I'm so glad I found Charles Gracie Academy. We moved to Livermore in August of 2024, and I signed…read moremy daughter up for Jiu-Jitsu classes shortly after. When I learned they had family plans, I signed myself up as well. What I was expecting when I enrolled my daughter was just an extracurricular activity to fulfill her need to move (and because she wanted to be like the Ninja Turtles). But what we've gotten back has been so much more. I've lost three pants sizes, for starters!! And I've also gained improved self-esteem, better focus, confidence in defending myself in shifty situations, a shared activity my daughter and I can practice at home together, and a passion I'll carry with me for the rest of my life. The list goes on and on -- but most of all, it's the camaraderie. In so many ways, I feel like I found my second home when I started training. Everyone is so friendly and patient as I learn, and I've met some truly awesome new friends. The coaches are all passionate about their craft, and that really sets them apart from other Jiu-Jitsu gyms. I know because I've tried other academies before, and Charles Gracie is unmatched in the level of care their coaches give to each student. They know their students by name and take the time to check in with how they're doing. They make sure no one falls through the cracks and that everyone understands the techniques. Last of all -- this place is super CLEAN!!! Every day after class, we see the coaches cleaning the mats, floors, toilets, locker rooms, and doors. It's such a relief not to worry about catching anything nasty. The other academies I tried were honestly grotesque -- grime in places that's hard to ignore -- it made me cringe. Honestly though, come check it out and see for yourself.

They don't let parents watch their kids. They have a big set of benches that I was told used to be…read morea parent viewing area pre-covid, but now everyone must wait outside. The classes are so full you have to get there early to see at all, and even then it's obstructed views and a long distance over the mats. You have to stand in the front of the stuido, I was asked to leave from the back window. I'd really like to see them offer the inside viewing again. My kids like jiujitsu training, and it sucks that this one aspect absolutely ruins the experience for the parents. I've seen jiujitsu have a sense of community and this place ain't it.

Our kids have been training Juijitsu here for the past 3 years.  Large, clean, family friendly…read morefacility with great coaches.

This place is amazing! Fabiano welcomed us with a tour and went over the different classes they…read moreoffer. We took advantage of the first free sessions they offer. We ended up joining with a monthly membership and feel it is affordable as we are regular paycheck to paycheck people. This place is very clean and everyone is so friendly!!! It is a very different experience for me compared to other gyms or classes I have been in. It has been life changing for me to feel accepted and supported as I am in NO WAY an athlete or "in shape" person. I have felt nothing but support and kindness. It has been very positive for my 11yo son as well!!! Arena training center truly has a family vibe! You walk in and you are welcomed. I highly recommend anyone at any age or stage in life look into the Arena training center. It has so much to offer!!!

Hey folks, this review is long overdue. I've been training in BJJ for over 6 years and have been at…read moreJG Academy for about 9 months now. After I moved to Livermore, JG Academy was the first and only BJJ spot that I checked out despite folks at JG encouraging me to try out other locations before making a decision. I have really enjoyed my time here and would recommend it to others. The coaches are kind, excellent instructors, and are active competitors in the area. The folks you train with here are also very welcoming and are great training partners to have. This gym isn't very traditional and we leave our ego at the door so don't be afraid to come check this spot out, even if it's your first time training in BJJ.

Excellent place to train and learn jiu jitsu. I've been a member here for 7 months and have high…read moreremarks to share about: 1) the quality and consistency of the instruction and training room, 2) the positive culture carried by the members, and 3) the cleanliness and tidiness of the facility. Quality/Consistency - The coaches/instructors here lean into modern teaching philosophies and have an emphasis on specific training and live sparring. Every session is a great workout that has you focusing on skill development with movements and situations that will contribute to your jiu jitsu game. Culture - The members here genuinely care about each other and only focus on getting themselves and each other better at Jiu Jitsu. Outside of this, there is a strong affinity for keeping each other safe and having fun overall. There isn't a pressure to compete, but we do have regular competitors in the gym -- it's been fun to see people test/challenge themselves. Facility - The gym is cleaned meticulously including the mats which are disinfected after every session. The bathrooms are clean (and smell nice) which also have a shower if you need it. It's conveniently located with ample parking. Lastly, and most importantly, there was never any pressure to join as I was looking for a new gym. The staff highly encourage you to see what else is out there and ultimately decide what is best for you. I can't recommend Aspire to Inspire Livermore (JG Academy) highly enough. Let's train!

