Walked into Gracie Jiu Jitsu for the first time in September and have always enjoyed the classes, encouragement, support and lessons I've learned. The instruction of the Combatives curriculum has been solid. It always leaves me wanting to learn and come back to continue my journey. Aaron, Mikey, Danny, Christina have all been great instructors. The other classmates, peers who are more advanced make it a welcome environment for newbies like myself and are all willing to teach and break down the moves that I may struggle with. After 4 months I can say the more often I go, the more often I want to return. Today was a welcome surprise as Christina called me up to the front at the end of class to give me my first stripe. I am so humbled. Thank you to everyone that has been there with me. read more

Gracie Jiu Jitsu Apple Valley - Coach Danny, myself and Coach Mikey - Martial Arts Near Me - Apple Valley, California

I cannot say enough great things about this women's self-defense class! The atmosphere was welcoming and non-intimidating, which really helped ease my nerves as a first-timer. I was so nervous walking in and felt excited walking out. The instructors were amazing, super knowledgeable, patient, and encouraging. They made sure everyone understood the techniques. What I loved most was how she emphasized not just physical defense, but also confidence, boundary-setting, and trusting your instincts. If you're even thinking about taking a self-defense class--this is the one. Don't wait. read more

May 2023 update, class sizes are growing and the kids in classes are learning many techniques. Every few months they complete a new chapter in different life skills, they just completed their health chapter and are moving into their respect chapter. We love this gym, and will refer our friends to join once their kids are a little old. Thanks for providing such a positive place in the high desert. read more

Gracie Jiu Jitsu Apple Valley - Junior Grapplers game day 2023 - Martial Arts Near Me - Apple Valley, California

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Started Jiu Jitsu here about a year ago. Amazing place to train. The environment, for someone like myself who has never had training, is top tier. The instructors do a great job breaking it down to simple steps. I recommend this place to anybody looking to train jiu jitsu. read more

All praise for Gracie Jiu Jitsu AV. My two sons and husband have gone here for two years. We are moving out of state and it is going to be very hard to find another place that feels the same as our Gracie family. No matter the age group, everyone is always positive. My sons participated in the Bullyproof program and worked up to Black Belt club. I have seen their confidence, strength and respect sky rocket thanks to the Gracie gym. I also appreciate that the Bullyproof program has the kids focus on different values every two months (manners, health, respect, citizenship, etc). The Bullyproof program teaches the importance of "Talk, Tell, tackle," so children know you can resolve possibly bad situations first without a fight, but can defend themselves from a bully if need be. I love that this Gracie gym was a place for my husband to have an adult sport to participate in and develop a passion for Jiu Jitsu. It has been a great bonding experience for my husband and sons to work and learn together. Most importantly, I feel extremely confident that both my husband and my kids can defend themselves if the situation ever came up. The owner, Jonny really puts his heart and soul in the gym and it shows. Aaron leads the youth classes and is a wonderful role model for the kids. These are the people you want to be teaching your family self defense! read more

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I came here for 1 year under contract. I left in April 2020. I have a few reasons as to why I left. The main reason was that I wasn't getting the results that I wanted. I paid for membership went to 6 classes a week along with 2 privates a week. I do the same now at a different gym. Read more and you'll see the change in my reults in just 6 months between the two gyms. 1. They advertise for health, fitness, weight loss and self defense. When i started i went in at 190. In the 1 year there i got down to 175. I left to a different Jiu Jitsu gym. I've been there for 6 months and with the help of the trainer and owner there, I've gotten down to 154. I've lost more weight in 6 months than I did in 1 year. Same routine. Different training, different gyms, different results. 2. I want to compete. NOT everyone wants to compete, and that's fine. But if you do or are thinking about it, do not come to this gym. Look up any top competitions and you will see that if you're not under a Black Belt you cannot sign up to compete. This is IBJJF regulations. Granted there's some little competitions that will allow it. But the training you will receive here will get you smashed within seconds at any competition. 3. They dont teach Jiu Jitsu drills or warm ups. I left here after 1 year. I checked out 2 other gyms before I left. At these other gyms I found out that there are standard drills that all gyms do. Like a front roll, back roll, sprawling, technical stance, shrimping, etc. These are done at all Jiu Jitsu gyms. I dont understand why these are not done here. 4. I Spoke to Gracie University in Torrance. I learned that they DO NOT represent or affiliate with any Gracie University gym that is not Torrance. That they ONLY certified the instructor. That's about as far as the affiliation goes. This was a surprise and new to me. Since the owner here is so admit and proud to be affiliated with them. 5. When you get to "Master Cycle" most of the class time is spent 1. Learning moves that the instructor is still learning. Which leaves many questions unanswered. 2. With Johnny talking down on other gyms and gym owners. Now I'm Japanese and have many members of my family in martial arts. Were taught that you cannot and should not speak down on others. Especially when they are of a higher level than you are. They are a higher level because they have gone through more in order to get there. You NEVER speak down on a person's hard work and dedication. BTW Johnny you'll be surprised to learn that the one person you love to talk down on. NEVER speaks down on you or your gym. Which shows alot about your character compared to his. 6. Johnny is a purple belt. If you read into Jiu Jitsu you will see that since he is a purple belt he cannot promote you far. Which is why he has everyone make a "test video" in order to advance. Which is a shock. When received my Blue belt my professior taught me, and watched me grow in my jiu jitsu. On and off the mat. This lead him to believe I was ready for my next belt. The journey is personal and to have someone promote you is special. You would want someone who really knows your journey to do this. You won't get that at Gracie University. Now everyone has the free will to look at any gym and join any gym they please. But don't make the mistake I did. I joined simply because they were a Gracie Gym. Not knowing that there many Gracie Gyms that don't run there programs this way. Also there are so many other gyms up here that are much better with getting you the results you need. Look around before joining. This is just simply my experience here. read more

