I own a large service, repair and install company across Los Angeles County, and I raced as a child and professionally through my teens and twenties. I LOVE COMPETITION and I know business. Losing is a phenomenal motivator to hone your skills. We were told about a "friendly" competition at my children's BJJ gym and traveled over an hour to Inspirit for my daughters 2nd and sons first comp. Inspirit is a very clean gym, and we had a pleasant experience throughout the morning and part of the afternoon. The large, enclosed back area felt safe, allowing my youngest to roam around unsupervised. What I think is absolute nonsense is that my daughter, who just earned her grey belt with a white stripe, was moved from a division of three other kids with the same belt to the division with the highest grey belt. They paired my daughter with the owner's daughter, who, in my opinion, is definitely not a grey belt. My daughter fought, tried, and lost, and THAT'S OK. We're PROUD of her and we know what she needs to work on. But what I'm not proud of is the gym lying about it being a friendly competition and then promoting a far less experienced practitioner so their child could win. That's pretty low. A lady next to me, whom I've never seen before, said, "That wasn't even a fair fight," and the coach from our gym later voiced the same opinion to our professor. Our friends voiced that same opinion. To add insult to injury, our gym professor doesn't enter his kids in these "friendly" tournaments due to ethical concerns. So, is this the kind of sportsmanship, ethics and self defense you want to learn or have your kids learn!?! if it is, you've found your gym. Who calls us from the gym to "check up" and then "thank us for our feedback?" - Some random employee who also tried to take responsibility for making the bracket, that's BAD business and I'd bet the family farm she didn't set the brackets - the owners do. At least I now know you're so ashamed of your decisions, you're unwilling to take responsibility for your actions and willing to throw a 7 year old and an adult under the bus. Here's your "feedback" read more

Would recommend Inspirit Jiujitsu to everyone! Started training with them 2.5 years ago and I am continually impressed by their professionalism and quality of training. Whether you're a beginner, experienced hobbyist, or looking for high level competition training, Inspirit has a place for you. The academy is beautifully put together and extremely clean. Their professors are not only knowledgeable and caring, but they lead by example, pushing themselves in competition and displaying discipline daily. As a woman and someone who was not familiar with martial arts it took me a while to feel comfortable and everyone was extremely patient and encouraging. I have built amazing friendships and been able to push my limits in a safe and uplifting environment. Along with adult training I have been able to witness the kids program and how much they instill confidence and discipline at an early age, I have watched kids absolutely transform on and off the mats because of the lessons they learn in training. Inspirit is an amazing academy and a blessing to have in this community! read more

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I'm not sure why I took so long to give this place a review, but it deserves 5 plus stars! Professor Rodrigo and his entire staff are superb! Everyone is friendly, welcoming, and highly skilled to train, teach, coach, mentor, and are very supportive of their students. My daughter loves this gym and has trained for almost 1 year here. She came in not knowing anything and has gained so much knowledge physically and mentally. She began her journey at Rodrigo Freitas BJJ almost 1 year ago and has been competing for almost 6 months now. I highly recommend this gym to anyone at any age and level of experience. See you on the mats! read more

Inspirit Jiu Jitsu Academy - Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Near Me - Redondo Beach, California

We've been to several bjj gyms between Long Beach and the South Bay, and this gym is amazing! Rodrigo, Gabriel and team are all great, knowledgeable, and welcoming. My 3 kids all trained and placed very well in each of their competitions due to the training and guidance provided by Rodrigo. I know there are a lot of bjj Studios in the South Bay, but this is definitely one of the best! Thanks guys! K, M, L & E read more

Coach Rodrigo and his staff are friendly, knowledgeable, and most importantly, work well with their little students. My 4 year old thoroughly enjoys his BJJ classes, even when being (safely) thrown down. The 3 instructors per class evenly provide 1 on 1 instructions to the students each class. I'm most appreciative for this dojo to teach my son an useful martial arts (dad wrestled and did Krav Maga) in such a safe and fun manner. Please remember to bring your own water as my only suggestion is the dojo to have a water cooler for the student's to refill their water bottles if need be. read more

Inspirit Jiu Jitsu Academy - Learning greater respect on International Women's Day - Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Near Me - Redondo Beach, California

