We love to see the happiness of our kids when its jiu jitsu day at Babalus Iron Gym. They love the coaches and the extremely friendly staff. Thank you so much for your love dedication and patience. read more

I couldn't have chosen a better gym to start my Jiu Jitsu training. Babalu's has become an extension of my family. I've been coming here for 5 years and the instruction is top notch. Professor Babalu, Professor Ricky and Natasha are all very knowledgeable and personable. The entire staff is great and the students are eager to learn. A++++ read more

See all

Babalu is not only a legend and expert in jujitsu...but cares and invests his time in the well-being & teaching of each of his students. Attending classes here is teaching my son life skills, discipline, and confidence that he will carry throughout his life. read more

Makes me happy to see my daughter develops Skills to defend herself she has become more discipline, committed,and excited to participate in your training. Definitely recommend it to anyone that is looking to be a confident and disciplined human bean. read more

The best place to train period. But if you love awards they have a bunch! Martial Arts hall of fame, best school, and not to mention the world class martial artist that might walk through the door at any time! Come by and take a look. I highly recommend for men, women, and children of all ages! read more

See all

We love the B.I.G. family! Our nephews joined, shortly thereafter our daughter joined! She enjoys the competition, training, and friendships she has created through Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Not just with her peers, but also with Professor Babalu, Professor Ricky, and Natasha. Their encouragement, discipline, and knowledge of the sports is what makes coming to Babalu's a continued great experience. It really is a family affair. My husband and I also do Muay Thai with Babalu's Iron Gym! I love sparring with my husband. There are no apologies needed because we're "just sparring". Let me tell you, there are times when he kicks me that I really want to pay him back for it. And I do! We strengthen each other by training together. He pushes me to be better and reminds me to breathe. If you're looking for a great place to train, come to Babalu's Iron Gym in Cerritos! They also offer Capoeira for adults and kids through ABADA - Capoeira at B.I.G. Call them, call them NOW! read more

It's a great place to do jiu jitsu. Morning and evening classes are available. Coach Joni, Ricky and Babalu are great down to earth people.

Great instructors and very clean. The kids that are more experienced help the newer kids.

Family atmosphere.... very welcoming. You don't feel out of place. My teen gal is always eager to be in class. Professor Babalu takes time to know and understand each and every student. read more

Babalu's Iron Gym - Proud wearer - Kids Activities Near Me - Cerritos, California

EXCELLENT atmosphere for growth! My 7yr just started and can't wait to start training too!

B.I.G is beautiful in everything we do - BJJ - MUAY THAI - CONDITIONING! B.I.G has changed lives, but more importantly, B.I.G has changed my life, and I'm a better person for it. The journey continues! read more

See all

I Highly recommend attending Babalu's. I had a friend suggest I sign up, so I finally jumped in on a free trial class of muay thai. It really does feel like a family here. The other students and professor Babalu made me feel very welcomed. Babalu zeroed in on me immediately during training to catch me up to speed on basic drills. When it was time to partner up I was with a student that had years of experience on me. He was nothing but patience and encouraging the whole time. When class was over he asked what days I was planning to attend. I mentioned being off for the next morning class and he said "Great! See you tomorrow!" All fitness levels are welcomed here. If you have the dedication to step on the mat you'll have the ability to power through the classes. read more

If you have been thinking about training in BJJ or Muay Thai or for your kids... No need to think anymore... Go to Babalus Iron Gym! Tell them, I sent you :) The very first time we went to B.I.G. we were greeted by Professor Babalu & Natasha... We felt so welcome... They were very nice. We felt like family right away... And it has not changed since. We did the trial class for our daughters on both BJJ & Muay Thai. My eldest asked us to sign her up immediately and my middle child cried... But they let her try a couple more classes so she can get comfortable before we signed her up to be sure. You can definitely see the passion in both Professor Babalu & Professor Ricky while they teach. My eldest absolutely loves training here. In just a few months... She attended the very first BJJ belt ceremony and earned herself a grey/white belt! She worked for that herself. You see how happy the professors are to promote their students. My middle child can be shy and cry at things shes never done or doesnt want to do but Professor Ricky has been with her every step of the way and always made her feel better about herself. She has become more confident in herself and loves going to Muay Thai. I have become a member myself. I started training Muay Thai 2 months ago and I'm loving it! Im a Mom of 3... come from a back ground of tripping on my own feet LOL... Never did any sports growing up. The most working out I've done was running a few days out of the week & a 3 week trial at a boot camp. I was a bit scared but hey... My daughters do this... I gotta keep up with them! Both Professor Babalu & Professor Ricky take the time to correct your form and make sure you are executing your movements properly. Aside to learning the techniques... You get a great work out! All the students have been so helpful during class. Everyone helps each other out.... And not once have I ever felt discouraged. I love training here. If I can do this, so can you. Theres plenty of parking. Snacks and drinks are available to purchase. Gym merchandise... So you can represent. During summer time... They have a summer camp for kids available... my eldest attended a week and learned about anti-bullying, self defense, visited the fire station and do other fun activities. Prices are reasonable and they offer discounts for families joining the gym. Seriously... Are you still reading? See you at BIG ;) read more

My kids have been training here for years. The lessons they have learned have been life changing. More confidence and better self esteem. This place is always welcoming and a family atmosphere. Babalu is a great trainer and I really appreciate him working with my kids. If I had three hands I would give this place three thumbs up! read more

See all

Morning. Coach Joni is meticulous and extremely knowledgeable. Bad ass with grace.

