I've had such a great experience at this jiu jitsu studio. From the moment you walk in, the…read moreatmosphere feels welcoming, respectful, and community-driven. The instructors are knowledgeable, patient, and really take the time to break things down in a way that makes sense whether you're a complete beginner or have prior experience. What stands out most is how much focus there is on growth--both physically and mentally. It's not just about technique, but also building confidence, discipline, and resilience. The training environment feels safe and supportive, with partners who genuinely help each other improve rather than compete against each other. The facility is clean, well-maintained, and organized, which makes training even more enjoyable. Classes are structured but still have a relaxed, encouraging energy that makes it easy to stay consistent. Overall, this is the kind of place that makes you want to keep showing up. Whether your goal is fitness, self-defense, or just trying something new, I highly recommend checking it out.

I brought my 3.5 year old here for a trial class and we had such a great experience. The owner…read morePedro was very easy to communicate and coordinate with - quick texts via WhatsApp. We showed up and they had an outfit for my son to borrow and teachers who spent time with him and two of the other younger students in the mixed age class. I would definitely join their monthly membership - convenient location off Woodside. The other parents were also friendly and welcoming. Great experience!

The culture Prof. Leandro has built stands out. Respect, discipline, excellence. It shows up in…read moreeverything. My 15 year old son is a different kid. The way he carries himself, his confidence, his attitude. All of it has changed for the better. And we see it beyond the mats. His teachers notice it at school too. So glad I made him take those first few classes.

All of the coaches and professors are amazing teachers. The facility is very clean. Great for kids…read moreof all ages and adults. Two of my sons attend Charles Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, ages 13 and 9. The professors are extremely friendly, patient and attentive, they teach the kids self defense, respect, confidence and discipline. My boys absolutely love going. I highly recommend Charles Gracie.

Will is the best martial arts instructor I have ever had. He…read moretreats everyone with deep respect and kindness. He pays attention to everything that is going on in his academy. Nobody gets left behind here. He makes sure you get the instruction you need. His new location in Menlo Park is cozy and quiet. Tucked away in Menlo Park, this location is great and it gives a wonderful calmness that matches the head instructors personality. I love training here and bringing my children to train here. Will is very particular about the kind of students he accepts into his academy. He is determined to maintain a relaxed and family-friendly environment. Guys with big egos who are looking to smash are not welcome here. The training I get from Will has saved my life and helps me develop a healthy lifestyle so that I can continue training. Which I hope to be able to do for the rest of my life.

Respectful, fun, great parking in a low key area. Will is an excellent instructor who exemplifies…read moreand expects respect to and from all students. SVBJJ is a great place to train. Professor Will Dias has been a Black belt instructor for well over a decade and is the best instructor I've worked with hands down. I'm very happy to have found this 5 star Acadamy. Happy training!

This academy stands out because of its culture…read more The instruction is excellent, and also what really makes this place special is the people. The coaches teach the details behind each technique instead of just showing moves, so you learn not only what to do, but why it works. That approach has made a huge difference in my own understanding of jiu-jitsu. The atmosphere is welcoming and respectful. Whether you're brand new or have years of experience, everyone is treated like they're part of the team. The advanced belts are approachable, the training is challenging without feeling intimidating, and there is a genuine culture of helping each other improve. One thing I really appreciate is that standards are high. Progress and promotions feel earned, which creates an environment where people are motivated to keep learning and getting better. At the end of the day, a great academy isn't just measured by how good the instructors are--it's measured by the kind of community they build. This is a place where people enjoy training, support one another, and continue growing both on and off the mats. If you're looking for a jiu-jitsu academy with outstanding instruction, a winning competition team, a positive culture, and teammates who genuinely want to see you succeed, I highly recommend giving this place a try.

I really wanted to love this place because, to be fair, the quality of the Brazilian jiu jitsu…read moretraining here is excellent. The instructors clearly know what they're doing, and the kids' program is well-structured and engaging. However, as a parent, the overall experience leaves a lot to be desired. The biggest issue? No WiFi for parents. If you're going to have parents sitting around for an hour or more during classes, it's pretty unreasonable not to provide even basic internet access. Not everyone can just disconnect from work or responsibilities during that time. The waiting area is minimal, and without WiFi, you're essentially stuck doing nothing or burning through your mobile data. In this day and age, that feels like a pretty basic amenity that should be standard--especially for a place that otherwise operates at a high level. So yes, great training--but not a very parent-friendly environment. Until they address this, it's hard to fully recommend.

I've been training with Coach David for the last three years, first at AKA and now at his beautiful…read morenew gym. Coach David is hardworking, principled, and brings over 20 years of experience at the highest levels of MMA. He genuinely cares about his students, and regularly brings more energy than I do to our training sessions Coach David will actually teach you how to fight, while giving you a great workout. I've lost 20 lbs so far! Also the best Combat Sambo gym in the Bay Area!

Great MMA gym for all ages and levels. This gym not only offers individual striking or grappling…read moreclasses, but also MMA classes that bring all the skills together. Coach David brings his professional, high-level fight experience to every class he teaches. His instructions are clear, and he pays close attention to every student to make sure each drill is understood and executed correctly. He focuses on even the smallest details, and in a sport where every inch counts, those subtle corrections can be the difference between success and failure. Additionally, each class begins with structured mobility and stretching work (some gyms forget this) that help us develop as complete athletes. Overall, I highly recommend this gym to anyone looking to learn proper MMA, kickboxing, or grappling in a positive, professional, and motivating environment.

We love Bay Area Capoeira Jiu Jitsu. The studio has a great family vibe. Bubba is the main…read moreinstructor for the younger students, and he usually brings his kids (college & high school age) to teach the classes too. Other parents who train in jiujitsu help coach and assist the main instructors. It's a beautiful community. They offer a subscription model that allows kids to attend up to 4 classes per week for an affordable, fixed cost. The classes are for mixed ages, so my sons (ages 8 & 5) are able to train together on the same convenient schedule. My boys have been training at this studio for about a year now, and they still love it! Highly recommend!

Great gym and super clean!…read more Strongly recommend the Saturday morning classes taught by Coach Daniel if you're looking for very practical self-defense

Box a little, grapple a little--because the real enemy isn't fatigue, it's boredom…read more Ever catch yourself on the treadmill thinking, 'There has to be something better than this'? There is. You could be doing cardio while sparring and grappling with other thinking, reacting opponents.

At Pacific Combat Arts Academy, it reminds you that nothing worthwhile comes easy. Every round…read moretests your body, your ego, and your mindset. The discipline built on the mats carries into every part of life, teaching resilience, humility, and consistency. Training here isn't just about learning to fight--it's about becoming healthier, stronger, and a better person every time you step off the mats.

Pros: Instruction is consistently terrific, and the regulars there are friendly and welcoming. It's…read morein a convenient location, and at an excellent price. Cons: I'd like to see the mats cleaned more regularly, and I wish there were showers in the building. The street and permit parking can sometimes be annoying.

Good instructors, good hours, and good attitudes.read more