I was 53 when I first went to Claudio's. I needed a safe enviroment to learn this gentle art and…read morefound it with Claudio, his world class instructors, and the warm big hearted members.

Was camping at New Brighton and stopped in for an open mat. Everyone was very welcoming and…read morefriendly. They all had great technique and I was able to get a lot of rolls in. Will definitely stop by when I am in the area again.

Sandro Batata BJJ changed my life! Having never trained any martial arts before, I was hooked from…read moremy first introductory class with Julio and quickly discovered my passion for BJJ that I hope to continue for as long as I can. From day one I felt like part of the family and was continually pushed to work harder and progress my BJJ game. Each class has a proper conditioning warm up, followed by thorough and detailed instruction on the move(s) of the day, and finished with intense, competitive style training. Julio always takes the time to answer any questions anyone has, re-explain techniques when necessary, and gives on-going advice on techniques, position, and opportunities that arise during training. Having sadly moved away from Santa Cruz and having to switch to other gyms, I can confidently say that I owe the basis of all my knowledge and progression in the sport to Sandro Batata BJJ of Santa Cruz and its instructor Julio. Thank you for everything!

Great place to train! Julio is the head instructor here and is hands on with technique. He…read morecompetes at the black belt level himself so he is up to date on the latest techniques and moves. Awesome environment...with some top level students from white to brown. They also have a few world champions at the academy in Gi and NoGi. The kids class is always packed and a lot of the kids do really well in competitions also! With all the options available these days, this is a great place to start your journey and get real authentic Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Julio doesn't water down his teachings, that is why all the students here do really well. Keep up the good work!

This is a beautiful studio, with a welcoming atmosphere. It's clean and comfortable, with plenty of…read morespace. The bathroom is clean as well. I was visiting in Santa Cruz, and stopped by on a Thursday night for Family Capoeira @ 5 pm... a fun but super-challenging class that teaches skills, language, and music to adults and children alike. Our class had 4 adults, and 6 children - the youngest of which was 2!! Everyone followed our instructor "Teacher Tony" - Formando Currupio. A great time, solid training and a beautiful gym!

Classes are good, however the lady at the front desk has a son who bullies my three year old girl…read more I told the boy to leave her alone and he went and told his mom I was being stern which turned into a big scene and all I wanted was my son to learn jujitsu. Instead I got a lecture on how she wanted me to handle her bully son differently which I didn't care about

Been training 10 months. Great workout, great team mates, and great instructors. Clean mats and…read morefriendly environment.

My son (7 y/o) has been there for over a year, and my husband has joined 6 months ago. It's more…read morethan just learning martial arts, they made a lot of friends. It feels like we've been welcomed into a community. Coach Jerry is very passionate about BJJ and his goal is to have all his students succeed. I recommend coming here if you're looking to learn a new skill set, challenge yourself, and getting into shape. You'll meet great people along the way. - Come in and check out it. They offer 3 free trail classes before you officially sign up.

I have trained here for over a year and only have good things to say. Batata and Julio (the two…read morehead instructors) are great guys and awesome instructors who enjoy what they do; the instruction is very personal, we train hard, and have a great time. If you're looking to do Brazilian Jiu-jitsu this is a great place to start!

*A love letter to my favorite place in the Monterey Bay area.*…read more If you are looking for a martial arts gym in the area that will introduce you to the art and take you to the next level, look no longer. Coach Mark is truly the best with whom I trained under and cares very deeply about helping students continue to realize their potential as human beings and as martial artists. I had my first class here Feb 2021 and was impressed with Mark's high level instruction, and the quality of my fellow teammates. The impression of a martial arts dojo for people who have never trained is that it is full of dangerous people ready to smash newbies. And while this is true for some gyms, Eliteteam Monterey is the type of place that will simultaneously push you to become better and empower you. It was through the coach and teammates' encouragement that I decided to compete, and if you are willing to learn the program and train consistently, you will be carried to another level with the support of a stellar coach and hard working team. Having trained at four different gyms since 2016, one learns to look at some details to understand the "health" of a gym: 1) The mats are always clean and are sanitized after every session. 2) Mark pays close attention to the organization, cleanliness, and vibe of the whole facility, so you feel right at home. 3) A shower is available for those on morning, noon, or evening training schedules and is stocked with "Defense" soap so that every person can keep the team safe with good hygiene (anti-ring worm, anti-staph). 4) This academy now has a Full Monday to Sunday schedule, with 6 AM classes, 12 PM classes, 4 PM classes, and 6PM classes. 5) It is a very inclusive academy and has classes for all levels, and women's classes 8-9 Saturday. 6) The coach constantly emphasizes fundamentals while helping you build skills, and then try them in live sparring under his close supervision so that everyone stays safe. 7) Striking classes are offered as well In addition to jiujitsu, I also benefited a lot from Coach Mark's advice about applying principles of the art in my professional and personal life, and how to improve my health. He provided me with strengthening exercises, cardio exercises, cool podcasts, and coaching at competitions, to help me build more confidence as a person and as a martial artist. Thank you coach Mark and the Elite Team Monterey crew. Catch you on the next roll.

