... My kids and I have been coming to Paul since feb this year. We love this place... it is a family here and everyone looks out for each other. What my wife and I saw in the trial class alone was the camaraderie here... the kids are all nice to each other and help each other out... In regards to this fan thing... no one ever mentioned to us since joining about a gofund me page for fans... yes there were floor fans in the seating area but actually this month Paul had ceiling fans installed over the mat area. All of this persons talk about child abuse.. this part really bothered me.. a lot.... NEVER have our kids been abused here and never have we witnessed any of this supposed hair pulling, biting, ear gouging or pinching that is claimed to have occurred. This is a martial art, there will be bumps and bruises ... Paul is very clear and verbal about tapping out so no one gets injured. He is stern when he needs to be,making sure that all of the students are paying attention when new moves are being shown.. you're not bringing your kids here to be babysat.. they're there to learn. We did have one incident with a new kid that came from another martial arts gym... this kid is very aggressive and not what we are used to seeing or dealing with at our gym... I did request that my child not roll with this other student when my child forgot their mouth guard... Paul did not think twice before putting my child with someone else.. there was no favoritism, there was no snide comments.. he simply said ok and put my child with another student. From what we've seen this past 5 months is nothing what this other person is claiming. My wife and I have recommended Paul's gym to many of our friends. This is a family, this is a great place for your kids to learn in a safe and friendly yet stern environment. read more

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We've been coming to Silva for about a year and a half and it is an incredible gym! They invest so much into their clientele and know each person on a personal level. It is their passion and I'm so grateful they are sharing it with us. They have given my 7 year old confidence, skill and encouragement. Thank you for all you do! "123 Family!" read more

Going on almost 2 years and I went from enrolling 2 boys to now my little girl and myself.... not only do I love all the kids here but all the parents are so nice so welcoming ... I have noting but good things to say about Profressor Paul and Mrs Mel and their son who helps out Xavier .... a great family place to train. read more

Silva Jiu Jitsu Academy - Self-defense Classes Near Me - El Cajon, California

Paul's classes are amazing. Very unique approach with a family focus. I was very impressed and of course coming back.

Wanted to take a self defense class with my girlfriends for my birthday this year. We had so much fun with Melissa, Paul, and the X-man. They were patient with us and explained the techniques very well. Super professional and funny at the same time. Definitely going back for more! I highly recommend Paul Silva Joy Jitsu! read more

My son was a member before and we just came back after a long break in training. Glad we made the decision to come back. It's family oriented, the instructors are attentive and patient, and the studio is bigger than the old location during our previous membership. The kids are really good about helping each other out and learning the moves, they have a really friendly bunch of kiddos right now. My son is usually a little shy at first but on his first day back the other students made him feel very welcomed and part of the group. Overall it's a cool place to train! read more

I have 2 boys that have been training with Paul, Miss Mel and Xavier for the last 2+ years. I have NEVER met a group of people who care more about their students (and actually consider them family) as I have seen here. Paul works so well with the students and would NEVER allow anyone to intentionally get hurt-like I read on 1 slanderous review posted by NoOneUkNow N. You will never see ear biting, intentional scratching, bullying, etc here. As we know it is martial arts and occasionally you can get an accidental elbow or knee.......but when that does happen, Paul is right there tending to the child. Paul only wants the best for each one of his students and has a great mentor relationship with them. My oldest son trains 5 times a week by his choice because he loves being there and learning Jujitsu so much!! Carlson Gracie continues to come in 1st place in almost every competition and I would recommend Paul Silva BJJ to anyone who wants to join our little family :) read more