Such a great experience as a new white belt going to class! It can be scary being so new - I've…read moretried many gyms in the city and this was the first as a beginner I felt like I learned the most and retained the most. This was because of a combo of: 1. Clear visuals about what the different positions are 2. Moves that are outlined - you try the move, and then repeat it over and over again in speed/resistance 3. Then you have the opportunity to try it in sparring, which lets you really remember it! Definitely recommend and will be back - folks were super nice and welcoming!

Bay Jiu Jitsu is, by far, the best jiu jitsu gym I've ever trained at. I learned more in the nine…read moremonths I spent with them than I had in the previous five years, training elsewhere. They've ruined other gyms for me. Since leaving SF, I've traveled around CA, but haven't been able to find any gyms of a similar quality. Bay Jiu Jitsu is a special community with a level of elite instruction that's genuinely hard to find elsewhere, especially one that's welcoming literally to anyone, beginner or otherwise. Very few BJJ gyms offer any instruction in takedowns-be it wrestling or judo. A huge amount of gyms train nearly entirely on their butts or from their knees. Every instructor at Bay knows high-level takedowns and defense. We all grapple standing and are training takedowns constantly. The instructors here are incredible. All of them compete and their records in tournaments, to my knowledge, is excellent. Bay Jiu Jitsu is also the only gym I've ever trained at that constantly surveys the class for questions. Unlike the general, "Any questions?" at the end of a complex technique, they literally go around the room asking "what questions do you have?" It's such a simple thing, but very indicative that the gym is just operating at a much different level. The instructors actually help you to improve your game and learn the sport. You're not just mindlessly doing moves out of context that you may never use. Here, we work techniques and positions, and map out how to see them, what successful principles for passing open guard are, for example. So, you're constantly learning in a deeper and more meaningful way. Rather than an individual technique, you're learning how to think for yourself, how to figure out large-scale, applicable, perspectives/rules to operate under when faced with fundamental positions of the sport. All the instructors are talented and can actually teach. When they break down ankle locks, it's not just showing you one version of the submission three times and having everybody go and drill it incorrectly. The instructors will break things down, incrementally, and in-detail. Then we regularly attempt it with coaches going around the room, making adjustments, and then doing additional demonstrations and instructions. I don't think they ever just go through the motions with moves here. Everything we do has a point or reason to it. Bay Jiu Jitsu is the only gym I've been to (and this is dope) but it's the only gym where instructors ask individuals from the class, what do you want to work on? What's something you're struggling with or curious about? And we'll actually do it. Instructors here give a damn about you as a person. They track your success, watch you during sparring, and hold you accountable to reach your potential with feedback, advice, and encouragement. They have no uniform requirement. You're not forced to buy a gym rash guard or spend hundreds of dollars on their gis. They don't charge you for promotions. They teach you how to actually train smart. So many gyms don't do this and it's ridiculous, but here, they teach you how to avoid preventable knee injuries during takedowns/positions, how to fall correctly, etc. When there's sparring, there's pretty much always a person walking around, keeping individuals from falling into a teammate-blowing out their ACL or kicking them in the head needlessly. I could ramble on for ages about the gym. You'll train with loads of rad, high-level people here. Nobody has an ego. We're all willing to help out. You don't deal with people cranking your jaw to get a submission. Everybody's cool and will train hard, at times, but in a safe way. The gym does movie nights, goes out to bars, goes dancing, and has bonfires throughout the year too. If you're looking for it, you can make friends. I love the gym and the people here. If you have the chance to train at Bay Jiu Jitsu, you absolutely must.

Awesome gym! I came in on a Thursday night for 6 PM no gi class. Coach Travis greeted me and…read morewelcomed me into his class. He taught a great class and showed great technique. I also hopped in the Muay Thai class. Coach Rocky taught the class. He's a great coach too and was very friendly. I will be back when I'm in town! Magalit Jiu Jitsu 10/10.

Great gym to train at. Travis is a skilled instructor (and accomplished competitor) and it's a…read morenice, welcoming community with people from all walks of life, students of all levels including very high, and a culture of camaraderie and support. I started training here in Jan 2023 to learn some practical self defense. From my first weeks I felt like I was learning practical things, but also realizing how much there is to learn. As a result, game becomes addictive. It's also a great workout. Engaging, cardio, strength, functional movement.

They are really a diamond in the rough. The staff is really flexible with my ever changing schedule…read moreand the coaches are very skilled and patient- I look forward to my progress.

Dropped in a while ago. Easily the biggest mat room and highest average level of skill in the city…read more Everyone was friendly and the upper belts all offered to roll. They also have a lot of time slots in their schedule so if you can only make early mornings or late nights this is a good spot. They have showers too and parking is decent.

We enrolled our kids here because of the amazing energy, positivity, and fun that the instructors…read moreand Master Chow brought to every class. They truly made this place special. Our kids looked forward to coming, not just to learn, but because they felt encouraged, seen, and inspired. But lately, everything feels so different. There's now only one instructor, and we were never given any farewell notice about the changes. It was honestly heartbreaking not to have any communication. And Sara at the front desk -- she was the best. She made everyone feel welcome and cared for. The vibe that once made this place feel like a second home is just not the same anymore. We're really sad and disappointed. We're now questioning whether we should keep our kids enrolled or move on. It's hard when something that meant so much suddenly changes without any explanation. We truly hope things improve, because this place once meant a lot to our family.

