Calculated from categorized student reviews and profile completeness — instructors, schedule,
facility and pricing — using the data available to us. Manage this academy?
Claim this page to update it.
Disciplines
GiMMA
Classes
Adults ClassesFundamentalsKids Classes
Facilities
Mat Space
Culture
Welcoming Environment
Access
Free Trial
A Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy located in El Cajon and a part of the Carlson Gracie Family
Community reviews
Reviews from Jiu-Jitsu Blog members who have trained at Carlson Gracie Team San Diego. Member recommendations raise an academy's Jiu-Jitsu Blog Score.
Trained here? Share your experienceBe the first to review Carlson Gracie Team San Diego and help shape its score.
Continue with Google
Great gym with a very welcoming environment! Everyone is helpful and doesn't hesitate to pass on their knowledge. Whether you're new to the sport or a seasoned practitioner, this place will treat you like family. I highly recommend coming here to anyone looking for a place to join!!
I have to say, Carlson Gracie Team San Diego is awesome!
My first experience was with their children's class. I brought my daughter to check out the class with an open mind but not idea whether she would commit. Once meeting Coach Patrick and Professor Rafa, she felt welcomed and wanted to join up. The way they work with the kids in their level and help them gain confidence and skills through hard work and developed discipline is like no other. The kids class is perfect for any skill level.
After my daughter went through a few months of classes, I decided to join up myself. I had never trained BJJ before, but once I got on the mat, the guys took care of me.
I am grateful and happy to be a part of the family.
Definitely recommend for kids and adults of any skill level. Come by and check them out!
Professor Rafa is one of a kind. He is very systematic in his teachings, he is technical yet does not over load you with information. He has so much knowledge that he has a complete grasp of advance techniques yet does not compromise foundation.
Having said these. What I like about Prof Rafa the most is his approach to the tradition of the art. Turning around when fixing Gi, waiting for the instructor to let you in when you’re late, and the emphasis on higher belts to be more responsible as they climb up the ranks. Respect the coaches and professors.
These are the qualities that make good people.
Training at Carlson Gracie Team San Diego in El Cajon has been awesome! Stepping into a new gym can seem like a daunting experience but Professor Rafael, Coach Patrick, and the rest of the students at Carlson Gracie made me feel welcomed and part of the team right off the bat. What I appreciate most about training under Professor Rafael is learning how to apply the principles of jiu-jitsu to every day life. Professor Rafael heavily emphasizes the importance of hard-work, dedication, and mental toughness during every training session; principles that can be applied to every day life. Not only will you improve on the mat here at Carlson Gracie, you will improve off the mat as well!
Professor Rafa and Coach Patrick have put together a welcoming gym with high quality instruction. The gym is clean and the training partners are not out to hurt one another, but build each other up. If you want to develop your skills in jiu jitsu and make connections with some amazing people, then please sign up.
Professor Rafael Davis is extremely knowledgeable and very thorough with his instructions. The techniques I’ve learned from him were seem less to add to my arsenal and I appreciate how his curriculum is very foundational. In a short time training with him my game has improved significantly. I highly recommend checking out this academy for anyone in the area whether you’re looking for self defense training or even competition level instruction Rafael is the man!!!
My 3 sons trained Jiujitsu with Professor Rafael for over 4 years and they loved it. They thrived on the mat and grew the confidence to consistently participate and show up for themselves for every training and competition.
Professor Rafael and Coach Patrick are amazing, hands down!! COVID forced my old gym to shut down right after I got my blue belt so I've been out of the game for a few years. My first class with Professor Rafael and Patrick was warmups, technique and rolling - it felt just like old times, like I hadn't missed a day.
The atmosphere they've created is welcoming and focused on bettering ourselves, and is exactly what I was looking for. He also teaches some of the traditions surrounding Jiu Jitsu that are often overlooked, which is a nice touch, but his technique is far from traditional and stuffy. There's a big focus on technique - one of his mantras is "Technique, speed, then power") - as well as mat time.
As for their technique, it's simple, incredibly effective and rounds out all of the fundamentals that a lot of people miss. In just the last few weeks, I've been able to identify and fix gaps in my Jiu Jitsu that I've struggled with for years, and at least every other class we cover moves that make you go "That's always been there?? How have I missed that!?". It's the kind of technique that you can take from White Belt, all the way to Black Belt.
If you're looking for Jiu Jitsu professionals who are real Pros, and who will help you step your game up, look no further!
Although I began training Jui Jitsu in earnest only a short time ago, my time at Carlson Gracie Team San Diego has been nothing short of amazing. Professor Rafael is a world class practitioner and instructor. His emphasis on building strong fundamentals and simple yet effective techniques are equipping me with a strong foundation that I know will serve me for a lifetime. Both he and Coach Patrick are knowledgeable, approachable and excellent teachers. A heavy emphasis is spent on learning and growing through plenty of “mat time.” In a few short weeks I’ve grown from “enjoying a fun workout” to understanding and applying actual Jui Jitsu techniques appropriate for my level. Come ready to work!
I have really enjoyed learning from Professor Rafa and Coach Patrick. As a brand new white belt, and as a woman, it can be intimidating finding the right fit. Professor Rafa helps you to understand the why behind techniques and is detailed in his teachings. I've learned so much and felt like the environment professor creates is welcoming and safe. You won't feel like you're just getting chucked out onto the mat with no idea what to do.
Professor Rafa is one of the best jiu jitsu practitioners around, but an even better instructor. With his carefully crafted curriculum and instruction, you’ll develop an instinctive understanding of jiu jitsu and create your own personal style in no time.
My children were both coached by Professor Ralph and he turned them into little machines💪🏽 he also taught them life skills that they’ve use throughout middle school and High School. Thank you. OSSS!!
I am a purple belt under Professor Rafael Davis, Carlson Gracie BJJ. Coach Rafael is my professor, is very techniqual but breaks down technique in a simple, step by step process. Coach Rafa, being a super heavy weight champion, is not only my professor but also competes so he's in the game. Can't go wrong with Rafael Davis Carlson Gracie. Real deal, clean technique, safe/humble environment, and you will acquire rock solid BJJ from a battle tested professor. Osssssss!!!
Professor Rafael is one of the best instructors me or me kids have ever worked with. Anyone interested in Jiu Jitsu needs to experience his approach to teaching and learning
As a mother I am extremely grateful for professor Rafael. He showed my daughter values such as loyalty,honesty integrity,and discipline He works really well with everyone and makes sure the kids understand what they are being taught and that they use what they are learning for good. Professor Rafael teaches them to be a good team they have to be united.
I started working under Professor Rafael and his assistant coach Patrick after being at the school I was at for 6 months. I'm 67 years old and was struggling to keep up with everyone. Professor Rafael notices his students while he is teaching and weaves in things that help them as he teaches. His assistant Patrick would greet me when I came to class with , "I've been thinking about your Jiu Jitsu and have a suggestion for you". In 6 weeks Professor Rafael improved my game considerably with a great blend of drilling basics and a focus on mat time in actual practice. Professor Rafael noticed my breathing was off and gave me great direction in the area of breathing that has also improved my ability to keep up with much younger students. And make no mistake, even with all this consideration, care and concern, Professor Rafael doesn't play. He pushes us too so we are always moving to a new limit within ourselves. It would be hard to imagine my training without Professor Rafael and Patrick.
Was looking for a new hobby and had a couple friends tell me about this BJJ gym. I was a bit nervous to start but from day one everyone has been friendly and helpful. Professor Rafa is extremely knowledgeable and brings a unique teaching experience.
