We were initially looking for self defense lessons, but Joseph's 1-on-1 lessons sparked an interest in jiu jitsu spanning more than just self defense for my daughter. Not only does he teach the moves with detail for better understanding, but Joseph also makes sure to review the moves every lesson, so we remember. In addition, he always has an answer to the reasoning of each move's effectiveness, as well as alternative moves in different situations. Joseph's training has satisfied our primary goal of self defense and a lasting interest for the sport. read more

Awesome BJJ center! Professor Joseph Lee is so technical in teaching. He teaches the SMALL details which is so important! He offers free classes for 1st time visitors so come by to just try it. The best decision ever to learn jiu jitsu!. Thank you professor Joseph! read more

Instructor Joseph is very technical and clear in his demonstrations. The environment is fun, lively, and a great place to train. I have never been in any kind of martial arts--regardless, everyone that I've trained with are very supportive and willing to show me the ropes. If you are thinking of getting into shape or wanting to learn a martial art I highly recommend this place--you won't be disappointed! read more

Been training at CTC for almost a month. This place is definitely a gem in the SGV area. The owner and black belt instructor Joseph is super chill, and very technical. He's very big on injury prevention, when he goes over some techniques he would explain to students which part to be careful of to prevent injury to the training partners or yourself. Joesph himself teaches the fundamentals classes, not a lot bjj school have black belts teach fundamentals classes, this is definitely a plus. The people that train here are super cool too, very down to earth, no ego, and always willing to help. If you want to learn BJJ and you are in SGV area, you should defiantly check out CTC. read more

My son loves coming here so much that he has been thinking about transitioning into the adult class soon!!

I have brought my 4 year old kid to learn BJJ at this facility and it's been so much fun! Coach Kirby is firm and makes sure every kid learns the moves. It's hard to get a bunch of 3-5 year olds to pay attention. But the coach doesn't allow them to just fool around. Coach Justin is also a fun addition and all the kids love him. My son has enjoyed every minute- the warm ups, the individual moves, and of course the games! He looks forward to classes every week. I am glad we found a place for him to exercise, gain confidence, learn discipline and respect, have fun... all at the same time!! I got a feeling we will be coming for a long time! read more

Been training here for about 5 months now and it's been an all around great experience. I have a lot of anxiety about gyms in general and working out in a group, having had not so great experiences in the past. But, my best friends had been going to Cosmic and giving glowing reviews for a while so on their recommendation I decided to give a try. I took a trial BJJ class and had a good time. The atmosphere is very relaxed and friendly and everyone can go at their own pace. Feels very non-judgmental and open. The instructor, Joseph, is fun and supportive and really committed to making the gym a safe and comfortable place to be. Everyone I've met here has also been super encouraging and kind as well. Highly recommend this place! read more

I've never tried BJJ or any kinds of martial art in my whole life. I LOVE how Coach Joseph instruct us in a simplistic way and achieve the best result. Everyone is so nice and helpful here. I'm glad I picked cosmic training center among all others. It was a great move! Love everyone here! read more

I joined Cosmic Training Center almost two years ago. At the time, I had already trained at two other Brazilian Jiu Jitsu academies and had tried trial classes at countless others. From my personal experience, I can say that nothing compares to training at Cosmic for many reasons: Atmosphere - Cosmic is a place where people from many different age groups and backgrounds can come together and enjoy a common activity. Both the staff and students go out of their way to help each other improve and reach their individual goals in a friendly and safe environment. Instruction - As an active competitor Joseph is able to demonstrate techniques successfully at the highest levels of competition. Watching Joseph, the coaches, and other students compete is important to me because it gives me the confidence that what I am learning is immediately applicable. Cleanliness - In Jiu Jitsu, there is a lot of close contact and sweat that can cause skin infections or injuries. If a gym does not clean their mats on a regular basis or allows students with active conditions to train, you run the risk of catching something yourself. At Cosmic, mats are cleaned often, students are reminded to wear clean uniforms to each class and to keep their finger nails well groomed, and no one is allowed to attend class when sick. read more