Great self-defense programs for both adults and children! I started in the Combatives program over a year and a half ago and love it! I also started the Women Empowered program 10 months ago. Both programs are great learning tools for self defense. If you have kids they also offer a Bullyproof program to help kids stay safe from bullies both verbally and physically along with teaching about different character development topics. They offer a 10 day free trial for all their programs that way you can make sure that the curriculum is a fit for you and your family. Jonny, Aaron and Brittney are great instructors who take the time to help you learn the techniques and answer any questions you may have. The facilities are kept clean and they treat you like family. The environment is great, you can't go wrong with choosing Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Apple Valley. read more

Signed my child up for Jr. Grapplers -- Awesome class. My child has gained techniques and knowledge that he can use for the rest of his life. Teachers are hands-on and work really well with the kids. read more

Lets just say this is an awesome place. If you are looking into this, just do it and stop putting it off. You can be in the worst shape of your life and start the combatives program. I started about 6 months ago and will never stop. Disregard the hater reviews! The owner, Johnny, is a down to earth guy that actually wants to see jiu jitsu improve and empower peoples lives. Don't be intimidated if your not in the best shape, it is an ego free environment that you can learn at your own pace. I have a career and cannot get injured all the time, so this environment is great for me. They made me feel like family from the first day I walked in. Our assistant coaches, Aaron and Dylon, do an awesome job all around, especially with the bully proof program. After a few months of testing the waters, I moved my entire family over to Gracie Apple Valley. This is a great facility to start your jiu jitsu journey. I did the 10 day free trial before joining. Not once, was I ever pressured to enter a contract and join the gym (I ended up getting hooked on the training and joined on my own accord on the 8th day of the trial). You will get in great shape and also have fun doing it while learning skills that could save your life. Best of all, you will meet great people. read more

My daughter signed up for the 10 day free trial. I saw how much she enjoyed it and how much it lit a spark in her. She would not stop talking about it for the rest of the night. I signed up myself and it's really helped me deal with my anxiety and learn more about myself. The staff there has been super welcoming and willing to take the time to make sure you understand the lessons. The other students are patient with each other and are willing to help when going through drills. Sign up for the free trial and check it out! read more

My son and I have been attending Gracie AV for 3 years. The environment is welcoming and positive, with students of all shapes, sizes and backgrounds working on their jiu jitsu journey. The begining of the Gracie system is built on self defense, not competition. It's designed that anyone, no matter athletic ability, can learn and defend themselves. Same with the kids program, Bullyproof, that my son has done for the 3 years. could not reccomend it enough to anyone looking for a lifestyle change. You will definitely get out what you put in. read more

This is the best Jiu Jitsu gym in the high desert! I've been doing this a little while now and I wouldn't go anywhere else. There's so many great things about this place, Johnny is an awesome teacher, this guy goes over the smallest details to make learning the technique seem so easy. His assistant Aaron is great too and they both make sure to take the time to make sure you're learning the right way. The moment you walk in you can tell the place is really clean and well taken care of. Everyone is friendly, whether you're new to Jiu Jitsu or you've been doing it forever, this is the place to be. Plus they give out free trials. I mean really, who doesn't like free stuff? read more

This is a great gym to practice jiu jitsu. The atmosphere is very family oriented and the instructors do an amazing job. They take their time and show you the different techniques and strategies. There are plenty of different times throughout the week to come and train. The little champs class is amazing as well. They help to build confidence and strong habits. My grandson absolutely loves the classes and he is learning a lot. They also have an MMA area that is amazing. read more

