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Reviews
Ayesha M.
this review is far overdue. My 5 year old has been at this gym for a little over a year and half and its been the greatest experience! The coaches and professors are amazing with the kids and the over all community they built within has been so open and welcoming. We are so happy to be part of the Alliance SD team!
I cannot recommend Alliance Jiu Jitsu enough! From the moment I walked in, I felt welcomed by the amazing staff and the strong sense of community. The coaches are not only incredibly experienced but also genuinely kind and approachable, always making sure each student, regardless of skill level, feels supported and challenged. It’s truly a place where you can grow. I’m so grateful to be a part of the Alliance community!
I have been coming to Alliance since August of ‘24. I can tell you that nothing has ever felt more like home. The entire gym, from staff to students has been friendly and welcoming, making this journey that much easier. If you haven’t come in and check this place out, they are great!
We were searching for a sport to get my son in to. Tried a couple different team sports and none of them seemed to fit. Ended up Signing him up for an intro class in March of 2023 and he immediately loved it.
My middle daughter was hesitant and wanted to continue pursuing gymnastics. After some persuasion we got her into an intro class as well and she loves it too! She decided to forego gymnastics.
Fast forward to August, and I signed up as well my youngest daughter.
The professors, coaches, and staff world class! Extremely friendly and encouraging you along the way. They always have a good ratio of students to staff to help guide you through your BJJ journey. I’ve never been to a more welcoming establishment.
The schedule is super flexible, and they offer an assortment of classes for all levels throughout the day. From early in the morning, to morning, lunch, early evening, and later evening. It works for any schedule
Even when my Dad was visiting and wanted to watch the kids one day, he complimented and said “everyone there is so friendly!” And it’s not just the staff, it’s the Alliance JJ community. Everyone makes you feel welcome, and those of higher belts work as your training partners, giving tips and techniques as you go.
Alliance JJ of San Diego is hands down top tier and I would recommend it to anyone of any fitness level. They will work with you to accomplish whatever goals you have in mind, whether it be to compete, have fun, or to make some new friends. 10 out of 10!
My family and I absolutely LOOOVE Alliance!!
In February 2023 Coach Deb scheduled our kids for the intro bjj class. They had such a blast!! We instantly felt welcomed by everyone and decided to sign them up right away.
Our daughter started out in the toddler class (3.5-5yrs // Tues/Thurs/Sat for 5yr olds). It introduces fundamentals and keeps it fun so the kids stay engaged. Our son started in the youth class (6-8yrs // Mon-Sat). This class is a bit more technical and catered to help build more confidence in the kids. Both of our kids are now in the same youth bjj class.
Other kids classes offered are:
Youth comp class (Mon/Wed/Fri) - Prof JLo & Prof Freddy preps and dials the kids in for comps. This is next level training!!
Youth Muay Thai (Tue/Thurs/Fri) - Coach Daniel introduces striking and conditioning. He’s great with the kids. This class is perfect for kids who have a ton of energy!
Fast forward to May 2024: After watching the kids train & compete in tournaments, I finally decided to sign myself up. What really got me to signup was the Women’s Only Class. It’s so awesome to see all the women come into the academy ready to train. Professor Jena teaches the women's only class on Tues/Thurs & Professor Dulce teaches women’s only class on Sunday.
The best thing about Alliance is that there are sooooo many great classes offered throughout the day and is open every day of the week. Thank you to Prof Johnny & Michela for having an amazing academy that feels like a 2nd home. Shout out to all the Professors (Johnny, Jena, JLo, Dulce, Freddy, Vando, Marcos, and Luciana) and Coaches (Deb, Gio, Dustin, Mark, Lucas, Luiza, Tiago, Eduardo, and Ramin) who’ve passed along their knowledge and continue to help us improve during our BJJ journey.
This is an incredible place to train and feel as part of a community. My kids and I have been training here for 3 years and no words are enough to express the gratitude we have towards the teachers, staff, students! The professors are extremely knowledgeable, supportive, kind and patient. In regard to classes - literally they have different classes/levels all day long.