I walked into this BJJ academy with no experience and was welcomed with open arms! I absolutely love the atmosphere and camaraderie here because Professor Rodrigo and all the instructors really make it a supportive, encouraging, and family environment. The instruction taught here is really high caliber and I learn so much from the drills, techniques, and specific trainings. The people training here are very kind as well and are willing to give you tips and advice as you are rolling with them. The instructors continually walk around and are always willing to help you out. Overall, I absolutely love it at RFTBJJ and would recommend this place to anyone seeking to grow in self-confidence, discipline, and fun :)! read more

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Best Bjj kids program in the area. From beginner kids who are there to learn self defense to high level competitors. Ibjjf Kids PanAm winners. Team trophies etc... You won't find a better BJJ academy. read more

Can't recommend or praise this studio and its outstanding instructors enough! My 4.5 yo son started this past March 2022, and was initially hesitant to continue, couldn't perform the basic warms ups like jumping Jacks and burpees, nor did he seem to "get" the moves - quite natural for kids his age. However, the care and personal attention of the instructors numbering between 3-6 on any given day for a low instructor to student ratio coupled with a curriculum geared to keep things fun while learning helped engage my son along with making new friends. Over time, he became more proficient, notably after the 3-4 month mark. Earning a monthly stripe aided in further encouragement. Finally, this past week, after 6.5 mo. of training, he entered and won his first tournament. What was most notable was not that he won, but how he won - other kids are far more aggressive, and typically scored first. But my son persevered - a key objective for our enrolling our son - and methodically re-gained control to win a gold medal. Even in an exhibition match where he went against another student with the next belt and stripes, and thus, had 12 months additional in lessons, my son held his own with the opportunity to win before time expired in his valiant loss 0-2 - a moral victory to his parents. Between my son having fun and developing the means of self defense as well as coordination (vs. standing around in most other group sports his age), we could not be more ecstatic or expect more. He's free to pursue other sports interest or continue with BJJ after another year when we'll be confident our son won't have to worry about being physically bullied. read more

Inspirit Jiu Jitsu Academy - 5 yo gold medalist! - Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Near Me - Redondo Beach, California

I have been training under professor Freitas for over 2 years. Prior to this I did 6 months of bjj and MMA training at Werdum combat team in Marina Del Rey. Professor Freita's approach to training is centered on the individual student. He has an overall goal in mind for the class as a whole, but never forgets about the attention needed from each individual student. This type of attention and consideration gets passed on to everyone in the school making it an extremely kind and caring environment! The best part of all is that I have won Gold (white belt) at the Pan American Championship, and Gold (blue belt) at the American National Championship in three different divisions. To say that I have learned a thing or 2 about myself, bjj, and other people would be a huge understatement! read more

Inspirit Jiu Jitsu Academy - 1st Place at the Pan Ams at the Bren Center in UC Irvine. - Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Near Me - Redondo Beach, California

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We cant be happier. Our son loves this place and so do we. Always greeted with a friendly smile. Every is always so nice. The kids get to workout and learned about jiu-jitsu while having a blast at the same time. Highly Recommended!!! read more

This review is really long overdue. When I was looking for a place to learn Jiu-Jitsu, I was really intrigued when I read the existing reviews and the words "family" and "friendly" were consistently used to describe the atmosphere at Rodrigo Freitas Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. My first day I stopped by, to watch from my car. The second day I came in and spoke to their staff (it actually feels weird calling the staff now that I know them) and watched some more. I've now been training here now for approximately 4 to 5 months now. And I have to say, this place is truly family-oriented and friendly. Location is awesome, right off the 405 freeway at Rosecrans. Mats are clean Perfect Schedule Quality Instructors Awesome welcoming people read more

Ahh man, I miss this place so much. I trained under Professor Rodrigo for almost a year and it was a life changing experience. This is a place where you learn a great art, make friends and family, learn discipline and believe me its fun to be here. Professor Rodrigo has created a family like environment who learn and roll together, laugh together and respect each other. I will recommend this place any day over any other place. read more