I have known Joseph for a long time. He is a hard working, straight forward and positive person. He's so positive, it's literally impossible to be in a bad mood with him around! I can't recommend him highly enough. You and/or your children will be well taken care of at Cosmic Training Center! read more

My children have been coming here for just over a year. They have grown physically stronger, more confident, and more considerate and respectful as a direct result. I really appreciate the mixture of exercise, character building training, and play that occurs at this center. Thank you to all of the staff and especially Joseph Lee! read more

So I had to stop bjj for a couple of years due to an eye disease, but the itch never went away. I decided I was going to train after my doctor gave me the green light to play basketball as long as I have eye protection. I smiled and knew what I was thinking. Go time. So I checked out a couple of places by work and around sgv and I was about to sign up to one of them because I found one that was pretty good and then I see that a Shawn Williams affiliate opened up in my neck of the woods. I had a few months with Shawn Williams in Korea town and they were technical beasts man with an awesome atmosphere. I emailed the owner and set up a time to try it out. So I met up with Joseph, the owner, and explain my eye condition and how I have to modify my training and train with headgear with a face shield. He was really accommodating and was okay with it. He was super friendly and showed me the facility, which is nice. There is a separate men's and women's changing room. There was good amount of mat space. Since this place just opened, the classes were small and intimate and I got lots of attention. It was like getting a private lesson. Joseph was super technical and had answers to any of the questions I had and was happy to share them. He was very positive and always gave us encouragement when we performed a technique correctly. I had to leave early that day and didn't get to roll because it was harvest moon day. Joseph invited me back to train again. There was no pressure. He gave me all the info and I left. The prices are really good now because it just opened. I just went back again tonight and class was awesome. Joseph also incorporates self defense into his bjj training. That was definitely one of the holes in my game. I used to focus strictly on sport bjj and would always just jump guard in competitions, but after my injury, I had a lot more time to think about bjj and what I want from it. I can't compete anymore, but I definitely want to be able to defend myself if need be. Joseph showed us some bear hug escapes and a standing choke defense. I definitely enjoyed these and I'm looking forward to learning and practicing more of these in the future. I got to roll with Joseph and he was a beast. He didn't smash me, but he controlled me and coached me as I got stuck in certain positions. He didn't have to prove anything because I could feel his pressure and slick movement. I knew he could submit me at any moment, but he was letting me work. He was helping me learn. This was definitely a good training environment. Joseph stressed safety and awareness of ourselves and our training partners. BJJ is a very physical sport, but if trained correctly and with good training partners, we can definitely avoid many unnecessary injuries. We chatted after class and I signed up because I really enjoy it here. The prices are really reasonable. I think he has some other specials going on to, so why not stop by or contact him and see if bjj is for you. read more

Cosmic Training Center - Trainers Near Me - Alhambra, California

I met Joseph Lee years ago. His lineage begins with Sean Williams, Renzo Gracie's first American Black Belt. If you know anything About SW, then you know that his students EARN their belts. As such, Joseph is without a doubt one the most technical instructors you will meet. His passion is teaching. He truly loves the game that is BJJ. He's stood on the medal podium regularly at local tournaments. For the neophyte, that means the highest quality detailed instruction. I have been practicing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for years. I wanted a place that I didn't have to fight traffic to get to. Of course I wanted high level instruction with it. His school in Alhambra is very convenient to me.. It's very comfortable. I am pleased to be training with him. Time to get my game up... read more

I have trained in martial arts for many years and it is because of the training staff at Cosmic Training Center that I have advanced greatly. Coach Joseph Lee is an excellent instructor with years of experience. Many instructors that I have had in the past were impatient and quick to dismiss you if you were deemed "not having potential". As for the strength and conditioning program, Coach Victor is amazing and knowledgeable in several aspects of fitness. Not only will he help you obtain your fitness goals, he will also focus on a specially tailored plan that will fit you. I would highly recommend this place to anybody who wants to promote their life to the next level!! read more

