I have been there for almost 2 years. He has been one of the best instructors I have had!

I attended the free self defense class for women. I didn't expect to learn as much as I did. I truly appreciate and have much respect for Coach Alex. I love the whole background of why he developed the course for women. Definitely a lot of heart there! Also, it's such a great deal. Only $145 for 10 sessions and uniforms are not mandatory, but I'd be proud to represent! I learned so much in one class! I highly recommend this place! Thank you Coach Alex! read more

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Whittier - Women's Self Defense Class - Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Near Me - Whittier, California

Are you looking to get into Jiu-Jitsu? I was. I had always been interested in martial arts, but never had the nerve to do it. When I first learned about Jiu-Jitsu, I was very much intrigued, but for some reason it never happened. After I came across a Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Whittier flyer, I decided to call Alex and ask some questions. He gave me all the time in the world, answered all my questions, and gave his full attention. Immediately, I could tell that I was speaking with the right kind of instructor: no ego, no arrogance, no attitude. After one free session, I was hooked. It's all about self-defense for the street. If you're looking to prepare yourself for a time when you may have to protect yourself, Gracie Combatives is for you. It's exactly what I've been looking for. Not only is this Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, but the curriculum is tight. There's a clear direction of where I'm going, what I'm doing, what is expected of me, and what I can expect. Alex has consistently appeared prepared--knowing exactly what the class lessens will cover. His clear instructions and patient attitude set the right mood and creates an optimal learning environment. If you're interested in learning how to protect yourself on the street, or if you want to learn Jiu-Jitsu but want to take it slowly, the Gracie Combatives curriculum and specifically, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Whittier is the perfect place to train. If you want a friendly environment to learn the beautiful art of Jiu-Jitsu, this place is for you. If you want an instructor who will truly give you the attention you deserve, Alex is the man. The legendary teaching of the Gracie family in my home town--it doesn't get any better! I can't recommend Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Whittier enough. Don't miss out! read more

Great place to train. My son is 5 and has a great time while learning. It's very kid friendly! Coach Jacob is great with the kids. He makes it fun and my son always wants to go back. They teach discipline, and teach life skills. Very pleased with this place. read more

Alex is awesome. If you're looking for a top notch instructor who is kind, friendly, and genuine, Alex Belhumeur at Gracie jiu Jitsu Whittier is your man. I had a chance to take a private lesson with him yesterday (May 28, 2013) and it was great. I found Alex through GracieUniversity.com and sent him an email. He was very promt and replied right away and I got talk talk to him over the phone within an hour. Alex met me at the Gracie Academy (Torrance) and he even brought a cold bottle of water for me for our session. I found Alex to be down to earth and he made me feel relaxed right away with his calm and friendly demeanor. I was worried about a GJJ program I was working on (ICP) and was looking for some insight and guidance. Alex worked with me for a few hours and even went to lunch with me. Needless to say all my concerns and worries were gone and I felt confident the program and my Jiu Jitsu after my session with Alex. Thanks Alex! I'll definitely be back for more privates with him, and will also check out his group classes. Oh and even after our session, Alex texted me a couple of time cause he remembered a few more details that would help me with my program, and he also sent me an email the day after with some additional downloadable information. Thanks bro! Alex has programs for kids (a very good bully-proof program), teenagers (his son is a teenager and also teaches with him), adults, and a women's self defense program. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Gracie-Jiu-Jitsu-Whittier/350714081699303?fref=ts read more

If you're looking for a CTC in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, this is the place. I had wanted my son to try this for quite some time but didn't think I'd ever find something local to sign him up. I found this place through an email sent to me so I called to ask questions. I spoke with the head instructor Alex and was very satisfied with the way he answered all my questions and concerns. He was very clear in every detail in regards to the different programs offered. So I told my son about it and he really didn't seem quite interested at first. During the class session I observed how patient Alex was with the kids (which all us parents know can be quite hard to be). This gave me great peace of mind in considering signing him up. Alex knows how to teach the kids in a way that is fun for them and made them feel comfortable to be there. He has a keen sense for keeping the kids engaged throughout the whole hour. Needless to say my son was hooked and told me he wanted to come back again. He had so much fun all while learning the art of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone looking to get into Jiu-Jitsu. Alex and his son Jake are great instructors, passionate about teaching, gentle-spirited, and most importantly, they understand and know what they're doing. Definitely worth trying the free trial period. You will not be disappointed and will probably sign up before the trial ends. Oh yeah...I tried the Gracie Combatives program and now I am enrolled as well. Alex and Jake are just as great with the adults as they are with the kids. read more

AWESOME! Is a understatement to describe how wonderful coach Alex and Jacob are with the kids and their bully proof class. I love the way coach Alex engages with the kids and teaches them at their level for them to understand by jokes, games and real life examples. In the beginning I was doubtful to put my son Ivan (6yr) to a jiujitsu class. I said what good does it make him roll around on the floor. SHAME on me for thinking that after seeing exactly what it is its one of the BEST decisions I made for my son Ivan. This program will help him in the future and give him the confidence he will need. Its a PLUS besides loving the sport he really enjoys it he is always eager to go. Without hesitation this is the place and program I recommend friends and family. read more

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Whittier - My son Ivan having a blast while learning how to defend himself #bullyproof - Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Near Me - Whittier, California

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I have been a martial artist for over 21 years and am proficient in 7 different arts. When it was time for my sons to join I looked around at an array of school and programs (knew what I was looking for in a school). When I met Alex and Jacob and saw how they worked with the children and the level of patients and understanding they give to their students I knew that is the place I wanted my sons to join. My oldest son is very shy but since joining I have noticed how his confidence has grown and he looks forward going to class. We have had such a positive experience that I joined and I have not been disappointed with the quality of class and the quality of the instructor. read more

