Super welcoming to visitors! Very friendly team, love the easygoing spirit of the school and camaraderie between the students. Professors and coaches were also extremely patient and supportive. One of the friendliest schools I've had the pleasure of visiting. read more

Best bjj school for adults and kids! I have been with Lion Heart for 4 months now and it's been the best choice for my kid and myself. The kids classes have multiple coaches so the kids always have eyes on them and they split up the beginners and more experienced so the kids are never lost. Seeing how well the kids class was run made me want to jump in the adults and I been loving every class since I started here . Lion heart is a great gym wether you want to just train or compete. read more

I truly love LHJJA. Where the instruction is top notch, with a great mixture of old school "advanced" basics and all the new cutting edge techniques. The upper belts are always very helpful with all the new belts ensuring they learn instead of treating them like objects solely for their own benefit as often seen in other academies. The kids program is great as the coaches clearly love seeing the kids improve. Last and not least is the friendly atmosphere that promotes a real family vibe. I've met so many great people here from all walks of life. read more

Lion Heart is a magnificent gem of a school in the SGV. I've been training for a while and seen and been to many schools and can't recommend this academy enough. The instruction is top notch- it is hip to ever the evolving modern game but never ignoring the fundamentals. Aside from that the whole team is always so welcoming. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned jiujitsu player you will find something worth coming in for. I highly recommend stopping by for a trial /class to level up your game. read more

Probably one of the best academies I've ever been to. I'm pretty particular about who and where I train. I've been training for over 6 years and have had plenty of injuries along the way. Jeremy and Joe run a safe training space that allows for growth, safety, and overall looking out for one another. On cleanliness The academy is incredibly clean, and it's really cool to be in a space that is half gym and professional training, and half jiu-jitsu academy. There's a dedicated dressing area with storage and even private dressing rooms. It's really nice. On vibe The group here is very easygoing. We all like to joke, goof off, and encourage each other to grow and get better. I'm consistently being supported by my seniors and higher belts, and I like to do the same and pass my tips and knowledge down to the lower belts as well. This is something I haven't always seen at other academies. There's not anyone I can think of here who is trying to "prove themself" or rip your head off. I truly cherish some of the friendships I've nurtured during the time I've been training here. On instruction Coach Joe has in my opinion one of the best teaching styles. I've trained at a lot of academies, and they gloss over many really important details I've found. Joe and his team's curriculum really focuses on one specific position for a good amount of time so you understand its attacks, reversals, and finally its defense. It's a training methodology I haven't experienced anywhere else. On amenities The mat is one of the softest I've had the pleasure of rolling on. Easy going vibe, super cold filtered water, and clean facility. On parking Parking is underrated and often looked over. I've straight up passed on academies because of how hard it was to find parking. Imagine stressing out every time you're getting off work to just be stressed about parking again. The parking situation at Lionheart is incredibly easy with a lot of street parking and residential parking too. If you're on the fence, come into the academy for a class and see if you like the energy. That's what I did and it's changed my entire life. read more

Great vibe and good people, friendly, down to earth, no judgement, one big happy family. Instruction is intentional and top notch with consistent individual feedback (Thank you Coach Joe, Kenny and Jeremy!). The workout and training always leaves me feeling great after class. Good sized facility and mats that are always kept clean. Cherry on top, its only a few minutes from my house. read more

Great school, great instructors, and great vibe. Tried many schools in the past, but this one is truly special. Highly recommended

This place is incredible! I came in having zero experience, but the second I walked in it was a very inviting environment. Everyone is super friendly and willing to help you out. Coaches are outstanding and explain the material extremely well, and are also extremely patient. Great place! if your looking to learn Jiu Jitsu with a bunch of incredible people Lion Heart is the place! read more

Love it here. Respectful environment, detailed instruction, proper warmups, clean space, and an overall inviting energy for newcomers like me. Been coming here for about 2 months now and I've been super satisfied with my experience thus far - a healthy balance of feeling both challenged and supported. So glad I stumbled upon this studio. I'd recommend this space to anyone who has the slightest curiosity to try. This is the spot. read more

Jeremy will make you work, count the time while you're working, and somehow listen to all the bs that you're saying. Best . Of . Best .

