Solid gym. Relaxed environment. Lots of rolling. Not strict with warm-ups, so if you're a purple belt, this gym is a dream come true! If you're a blue belt and up, you're going to love this gym. The instructors and other students are extremely knowledgeable. Professor Menamy was trained under Rickson Gracie. Others have learned things from world renowned martial artists. Perks: -You can wear any color gi (some gyms make you wear white gi only) -two bathrooms, both with a shower which is pretty neat -very sanitary -dimmed lighting, no fluorescent hospital lights -you can purchase sets of class passes (4 classes, 6 classes, 1 class, 3x weekly for a month, and unlimited classes for a month) read more

I posted a review a few months ago, and deleted it because I want to be very careful about how I say this. Martin is, by far, the best Systema instructor outside of Systema HQ in Toronto. However, I walked away from the academy. Some of the students(including one who ran for governor during the recall election for ca. governor, and "informed" me that Gavin Newsom was a pedophile).bought into RW talking points and Covid misinformation, and I frankly felt uncomfortable, especially as a Black Man. I would've left it there and said nothing. However, after tweeting about my experience(without naming Martin or the academy), I was approached by one of their senior students/instructors while I was out working. How he found me, I don't know. but it wasn't happenstance. Although there was no direct threat made, it was certainly implied. It's especially galling because I was a long-time student here. But, I guess those on the "right" feel they can intimidate anyone now, for any reason. In any case, I'm training a different martial art now, no worries. But I'll never touch Systema again. read more

Great gym! Perfect place for anyone to learn solid fundamentals to advanced Jiu Jitsu. Menamy, Rigan, and the rest of the black belts are friendly and extremely knowledgeable have years of experience. Rigan is a legend and a pioneer in Jiu Jitsu. I've been here for about 8 months now and I love that Rigan Machado brings many of his Black Belts to teach occasionally. It's good to learn from a diverse range of styles and experiences. I recommend this gym to anyone looking to learn jiu jitsu. Especially beginners. read more

The Systema self defense classes with Martin and Menamy are fantastic! I've practiced Chinese kung fu for 12 years, and learning Systema has given me a lot of new things to think about, while also reinforcing some overlapping principles. The ideas of breaking down the other person's body structure using relaxed and non aggressive strikes and manipulations is unique and fascinating, especially for someone like me who abhors violence. The atmosphere of the class is always very friendly, and supportive even if the moves can look brutal. Martin is extremely knowledgeable and soft spoken. When he manipulates your body until you're collapsed into a heap on the ground it never feels aggressive or confrontational, I just end up laughing. Menamy is also very good at introducing basic ideas, and slowly adding layers so all the lessons are digestible. I also like how at the end of every class, each student is prompted to talk about how they felt the class went, and share what they learned, it can almost feel like group therapy. I frequently leave class feeling tremendously relaxed even if a lot of it was literally spent getting punched in the torso. If you're looking for an effective self defense class with a friendly and supportive environment, I highly recommend it! read more

Love it here. Rigan Machado is a legend, of course. I really love that between Rigan and Menamy, both bring their own style and break down of BJJ. Giving me multiple perspectives into the martial art of Jiu Jitsu that I am really enjoying. The other students have been great and I feel both challenged competitively and supported in the Academy ecosystem. read more

According to their schedule they appear to be more of a private training gym. When I asked them about that they haven't answered my email.

I came here to specifically train with Martin Wheeler for Systema. I've done many marital arts in the past : Krav Maga, Muay Thai, BJJ, Boxing. However, this marital art is completely different in every respect. I've taken about 40 classes, and my entire perspective on fighting has completely changed. This system is more about relaxation, movement, spontaneity, and intuition rather than fixed physical movements to certain situations. I have literally done a different drill every single one of my classes. Not a single one is the same! I would almost call it " masculine yoga" because it has the positive effects of yoga on the body and mind but it is more active in form towards fighting rather than passively stretching and holding positions. Martin Wheeler might be the best non Russian Ex- Special Forces practitioner there is in the martial art of Systema and it is a blessing that he resides here in Los Angeles. When this guy isn't traveling the world doing seminars or doing privates with celebrities, he shares his time with us teaching for a very nominal fee. I'm grateful for finding this place and it has helped me in many regards both in the studio and in daily life. If you are interested, I highly recommend checking it out yourself. Do not take my word for it! read more

