I personally trained at this academy for many many years until I moved from Los Angeles. It's the…read moregold standard of BJJ training by one of the original practitioners of the sport who went on to train world renowned names in the martial arts like Joe Rogan and Eddie Bravo! It's funny to see 2 or 3 people state here on Yelp that the fees are high or that it's not a good place for women. This is so untrue it's obvious their reviews are complete "hit pieces" - having personally spent 2 decades there I think I'm qualified to say "all women" are treated as equals, and as family. Don't believe me, go ask the women who train there now. Or, just go watch a class and judge for yourself. As for the cost of classes, you are paying for a school and instructor that safely trains or trained everyone from children to law enforcement to "major world celebrities" like Hollywood action icon Keanu Reeves (from the "John Wick" Films), and famous comedians like Kevin James (from the TV series "The King of Queens" and "Mall Cop" movies)... and many other famous people who I don't wanna name drop here. But you get my point. Signing up at Jean Jacques Machado's Academy is like becoming a member of an elite community. So you never know who you might recognize that drops in to train. "That's" how in demand this academy is!!! There are a lot of BJJ schools in LA today who are jealous of the success this academy has rightfully gained and maintained (due to its history and perfectionism) and has been a staple in the Los Angeles community way longer before any of these other schools even knew what BJJ was. So any 1 or 2 negative reviews that were posted on yelp are directly from people with an "agenda." The honest truth is if you want safety, top of the line instructions in BJJ in a clean environment, checking this place out would be the smartest thing you could do. You'll see once you study at this academy any other school in Los Angeles will be inferior. Don't believe me? Go see for yourself. I promise you if you're a girl, an old man, or young child it won't make a difference as it won't be long before your membership turns into a family affair filled with many friendships, good times and insane knowledge of the world's greatest self defense system. ... and FYI - I don't benefit from this review... this is from someone who left CA and in hindsight realizes there's no other academy that can compare to it. Anyway that's my 2 cents. Good luck with your journey.

Absolutely the best hands down BJJ academy in southern calif. Being taught by one of the legends of…read moreBJJ and is an unreal honor and an amazing team of professionals who are respectful friendly and super knowledgeable teach daily. Professors Mark and Jay add to the overall experience with their professionalism friendly demeanor and are super knowledgeable about all of the strategies positions and details that they learn personally from Master JJ. Blessed to have been training here.

Place is nice and clean. Stopped by to check out their no gi wrestling taught by Vav Frangulyan. He…read moretrains Arman Tsarukyan so you know he is legit. Parking was a breeze. They have their own dedicated parking. Started with wrestling warm ups and then some techniques and ended with lots of takedown sparring. It was great! This location has a lot of wrestling along with their bjj. That's definitely a huge advantage if you want to improve your stand up and we can always improve our stand up. Definitely check them out.

I've trained her for about two years after a long break of not training and moving. I'm so glad…read morethis dojo was recommended to me and professor Edwin Najmi helped me level up and get back into solid training and competing. The techniques and classes are friendly for all levels and the noon classes with Edwin are my favorite drop in on a Tuesday/ Thursday for lunch and come train. I help coach the kiddos a couple times a week, whether you want to train for fun, want your kids to try a class or you want to come advance class our class schedule makes it easy offering over 40 classes a week. Come train!

This is a tremendous Brazilian jiu-jitsu gym with top-level instruction, plus Muay Thai classes. A…read moregreat mix of gi and no-gi classes, with a super helpful and friendly group of people training here who want to help each other get better. I'd strongly encourage anyone in the area who's been thinking about trying jiu-jitsu to come check out Checkmat Woodland Hills!

From the owner: CHECKMAT was founded in 2008 with a passion to create a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu team that is rooted in…read morefamily, positivity and excellence. Today, it is still that same passion that has spread to all parts of the world through our over 200+ schools. We are proud to have built a genuine and supportive worldwide community of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioners and it’s now we are arriving in Woodland Hills We are Brazilian Jiu Jitsu World Champions. We are Family. We are CHECKMAT / Since 2008

Been training here since 2020 and this gym led to my love for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and MMA. The…read morecoaches are encouraging and kind with respectful manners and discipline. This is a great gym and I'm forever proud and grateful to train here.

My kids have been taking classes here for almost six years and they have grown in skill and…read morediscipline. All of the coaches have encouraged them throughout their jujitsu journey and have maximized their potential fomenting their confidence.