We been there for 9 years. My son love this place and this is best activity ever for a boy!read more

Solid open mat and no-gi here. If you live in the neighborhood and want good rolls of all levels I…read morerecommend checking this place out. Everyone was super friendly. Mats were very spacious too!

Great instructors all around! Coaches Logan, Bryce & Gino trained my daughter for muay thai and jiu…read morejitsu. Nothing but a great experience. Problem is keeping focus at her age but the format of play and discipline is there and necessary. It helps that Coach Logan has so much patience and explains things in simple terms for them. Another great instructor is Deann in a 6am yoga class she instructed. It had been a looooong time since I did a yoga class & felt very welcome. I should also mention I am almost 35 weeks pregnant so she helped guided me while others did the standard poses. It was challenging but in a good way. Loved it and she was so great at explanations and breath guidance too. You can tell she has plenty of experience. Will definitely come back and recommend for all levels!

I couldn't say more great things about Empire and their Basics class! I was a complete beginner to…read moremartial arts, nervous to start and I felt the perfect balance of being pushed and welcomed on the very first day. John is an extremely attentive and detailed instructor and I was hooked right away. I attended the weekly basics class after the first class and have been feeling a lot of growth. The community is great, have made wonderful friends, and am excited to now have jiu jitsu as part of my life. Highly recommend for everyone - especially complete beginners!

I was in town for work and wanted to do a quick drop in to train somewhere before I had to actually…read moredo work. I left a message on their website about and got a response back that I'd be welcome. I managed to find parking around the corner and walked up. I got there in between classes so I was able to get the waiver signed and pay the drop in fee. The class seemed to be a lot of regulars. The students all seemed to know each other real well and there definitely seemed to be a sense of community there. The rolls were tough but friendly and I'm glad I dropped in, probably the most productive part of my work trip in SF.

I've been training under Ralston and his father Carley for almost 3 years now. Ralston is a very…read morepatient, generous, and talented professor. Like his father before him, Ralston puts a lot of emphasis on the solid fundamentals of jiu jitsu to ensure that no matter your belt level, you always have a very strong core foundation. And like his brother Clark, Ralston has some really cool tricks up his sleeve too, such as a solid armbar clinic similar to his brother's omoplata series. Before every class, we always have a 20-30 minute warmup that consists of the usual drills plus a good chunk of yoga stretches, which I've come to value as it not only helps my game, but also my old age lol

Ralston's expertise and approach has me hooked on jiu jitsu. If you're looking for a gym where…read moreyou'll immediately feel welcome and excited about BJJ - this is it. He's extremely skilled and breaks down techniques to benefit and build on skill across any belt level. I was anxious about my inexperience and unsure if I would feel comfortable. I quickly overcame that and instead feel empowered from the positive environment and addictively challenging training with Ralston. He truly cares, is a lot of fun, and is committed to making sure you get the most you can from BJJ and his classes. Come roll, you won't regret it!

Ohmygoodness. I had no idea what the heck capoeira was - a friend dragged me to the class and made…read moreme try it with her. It. Was. Awesome. What I liked first: the people. The instructors, Herbert and Lindsey (they're married) are amazing (and hilarious), and the others all were so friendly and helpful. Then you also have great music that you can actually learn to play and sing to (in Portuguese, of course!). And there's a splash of samba now and again - Herbert and Lindsey are big on being well-rounded in not just different styles of capoeira, but the whole culture that surrounds it. Cool stuff. Let me tell you, capoeira ain't easy. I was an avid runner when I came in, but I was hurting after just the warm up! It's definitely a workout - you'll work muscles you didn't know you had! But at the same time, even if you're not in very good shape, you'll get there quickly with these workouts! It was really hard starting out - you have to be pretty brave to try something like this, but I'm so glad I did! I've been with Omulu for a year now, and I still love it and am constantly challenged by it! When I first came in with my friend, we were the only two beginners. Now, Herbert and Lindsey's class has become so popular, there's always a bunch of beginners in every class, so you won't be alone. And if you've been doing capoeira for a while, this class welcomes EVERYONE from anywhere with any level of experience. Actually, I tried out a couple different classes outside Omulu Guanabara when I was first starting out. They were fine (seriously, no disrespect!), but much more militant (and not so friendly). I am 29, a grad student and have a full time job. I do not have time to devote myself fully to the art of capoeira - I'm not exactly a super serious person and can't take people who take themselves too seriously. I was just looking for a good time with good people and a good workout. Herbert and Lindsey's class was just that. I don't think I would have stuck with it had it not been for the great times I've had there.

I thought about doing capoeira for years and finally decided to do something about it. After…read moretrying a few places (ranging from good to completely closed with no warning), this was definitely the best fit. This class is a consistent learning experience that starts late enough in the evening to go after work. There are various instructors who are friendly, patient and have a good sense of humor. Street parking can take a little bit but I always end up with a spot. Oh and I couldn't walk for a straight week after taking the first class, but that's just a warning to anyone else out of shape who wants to try this. Unless you like walking bowlegged for a week, that's cool too.