OSU!! My Brazilian jiu-jitsu story is pretty boring. I trained for a few years at 10th planet, moved on and later got injured rolling, and ultimately stayed away from the sport for at least five years. Fast forward to today. I was visiting LA and had the luxury of time. Plus, I think it was time to see if I was ready to train again 10 months post meniscectomy. An old BJJ friend had opened a studio in Pasadena and I finally got the chance to visit for a quick open mat session. I was kinda nervous at first, but I quickly left those feelings behind. Just one hour of rolling and building rapport with the dedicated guys at Lion Heart provided me with the greatest feeling ever. I totally forgot about the camaraderie between BJJ guys. One of the best parts of training! I was pleasantly surprised by how much I remembered instinctually. I'm sore as hell at the moment since I lack the conditioning, but I wasn't too shabby. Plus, I got to experience my first jiu-jitsu puke session in a long time! The facility may be a bit small, but it's a non-issue for me. The people are great and that's what it is all about. If I still lived in the 818, I would most definitely be training here 3x per week. Y'all should come by and learn some skills, make some great friends, and listen to some phat tracks from the 90s! "Vo-cab-u....lary's necessary, When diggin' into my library!" OSU!! read more

Lion Heart Jiu Jitsu Academy - Perfect hair forever versus absolute train wreck - Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Near Me - Pasadena, California

I've been training here the last couple of months, and I have to say I have fallen in love with the classes. Everyone has a very positive energy and is super enthusiastic about helping you grow. Even though I am just starting to get back into training again, the staff has been super supportive and I feel like I have already advanced a lot. It is a very laid-back setting where people still want to push you to do your best, with the understanding that some of us have full time normal people jobs. I highly recommend coming here if you are looking for great BJJ classes and a good crowd to roll with. read more

Best class I've been to. First drop in is free. Great community and class super organized from warm ups-- drills-- rolling. 100% recommend!

I can't say enough about Lion Heart Jiu Jitsu. Professor Joe is a incredible instructor. He is very detailed in his teaching and is passionate about jiu jitsu. Everyone there is very humble and to me that is important. I also have my 8 year old in the kids program. She enjoys everyone in her class and loves the instructor. I highly recommend this academy for anyone wanting to start jiu jitsu or for anyone looking for a new academy. read more

This is a great place to train. Good vibes & energy. You get a good workout w/cool people & coach Joe has a wealth of jiu jitsu knowledge & skills that will help improve your grappling game. All around great environment to learn & train jiu jitsu for all levels whether you're a beginner or advanced. I highly recommend this place. read more

Amazing gym! Zero intimidation, everyone is super friendly. Coaches are very welcoming and kind and all the students are as well. Classes aren't rushed at all and techniques are focused on for a few weeks at a time to really properly learn. As a beginner I appreciate this greatly! You won't find a better school in Pasadena. read more

I've been coming to Lion Heart for more than a few months now and the atmosphere has such a family vibe. Everyone is always so light hearted and jovial--and the instructors are very knowledgeable. Several of my classmates are placing in the top 3 in BJJ tournaments so it's super impressive how everyone keeps it light and yet the focus and skill building is undeniable. I can see myself coming here for years. If you're looking for a martial arts fam and building sharp skills--your search is over. read more

My kids love the BJJ program. Wonderful environment. Great coaches! Couldn't be happier.

As soon as I walked into the academy, I was immediately surprised by the space and training environment that Lion Heart Jiu Jitsu provides. The mats are well-sized and both the instructors and students immediately welcomed me with open arms. The instruction was spot on as we went over more intermediate concepts that require a keen eye for detail. Lastly, the rolls were tough but safe: each roll was competitive yet no one was cranking or forcing any submission attempts. Overall, I had a great time at Lion Heart Jiu Jitsu and I highly recommend for folks visiting the Pasadena area to train here. Thank you again Jason and David for the awesome experience! read more

Lion Heart Jiu Jitsu Academy - Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Near Me - Pasadena, California

Really great vibe with really great people. Love the coaching and felt home right away. Very happy to be a part of this academy.

Y'all ever thought to yourself, "damn I should probably get myself into some sort of martial arts." Well if you haven't, you should and give this academy a shot. Who wants to get their head knocked back every session through striking anyways; instead, do jiu jitsu and get really tight, snug hugs. Everyone is very welcoming and supportive. They have great coaches that will help you grow your game and even the other students will facilitate you to improve as well. I started about a month ago and I sucked; today, I still suck, but just a little less so. But thats part of the experience of learning and I'm glad to have chosen this academy to grow my skills. Everyone here is awesome, and so is the music and vibes. So what you waiting for and come train. read more