Justin's S&C class on Saturdays is fantastic! It's just the perfect boost to help you build your…read morestamina and strength . I genuinely recommend giving it a try! The coach and gym are wonderful! Likewise, I can't speak highly enough about MAmma! It's been three years since my son started there, and he's grown so much--both in skills and confidence. My husband and I also joined two years ago, and I absolutely love it! I've lost weight, learned incredible new skills, and noticeably improved my fitness. Every coach is incredibly knowledgeable and supportive, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere that welcomes everyone, no matter your level. This is coming from someone who knew absolutely nothing! Each coach offers private lessons, and let me tell you, I've taken private sessions with all of them--wow! They each have their own special strengths, and you'll learn so much. You really should experience it for yourself!

My two sons attend here several times a week and have been doing so for a few months now and they…read moreabsolutely love it. Milton and his staff of coaches are amazing. They are skilled, patient and are teaching important skills that go beyond just fighting. I highly recommend coming here for yourself and your kids.

I brought my 5-year-old son in for a free trial class to see if he would be interested in…read morejiu-jitsu. From the moment class started, I was amazed at how engaged and focused he was. I've never seen him listen so attentively or follow instructions so well in any other sport or activity. The energy in the room was fantastic, and the instructors did an excellent job of keeping the kids focused while creating a positive and encouraging environment. They were firm when needed, patient, and always willing to help my son throughout the class. What stood out to me the most was the culture of teamwork and support. Several of the kids went out of their way to help my son, and it was great to see the older students taking an active role in keeping the younger kids engaged, attentive, and included. It truly felt like a welcoming community. Overall, it was an excellent experience, and I highly recommend Gracie Barra to any parent looking for a structured, supportive, and confidence-building activity for their child.

Gracie Barra Northridge has been great for my boys--and I ended up joining too after seeing how…read moreeffective and useful jiu-jitsu really is. The coaches are patient, structured, and genuinely care about everyone. The environment is positive and welcoming, and there's a strong focus on discipline, respect, and confidence. My kids look forward to training every week, and I've had a great experience myself. Definitely recommend for anyone looking to get into jiu-jitsu.

My 6-year old son started here about a month and a half ago. I found them on Yelp and called to ask…read moreif he could try it out. Professor Bruno was super chill and told him that he can drop in any time they had the kids class so he could try it out, free of charge. On the trial day, Professor Bruno made him feel like he was already part of the ZR Woodland Hills Brazilian Jiu-jitsu family. He lent him a Gi so he didn't feel left out, and right away got him engaged in what they were doing. My son now goes 4 times a week, and his techniques have improved a lot. The vibe of the place is really chill (I know I use that word a lot, but that's the best word to describe this place), but also motivating, encouraging, and FUN! I appreciate how patient all of the instructors are, and how repetitive they can be so that the kids can really understand the techniques. I also admire how Professor Bruno can be silly with the kids, and how compassionate he can be when they're feeling down. I highly recommend trying them out sometime. You'll just have to see for yourself!

ZR BJJ is an extremely positive environment for children and adults alike. Prof. Bruno is a great…read moreteacher!! He's kind yet firm with the students and encourages them regularly. The camaraderie between the students is refreshing to see. They lift each other up and encourage one another and at the same time take their technique/sparring/growth seriously. Our boys have been a part of this studio for almost a year and their skill level continues to grow with each class. We've also seen a big improvement in their self esteem, respect for self and others, and teamwork. We absolutely love this studio, professor and coaches!! Highly recommend!

I come down to Chatsworth to visit family and always throw my gi and mouth guard in my bag. I was…read morehappy to find Academy of BJJ to train at. I've hit a few gyms in the valley now.. Todd has a very technical approach and will adjust you on an individual level. The level of experience is deep.

Trailer for 5 month already!!! Learn from legend Todd !!!…read moreGood for beginners and for professional!! They have a kids classes also !!!

Highly recommend Kaiju and Professor Gabe to serious BJJ practitioners or anyone looking to start…read moretheir jiu-jitsu journey. The passion and love for the sport here are truly infectious, and Professor Gabe is deeply committed to his craft. This was my home gym and where I was first introduced to jiu-jitsu. Gabe's black belts are absolute killers on the mats, yet the overall atmosphere remains relaxed, warm, and incredibly welcoming. Although I haven't had the chance to visit the new location yet, I'd love to drop in soon and get in a few rolls on the mats.

The energy is contagious in the gym The people are all about…read morehelping and improving. No egos , no one trying to injure the other guy. High level practical training without the bs Highly recommend this gym

I love this place my son has been going here for 18 months not always daily due to other sports and…read moreactives but Every-time we go he learns he grows he gets stronger. My son has adhd the staff is great with him they are all patient and highly skilled at there craft. I definitely suggest everyone sign there kids up for Fight works.

We love the facility, the instructors, the fellow families that attend and give it a friendly…read morefamily vibe, we love the class sizes and the skills they're being taught Highly recommend! You can check it out for a free trial class