All classes are great, from beginners to advanced but this place offers something special - women’s class led by the well known and respected Prof Jena Bishop. Important to note (for me place being clean is crucial) is that the mats and changing rooms are very clean. The workout/fitness area is a great place to use while waiting for your kids or just wanting to workout (no need to pay extra for a fitness club). Overall, highly recommend Alliance San Diego bjj for new or seasoned athletes, for the young and “not so young” … We are blessed to be part of this family and gym! Special thanks to Professor Faria and Michela who have welcomed my kids and me from day one and have helped our transition from Illinois be quite smooth and comfortable. We love their enthusiasm, positive energy and dedication to the bjj and physical wellbeing!
Alliance Jiu-Jitsu San Diego is the MOST welcoming gym. With the number of supportive Professors, Coaches and teammates, I know I’m in a safe place. Never have to stress about missing a class, because there are so many options throughout the day on top of being open Monday-Sunday.
I have trained with Alliance for the past 4 years now and there are so many amazing things about this gym. The facilities are clean, the staff are very friendly and helpful, the instructors are world class and the community is welcoming and fulfilling especially to women. I can’t recommend the gym enough for those looking to learn a new sport, or those looking for a new home in the jujitsu community!
We absolutely love this gym! All of the Professors are incredibly knowledgeable, talented, and kind. Our whole family trains here and we absolutely love it for them and us. All of their classes are top tier. The atmosphere on the gym is a warm and welcoming environment. If you want to start Jiu Jitsu, getting back into it, or putting your kids in martial arts look no further. This is the best gym in San Diego, hands down!!!
Been training with Alliance family for about 4 years and in those 4 years I can say that I’m with the best team in the world. They’ve taught me consistency, respect and love. If you ever think about starting BJJ, Muay Thai or mma. I strongly recommend to start at Alliance, you will have the best experience in combat sports. 🦅🦅
My experience was very positive, I was well served from the beginning to the end of my day. One of the best gyms I found to train while I was on vacation. I recommend it and will come back as soon as possible
The best training in San Diego for sure - amazing instructors and students (so many top quality females to roll with) Will always chose to train here when i’m visiting - Thank you :)
The best gym in San Diego! My kids have been training here for three years. There are always multiple black belts leading the kids classes. Most of the professors are world champions and some fight professionally in MMA. The gym is super clean and the support staff is excellent.
In addition to the regular classes, my kids attend the competition class three times a week. The head instructor is a world champion and it shows. He has done more than just teach my kids how to win at Jiu Jitsu, he has imparted the mindset of a champion into each one of them. It is such a privilege to watch my kids be built up by dedicated and professional instructors that are truly passionate about my kids success, in Jiu Jitsu and in life.
If you’re considering placing your kids into Jiu Jitsu, I wholeheartedly recommend Alliance San Diego. You cannot beat this place!
Great Atmosphere and Amazing friendly Staff! My Son loves coming to class about 4-5 times a week. Highly recommend to anyone and everyone, that is interested.
Big Happy Family here at Alliance Jiu Jitsu SD.
As someone who’s new to jiu jitsu, I couldn’t have picked a better place to train. All of the students, professors, and staff are so welcoming and make the environment enjoyable. I thoroughly enjoy Alliance and would recommend it to everyone who’s looking to train!
Being a part of this gym and community has been amazing. From the professors, to the detailed instruction from Alliance, hands down best Jiu Jitsu gym in San Diego. I train and my son trains and I can see the confidence that has been built in him from it. You need to experience it because once you do, this is where you know you want to be!
Great training environment, family oriented and perfect for adults and kids. The coaches are amazing and a big thank you for making the day to day operations easy to Deb.
Professor Johnny is the best, highly recommended if you want professional instruction in a safe, clean and friendly environment this where you want to be!
Hands down the most welcoming bjj school in SD! There are high level athletes, the gym is spacious, clean, there are so many women to train with! The programs are structured, the instructors are well experienced with our safety in mind. Schedule is so packed! Alliance offers the most classes in SD throughout the day, 7 days a week. There’s a gym area, a private class area, a lounge area. Always parking available! Definitely it is a place to join and be part of such an amazing community!
Esta academia de Jiu-Jítsu é verdadeiramente excepcional! Além da excelência nas técnicas de treinamento, a limpeza e organização impecáveis criam um ambiente inspirador. A atmosfera acolhedora faz com que cada treino se sinta em família. Uma experiência completa que eleva não apenas suas habilidades no tatame, mas também seu bem-estar geral. 💪🥋
One of the best schools in all of California. World class instructors, spacious mats, fully equipped weight training section, locker with showers and awesome people.