I love the positive, encouraging environment Jeremy (the owner) has established here! We enrolled our little boy in classes, and we couldn't be happier with the patience and encouragement he gets from his coaches. Watching him grow and learn has been so inspirational, that I signed myself up for classes too! If you're looking for a community to join, look no further! read more

As a paragon athlete from San Luis Obispo I was excited to travel and go to my first practice yesterday at Lion Heart. I was a little nervous cause I'm nursing a knee injury and being a new guy in a BJJ room isn't always "smooth" but these guys couldn't have been nicer or cooler. Super gracious, everyone was friendly and respectful about the knee and folks were patient in teaching me new techniques that I've never seen before. At the end, we got some goofy pictures and I bought a shirt to remind myself of how great I felt being included and welcomed like that. The instruction is top notch and it was, dare I say "fun". Thanks guys and next time I'm in the hood I'll be dropping in. Cheers! read more

Lion Heart Jiu Jitsu Academy - Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Near Me - Pasadena, California

I was here for a trial class, and it was awesome!! My other life obligations currently requires my attention but if I need to pick a Jiu Jitsu school in the Pasadena area. Lion Heart Academy is the way to go. I have done quite a bit of research starting from pricing, to people and atmosphere Lion Heart is probably the best place to train around the area. From my short experience here everyone was very friendly but focused at the same time. I had the pleasure to meet both Coach Jason and Professor Ben both were super knowledgeable and passionate about what they do. Once I get more time, I will be back to learn from these masters of Jiu Jitsu. Thank you again coach Jason for the trail class. read more

Great facility if you're looking for a personal trainer for your gains or if you want to learn Jiu Jitsu. It has both combined with some of the most decorated instructors/coaches I know. They are diligent with helping you grow to where you want to be, and they care about your progress. read more

I pondered coming here for a long time to take Jujitsu. I don't know what took me so long to try it out. Everyone is so helpful, patient, friendly, understanding, dedicated, hard working, the list goes on. I am so impressed with the coaches. These men are built and are so knowledgeable. The mats and changing rooms are kept clean. They offer filtered water. When you come in you feel welcomed. The few women that I have met here are so down to earth. Ladies if you are thinking you want to try something new or just for self defense or even just to get in shape try this out. I need you all in here to represent. It's free for a week with no commitment. That's what I did. And I loved. I signed up right after my trial period ended. I hope to see more women sign up. ;-) read more

I absolutely love this school! And Coach Jason is one of the best instructors I've ever trained under. I've been here for a couple of months and never once have I had a bad experience with any of the students or instructors not only that, it's a pleasure and I walk away happy after every class. Coach Jc, coach Jr and coach Herb are awesome with legit instruction with attention to details. Love this school. read more

Great team, more like family and welcomes anyone with open arms. They teach you step by step, and take the time to really help you grow. read more

Such a great school! The instructors are amazing; very patient, making sure that everyone is following what is being taught, is involved, and stays safe. Their love of jiu-jitsu shines through; they are avid practitioners, eager to share their art. The students are genuinely cordial, with zero attitude and great enthusiasm for the sport and the school. The school is located inside Pasadena Strength & Conditioning, but they have a ton of space to themselves. Very clean and well ventilated, with a huge, gap-free mat that goes up to the surrounding walls for extra safety and peace of mind. It's a pleasure to roll around there. I would highly recommend giving Lion Heart jiu jitsu a shot; they will impress you. It's a young school and their hunger is inspiring. read more

This school is awesome! Coach Jason, Coach Jc, Coach Jeremy and Professor Ben are great instructors. The entire vibe of the group is welcoming, and overall you just have fun learn Jiu jitsu. All the coaches take their time teaching you moves step by step, and help develop your game into the next level. I highly recommend Lion Heart Jiu Jitsu academy for anyone of all levels. read more

My kids and I have been attending Lion Heart Juijitsu for a few months now, and we couldn't be more pleased. My kids are seven and nine, and they both had no prior experience. Coach Claudia is so caring and thorough that it makes them excited to return every Tuesday and Thursday. They've grown a lot in such a short amount of time. I myself enjoy training here for a number of reasons...nice clean environment, great music to roll to, and good energy all around from the coaches and fellow students. Coach Joe and Coach Nick's skills and techniques are amazing but what amazes me even more is their ability to break everything down for someone like me to actually be able to comprehend what they're teaching. I love coming here to train and I think you would too. Come by to check out a class and say hi. I'll be the fat guy at the end of the line in warm ups huffing and puffing my butt off lol. Haha, it's all about progress. Come and progress with us! read more