I just signed up for a year at this gym for me and 6 months for my boys 5 days into the free 10 day trial period they offer. Johnny has built a great gym with a welcoming environment. Aaron, his assistant instructor, is a fun loving knowledgeable guy and is great with all the kids. Very clear instructions and explanations of the techniques. I know very little about jiu jitsu, but am eager to go through the Gracie combatives program and embrace the Gracie way of self defense. Also, a testament to Johnny, is the other members of the gym willing to teach, Coach, and take care of the gym. You walk in the door and it feels like home. Every human being needs to be choked to understand how powerless we really are. If you have never been choked then you should check out the 10 day trial here and I'll see you on the mat. read more

took my son to try it out and he fell in love with it! how the instructors do things there, the techniques they use especially for the littles it really makes a difference. discipline, fun, technique, and focus. what more can you ask for, and the kids love it, great job ! read more

I have been attending for over a week now and have had nothing but great experiences with Johnny and staff on and off the mat. The facility is well kept and the temperature is always good lol not to hot and not to cold. Johnny has been teaching the classes i have attended and yes he does have help but that is due to the class sizes. He takes time to help each group rolling and ways is quick to answer questions and help you if you arent quite getting it. The atmosphere here is very good, everyone is always smiling and willing to help each other out. Not once have i seen any issues with egos. I was on the fence about joining and after visiting multiple places in my area im happy with my decision. At another spot i visited i saw beginners already sparing with advanced students and that wasnt what i wanted. Here they dont make you blue belts rag toys lol I definitely reccomend stopping by and taking a look for yourself. Best decision i made! read more

This is by far the best place to go in the high desert! While having good prices and classes at all times for people, the instructors are some of the nicest people I have met in training. They have high knowledge in the sport and explain everything very well for everyone to pick up on it right away. I plan on staying with this team for years to come read more

I don't normally post reviews on Yelp (and mostly in general), but with the review from the other person below, I felt bad for this Gracie team. I'm not even sure this person is referring to the same gym, but, we've never had an issue with heating or a/c in the 2 years we have been coming. Aaron, Cynthia, Astrid, Dillon, Renee, and all of the other instructors are some amazing instructors. I would never expect Jonny (the owner) to be there at every class, that is just not how a business runs. Secondly, we've never been asked to "pay" any money for them to have radio ads, nor have we been told if we recruit new members, we would get a free T shirt (that hardly makes sense anyways from a business standpoint)? So, the good (great). Aaron is seriously amazing with the little ones. How he has the patience to keep up with them, let alone remember ALL of their names and/or nicknames while practicing. He teaches at their level, and knowing he has a blue belt, having him get "beat" by these little kiddos is so fun for them. Cynthia is such a friendly face that we enjoy seeing every time we come, though I know the kiddos miss her on the mat. Renee, Astrid, Dillon and all of the other instructors, man, I'm not sure how Jonny finds them, but they are all top notch with the kids. All in all, we highly recommend this place, definitely worth the money. read more

Awesome gym!! Great atmosphere, all the coaches at the facility are very knowledgeable. Best jiu jitsu gym in the high desert. Highly recommend. read more

This is such a cool gym to train at. Everyone here is super friendly and welcoming and the instructors really take the time to make sure you understand the techniques read more

Johnny puts on a front for everyone. He is never there and has another person by the name of Aaron taking over ALL classes. If Aaron was running the facility it would be awesome. Don't get into a contract because that's where the problems start. Johnny will gloat about how many new cars he owns, what new trip he has taken and also the new toys he buys. He won't turn on the air nor heater for the facility unless the press comes in. In the winter, you could literally see your breath in there and you are chattering your teeth off and he would refuse to turn the heat on and tell us stories about how he would be on the grass with one of his friends boxing in this weather. I recommend Cobra Kai. Johnny you did not have us leave. You bullied one of our family members over a t-shirt because you promised if we were to bring in people you would give a free t-shirt for every person brought in, so we did and you bullied my family member over this which resulted into us leaving. You did not tell us to leave. We left due to your actions. You pay off all the members through raffle tickets for voting so that way you could be the best in the high desert. Never have I once heard anyone win from that raffle. Also asking clients for money to donate to put you on the radio is wrong. If you truly are such this wonderful facility you should have had enough to go on the radio. Explain not running the air due to the facility low on funds and you coming up with new cars and things. You only run the air once you caught wind that the press is coming in because you want to show them that you are the best but in all reality you are not the best. Remember where you came from Johnny, a backyard shed, and now you are taking your clients for granted and bullying clients. read more