If you're a new student looking to start, a seasoned player looking to try a new gym or you're visiting San Diego and want train during your trip; definitely visit Alliance Jiu-Jitsu San Diego
Been training here a year now. I love the level of competition. We always have multiple black belts on the Matt who are willing to answer questions, or give me a hard roll. Fantastic comp team. And tons of high level females!
Wonderful gym with extremely knowledgeable and friendly instructors! The gym has everyone from world class athletes to jiu jitsu enthusiasts, so this is the place for anyone wanting to improve their jiu jitsu game!
As someone new to the sport and culture that comes with jiujitsu, I felt immediately welcomed by the staff. Black belt level expert professors/instructors (most are active competitors currently) make everyone feel important, regardless of skill level. Clean facility with multiple mats/training areas and fitness equipment. No egos. Just common goals. Kids classes, women only classes, competition classes, you name it they got it.
My two kids started their Jiu-Jitsu journey here and I couldn't be happier. Every single person that works here is kind and professional. They teach from as young as 3 to adults and even all women classes. They also have Muay Thai classes. The area is always super clean and it is very spacious. My kids are having a blast learning Jiu-Jitsu from multiple times Gold champion Professors. The Professors are patient with children but also instill discipline and respect in them. They treat the children as if they are their own. I am motivated to possibly take some classes here myself in the future! This Jiu-Jitsu school offers a free private lesson and a week of classes for FREE! You literally have nothing to lose to just try it out. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.
This is honestly the DREAM place to learn jiu jitsu. I’m brand new and don’t know anything, and every instructor is able to break concepts down in a way even I can understand.
All members are welcoming, facilities clean, and such a great community I’m excited to grow with.
Johnny Faria runs the very best Jiu-jitsu Academy in San Diego, when all things are considered. The chill vibe, the friendly detailed instruction, the cleanliness, the big mat space, the large amount of World Champion Instructors/Students/Competitors, the diverse availability of classes and the lack of strong ego. There are certainly many legit academies in the San Diego area, but Johnny (and staff) really do combine the perfect mixture to serve the highest quality product. Make no mistake, although Johnny maintains a successful business, his #1 Goal has ALWAYS been to build a strong Family. Come check it out and see for yourself… you won’t be disappointed.
I've trained at countless academies and can confidently say that Alliance is one of the best facilities in the world! Great instruction, solid training partners, and a clean environment are a guarantee for every class. Professor Johnny Faria's energy and passion for teaching is noticeable from the second you walk through the doors.
Traveling to San Diego and introducing my brother in-law to jiu jitsu at Alliance was awesome. Very welcoming team and high level training. Absolutely recommend if you are in the area or looking to start your journey.
Thank you Prof Johnny for the hospitality!
Words Cannot express how good Professor Gabriel is. I’ve been to multiple Jiu Jitsu places and no any other place will give you the 1 on 1 attention like here which is a underrated quality.
My family of 4 have been training at Alliance for 6 months now, after moving from a different part of the state where we trained at another academy that was our home. We didn’t know if we would ever be able to find a place that would feel like home again, and Alliance became that for us almost immediately. Johnny, Michella and Deborah have created such an amazing atmosphere of family, where everyone is welcome, no matter your skill level, personal background or knowledge. My teenagers both do the no-gi comp classes which are always filled with incredible world class black belts, who are all always respectful and helpful to my kids. My wife is a brand new white belt, who was excited to try out the large women’s class for the first time a few months ago and has had nothing but great things to say about how welcoming and friendly everyone has been.
There really is nowhere else where you can be on the mat and roll every single day with world class athletes like Johnny Faria, Jenna Bishop, Fellipe Andrew, Leticia Cardozo, Luciana Mota, Johnny Tama, Vini Lino, and many more.
This gym felt like instant family! It was such a blast to take the all women’s class with Jena who makes everyone feel welcome and ensures you will have a great time.
The other women were super friendly and a blast to train with as well.
I will definitely be back the next time I’m in San Diego!!
