Jiu Jitsu has exploded in popularity and nowhere is that most evident than in Orange County, where there seems to be a gym on every block. But which gyms separate themselves from the rest of the pack?
Lets take a deep dive to discover the best Jiu-Jitsu gyms that Orange County has to offer.
Art of Jiu Jitsu
Art of Jiu Jitsu is one of the best Jiu Jitsu schools in the world, period. It’s headed by multiple world champions, the Mendes Brothers and their dedication to their craft can be seen in every facet of their gym.
The level of training and instruction here is high. You have world champions at all belt levels and you have countless visitors who travel across the globe to train here.
And to top it off, the school is absolutely beautiful and has all the amenities you could want from a Jiu Jitsu gym. There are showers in the changing room, towel service and even a valet!
If you want to train and be taught by the best, this is the place to be.
411 E 17th St, Costa Mesa, CA 92627
One Jiu Jitsu
Whether you are a competitor who wants to be pushed on every roll or whether you are a hobbyist who likes to let off some steam after work, One Jiu Jitsu is a great all around gym that has something for everyone.
Giva Santana is a world class competitor and instructor with over 20 years of experience in teaching.
His gym is super clean, offers great mat space, great aesthetics and the vibe is great and everyone is welcoming.
There is not shortage of classes as they offer classes 6 days a week.
544 E 1st St, Tustin, CA 92780
Triunfo
Felipe Fogolin has nurtured something really special at his school. Something many gyms try to replicate but often fail to do so. The best way to describe Triunfo is ‘family’ and it shows. Everyone in the gym is like part of one big family.
Felipe is super technical and the level of detail in his instruction is high. He is a super nice person too and will make you feel at home.
Triunfo offers training 7 days a week and they offer open mats on Friday and Saturdays, which are open to all affiliations.
801 Baker St ste b, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
10th Planet Mission Viejo
If you are looking for some great No-Gi Jiu Jitsu training, look no further than 10th Planet in Mission Viejo.
It’s a relatively new school, but what Matt Salinas has been able to put together in a relatively short amount of time is awe-inspiring.
They offer plenty of classes for all levels and there is training 7 days a week.
The mat space is plentiful and everyone in the gym is welcoming and easy to talk to.
Open mat is on Sundays at 12pm and is open to all school affiliations.
25542 Jeronimo Rd Suite 1, Mission Viejo, CA 92691
Cleber Jiu Jitsu
When you think of Jiu Jitsu and Huntington Beach, only one name comes to mind, Cleber Luciano.
Cleber has been at the forefront of the Jiu Jitsu scene in Orange County for nearly 3 decades and his knowledge and understanding of Jiu Jitsu is second to none.
His gym offers classes 6 days a week, gi and no-gi and they offer Muay Thai as well. I’ve had the privilege of training at Clebers on multiple occasions and it is a solid place with great instructors and great training partners.
Plus his school is next to an acai place, so you can grab a refreshing acai bowl after training.
5061 Warner Ave, Huntington Beach, CA 92649
Checkmat La Habra
If you are looking for a highly competitive environment, look no further than Checkmat La Habra.
Headed by multiple time world champion Lucas Leite , Checkmat is known for getting their students on the winner’s podium.
You will get high quality training from high level instructors here and even if you are not a competitor they have classes for beginners and intermediate level people.
819 E La Habra Blvd, La Habra, CA 90631
Gracie Barra Huntington Beach
Gracie Barra Huntington Beach is led by mutliple time world champion Otavio Sousa and his gym is the perfect place if you are looking to improve your Gi game and win competitions.
Otavio is not only a world class competitor but his instruction is top notch as well. The gym is spacious, the training partners are kind and the environment is very welcoming.
6423 Edinger Ave, Huntington Beach, CA 92647
Tips For Visiting Another Jiu-Jitsu Gym
- Call ahead of time so they can help you make arrangements, provide more accurate directions/parking, give you an updated schedule, drop-in rates, etc
- Get there at least 15-20 minutes early to introduce yourself, sign the waivers, and pay the mat fee.
- Ask about rolling rules/allowable techniques.
- Be polite, respectful, and humble. You’re not visiting to “represent” your school by winning or being better than others. You are there to train with new people and learn and experience a new gym culture.
- Always roll at their pace, not your own. If they roll hard, match their intensity without going over. If they roll light, turn it down a notch and take it easy.
- Bring some defense soap wipes just in case there are no showers.
- If the experience was positive, leave them an awesome review on Yelp and Google!
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