A coworker told me about this place and I am loving it. The two coaches are patient and serious about training and have facilitated an excellent team atmosphere. There is a good balance of working out, training and sparring. They also have a variety of types of classes. read more

If you're looking for a down to earth atmosphere with world class coaching you NEED to check out Lion Heart. Coach Jason is phenomenal and has SO much patience. I'm not the fastest learner so I often asked him to reshow me a technique, and a what if, or how to follow up, and he takes it in stride, and answers thoroughly and precisely. Coach Jeremy is a straight monster as well. He's fast, strong, knows the techniques, and has the motor of a train. If you're looking to learn the art of Jiu Jitsu I couldn't recommend a better place to learn. If you're looking for an insane workout, please see previous sentence lol. In all seriousness though, my experience training here has been second to none and I can't rave enough about how great the coaching is, the atmosphere, the knowledge and patience the coaching staff posses, and the acceptance and encouragement from those in the class. read more

I have been to many gyms, and this one has one of the best atmospheres. The coaches are welcoming and offer a great program that is both rewarding and challenging. I highly recommend this gym to all people, experienced and newcomers! OSS! read more

I had a blast at this place! Coach Jason is very good and professional, he makes sure you learn all the technique right! The class size is small, you feel like you are in a private class and everyone is super friendly and helpful! Even though this is my first class, I'd able to practice some pretty cool techniques! I could not thank Jason and the teams more! read more

I have been coming to Lion Heart on a regular basis for almost two years now and received my blue belt from Professor Ben and coaches Jason, JC and Jeremy. I had previously trained at 2 other schools(one in Pasadena and one in Eagle Rock), but neither 'fit' me. Lionheart fits me perfectly, because, as they advertise, this place truly does have 'good vibes'. Not only is there top notch instruction and drilling followed by hard rolls during the live sparring, but there is a deep camaraderie and nonstop laughter and hijinks. It feels like a family. If anyone wants to try out this beautiful art or is looking to switch academies, please come and train with us! I'll see you on the mats - Rob read more

I want to write a thank you to Lion Heart specifically for the instructors of the Women's Self Defense Class. I went last week and it was so helpful. The instructors are so passionate about their art. They are so respectful and patient with us. I truly believe that every woman should take a class with them and learn some basic self defense moves. I will be back again to learn more. read more

bunch of nice dudes and gals who like to train. I like the positive energy here and feel good about stopping by when I do. It's awesome to see them doing well in tournaments when they're so friendly and warm. Give the gym a try if you're intimidated. You'll get better faster than you ever imagined and have fun doing it. read more

I took my first Jiu Jitsu class on May 7th 2014..... "Let me tell you all about how my life got turned upside down" I used to train clients out of Pasadena Strength and Conditioning and so when LHJJ opened up inside... I just had to try it! Not only did Jason take time with me to make sure I understood all of the basic concepts and movements (shrimping, hip escapes etc) but everyone made me feel welcome. Professor Ben told us all to read the BJJ roadmap on my second class, which I did. During my third class coach Jason's brother, JC, convinced me to sign up for the LA international open.... In 6 weeks! (June 25th) and I signed up. Although I didn't place in my first tournament which is understandable given I had only been practicing Jiu Jitsu for 7 weeks at that point- I competed in my second tournament on August 6th and placed Third in the 12th NABJJF annual. I will now be competing in the world championships in November- and I've only been rolling since May! It says a lot for a student like myself who is disabled to have the confidence to compete in tournaments in Jiu Jitsu. Jason always tries to work around my disabilities as well- I have fibromyalgia and tend to have muscle spasms and seizures if nerves are angry that day- and he has shown great patience and understanding when I need to take a rest or a break. And he always encourages me to keep training. He is not only an excellent coach for Jiu Jitsu but since he's also a personal trainer he speaks my language and it makes it so easy for me to understand his instruction. For an academy to take on an adaptive athlete and encourage them to compete and being supportive of that says a lot about an academy. All good! Love my team, love my coaches and professor. Paragon for life! read more

Lion Heart Jiu Jitsu Academy - Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Near Me - Pasadena, California

If you want to work the some of the best coaches in Jiu Jitsu, I recommend going to Lion Heart. If you ever hear these guys coach in a tournament, they have the experience in the technique. Coaches Jason, (Professor)Ben, and Jeremy are well versed in what works and will get your game improved regardless of past experience or age. If you are there to learn, they are there to teach. read more