Gym is great for the most part. I do muay thai, bag class, and open gym. Some instructors like to…read moreeducate while others stare at their phone most of the class. You'll catch on easy of which instructors genuinely care about your growth. However, in-terms of experience & background - every instructor is absolutely legit. And I do believe it's the best gym around. During open gym hours - gym is closed 60-70% of the time which is incredibly frustrating since some people want to put in that extra work to really get better; plus paying them $180/month so I try to maximize my use of the gym itself. Not sure if it's a staffing issue but I probably have been turned away 50+ times thus far, quite frankly, it sucks. Can't have open gym hours if you're not open. Hopefully they improve at the new facility.

This gym has truly changed my life. By simply showing up consistently, I've lost 101 pounds, and I…read morecouldn't have done it without the support and guidance of the coaches here. From day one, they made me feel welcomed, encouraged, and capable--no matter my fitness level. The coaching is top-notch: they pay attention, help with form, push you when you need it, and support you when you don't think you can keep going. The community is just as amazing. Everyone is supportive, motivating, and genuinely happy to see you succeed. This isn't just a CrossFit gym--it's a place that helps you build confidence, discipline, and a better version of yourself 100%. If you're on the fence, stop thinking and just show up. It worked for me, and it can work for you too

I started training here when things where just opening up in the pandemic. there were times where…read moreit was just me and the head instructor. He would roll with me the entire class time (and more). At the time, i had no idea that i was basically getting free private lessons, but later, this realization as struck me in a big way. jiujitsu instruction is not like tennis instruction. a jiujitsu instructor physically gives a part of themselves to their students. my 4 year old daughter now trains here too - the kids classes are fun and excellent - and i am very thankful for this safe and fun environment where i can watch her grow. One of my greatest hopes/wishes is that this can continue until she is a young adult(where she continues to college/out of my care with a solid foundation in jiujitsu/self defense) .

I think I've found a home at Crispim BJJ. Great instructor,a training partners and lots of options…read morefor classes.

Guerrilla Jiu-Jitsu has truly been one of the best decisions our family has made. All four of us my…read more2 girls, my husband, and myself are part of the Guerrilla Jiu-Jitsu family, and it's been an incredible experience for each of us. From day one, the customer service has been top-notch. The environment is welcoming, supportive, and genuinely feels like a community. What stands out the most is that they welcome everyone there's no discrimination here. No matter your age, background, or personal circumstances, health condition etc. you're treated with respect and encouraged to grow. My girls are learning so much beyond self-defense. They're building discipline, confidence, courage, respect, and strong character. As a parent, that means everything. The instructors are exceptional highly skilled, patient, and truly invested in every student's progress. You can tell they care. The owner leads with kindness and creates a culture that pushes you to become the best version of yourself while still feeling supported every step of the way. This place is not just about learning jiu-jitsu it's about growth, empowerment, and becoming stronger mentally and physically. The place is extremely clean. If you're thinking about it, don't hesitate go sign yourself up. You won't regret it. And on top of everything, the pricing is extremely affordable for the value you receive.I wish I could give more than 5 starts because 5 starts isn't enough. Thank you Guerrilla jiujitsu.

If you are in the area and are looking for a jiujitsu academy to join, Guerilla is going to be one…read moreof your top options. They have an extremely clean facility, and all the instructors and practitioners are committed to helping you elevate your health and martial arts goals. My experience here for open mat preparing for competition was amazing, and I benefited from training with people here immensely. Thank you Guerilla Jiujitsu.

My two sons and wife do BJJ for over a year now and all of them enjoy it…read more I like knowing my wife and kids have a sense of self defense and how to remain calm under pressure. The coaches and student coaches are very patient and fair. I highly recommend this establishment if you want to try a BJJ class

Outstanding staff and culture. Daughter has been attending for years and loves it! Highly…read morerecommended!

My son has been a part of the LMAA family for the past eight years. He worked his way up from the…read morewhite belt and completed the black belt program in 2023, the day he turned 18. I can't say enough how grateful I am for the program's structure and the respect they teach and expect from the students. The LMAA staff work well with all ages, but if your student makes it to and through the black belt training, they will have learned and grown so much as an individual. My son came out of the black belt program transformed body, mind, and soul in amazing ways. You could see this change in the entire cohort he was a part of, and two years later, he still incorporates the things he learned into his daily life.

Our kids have been attending LMAA for about 2 years now and love it! The instructors are patient…read moreand are clear with their directions. They also help correct their stance and moves when they don't do them correctly. We love that they have a wide range of classes for all ages and multiple time slots for my oldest son who has other activities. I also appreciate the instructors reviewing at the end of class and they have a short discussion.