Been training BJJ at Cosmic Training Center for nearly 4-5 months now and it's been an absolute delight to learn under Coach Joseph. I had previously trained at Five Star Martial Arts/Renzo Gracie LA and considering the world class teaching there, the bar for BJJ teaching was set high. As noted in the other yelp reviews, I can confirm that Coach Joseph (Shawn Williams BJJ lineage) is an excellent instructor and definitely possesses all of the positive traits that others have described. His infectious friendly personality makes for a warm and welcoming training experience for first-timers or visitors. Fellow students/training partners are also super humble/respectful and helpful. Quality of care and thought put into the instruction is evident during training. Can't go wrong with great teaching, tough training, and a positive vibe. While Cosmic is still relatively new, Coach Joseph is building up a great bjj club. read more

I know Coach Joseph from training in judo. As a judo instructor, a female, and someone over 40, I have very high and specific standards for who I train BJJ with and where I train. I highly recommend this academy. First, Joseph is a skilled BJJ practitioner AND a skilled instructor. He is kind, patient, and pleasant. Second, The people I have worked out with at Cosmic are all friendly and supportive. Third, the facility is clean and the mats are high quality. Embarking on a martial arts path is not easy and frustration is a constant obstacle. For one to remain on the path, it takes commitment and perseverance. A nurturing environment is essential to the emotional and physical development of the BJJ student. This is a great place to challenge yourself whether for fitness, relaxation, or competition training. I highly recommend it as a comfortable gym for those who are new to martial arts, those who are not yet athletes, and women. an experienced practitioner will benefit from the great environment and Coach Joseph's vast technical knowledge. read more

Coach Joseph Lee is an excellent instructor. He is very patient in his instruction and goes over lessons step by step to make sure all his students understand the subtle details of the techniques. The atmosphere of this facility is very open and welcoming. Joseph as well as all the students are very friendly and willing to help each other improve. I highly recommend trying out some classes. In addition to learning an effective self-defense art, the lessons are also a great workout. read more

Came from out of town as a visitor and I have to say that Joseph had some really good no gi judo techniques that can come in really useful for MMA! Spent the drive home going thru his lessons in my head! I recommend Cosmic Training Center to anyone! read more

Joseph Lee is an extraordinary instructor. He knows his art and most importantly, teaches it well. I recommend anyone in the area or even passing through the area to stop by and check it out. read more

I have visited Cosmic Training Center many times and head Coach/Owner Joseph Lee has always welcomed me in like one of his own. You get high level instruction with detailed tips to help improve your game no matter what skill level you are. The students here are always welcoming but don't take their kindness for weakness because they are killers on the mats. If you live in the area give them a visit, you won't be disappointed. read more

Great teacher very respectful that what I like. Respect goes along way. It's not always about fighting but it's about technic. Thank you Joseph for your time. read more

Cosmic Training Center is a smaller gym but it gets the job done. The instructor, Joseph, is an excellent teacher and knows what he is talking about. He cares about all of his students and will help you improve if you're willing to put the effort into it. Some gyms are very strict on their payment policies but Joseph is not forceful and will charge you when you begin to attend regularly. This goes a long way for me and is the way it should be. In my experience over the past year or so, the gym has always had a friendly, positive atmosphere for learning. Because of the healthy environment Joseph fosters, attendees are generally very humble and want to help each other improve. I would strongly recommend this gym to anyone who is interested in beginning to learn or seriously improve their Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. In fact, I feel so strongly about this gym that I created this Yelp account for the sole purpose of recommending this gym, despite all of the past promotional offers I could have taken advantage of from various eateries. Cosmic Training Center will meet all of your BJJ needs! read more

My kids still talk about training with the cosmic family. Jospeh and Albert were great mentors, teachers and practitioners off Bjj. The reason why I'm writing because my kids are still asking to go train again. If we move back locally, you know they'll be there. read more