I was visiting for a few days due to work and this was the highlight of my trip. Great vibe, I felt…read moresafe as a visitor, awesome technique. Thanks Coach Mark, and all the others of the team. Highly recommended

We love Santa Cruz Jiujitsu! They create a strong community that builds confidence, strength,…read moreresilience, kindness and respect, all while having fun and learning a skill that transfers not only to the mat, but to daily life. Coach McKenna and Nico are amazing!

I am deeply grateful to the SCJJ coaches for providing my daughters with exceptional martial arts…read moretraining, invaluable individual mentorship, and a village of the most supportive parents and peers. Only 10 and 7 years old, my girls thrive as practitioners of the sport (the youngest even travels nationally for competition), but more importantly, they each have developed a sense of belonging, integrity, grit, and self confidence as a direct result of Nico and McKenna's coaching philosophies, programmatic framework, and gym culture. Cannot recommend this program enough!

I was in Gilroy for work for two weeks and was looking for a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy to train…read moreat. I found three academies in the area, and Gilroy Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was the closest one to my hotel. I went on their website, signed the waiver, and that same day Anthony called me to check in. I told him I was in town for two weeks for work, and he said, "Then you can just come train with us for free." That alone really impressed me. He explained how the classes were organized and let me know that Mondays were takedown-only. Since I was mainly looking to roll, he told me that Tuesday through Saturday were roll days. When I arrived, I had a little trouble finding the academy because it's tucked away upstairs inside a building. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by one of the students, who was extremely friendly. He asked if it was my first time. I told him I had been training for about four months, and he pointed me toward Anthony. I introduced myself to Anthony, and then I started stretching out. The class was exactly what I was looking for. There were a lot of students, the atmosphere was great, and Anthony provided excellent instruction. After class, I told Anthony that I was definitely coming back, but I needed to wash my gi first. He said, "Come here," took me to the back room, asked what size I wore, and when I said A4, he literally handed me a gi and said, "It's yours." I was honestly astonished. I didn't expect that at all. Anthony went above and beyond to make me feel welcome, and that gesture really showed me what kind of person and teacher he is. Anthony is a true blessing, and I'm grateful for the experience. If you're in the Gilroy area and looking for a place to train, I definitely recommend Gilroy Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. 10/10!

My husband and 2 kids (7 & 4) have recently started their BJJ journey and have settled at Gilroy…read moreBrazilian Jiu Jitsu, and we couldn't be any happier. We did our research both within and outside the city for jiu jitsu gyms, and decided to become members here since its an affiliated Caio Terra gym, with International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation certified trainers. From the training coaches to the students, everyone fosters a supportive environment during training, regardless of the level or reason you're there, whether fitness or self defense, entry level or advanced belt. Coach Anthony and Kyle are amazing with the children, and all of the coaches are patient during the kids classes, with children of all ages. The kids come here and are able to learn, develop a sense of comradery, gain confidence, and they all have a lot of fun together. The coaches are very knowledgable and experienced, and willing to share their experience with the students. We're very fortunate to have found a home at Gilroy BJJ and look forward to every training!

A great place for your kids to get their energy out while learning important skills like…read moreself-control and improved fitness. My son really benefitted from the summer camp activities (https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=718624776931153&set=a.495141399279493) that kept him engaged and motivated.

My two sons and I have been studying at Laird's for a few months now and I have to say this place…read moreis amazing. Master Laird is incredible with young students as well as adults. He will make sure you do the best you can and then push you to get better. I spent several years looking at schools and instructors and am delighted to have found Laird's. Highly recommended.