We've been with Sergio for more than 3 years. With so many choices in the area the standout…read moredifference is he's not just giving jiu jitsu classes but he's a great human being and role model for the kids. I have 2 boys with 1 that started with struggles at school on kindergarten related to self regulation. Since being in jiu jitsu with Sergio his behaviors have improved tremendously and the teachers at school have noticed. Sergio not only teaches them jiu jitsu he also teaches manners and respect and discipline. Kids love him and we do too. You can tell his heart in his work. Thank you Sergio! Kids are now 4th and 3rd grader. Highly highly recommend!

Team Silva is an amazing place to learn jiu jitsu. It's a diverse group of people and everyone is…read morevaccinated. Everyone is safety oriented. I usually go to the 6am class which is now at Ruby's tumbling. Rated are affordable and the instructors are humble, always smiling, and friendly, but they are extremely knowledgeable.

The studio is so fun for kids aged 4-12 and then for adults for jiu-jitsu! The offered days (M,W,F,…read moreSat) options for attending are great for flexible scheduling and the coaches are amazing. There are several coaches per class so even big classes get attention. Highly recommend if your kids (or adults) are looking to try out Jiu-Jitsu in Alameda!

Awesome business, fantastic instruction…read more Safe environment for kids. I've been searching for a place for my two younger kids (7, 3) to go to in the area, this was convenient, good parking, great instructors who cared about the wellbeing of the kids! Also, I'm an old fart and signed up too and it is worth its weight in GOLD! Thank you Island Jiu Jitsu!

Ralph Gracie Berkeley changed my life. Eduardo Fraga has an incredible depth of knowledge and has…read morealways pushed me to continue training even through some dark times in my life. This place has become family and I'm so grateful that I walked through those doors.

I had an absolute pleasure studying judo here with Sensei Barry and Sensei Newton. They are very…read morenice and knowledgeable.

I enjoy they place so much, the vibes are so good and the people are so welcoming. I recommend…read morethis place to everyone and especially to children. Their kids program is one of the best in California.

I highly recommend this gym I have my 3 kids and they learning self defense so quickly 10/10read more

This academy stands out because of its culture…read more The instruction is excellent, and also what really makes this place special is the people. The coaches teach the details behind each technique instead of just showing moves, so you learn not only what to do, but why it works. That approach has made a huge difference in my own understanding of jiu-jitsu. The atmosphere is welcoming and respectful. Whether you're brand new or have years of experience, everyone is treated like they're part of the team. The advanced belts are approachable, the training is challenging without feeling intimidating, and there is a genuine culture of helping each other improve. One thing I really appreciate is that standards are high. Progress and promotions feel earned, which creates an environment where people are motivated to keep learning and getting better. At the end of the day, a great academy isn't just measured by how good the instructors are--it's measured by the kind of community they build. This is a place where people enjoy training, support one another, and continue growing both on and off the mats. If you're looking for a jiu-jitsu academy with outstanding instruction, a winning competition team, a positive culture, and teammates who genuinely want to see you succeed, I highly recommend giving this place a try.

I really wanted to love this place because, to be fair, the quality of the Brazilian jiu jitsu…read moretraining here is excellent. The instructors clearly know what they're doing, and the kids' program is well-structured and engaging. However, as a parent, the overall experience leaves a lot to be desired. The biggest issue? No WiFi for parents. If you're going to have parents sitting around for an hour or more during classes, it's pretty unreasonable not to provide even basic internet access. Not everyone can just disconnect from work or responsibilities during that time. The waiting area is minimal, and without WiFi, you're essentially stuck doing nothing or burning through your mobile data. In this day and age, that feels like a pretty basic amenity that should be standard--especially for a place that otherwise operates at a high level. So yes, great training--but not a very parent-friendly environment. Until they address this, it's hard to fully recommend.

Been coming here for 2 years now, and I can say that it's been nothing short of amazing. Manny has…read morecultivated such a welcoming space for all bjj practitioners, and I look forward to every visit to the gym. If you're interested in learning Brazilian jiu jitsu and in the San Leandro/San Lorenzo area come and try out a trial class!

San Lorenzo BJJ is one of the cleanest gym, I've ever been to. Coach Manny provides great, clear,…read moredetailed instruction and making sure everyone is safe. Coach Manny cares about the development of his students and their understanding of the Art of Jiu Jitsu. If you unsure if this gym is for you, try it out and see for yourself. Manny is always welcoming to visitors and new people who have never done BJJ. From experienced competitors to beginners, all levels are welcome!

