My daughter (7) is very timid and shy so I thought her first day in class was going to be mostly her just sitting with me and watching but Locksley (instructor) and all the other coaches were very inviting and gave her confidence to go on the mat right away. She loves going and is learning a lot of great jiu jitsu skills but also life skills. We are going to definitely keep our membership going read more

We have been with Gracie Vista for 6 months now, and my kid looks forward to every class! We not only love the staff but also all the students; this community is top tier. read more

the best place to learn and train jujitsu! such a welcoming commuity! i absolutely love it!!!!

Three years in, and I can say without hesitation that finding this place was one of the best decisions I've made. From day one, it felt like more than just a gym--it felt like a real learning community. Jiu-jitsu has more than lived up to the hype, and that's largely because of the instruction. Locksley somehow keeps getting better as a teacher--sharper, clearer, and more intentional with every class. As an educator myself, I don't say that lightly. Tate is a fantastic young instructor: thoughtful, technically precise, and great at meeting students where they are. And Kaitlin is the glue that holds everything together--steady, organized, and deeply invested in the health of the community. This has been my home gym for years now, and I'm grateful for the instruction, the culture, and the people who make it what it is. I'm here for the long haul. read more

I love the self- defense technique. My son loves the classes the instructors are great. Schedule is convenient

We have been with this CTC for serval years now, and not only have my two sons gained the confidence and positive attitudes from the learning experiences in the bullyproof program, but myself as well! I have learned so much about patience and confidence to feel able to defend myself. Instructors and staff and so pleasant and friendly. Love going to this gym, we always feel welcomed! read more

Great place to learn and practice Gracie Jiu Jitsu, especially for kids. They always learn with fun and confidence.

Amazing gym with great people! Everyone is super friendly and welcoming. I am pretty heavy set, so I feel super self concious when it comes to trying out a new gitness hobby. I did not end up pursuing BJJ, BUT!!! Anyone who wants to train in a positive environment with clear directions and encourgement, I highly recommend Locksley Shoemaker and his studio. read more

My kid has a lot of fun here and learned to be more focus. Lockleys is awesome and he is great with kids.

I've been coming here for a year and a half now and it's been life changing ! I've learned so much about self defense/protection as well as some cool life lessons along the way. I've been much more grounded since the start of my journey and I can't wait to see where it goes ! read more

Couldn't ask for a more welcoming, fun, and well-structured gym to learn BJJ. Locksley is an awesome coach and all the members are super supportive read more

My 6 year old started attending because of trouble at school with another student. Gracie Jiu Jitsu has helped her confidence. Both Locksley and Tate are amazing teachers with patience. I truly recommend this place read more

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Vista - Getting her second stripe - Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Near Me - Vista, California

We are sitting through our third session and are really impressed with the way Locksley runs his classes. I have three boys and when I first thought about doing Jiu-Jitsu I thought there was no way for it to be possible. The structure of the class is great for young kids. I feel like it teaches them all the core things they have to know about being disciplined, respectful, good listeners and how to deal with real life situations that can become physical fast. Another major component taught, which I thought was really important, was how to deescalate situations. We are still really new but I can't see how this isn't the kind of class all parents would want their kids to be in. It's Jiu Jitsu and so much more. I'll update my review as we continue to learn and experience more but it's five stars hand down!!! read more

Great school. Locksley is professional, the school is squeaky clean and there is plenty of parking.

Simply stated Locksley is an amazing instructor. He is very clear and concise with all the different age students that he has. The main purpose of the class is to deal with bullying. Using techniques such as the 3 T's method which teaches kids to talk, tell and then Tackle to defend themselves. While never using violence to punch or kick a bully. My 7 year old son has been attending for a few months and loves interacting with the others while learning to deal with bullies. I highly recommend this class to any age kids. He is also expanding his current studio within the coming months to almost tripling in size. Thank you Locksley for providing excellent service and teaching our young ones lifelong skills. Such as being respectful and always saying please and thank you while instructing them to deal with bullies. read more

The best around! Coach Locksley is a fantastic instructor, being very thorough with his classes/technique and very patient with all students. He does a great job ensuring everyone knows the instruction and will even spend extra effort on students who may need a little more guidance. Super warm and welcoming environment! Shoutout to Tate, Andy, and Chris for being great blue belts and helping out, too. Much love for GU Vista. Looking forward to getting on the mats with them again. Clap on 3! read more