If you asked me two years ago what was my definition of an engaging, fun, and intense workout, never in my wildest dreams would I have answered, "rolling around and wrestling with a bunch of sweaty dudes in bathrobes." Yet today, if you asked me the same question, without a doubt I will say, "rolling around and wrestling with a bunch of sweaty dudes in bathrobes -- especially the ones at Cosmic Training Center." All jokes aside though, Cosmic Training Center changed my life. See, jiu jitsu was my first venture into martial arts. Growing up, I hated PE. I didn't like playing sports because I wasn't really good at them, and I didn't like working out at the gym because it was really boring and repetitive. At the same time, I wanted to stay fit, and I also had a pertinent interest in martial arts because I was aware of its physical, mental, and spiritual benefits to the human body. So, through a good friend of mine, I discovered Cosmic. I was invited by Coach Joseph to come check out class and see if I'd like it. On my first day, I made the mistake of eating a heavy meal before training -- I mean, I used to eat before lifting at the gym all the time, no big deal right? Wrong. I ran to the bathroom mid warm-up and expunged my hearty pre-workout meal. But I didn't really feel like shit about it. No, in fact, I actually liked being pushed physically to my extreme limits so much that I signed up for membership that same day. And I went back multiple times per week for training. I took some breaks here and there, to take care of other life responsibilities, but I always kept a consistent training schedule whenever I could. Always at least 2-3 times a week. It quickly became a habit. So much that on the days where I don't train, whether it's to handle business or simply because I was too tired, I felt guilty, like I was missing out on something good. Skipping jiu jitsu class gave me FOMO, but in the best way possible. Then I started noticing the results. Not only do I feel more in shape physically than I ever have in my life, I began experiencing a mental clarity I can only describe as "full presence of mind." It's like the "brain fog" cleared up, leaving behind a clear sunny mind with complete awareness of my thoughts and my surroundings. It's an amazing feeling that often lingers for days after a training session -- which is probably why I always feel the need to go back. On top of that, there's something immensely self-revealing about training jiu jitsu, whether you win or lose each match. It breaks down the toughest of egos, and humbles you to a firm ground, yet builds up your confidence better than any liquor could, and instills a solid framework of discipline for success. Pumping iron at LA Fitness will never give me this type of spiritual fulfillment, as there is no substitute for the invigorating buzz you get after a good exchange of skills and techniques with a training partner. Now if the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits aren't enough to keep you, then the friendly vibes and amazing people here will definitely seal the deal. Everyone looks out for each other, as we all try our best to understand that we're all on our own separate journeys to reach the common goal of bettering ourselves. Beginner or advanced, white belt or black belt, you will feel right at home "rolling" with the kind-hearted savages at Cosmic. Coach Joseph himself is among the most caring and compassionate people I've met in my life, not to mention an amazing instructor whose passion for jiu jitsu is shadowed only by his passion for life. He takes his time to explain intricate details on the techniques he teach, and makes sure you're understanding everything correctly before moving on. He will help you achieve your goals in life to the best of his abilities, even if it's only in moral support. So if you're looking for a place to just work out and get fit, Cosmic might be the place for you. But if you're looking for all that, plus a jiu jitsu academy with stellar instructions and an encouraging environment with friendly people that will never leave you feeling alienated, then Cosmic is just the place for you. read more

I was in Los Angeles for business from Phoenix and brought my gi in order to train at the "World Famous" gyms in the city. However, my hotel was in Alhambra and while I was walking on Main St to get dinner, I came across a brand new BJJ gym owned and operated by a Shawn Williams brown belt named Joseph Lee. As it was already in the evening I decided to try the gym out for the sake of convenience. I was very impressed with Joseph's attention to detail when teaching the technique. We went over a self-defense scenario and two spider guard techniques that I could easily add to my game. After he showed the technique he went around to each pair and fine tuned it so that everybody can do the technique correctly. After the techniques we rolled for a good 45 minutes. I am a 6'3" weighing 175lbs. Joseph who probably weighs around 135lbs dominated me. What was most amazing about it was his style. He floated and flowed around me like water instead of the usual smash style that I am accustomed to. He was coaching his students while rolling and emphasized "the flow" for the white belts. I was very happy with his coaching and his hospitality and decided to just train there while I am in LA. I saw a few walk ins come in during class and ask about the price and he was very upfront, which is not that common in the BJJ community anymore. It was very cheap for BJJ too (esp in LA!). If there is anybody in the area who wants to try BJJ or any other classes that he offers I cannot recommend this place enough. In terms of the value, this was one of the best gyms I have been to. read more