Was looking for a good gym for my 5 year old son where they would focus on his age group. So far I love it here and so does my son!

Professor Babalu is very professional! The Gym have a family's environment. The gym is super well maintained and clean and the teachers excellent, best option in Cerritos and Long Beach! read more

I love the BIG family and what they represent. Our family joined this gym a little over a year ago and we're so blessed to have found this place. We all look forward to going in to get fit, but also to see everyone since they've all become like family to us. read more

My previous professor, Marcelo Lucena and Professor Babalu, are close friends with a long history, making the switch to Babalu's Iron Gym a no-brainer. Professor Babalu and Professor Rick took me in with open arms and made me feel like family. They push me harder every session and I notice a big difference in my training. Regardless of what your goals are, if its to be a competitor, to get in shape or to learn self defense, Babalus Iron Gym is the best place to join. read more

Where do I start? From the moment I walked in, I felt a sense of warmth and inviting atmosphere which sounds counterintuitive being that Babalu's Iron Gym is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai facility. The staff (Natasha, Professor Babalu and Professor Ricky), the students and families are all so kind and helpful. I'll be honest, I was intimidated at first, but was put at ease by everyone there. Professor Babalu and Professor Ricky are amazing with the kids and adults and are so knowledgeable. They are passionate about the sport and their students. I have seen them transform lives; bring out confidence in children who have been bullied, provide a sense of community for children/adults who lack that in their schools/work/family due to their differences, empower men and women, help students become healthier, etc. I can go on and on. My husband, children and I all now train here and highly recommend Babalu's Iron Gym to everyone! read more

I've been taking various martial arts classes in one form or another for the past 40 years and I can honestly say that BIG is absolutely one of the best schools I've attended. From the excellent BJJ / MT instruction by Professor Babalu, Professor Ricky and coach Tanner to a caring professional office staff; I don't think it would be a hyperbole to say joining BIG was transformative. The school culture is very wholesome and welcoming to all students, young, old, and everything in between. When I started the BJJ classes, I was welcomed by staff and students alike with open arms and there was never a sense of snobbiness based on belt color or previous experience. Everyone is very helpful to white belts (beginners), not only because they are good people, but also because they want more people to join them in this amazing journey that is BJJ. The instruction is world class, with Professor Babalu teaching most of the classes (goggle him, you'll be impressed too). BIG doesn't teach just the sport aspect of BJJ but also real-world self defense which is applicable to people of any size and gender. As you may have deduced, I can't sing the praises of BIG enough and I can recommend this school without reservation. As a side note: I have recently moved and while there are BJJ schools much closer to my house, I continue to attend BIG even with a 40 minute commute; and I think that's a telling testament of how awesome this school is. read more

great companionship, vibes, and leadership. everyone learns something new everyday no matter the level of skill

Hands down the best gym to train at! Professor Babalu and Ricky are amazing at what they do !! I can't get enough of this gym I'm so thankful I found this place, if your looking to start training in jiu jitsu or Muay Thai or even just looking for a satisfying work out I highly recommend you to come check it out!!! read more

Very friendly and helpful to my children's needs. It's like a big family when we go there. My children are very happy

I am a member of this gym, and really enjoy it. The instructors are all very knowledgable and patient, and will take the time to teach you the move correctly. The other members are all professional and courteous, and there's no meat heads trying to prove their strength. I recommend this place, and since they became an Iron Gym, the curriculum has improved and the cardio aspect is much better than before. If you're looking to learn bjj in a controlled atmosphere with great teachers and people to spar against, this is the place. read more

My son works out here. This is a clean, friendly gym with a variety of classes to take. Professional instructors. Kids get a lot of quality time with the teacher, he is patient and kind. When my younger son turns four I will sign him up also. Given time, I would work out here also. read more

We are honored and blessed to have recently become apart of the B.I.G family! My youngest son Blaze(6yo) was accepted with open arms and the dedication, hardworking and kindness of all the staff is welcoming in itself! There aren't really words to explain our experience here, but come see for yourself! We are very pleased and highly recommend this place!!!! Thank you Professor, and family!!! We look forward to watching the excitement in Blaze's eyes every class, we are blessed!! read more