The instructors do an amazing job at explaining, demonstrating, and coaching us students on the art of jiu jitsu. The facility is always clean and well taken care of. The atmosphere at Gracie Jiu Jitsu Vista is always uplifting. I would recommend anybody to try Gracie Jiu Jitsu Vista. read more

This instruction is great. Professor Locksley is extremely knowledgeable while being incredibly patient. I started the class with a healing neck injury and the trainers were very careful with my engagement as well as checking routinely with my comfort to prevent injury. Very professionally run. All the students are open and friendly. They even provide you with a Gi when you join. I highly recommend this facility. Bob W., Vista, CA read more

Do you want to feel at peace, clear your mind of any challenges and frustrations you might have , a bad day at work, a place where you can breathe, participate in a safe environment with out the fear of injuries and feel welcome from students as well as a talented instructor? If so, Gracie Ji Jitsu Vista is the place you should be studying Ji Jitsu. I walked into Locksley's Ji Jitsu school 15 months ago not knowing anything about ji jitsu or self defense. In that time I have completed the Gracies Combative program where I learned the 36 core techniques of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in a fun, safe, and cooperative environment. I am currently in the the Master Cycle Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program that consists of hundreds of advanced techniques. The Master Cycle's unique structure simplifies the your personal journey from blue to black belt by organizing all of ji jitsu into into seven positional chapters (Mount, Side Mount, Guard, Half Guard, Back Mount, Leg Locks, Standing), each of which is studied for several months. Gracie Ji Jitsu Vista has change who I am as a person for the better. It saved me from my personal demons and everyday challenges I face. Gracie Ji Jitsu Vista students and instructors are an extended family to myself as well as my own family. I am grateful to have Locksley as an instructor and friend. read more

This is my first time ever trying Jiu Jitsu and I have to say the instructors here are really amazing! They are very thorough, knowledgeable, and fun. I not only feel that I am getting the best instructions and training but I am apart of the community. This is all because of how Locksley and Tait create a welcoming, team spirited community. I could not be more happy with my experience. I feel empowered by learning jiu jitsu's self defense techniques. Looking forward to my next class! read more

Great Jiu-Jitsu center! The staff at Gracie Vista are very responsive and accommodating to questions. Everyone is respectful and patient, especially with beginners like me. Locksley is a great instructor and presents information to the students in a clear and concise manner. I never paid attention in school but this place engages me in a way no one ever has! Looking forward to learning more and recruiting friends to join... read more

Had my first class at a Gracie University certified training center in Vista, CA, two months ago. (Thank you, Locksley Shoemaker!) Really eye-opening. With my knowing nothing but traditional stand-up martial arts and having a substantial size/weight advantage, I was unable to escape from the instructor's mount, but he could toss me aside with ease, even when I knew what was coming. So glad I waited until there was a Gracie Certified Training Center close enough for me to attend, rather going for instruction outside the system. I learned recently that a neighbor had been training at a site outside the system -- five years! -- when he suffered a stroke last year from a choke during "free rolling"; I believe the medical term was "Vertebral Artery Dissection". No more bjj for him; thanks for playing. I'm too old to deal with unnecessary medical complications. I need the safest, most respectful environment I can find. A nice bonus in Vista is that class size was relatively small (~10), so instruction was very personal. With Gracie Combatives, I could pick up at any point, because classes do NOT require prior instruction. I didn't have to be pulled aside; I was receiving the same training as the rest of the class, practicing the same techniques. Now, two months in, I feel the same way, and perhaps even more so as I've gotten to know some of the other participants better. It's an extremely supportive environment. The instructor teaches each technique meticulously, including (importantly!) WHY each step is important. The philosophy of bjj is so very different from other martial arts I've seen: no violent punching, kicking, or flying through the air; this is geared towards practicality, built around what has been proven to be effective. Great stuff. read more

As someone who went in with no experience I was terrified, but the people here immediately make you feel like family, and are constantly making sure you are comfortable. I highly recommend joining to anyone as you can gain SO much. The instructor, Locksley, is fantastic as he gives you all the encouragement and resources you need to set you up for success. read more

My 8 year old son has been attending for a couple of months now and I'm beyond grateful for finding this gym. This is the best investment I've made for him to date. He's learned so much and is excited to go to class every week. Mr. Locksley (sorry if I butchered the spelling) is amazing with the kids and such a great teacher. read more

Awesome instruction and classes. Great community of students.