Team Inner Strength, a gym with a fun, welcoming attitude that teaches the fundamentals of Gracie Jiu Jitsu. From kids to adults, all are welcome to learn what has been called, "the gentle art." Our Instructor, Johnny, loves the art and teaches with a clear, yet fun touch, making sure that the techniques are clear. Prices are lower than many surrounding gyms and while we have contacts, there are no up-front costs. read more

Gracie Jiujitsu Apple Valley is a Great martial arts Gym no matter what your looking for in a Gym. First and foremost they are Gracie Jiujitsu certified training center. They offer different programs for all ages. Wheather you are looking for yourself to learn selfie defense in a street fight or just learning something new you've always been interested in trying (Combatives program ) or maybe your children have a problem with bullies (Bullyproof program) or women that want to feel Confident that they can survive if even in a scenario where they need to protect there selfs from a attacker (Women Empowered) .. The Staff at Gracie Apple are Amazing and treat EVERYONE like family. The Gym is always Clean. Overall I would highly recommended stopping by and giving them a try if your looking for a Brazilian jiu-jitsu Gym. They offer a 10 day free trial with no strings attached and no high scale pressure tactics.. This place is a GEM of a GYM read more

This place is legit! Johnny is a amazing instructor and how he teaches is phenomenal. He breaks it down to " your " level of learning. I visited numerous gyms before selecting this gym. Some I felt the egos before I even push the door open. Some were not very friendly. Some you could tell hadn't been cleaned in weeks. Some just pushed sport jujitsu. None of those fit the needs or my wants. I was looking for a family friendly, clean , self defense. After researching Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Apple Valley and realizing this program is from the direct lineage from the Gracie's , the creators of Jiu-Jitsu and the UFC. I knew this was a no brainer. While visiting this gym, first thing I notice was a mat that said, leave your ego at the door, It was very clean, very forgiving mats , the students all came up to me introducing themselves, treated me like I was family immediately. What was also amazing to see was that he recommended another gym for a guy that wanted more sport jujitsu than self defense aspect.( who does that??) Johnny answered all my questions and more. He gave me a 10 min hands on introduction and was amazed that I was unable to get him off of me. I'm in Law enforcement, weighed 220 lbs and am a gym rat. I signed up that day. He offered 7 days free trial but I knew this was the self defense gym I was looking for. This gym displayed alot of respect, wasn't pushy. I've never been to a gym like this in the high desert.Another cool thing that I did not know was I could go to any Gracie CTC gym in the world as well as the main acedemy in Torrence, which Johnny attends and learns under the Gracie's and Alex Stewart. If self defense ( which Jiu-Jitsu is/was originally intended for) then contact Johnny Vasquez . read more

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There's so many positive things to say bout Gracie Jiu Jitsu Apple Valley. After training there now for about 2 1/2 years (and still counting) I can honestly and truly say that Gracie Jiu Jitsu Apple Valley is unequivocally the best gym to train at in the high desert. Not just because Gracie Jiu Jitsu could be considered by many to be the superior martial art but for so many other reasons. They are a certified Gracie Training Center (CTC). The gym and mat are immaculate. The staff and atmosphere is always welcoming and your embraced into the family when you walk in the door. And the teaching? Wow! The teaching is more than amazing. Every move is broken down so that everyone understands. Learning is encouraged to go at your own pace, you are never forced or expected to know a move you do not understand. You are also taught not just the mechanics of the move but the whys and importance of every detail. Most important reason Gracie Jiu Jitsu Apple Valley is the best is that the Jiu Jitsu here is all about self defense. The primary focus is all on how to survive a street fight or attack. Not score points in a no striking tournament (combatives program). They also offer bullyproof classes for the little ones and even for women only the Gracies Women Empowered program. So not only do I recommend Gracie Jiu Jitsu Apple Valley I recommend you come in for a free no strings attached 10 day trial. It will be the best investment you have ever made with so much waiting to gain from it. read more

I walked through the door and was welcomed immediately by the owner/instructor Jonny Vasquez as well as everybody on the mat. They all made me feel as if I already belonged there before I even tried it for the first time. I walked in a stranger and walked out a family member. I was hooked immediately. I bypassed the 10 day free trial and signed up after the first class. The instructors Jonny and Aaron have great positive attitudes and are very knowledgeable, not only about the art of Gracie Jiu Jitsu, but about the lineage of the Gracie's as well. There's no cliques, no egos, and no bad attitudes. It's just one big family that keeps getting bigger. They also offer other programs such as Bully Proof for kids, Jr Grapplers for teens, and Women Empowered which is a self defense class geared towards attacks on women. Gracie Jiu Jitsu is simply the best self defense art out there. It teaches you about how to use technique rather than strength. It teaches you how to defend yourself against a bigger opponent. It instills confidence In you as well. Come in for a 10 day free trial (no strings attached). I promise you won't regret it. read more