I've been bringing my 6 year old son to Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Whittier for about two months. Since then his confidence has increased dramatically and it shows in other activities as well. The self confidence he has gained through Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Whittier has spilled over to other aspects of his life. Before he was quite shy and wouldn't participate in activities. Now he's much more active in school and is not afraid to try new things. It's even help him become a better soccer player! He more willing to engage in attacking the ball rather than just run around the field. Every child should be exposed the the Gracie Bullyproof program and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Whittier is the place to start!!! read more

Great philosophy and I like the real life applications. Coach Jacob and Alex are great and very good with children. They train both mind, body, and manners. We've been going on and off for over 5 years. It's also one of the few places that have Saturday classes. We love the bully proof course and class format. read more

Let me add a review as an adult who joined the Gracie Jiu Jitsu family in Whittier just 3 months ago. TL:DR - Starting my Jiu Jitsu journey here has been one of the best decisions for me, as a martial art and personally. The coaches are very competent and help maintain an atmosphere of cooperation and learning that is so crucial. If you're thinking of trying Jiu Jitsu, especially if you're a lightweight person like me, definitely try the 10 day trial at least. You won't regret it. Long version: I've been a featherweight for the past 13 years of my life and always wanted to get into martial arts because honestly, if I ever get into a fight, it's going to be against someone heavier/stronger than me. My dad's a cop who taught me some basic punching form when I was a kid and luckily, knowing how to throw a real punch has saved me many a time throughout my school years dealing with jerks who wanted to pick a fight. I trained in Wing Chun for a bit, but always felt like I would get destroyed by anyone bigger than me if I were to use the techniques, which came true (did some light wing Chun sparring with a friend who's bigger and knew no wing Chun or any martial art: I got pwned). A year ago, I trained in judo for two months and while I thought the sensei was awesome and the dojo had great reviews, all it takes is a sparring session with a dude 50 lbs heavier than me and with an ego to prove to get an injury. A few of the guys there were very experienced but a bit cocky, so it wasn't the best learning environment, no fault of the sensei, who did his best to instruct and balance working with the kids and adults in the same class. Finally worked up the courage to try out the free 10 day trial at Gracie Jiu Jitsu Whittier and I am ever grateful I did. Coach Alex and Coach Jacob are stand-up guys with heart and genuine passion for the art. I appreciated how they've been able to create an atmosphere of cooperation, learning, and hard work whenever I've gone to train. It was seriously completely different from any of my other martial arts experiences. Because the instruction is so detailed and the focus is on really honing each technique until it's second nature, I progressed more in this discipline than any of my previous training. I'm not going to talk about the effectiveness of BJJ because we all know it's effective, but suffice it to say that it's the perfect martial art for me to finally even the odds against someone bigger and stronger than me. I've grown a lot throughout my journey here and my personal confidence has grown into other areas of my life. I've always thought it was cliche, but now I feel like I honestly know what it means now to say that "it's more than just a martial art, it's a way of life." Sad to say that after training 3x a week here for the past 3 months, I had to stop because I'm moving to Oregon. But! I've already found a certified training center up where I'll be living to continue my Gracie Jiu Jitsu journey. Thanks to Coach Alex, Coach Jacob, and all my other friends here who've been so helpful, challenging, and encouraging throughout my time here. It has really changed my life for the better. read more

My 9 year old son has been enrolled in the Bullyproof program with Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Whittier for almost a year and he loves it!. The safe, comfortable and fun environment that the instructors provide has allowed him to learn at his own pace, develop confidence, build self esteem and he's having fun! Bullyproof is awesome! And so is Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Whittier! I highly recommend them!!! read more

After reading other reviews on here I decided to enroll my two energetic boys in the Bullyproof Gracie program with Coach Alex. Truly is one of the best decisions I have ever made! The program itself teaches kids how to defuse a situation with a bully in a safe but very effective way, and it builds confidence while laying a foundation of health and safety. The best part is the kids have an incredibly FUN time. Coach Alex and his team are informed, patient and the instruction is a series of games and movements that are kid friendly and exciting. Both my boys (under 6) were the most focused I've seen them be, its incredible to watch! I highly recommend this studio to ANYONE-kid or adult! read more

Just wanted to update my review: My son is now almost 6 years old and still enjoys his Jui Jitsu classes. (He started when he was 3.5 years old and took about a year off for various reasons. ). When he tested for a belt promotion last year, I was surprised to see all that he truly knew! Coach Alex and his son, Coach Jacob are truly caring, patient and creative with how they teach the children. What stands out most recently to me though, is how much everyone- coaches, kids, and parents- truly care and look out for one another. My son recently had surgery and the concern and love extended to my boy and our family cannot be found just anywhere. We were and continue to be very touched by the support shown to him/all of us. Because my son cannot fully participate at this time, the coaches have invited him to be a "helper" and therefore still remain connected to this extended Jui Jitsu family. If you are seeking something more competitive, there is room for growth at all ages. Thank you Gracie Jui Jitsu for everything! read more

Such an awesome place to train! Coaches are amazing! It's a great experience, I have learned so much!

I want to thank Coach Alex and Coach Jacob for giving me the opportunity to do my Senior project at their Jodo. They taught me how to defend myself without using violence. Also they have a great way teaching about bullying, how to handle the situation. I took my little sister; she loved how they teach kids her age. They teach in a way that the kids have fun, they learn how to defend them selfs without using violence and bad words. I highly recommend Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. They also have a woman's self defense. Great for all ages especially for girls who are going out to college. read more