Though I've done Taekwondo for a while, it quickly became clear that Jiu-Jitsu is superior for self defense. I'm a small woman, but I feel far more confident that I could defend myself with my Jiu-Jitsu knowledge than I could otherwise. Plus, the attacker would never see it coming. ;) I explored different Jiu-Jitsu options in my area, but signing up here was a no-brainer. Locksley is incredible. He knows his stuff and how to teach it well. Plus, he's so kind, patient, and even funny. :) The other people I train with are also friendly and helpful. It's a great environment. If you're on the fence about taking Jiu-Jitsu, debate no longer. Sign up for your free trial now! :) read more

Honest review after my first month training at Gracie Jiu Jitsu Vista. I believe I'm not alone as a busy adult with work, family and limited free time. This makes it easy to put off things I'd like to do for myself. I came across the 10 day free trial and it just clicked, what do I have to loose? My first night I had no idea what I was getting myself into, however upon walking through the door I was treated like family feeling completely comfortable. Locksley gathered up myself and the other newcomers fitted us in gi's and we went to the mat. We were partnered with slightly more experienced students and got right into our first techniques. Locksley provides very clear and patient instructions with as many demonstrations as needed, then off to practice with your partner under great supervision. Student safety is paramount. Slow is smooth and smooth is fast as good repetitions continue progressively so does proficiency fostering an amazing learning environment. I 100% recommend giving this a shot, come see for yourself you have nothing to lose and so much to gain. read more

This review comes with mixed feelings. Should I be selfish and keep the best kept secret (in self-defense training) to myself or let everyone know how wonderful a program Gracie Combatives is at Gracie Jiu Jitsu Vista? I'll do the latter. For years I've been looking for that one martial art to help me gain the confidence that I can defend myself and my loved ones. I've always been a small person (5'4") and I have tried many different martial arts programs. If you're looking for straight up self-defense with the ability to defend and control (or submit) without having to punch or kick, try Jiu Jitsu. But not just any JJ program, try Locksley's class. No kata(forms) or strenuous exercising for 30 mins. No "trial by fire" or "sink or swim" learning. Lessons are taught progressively, clearly, from different angles and drilled repeatedly with gradual resistance. The teacher and the curriculum make all the difference in the world in whether you stay in the program or get disappointed and look elsewhere. Locksley's skill in teaching and demonstrating, combined with the concise curriculum are top notch and he keeps it interesting and relevant. Don't take my word for it. Try it for yourself and decide! Better yet, try other programs and then try Locksley's class. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. I definitely was. read more

I've attended several bjj gyms, before settling with Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Vista. Other gyms either lacked structure or were overly-competitive. However, I've found that the owner/head coach, Locksley, is a great instructor. He facilitates a safe and friendly learning environment, while still allowing for competition and growth. Very pleased to have found this gem. read more

I have been going to Gracie Jiu jitsu Vista for over a year and I am very satisfied with my experience. First of Locksley the instructor is very professional and he emphasize on safety and attention to detail. One of my concerns other than I had absolutely no experience before joining Gracie Jiu jitsu was injury, since an injury could make my job unsafe. At Gracie Locksley makes sure that everything is safe so you don't have to worry about that. The environment is very friendly and everyone there is welcoming and helpful. The material is great and easy to learn regardless of your level of experience. All of the techniques are applicable to real life scenarios. Overall Gracie Jiu jitsu Vista is a great place to learn Jiu jitsu I couldn't recommend enough. read more

This place is really awesome, and it all starts with Coach Locksley. My son and I both train here. My son does the kids' program (Bullyproof), and Locksley mixes life lessons with jiu-jitsu. Some academies are too strict (think Cobra Kai) and others too loose (which can result in injury), but Locksley strikes the right balance. He's in total control of the class, but he does it in a way that emphasizes fun. My son loves it and would probably go every day if he could. Learning bjj is one of the best things for just about any kid, and I'm so happy we found this academy. The adult class is also excellent. I'm actually surprised at how fun it is. Locksley is a superb instructor who gives very clear instructions and keeps the classes casual. It's a very supportive group of folks, and the more advanced students are always willing to lend a hand to the newbies. What are you waiting for? Give it a go! read more