Gracie Barra Manhattan Beach (GB MB) has been a life changer for myself. I have been training at GB MB for roughly 6 months and in that short time there has already been a significant healthy shift in my life both physically and mentally. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is a great form of self defense which has proven its effectiveness time and time again in multiple MMA events. BJJ is also a really fun way of exercising as well. I have lost 12lbs and have become a lot stronger and leaner in my short time with GB MB. Doing BJJ at GB MB has also inspired me to be very conscious of what I eat and how I exercise when I am not at the school. Seeing the results of my healthy transformation has definitely improved my self confidence and quality of life which has helps me to enjoy life a lot more. The staff at GB MB are the backbone of the school that makes learning BJJ very enjoyable. Professor Digo is a very positive instructor that is very knowledgeable and experience with BJJ who is very open to share his knowledge. Digo is also a decorated and active competitor that has won several BJJ contest since I have been attending GB MB. Eddy, the school's manager, is very friendly and is willing to go that extra mile to make sure you experience at GB MB is more enjoyable. Gracie Barra is a very organized world wide entity that has a community of dedicated and passionate BJJ practitioners globally; GB MB is a direct reflection of this entity. All the students at GB MB are friendly and are open to share their knowledge of BJJ which improves everyone's BJJ experience. I give two enthusiastic thumbs up to GB MB! You should come by and take the free class to quench your curiosity of the school and BJJ. --Post Script-- I don't work at Gracie Barra. This is my genuine review of the school. read more

After 10 years of searching for something that can manage both my Weight and Depression I am glad to say my search is over. After the very first session I was hooked. BJJ is very addicting specially when you start to see not just results in weight loss and technique but in self esteem as well. Being well into my 30's my confidence has been boosted like never before since starting BJJ with Professor Digo. It is something that I wish i would have started in my youth but at least I have it now and I do not see my self stopping ever. My weight when I started was 300lbs and now I'm at 265. BJJ has been a life changer. The team at RFBJJ makes you feel like you are part of something more. Everyone is very friendly and has genuine interest in bettering your self. I highly recommend to start your BJJ journey at RFBJJ sooner than later. You will regret waiting. read more

I love the staff here. I thought I would enroll my daughter here for the summer but she loves it so much that I am going to be here for a long time. the training that my daughter receive is world class and she has made a lot of friends there too. I guess I am a jujitsu dad now and loving it. read more

4 Stars Gotta find a new place to train out here, so I'm checking out some of the BJJ schools close to me. I came in on a weekend, and since the head instructor was away at a tournament w/ a lot of the team, Eddy had come up from OC to teach class, and he is a great instructor and grappler. Went over some throws and submissions and drilled. When class was done, it was time for an open mat and I had a chance to roll for a little while. I needed the fix because I was having withdrawals, and it started my weekend off right. Still have a few different schools to check out, but hopefully I'll be able to come back here again at least once or twice more before making my final decision..... read more

I've been training here for almost 6 months now 2 days a week and really enjoy the atmosphere. Professors are all great and everyone I've interacted with have been very helpful. There are fundamental and advanced adult classes with daytime and evening sessions. Children's classes that look great and my 5 yo daughter may be joining soon. Thanks for a great environment to train bjj see you there. read more

Inspirit Jiu Jitsu Academy - Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Near Me - Redondo Beach, California

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My hubby and I would follow Digo anywhere! so gald to be part of his team 5+ years training under Digo!! wow!!! Please trust me when i say you will thank yourself after you've joined... its not only training but the way of life..... YOU WILL LOVE IT! read more

I started my jiu jitsu journey here over two years ago and I have spent time at other schools as well. I can say without a doubt that GBMB is a top notch school for all levels. I had no grappling experience whatsoever when I started, but Professor Digo was diligent in teaching me the foundations of the art. Many schools launch into whatever they're teaching that day, which could be a super advanced technique, and leave little time for explanation. Sink or swim, basically. That is not the way things are done at Gracie Barra schools, and most especially here. At GBMB, there is an amazing focus on the fundamentals class unlike I've seen anywhere else. Even the most advanced guys in the school are always being encouraged to attend that class, and that is a great thing to see in a sport where higher belts tend to generally have little involvement with the lower belts. There is a unique culture of giving back to the more inexperienced members and a badge of honor for completing both the advanced and fundamentals classes in the same night. Professor Digo and Eddy ensure all of the students are well-taught, and it shows in our competition success. Even if you never choose to compete, the school really creates a team atmosphere and pushes everyone in the room towards success. In particular, the kids program is tremendous and I highly recommend anyone with children interested in martial arts to come check it out. While I have no kids of my own, I have seen how much fun, excitement, and energy these kids bring every single time they step on the mat. Everyone has a smile on their face and the training is impressive. Professor Digo has an obvious talent for teaching children and his enthusiasm is contagious. read more