I chose Alliance San Diego to begin my Jiu Jitsu journey back in December of 2020. The initial idea was to get into shape and keep up with physical fitness. I quickly fell in love with jiu jitsu and now it's an integral part of my life. I contribute my love for training to the instructors, students, and facilities of Alliance San Diego. Everyone is so welcoming, encouraging, and is there to help you get better. The instructors are top notch! IBJJF champions every where you look all of which dedicating their time and experience to students on the mat.The gym has 2 large training mats, and free weights! They offer Muay Thai and BJJ classes, but I most take the BJJ classes. Classes are very organized and well rounded - starts with warm ups, professor teaching technique, drilling, then a bit of free rolling at the end. Highly recommend Alliance San Diego to everyone!!
This has been a great experience for myself and my two sons. Everyone should be concerned with whom you invite, as a coach or professor, into your life. We are enjoying our journey at Alliance.
One of the best places I've ever trained! Prof Johnny makes you feel welcome from the second you walk in the door. There is something for everyone here with kids, adults, and women's-only training.
I love Alliance, Professor Johnny is really friendly and his technique is superb. I came here from another academy as a brown belt and Johnny and the whole team accepted me no problem. The training is unmatched and the instruction is as perfect as it gets.
Alliance is an amazing gym! Awesome instructors that really care, clean environment, individual attention to technique, and great schedule. I would definitely recommend to anyone thinking of joining a gym.
As a professional Realtor who prides myself on providing incredible customer service, I have to recognize when I experience this myself. Professor Johny and his team are the best, extremely friendly, attentive, and professional. You will feel welcome and part of the family right away! This is why I just love coming to train at Alliance San Diego.
Best combat gym in San Diego that focuses on BJJ. Professor Johnny Faria is a 4th degree black belt with multiple world titles and one of the nicest guys on earth. I've been training here close to a year and could not be more happy. Everything runs smooth, the facilitiy is clean, and the mat is super cushioned, so sweeps and throws are safe. Worth every penny and no crazy contracts. They have a striking program as well (Muay Thai and kick boxing from Pacific Roots under Kru Shaun) that is wonderful.
I came to this place off of a recommendation from a friend who actually taught BJJ classes. I had taken a few in the past at another gym but honestly here is where you should be if you want to truly learn the ART of BJJ. They are all so friendly and you have so many amazing people willing to help you and work with you even in the midst of intense rolling. My expectation of myself and my skills have surely reached an all time high. I cannot wait to one day put all that I’ve learned into a real match.
The service, from the moment you walk in to the second you say goodbye, is second to none. EVERYONE here cares. Bottom line; they take pride in their craft as well as delivery of exceptional customer service. As far as instruction, Faria is world-class and the Muay Thai class is muy bien. Couldn't ask for a more genuine group of individuals running this BJJ/Muay Thai/dope weight room-fitness venue. Well worth the rates they charge.
My two sons train here and love it! Instructors and staff are amazing. Facilities are immaculate. Gym has an awesome positive vibe, which starts at the top with Professor Faria, one of the coolest guys you'll ever meet. I recommend anyone interested in BJJ check this place out.
Came down to visit a friend and get some extra knowledge from his teachings and was pleasantly surprised at how friendly and welcoming the owner, his staff, and his students were. Beautiful place, very clean, and the bathrooms were the best I've seen at any gym I've ever been too. Crowded classes but perfectly manageable as a student, and sometimes crowded means it's that good. Mahalo nui for welcoming me like family!
This is the best academy I have ever trained at. Johnny is by far the best coach. Always encouraging, involved with his students, and very good at teaching details in a way that you can understand. The facility is spotless with constant updates and clean mats. I have never got anything nasty from the mats like other gyms I have trained at in San Diego. It is a little drive for me from Pacific Beach, but it is well worth the quality atmosphere and coaching I get here. This is the third gym I have attended and I plan on staying here to work with Alliance and Johnny. He just installed new lifting equipment, a huge fan to keep you cool and we have padded mats to practice throws on.
After reading the reviews we were excited to try out this location. We arrived 30 minutes early to leave plenty of time to check in and change. We were not greeted on arrival. We waited by the front desk for a few minutes and the lady there ignored us. So we moved over to some touch screen as we saw other people walking in and touching them. Once I started clicking the screens. She says oh are you guys trying to check in?