Babalu's Iron Gym - Lil Blaze excited and ready :) - Kids Activities Near Me - Cerritos, California

See all

So I'm almost 6 month in. I've lost about 25 lbs. My cardio is great and I love bjj. The only problem that keeps me from going and learning more is both life and my body. I wish I started younger. 25-30 would have been perfect. I'd be able to bounce back from injuries easier. But it is what it is. With Illness And injury I've probably missed a month but losing 25 lbs. And building muscle in process has been a great experience. Another update on my 1 year mark. read more

Babalu's Iron Gym - Kids Activities Near Me - Cerritos, California

It's been almost 4 years since I signed up and became part of the BIG family! Martial Arts has truly changed my life, and I have been lucky enough to have found a second home at Babalu's Iron Gym! read more

Professor Babalu and Professor Ricky are just top notch! Such a welcoming and family oriented environment. The staff and professors here take tremendous pride in imparting their knowledge of jiu-jitsu to prospective students and it really shows. By far the best decision to have my son enroll here. A big heartfelt thank you to all the professors and Natasha! Enrolling here will be the best decision you'll make! read more

My 2 kids do Jiu Jitsu here. The place is awesome and clean. Good people great professor my kids enjoying coming here. We been here for 6 to 7 years.!!! Love this place for my kids :) read more

Babalu's Iron Gym - My son and Professor babalu. - Kids Activities Near Me - Cerritos, California

This gym is not just a gym but family the professors make you feel welcome. My daughter trains here but they make all of us feel like family not just a gym. read more

Awesome gym and knowledgeable teachers! I joined the B.I.G family through my Capoeira practice. Instructor Mosquito, from ABADA Capoeira school, is dedicated to his teaching of this Brazilian martial arts. Babalu and Natasha, the owners, are always welcoming everyone that walks through their door with open arms and open mats ;). read more

I have been to many BJJ gyms and BIG is one of the best around. If you want a great work out and great teachers than make sure to check out Babalu's Iron Gym. You will be glad you did. They have classes for kids and adults and they are so knowledgeable. read more

Babalu's Iron Gym - Best Teacher of BJJ Babalu Sobral - Kids Activities Near Me - Cerritos, California

I can't say enough good things about this place. The instructors are great and make all of the students both adult and children feel like they are a part of a huge family. Truth is it is a family affair from Babalu's wife working the front desk to his own daughters receiving training there. Babalu is not one of those famous gym owners that just puts his name on the building no sir ... no sir he is there at the gym virtually everyday teaching either the kid or adult class. I've gone to a lot of other gyms with big names in the front but hardly ever see that person teach. If you are iffy ... you should swing by and try one of the trial classes. I should also note that the equipment they sell in house is not ridiculously overpriced but priced at a competitive rate. read more

the best teachers, the best classes, the best accommodations. all perfect for practicing martial arts.

My 6 year old son has been in both the Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai program for just over a year. In a years time, he is more confident, full of self esteem, disciplined, and takes instruction well. All these are vital in my son's life and whatever he decides to do in the future. Parents, start your kids young, it makes molding them into outstanding adolescents easier. Thank you Master Babalu, Professor Ricky and Professor Mike for your fine teaching and making parenting an easier task. read more

If you're looking for a WOMEN'S SELF DEFENSE program, go here! My teenage daughters and I just completed BIG's 6 week self defense course and it was no doubt THE BEST class we have ever taken! Professor Babalu and his team are so welcoming and really care about empowering women. The techniques they teach are invaluable. Doesn't matter if you're not big, strong, or athletic, you can defend yourself! They will teach you! The gym is like walking into a family, you will love this place! read more

3 classes in and I'm double under hooked...sorry -_- I have a long way to go in my Jiu Jitsu journey, but I'm definitely glad I started it at B.I.G. My first two classes were trial classes, but I knew I would be signing up after the first. I felt 100% welcomed with 0% pressure to sign up. Everyone in the class were insanely helpful and even though I felt foolish doing movements I've never done before, I've never felt more accomplished after a workout. Not to mention, our instructor is THE Babalu Sobral. What more can you ask for? My primary goal is weight loss and fitness, but I'm terrible at staying motivated and going to the gym. It's boring. On the other hand, learning something new makes me excited to come in and train and I can already tell that the progression will keep me wanting more. Long story short, if you're reading this and aren't already training at B.I.G., you owe it to yourself to come in and try a class. Before this, the most exercise I had was leading my Fantasy Football Team to this season's championship. While impressive, it's not a very effective form of exercise. So if I can do it, you definitely can do it. read more

A coworker who does jujitsu, asked around his jujitsu groups for a good place for my son. The recommendations came back for Babalu's gym. The professors here are great! Very patient but strict. My son is slowly growing with his skills and I'm happy with his progress. This is not a place that pushes belts for money. They instill knowledge. Highly recommended. read more