Hello BJJ Family, I have been in several BJJ school and other martial arts, and none can compare to the quality of training and knowledge of Professor Rodrigo Freitas, and all his crew, they are all great professor, instructors, teachers and about all they make you feel from the start like family, all of the students are very dangerous people and they are also great human, I recommend them to all people that are looking for the best training, and that want to learn the art, around the most humble people. Thank you Douglas L, Arias read more

The vibe is amazing, makes everyone want to train every day because it makes you happy. It's also a high level sport BJJ gym. Almost every one either actively competes or has competed, to include all the professors and coaches making this place a true top notch academy. read more

A great training environment for all levels. They have noon and night classes. They even have competition training. Also, they have both Gi and NoGi classes. Professor Freitas provides great instruction and details. I highly recommended this place. Place is clean and ego free. Tell them that the Big Filipino sent you. read more

A little over two years ago, my wife and I decided to enroll our children in Brazilian jiu-jitsu ("BJJ") and we have not been disappointed. We chose BJJ because we thought it might be a practical martial art that would ultimately give our children a skill set to physically defend themselves. Two key components of training in BJJ are specific training (working on a technique with your partner resisting your attempts) and sparring. The physical nature of BJJ training provides a tremendous feedback loop to how you are actually progressing as you are constantly matched up against appropriate opponents. We chose Gracie Barra Manhattan Beach after auditing a number of classes across various BJJ studios because of Professor Rodrigo ("Digo") Freitas' interaction with the children. He keeps the classes fun for the children and he is incredibly patient. He once told me that to keep a child's long-term interest in this (or any) sport, it needs to stay fun for them and I whole-heartedly agree. So in between the animal races at the beginning of class and a class-ending game, Professor Digo is running a structured BJJ curriculum for the children that is fun and engaging. As an involved parent watching my children's development in BJJ, I am amazed at how much they have progressed. My son started competing a little over a year ago and the improvement in his technique from tournament to tournament has been remarkable. Professor Digo and Coaches Henrique and Ian are all national-caliber competitors themselves and have all helped hone my son's technique and style. I have even joined my children and have been practicing BJJ for almost 18 months. I was physically fit before I started but BJJ training has taken my fitness to a new level. I have dropped 10 pounds. I have competed at the biggest BJJ tournaments in the senior brackets and medalled under the guidance of Professor Digo and Coaches. As a parent, gym rat, and aspiring senior-level competitor, I think I can say with a high degree of certainty that Gracie Barra Manhattan Beach has a great Professor and Coaches, a great staff, and great classmates and teammates and I would recommend this school if you have any interest or aspirations in BJJ. read more

I enrolled the little ones in Rodrigo Freitas' BJJ class for kids when it was a Gracie dojo and I am very happy. I specifically DID NOT go to a closer Karate school that felt like a belt factory, and chose Freitas because of his extensive Gracie background. (pro tip: the name on the sign changed, but the top-shelf instruction happily hasn't!) I have a martial arts background and i'm happily impressed that they are getting appropriate skills for their age. The boys are twins and have a ton of energy that is being nicely focused at their level with that typical Brazilian kindness and warmth. Your kids will be trained safely by good people here. The boys love it, and now constantly try new holds at home on anybody who will roll on the floor with them. They just got their first stripe on their belts and I am seeing a marked difference in their speed, coordination, teamwork and confidence. This location is very freeway close w/ plenty of parking and also close to Fedex, costco, groceries and anything else I typically need to knock out for evening errands right before or after class. The staff are very polite and caring, always courteous and professional (never pompous jerks or bullies). There's a lovely picnic table outside with a picture window that allows me to take work calls outside while watching the boys train. I can't think of anything bad to say! Too bad yelp doesn't allow for 6 stars. ABROGADA, Freitas BJJ! read more

My fiance and I are loving this place so far. He's been going for about a month and I love to come watch him practice. Digo is very nice and friendly. He always says hi to me when I'm there. He seems to be very informative and helpful to the students. The other Brazilian guys are very friendly as well. read more