For any serious student of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or Systema, this is the place to be. In the world of Jiu-Jitsu there are two names that stand out among the rest, which are, Rickson Gracie and Rigan Machado. The Academy Beverly Hills has 8th dan Brazilian Jiu Jitsu legend, Rigan Machado teaching every night, as well as Martin Wheeler teaching Russian Special Forces "Systema." For these two reasons I am willing to drive so far to go! I highly recommend this place to everyone. read more

Learning that relaxing when fighting can be very lethal. The workouts are like tumbling, dancing, yoga! It seems to me a combination of Thai Chi, Yoga and Aikido just to give you a reference. But Systema is its own thing, come and check it out, first class is free! read more

I've been going here a couple months now, and it's been amazing. Martin is an awesome and patient teacher, and you will learn lessons that not only help in self-defense, but regular daily life as well. read more

I would like to share with the world my amazing experience at the Beverly Hills academy,right after my free tryout class I understood that I hit a jackpot.i have an experience of different martial arts for 10 years and every day doing it raises more and more questions that need answers. My first month of doing Systema with wonderful , magnificent practitioners mastersMartin Willer and Menamy teach me 10 times more than 10 years of previous experience.every time I go for training with this wonderful people I know that is class will be full of surprises and great knowledge. read more

I was referred to The Academy by an old friend for BJJ. Martin, the owner, was lovely and so welcoming to a beginner like myself. I was a bit nervous before my first class but it was such a safe and friendly environment that I felt immediately at ease. I've only been to two classes, one with Rigan, and can't wait to continue. Rigan is a known legend in martial arts and has zero ego. I certainly encourage anyone looking to train, come here. read more

At some point it becomes important to be physically and mentally in shape. There are many approaches to each but few physical activities work on the mental head on. To breathe in a comfortable way when things have gone bad - youve fallen, been pushed, your a lawyer like me where physical stress comes with the job - learning how to remove tension is essential training. Am I being too obscure? You may never get attacked physically by three or four thugs at once. You may not find yourself in a rear naked choke and also attacked by knife. But similar stuff goes down in life, business, relationships. Martin Wheeler prepares you to prepare yourself read more

That academy has the best trainers in the whole world!!! I have been training Taekwondo with Master Cezar Galvao and it is the best thing I can could do. It improves the flexibility, speed, strength and I also learned am Olympic martial art. If you are looking for a good gym that is the right one. read more

I just got done training at "The Academy" with legendary trainer and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) world-champ Rigan Machado and all I can say is "Wow!" The experience is absolutely incredible. You have the BEST of the BEST in the world of BJJ training you and you get an incredible workout in addition to learning the art of BJJ. I cannot wait for my next class! I highly recommend this chance to train with Master Rigan so that you can improve your life! read more

Moved to LA about six months ago. I had heard of The Academy through friends and wanted to train here with Rigan Machado. I was worried it would be out of price range as the guys teaching here are all legends, but it was the same amount I was paying for Jiu Jitsu in San Diego! Super stoked! Not only have I been able to fit in my tight student budget, but I have learned so much since being here! Rigan is a phenomenal instructor! Martin, Menamy and Cezar are all incredibly knowledgeable and friendly as well! The place isn't limited to Jiu Jitsu either, they teach Systema (crazy, Russian martial art) and have an Olympic level Tae Kwon Do instructor! Wouldn't go anywhere else in Los Angeles! read more

Martin is a world class martial arts coach. His reputation is well deserved. He knows combat like you and I know how to breathe. I moved to the Bay Area three years ago and I have yet to find a martial arts teacher as good as Martin out here. read more