I visit Cosmic BJJ whenever I'm in the Alhambra area. Coach Joseph has been around the game for a long time and is a well respected member of the jiu jitsu community. He's also a jiu jitsu World Champ. He runs a very structured class. He knows his stuff and delivers information in a very comprehensible way. A good emphasis on conditioning, drilling, and positional sparring. All the students are very technical but most importantly are extremely disciplined and respectful. This is the culture at Cosmic; very old school in terms of martial arts atmosphere but very modern in terms of friendliness. Always a blast training, always sore the next day! Definitely check this academy out if you're in the Alhambra area and looking for a great jiu jitsu experience. read more

After checking out many centers that offer training to kids (for a six-year-old girl in this case),I can confidently recommend Cosmic Training Center. The head teacher, Joseph, and his occasional assistants have a wonderful way of pushing children to their physical potential and while keeping the entire session fun and not bullying or degrading the children. The coaches absolutely adapt their expectations and methodologies to each child based on age and experience. The sessions begin with roughly a half an hour of calisthenics and core exercises before moving on to approximately an hour practicing moves, holds, and light rolling both with other students and instructors. Great exercise and training for kids and worth the money and time. I know self-defense, judo, and jujitsu classes for adults are also taught here but I haven't observed are any of them so I can't comment on them specifically. Based on the center's atmosphere and instructors' attitudes, my expectations would be high, yet I would feel confident in enrolling in any of them sight unseen based on the kids' classes. read more

Great music! Great training place for kids. My kids and their cousin enjoy their twice a week training session.

My daughter has been going to cosmic training center for few years now. All the staff are very friendly and take the time with each of the kids to train them properly. read more

Great place for kids and adults . My kids enjoy working with both Coach Joseph and Coach Albert. They are both very personable and great with kids. read more

There are great experiences to be had here and the instructor, Joseph, is very concise with his instructions. He goes at a pace that is easy to keep up with and explains everything in a way that just makes things easy to understand, which makes it easier to execute. Although, practice does still make perfect, being able to understand the movements and the "why" behind them will help a lot going forward and Joseph is a great instructor. I've been to many other places and rarely have I come across an instructor such as him. I highly recommend Cosmic if you are looking to become great...or at least get a solid foundation. read more

Cosmic holds a very special place in my heart. I first met coach Joseph many moons ago at a Judo club we both attended. We didn't really keep in touch, so I was very pleasantly surprised that he had a school so close to my new area. Cosmic has a very friendly vibe, there's always smiles on peoples faces, and if you know BJJ you know that that should be a part of any good school. Don't let the smiles fool you though, Joseph is honestly one of the most technical teachers I've ever encountered, and I've been around enough martial art schools to know a good teacher. Trust me, there are horrible teachers out there, they may have high ranks and trophies and ribbons and videos of them beating people up on repeat, but that doesn't mean anything. Just because you're a good competitor doesn't always mean that transfers to your teaching, Joseph does both very, very well, and you can tell that it transfers to his students. They get better every time i stop by. Attention to detail, he will correct you when you have something slightly off, and the slightest mistake can cost you a match in BJJ, so every detail is important. He will push you to your limits, he rolls with his students and visitors correcting and giving you tips on how to finish moves, he's a very hands on teacher. Lastly, Joseph is just an honestly great person to be around, you can't be in a bad mood around him. Anyways I love Cosmic and you will too. I'm going to stop writing now cause I'm tired and my strawberry almond yogurts calling. Ciao. read more

Cosmic is everything you could want from such an establishment. The owner is incredibly knowledgeable and involved with the students. The mats are clean and so is the entire training area. There is more going on then strictly training and the vibe is very different then your typical alpha male style martial arts institution which makes for a much better learning environment and in my eyes makes for much better training. I will be coming back and I recommend that anyone who is interested go to this place first to see how things should be done. read more