I love this place. My 6 year old daughter was enrolled in the beginner's class and really liked it. Professor Rodrigo and his staff do an amazing job with the children. They expect discipline, but are also very patient with them. I love how close knit and inviting this family owned business is. Although my daughter is no longer in the class because she wanted to try a different activity, I continue to attend the body conditioning class Saturday mornings and enjoy it. This class is good for pretty much anyone...active, athletic, or those of us who have never set a foot in the gym. It mostly consists of mom's, but there are a few guys there and women with no kids. read more

I cannot say enough good things about this school. My four year old has been going here for almost two months and he loves every class. Professor Rodrigo and his team are fantastic with kids. They understand that at that age, the little ones are bound to space out but they keep all the classes fun and challenging. The team genuinely cares and the atmosphere is one of support and fun. I love going there myself because it's such a happy place. And make no mistake...you or your child, whoever attends will learn and get strong. read more

Inspirit Jiu Jitsu Academy - Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Near Me - Redondo Beach, California

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Recommended for kids! My 10 yr old daughter and my 7 yr old son are more than 1 yr into training here. Both kids have a lot of fun with it. There is a student to teacher ratio of about 4:1 so the kids are well supervised and get 1 on 1 attention. read more

My 8 year old and I both train here. This is a family friendly environment. The owners and staff go out of their way to make everyone feel they are part of a big family. read more

Best Jui Jitsu in LA. These guys are so nice to everyone. My 6 years old son really enjoys his classes and is never scared of going back. All the teachers are very professional and really nice with the kids. We tried three other places and this one was hands down the best we found. They don't push to compete all the time which I find is refreshing, but on the other hand, all their kids win the competitions. Michelle at the front desk is the heart of this place and makes it all work out. Very family oriented. I can't talk for the adults even though they all seem to really be into it. read more

My 6 year old and I both train here and I couldn't have asked for a better place. Both of the professors and the coaches here are extremely knowledgeable but more importantly they love what they do and it shows. A family oriented academy with good people that love to train. read more

Professor Rodrigo and Ian are the best! World class training catered to anyone of all ages! Very friendly and family oriented gym! The best in Manhattan beach! If you live in the area and train somewhere else than you are training in the wrong place! read more

Everyone there is very professional in every way and Rodrigo is amazing at teaching. If your a beginner or if you come with a background he can definitely enhance your skills to another level. I have nothing but admiration for everyone there. -Alex read more

My husband and I searched for a jiujitsu studio that offered a great children's program and we definitely found it. Digo is awesome with the kids. My kids love it!!! read more

My son trains here 4 days a week. Absolutely amazing. His strength and confidence has grown. Professor Digo, and Ian and Coach Manny provide great training for the kids, a strenuous work out while teaching them discipline and respect for others. They stress proper technique and skill. All the other staff and members are very welcoming and made me feel like I had part of this organization for years. Highly recommended for kids and adults alike. read more

Love this place , I couldn't of ask for a better place to train ... it's family oriented, awesome people to train with ... they are very welcoming. ..come check it out .... read more

This place gets 3 stars for great friendly staff, not a 5 stars place because the prices are not quite what I wanted to pay. Other than that the trainers look really good with the kids and kids loved them. If they drop the price just a Litle bit, this place would be a five star gym. read more

GBMB is a great place to train. The environment is fun and collaborative, and the students are friendly... but what really sets it apart is the quality of the instruction. Professor Digo is a humble, approachable guy who also happens to be a wizard on the mats. He teaches a very technical, detail-oriented style of jiu jitsu. If you come to class, you'll improve steadily under his guidance. Come check out the school if you're interested in jiu jitsu! read more

I've been training at Gracie Barra Manhattan Beach for over four months. I tried a few places in the South Bay but liked it here best. Digo, the head instructor (professor), is a great teacher. He's very nice and approachable. He stresses technique, safety, and fun. The students are a good group, too. Everyone is friendly and helpful. If you're looking to learn martial arts or just trying to find a great work out this is a good place to go. read more

Can't say enough good things about Professor Digo and his academy. All of the instructors are knowledgeable and provide a great atmosphere for anyone to come and train. If you are in the area and looking for a school for yourself, or your children, you have to check them out. You won't be disappointed! read more