We had seen on the website there was a free trial but when I asked she indicated there was still a drop in fee of around $40. Okay, we came all this way let’s pay and try it. She then wanted me to purchase the full week and I said let’s see how she likes the class first before she commit to a week. She had a bit of a flippant and dismissive tone after that. I just asked where the restroom was…We find the restroom on our own and change.
My 9 yr old goes to the 9-12 class that seemed to be mostly teenagers. The next youngest child was 11. No one greeted or introduced themselves or even asked my daughter’s name. Warm ups began and about five minutes in my daughter’s belt came untied and kids just bumped roughly passed her. She ran over to me in tears. No one came to check on her or ask if she was okay. I asked if she just wanted to leave ready to walk out and she indicated she would stay for the rest of the class. Several parents were on spin type bikes next to the parent seating which made too much noise for us to hear what the coach’s and professors were saying. The professors seemed knowledgeable and gave an appropriate class from what we could hear. Our daughter didn’t receive any individual coaching or instruction as other kids were getting during practice.
As we were gathering our stuff to leave the building one professor came over and introduced himself and told my daughter that it’s okay to cry. It was a bit too little too late. My daughter is tall and is often mistaken for being older and maybe they didn’t realize she was a fresh 9 year old and visiting a new place which can be scary.
We have visited a few places in our travels and never had our daughter ask to please never go back to that place again. We were looking for a place to train when traveling here to visit my mom 3-4 times a year. From the reviews maybe my expectations were inflated. But I expected at least a hey what’s your name and maybe a welcome or good to have you here and a free trial as indicated on the website.
Disappointed in the overall experience and lack of friendliness and service. Maybe we just visited on an off day, but wanted to warn others that are planning just a drop in type visit.
InstructorsFacilityClassesPricingAtmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Jaime M (J M)
After reading the reviews we were excited to try out this location. We arrived 30 minutes early to leave plenty of time to check in and change. We were not greeted on arrival. We waited by the front desk for a few minutes and the lady there ignored us. (They’re were no other customers at the time) So we moved over to some touch screen as we saw other people walking in and touching them. Once I started clicking the screens. She says oh are you guys trying to check in?
We had seen on the website there was a free trial but when I asked she indicated there was still a drop in fee of around $40. Okay, we came all this way let’s pay and try it. She then wanted me to purchase the full week and I said let’s see how she likes the class first before she commit to a week. She had a bit of a flippant and dismissive tone after that. I just asked where the restroom was…We find the restroom on our own and change.
My 9 yr old goes to the 9-12 class that seemed to be mostly teenagers. The next youngest child was 11. No one greeted or introduced themselves or even asked my daughter’s name. Warm ups began and about five minutes in my daughter’s belt came untied and kids just bumped roughly passed her. She ran over to me in tears. No one came to check on her or ask if she was okay. I asked if she just wanted to leave ready to walk out and she indicated she would stay for the rest of the class. Several parents were on spin type bikes next to the parent seating which made too much noise for us to hear what the coach’s and professors were saying. The professors seemed knowledgeable and gave an appropriate class from what we could hear. Our daughter didn’t receive any individual coaching or instruction as other kids were getting during practice.
As we were gathering our stuff to leave the building one professor came over and introduced himself and told my daughter that it’s okay to cry. It was a bit too little too late. My daughter is tall and is often mistaken for being older and maybe they didn’t realize she was a fresh 9 year old and visiting a new place which can be scary.
We have visited a few places in our travels and never had our daughter ask to please never go back to that place again. We were looking for a place to train when traveling here to visit my mom 3-4 times a year. From the reviews maybe my expectations were inflated. But I expected at least a hey what’s your name and maybe a welcome or good to have you here and a free trial as indicated on the website.
Disappointed in the overall experience and lack of friendliness and service. Maybe we just visited on an off day, but wanted to warn others that are planning just a drop in type visit.
*edit to add class photo with kids in the 5-6pm 9-12yr old group with my daughter on the day we visited. She is almost 5 feet tall for size reference.
Thank you for the detailed response. I waited a few months before writing the review. Hopefully our experience was a one off. We had also emailed a few days before our visit and the day of to ask about dropping in and the pricing and never heard back.