I started training here with no prior experience over 2 years ago and I've had nothing but a great experience. Professor Joseph is a very knowledgeable practitioner and an excellent teacher for anyone that is looking to start learning jiu-jitsu or for advanced practitioners looking to continue getting better. During the time I've been here, he's been very patient and attentive with teaching me the fundamentals and more advanced move sets over time. Professor Joseph understands that everyone understands things differently, so he would take the extra time to fine tune his instruction and teach specific adjustments to improve your individual jiu-jitsu game if you're having difficulty. Professor Joseph is also a well respected professional within the jiu-jitsu community. He would occasionally bring in world class jiu-jitsu players to teach seminars that are free for members and at a very reasonable fee for visitors. The staff is very friendly and helpful. The instructors that teach here (Alex, Darryl, Randy, Justin) under Professor Joseph are also very knowledgeable, helpful and supportive. There are also plenty of class times available throughout the week, so you can still get your training time in if you work irregular hours or go to school in the evenings. The facilities are also regularly cleaned and well-kept. The people that regularly train here have good attitudes and a welcoming vibe which cultivates an excellent environment for training. If you're looking for an academy with a positive gym culture to learn jiu-jitsu, compete, or even just have fun & get a good workout in, Cosmic is the place to train. Also, if want to get a good roll in, the gym also has open mats on Sundays and it attracts plenty of experienced people from different academies to roll with. read more

I've been going to CTC for about a year after having trained at two other places. I'm a casual practitioner, attending the morning classes, and this is a great environment for me. Joseph is very nice and safety conscious. He also keeps current in new developments in the sport of jiu jitsu. The culture is very much one of people trying to help each other get better. My 9 year-old daughter has been attending the kids' class almost as long and she's still having fun and learning. The kids' classes are pretty close to 50/50 boys & girls, which helps make them inviting to all sizes and genders. read more

I was visiting Southern California and was shopping around for a few BJJ gyms to try out while I was in town. I called a few gyms, but some people didn't get back to me, or didnt seem that friendly. When I called Cosmic training Center, I spoke to Joseph. I liked him right off the bat. He was very friendly, and invited me to roll with him at Cosmic. It was a great session, and he's very talented. He also gave me great suggestions and pointers to help improve my game. The people were all very friendly, and I was impressed by all the variety of martial arts. There were people practicing Aikido and a few people doing no gi class on another set of mats. Great gym and nice people. What more could a bjj girl ask for? read more

Your welcomed the moment you walk through the door and every day after that. The gym has people of all ages, sizes, genders, shapes, ethnicity etc. so you definitely won't be alone. I recommend this place to anyone wanting to learn BJJ. Joseph is a very good instructor, all the students are willing to help you out, beginner to advanced you will learn a lot. I still learn valuable techniques from him even after training jiu jitsu for over 10 years. read more

I've never done any Martial Arts before, and I've never gotten out of my comfort zone and done anything like this. It was a great idea :) I'm so glad this place was nearby, I went to check it out and do a trial class and I just fell in love with it instantly. I was completely out of shape and the class was tough, but the instructor was understanding and the people were great. I love all of my instructors, they were thorough, careful, and very approachable. The students were all very welcoming also, I've met some great people :). Put yourself out there, try something new, get active! read more

Tried a different version of jiu jitsu at Cosmic Training Center. It was a very cool experience!! Joseph is an amazing instructor and has very unique and interesting way of teaching!! Loved it!! Thank you so much for the experience! read more

Cosmic Training Center is an amazing place to learn high quality jiu jitsu, meet some amazing people, and be able to understand yourself. When I first started my jiu jitsu journey, which was a little less than a year ago, I had thought that jiu jitsu was only a martial art, but now I have realized that it's so much more. Not only do I learn techniques in jiu jitsu, but the concepts can be applied to your own life. Such as to never give up when you're in a bad position, or gaining the confidence to initiate a plan. I am so thankful to be apart of this amazing team. All of the people that train here are great, on and off the mats. I could go on and on about the qualities that I have gained from learning from the amazing instructors at Cosmic Training Center, but you will have to check it out for yourself. read more