Great place to train if you're looking for technical Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Professor Liz and Mineiro…read moreare very welcoming and passionate about their craft. The academy caters to all ages, skill levels, and welcomes all. I've been fortunate to train here for over a year and have trained with multiple champions. 10 out 10 would definitely recommend.

Professors Mineiro and Liz have been training my kids since they were 5 years old. They are now…read more7&9. Before they opened up shop in Emeryville, they used to travel from Fresno to San Jose to coach the kids class at LUTE. Their dedication to being there for the kids is what really stood out. Mineiro's style of coaching and disciplining a bunch of 4-7 year olds is pretty impressive. I've seen complete chaos at other academies, with kids not following simple instructions. But not Mineiro! He has always been firm and wasted no time. It was always "Keep Quiet and Pay Attention!" Some parents might think it's a little too direct, but it's exactly what every kid needs to hear. Mineiro always encourages the kids in class to try out the local competitions. It's always a you'll never know if they'll like it unless you try situation. In reality, it helps them build up the self confidence and teaches them to train harder win or lose. When the news came that they were moving to Emeryville to open up their 1st location our kids were so bummed. There's a special bond that sticks with them as well as us parents. You realize the kids become smaller versions of their coaches. Good news is we were always traveling north, so we made it a point to drop by every chance we could. Til' this day we still visit Mineiro once a month on a Saturday morning. When you step into the room you can see how much pride, and hard work was put into this place. The competition banners are starting to fill the walls, and when you watch how they train you know why they took home the 2024 JJWL 1st Place Academy Champion Banner. Potentially going for a back to back win this weekend. Seeing the growth on social media these past months, I wouldn't be surprised if they moved into a bigger space. If you're in the area looking for a reputable and well respected Professor, then you and your kids are in good hands. You'll also get a chance to meet the CEO Harley! Thank you Mineiro and Liz for pushing our kids to be the best versions of themselves. Nothing but love and respect to the both of you!

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.

My son just turned 8 and joined Hercules BJJ. He loved his first week and hasn't looked back since…read more He's been in a few tournaments within a short period of time and has learned invaluable lessons preparing and competing. Coach Sean and Coach Gabe have done an excellent job in teaching him the art of BJJ. My son says he will ALWAYS practice and looks forward to it on a daily basis. Sean has a strong work ethic and is very technical. He is an awesome teacher and a great leader for these kids. He lives by example. Also, my husband who just turned 40 has joined as well and competed successfully. My youngest son can't wait to join when he's of age. Thank you HBJJ!

I can only say nice things about this place. We've been to a few kids' martial arts school around &…read moreI usually force my kids to go to their class. I was surprised, the kids willingly wanted to go to Coach Sean's class. They made good friends with the kids there, I've witnessed great progress with their BJJ techniques, I've seen their head coach's support for his team. The kids and adults compete on tournaments (if you are into competing) and they train you to win. I've tried their adults class too, and I am impressed how Coach Sean teach all the techniques and details. Definitely highly recommended! Their prices are reasonable too!

I have been a member since ~2018. I love this club because it is gigantic and it is almost…read moreliterally across the street from my warehouse loft. If you go to the Crunch Gym in Alameda and then the Bladium -- you'll have a new appreciation for space and room to breathe. The remodeled men's locker room is cool -- most importantly -- it is clean and does not stink. I only use the facility for cardio and free weights. The machines and free weights are probably 30+ years old (seriously), but they work and I like the old school steel plates. The entire facility has been under construction and it looks like they're going to make the facility like something on par with the NFL Combine's fitness facilities. I learned during the pandemic that new weights and weight machines cost a fortune, but I'm hopeful they will update the equipment. Most importantly, I hope they extend the hours of operation on the weekends. Indeed, their hours of operation should be 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. (minimum) every day. Oh, there is always free/available parking and the gym manager is extremely responsive/professional. Bottom line: this gym has the space and location to become the best fitness facility on the East Bay -- but they must extend their hours and spend a small fortune on new weights/weight machines. The images I have included with this review are dated, but they give you a good idea of the size of this place and show the degree to which they are re-doing the place!

I grew up playing at The Bladium since I was 4 years old with lil kickers. I played with the Bay…read moreOaks and SJND for indoor footie and played with my AAU basketball team in this facility. So many memories, like winning a state championship and rock climbing with my friends. The Bladium was an experience: to drink, to play sports, to work out, to have fun. I recently came back after finishing college, just to find the main football field and a majority of the weight room gone to pickleball. At first, I did not mind, however, it feels like the only people who come in are pickleball players. Its sad to see my friend's old family business being made into a pickleball center. Even the new company's logo shows where their priority is at. Heartbreaking to see. I will always remember the sounds the floorboards made.