Michael Sands

As someone with 10 years of experience with Clark Gracie as both a student and an instructor, I can say that the Clark Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy in San Diego stands out as an exceptional training facility. Led by Professor Clark Gracie, a 3rd-degree black belt and grandson of Carlos Gracie, the academy offers authentic Gracie Jiu-Jitsu training that is both practical and competition-ready. Clark's active involvement in teaching and competing makes the academy unique, as he's one of the few Gracie family members directly sharing his expertise in San Diego. I truly appreciate our focus on functional and fundamental Jiu-Jitsu. Clark is incredibly knowledgeable and hands-on, often rolling with students of all levels. He is excellent at breaking down the principles of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu into clear, actionable techniques, and they incorporate drills that ensure these techniques stick, both for tournaments and real-life self-defense. The environment here is one of the top 10 in San Diego. The rapport between instructors and students is positive and encouraging, creating a space where individuals of all ages feel welcome. The facility itself is impressive, with a large mat area, locker rooms, showers, and social area with plenty of seating. It’s a place where you can truly immerse yourself in training and personal growth. Overall, Clark Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy embodies everything I value in a training space: authenticity, expertise, and a supportive community. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, this academy offers a fantastic experience.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 1 year ago

Patrick B

Visited the academy while in San Diego for work. My friend and I attended an open mat on a Saturday morning. We felt very welcomed. Everybody was super friendly and we had some great rolls. 'Technical but not a**holes' as one of the guys there put it :) Highly recommended.

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Posted 1 year ago

CableGuyBJJ

I’m beyond blessed to have Professor Clark Gracie as my instructor and friend. The academy is amazing and everyone treats you like family so it is home away from home! The learning never stops here. If you in San Diego this is the place to train!

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere

Posted 1 year ago

Chad Tapie

Clean academy, great people, great instruction and engaging classes. Professor Clark has built an awesome environment to train in whether you are new or seasoned. There is a blend of new students, high level training partners and everything in between. You will get good work in, learn a lot, and have a ton of fun! Highly recommend!

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Posted 2 years ago

Alex Elliott

Top notch instruction in a friendly fun environment. Highly recommended

Instructors Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Anthony Fiore

Awesome instruction and super talented and friendly team. My go to when visiting in San Diego.

Instructors Location Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Duke Jarboe

My first time. What a welcoming environment. I was blown away by the level of respect and camaraderie everyone has for each other. It was incredibly fun and educational. Truly a great first experience. Thank you!

Classes Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Brett Holko

I've been attending this academy for just over 2 years and I must say every teacher/professor is amazing (especially Clark who is there everyday). But special shoutout to blackbelt Tony Amezquita who is now teaching on Tuesdays. This professor has incredible teaching skills. He is so clear and concise with his instruction and he works with each student individually. Best of all at the end of a 2 hour class he will not let you quit, he motivates everyone to get those last 2 or 3 rolls in that he knows you can finish. Big Oss to Tony!

Instructors Classes

Posted 2 years ago

Mohammad Jamal Deen

Everything I had heard about this gym through my friend and the bjj community was everything I experienced and more. Very welcoming, professional and friendly. Within the first minutes, I was greeted by Clark Gracie (owner and head instructor) as well as Adam (black belt instructor for the class I attended) with open arms as if I was one of their own. The instructors are top notch. I train bjj in Chicago, so I’m not a total beginner in the sport despite being lower ranked. The class was fantastic with amazing instructions all around. The instructors are attentive and very methodical in their teaching. Amazing techniques were taught! After class, there was live sparring which I had an opportunity to roll and train with higher level belts who all greeted me with kindness and respect. I learned a ton from them during our sparring. Overall, amazing gym. If I were to make the move to SD, this would be where I would train. As a visitor, I felt included in their gym within the first minute and can’t wait to be back! Highly recommend for anyone to come here, from beginner to advanced. You’ll find yourself fitting in. Lastly, for new bjj people … Culture and cleanliness are what you need to look out for. This culture is great here and the gym is very clean. This is also something to look for. Clark, see you again soon man!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Jerrad Kuehne

I don't know much about Jui Jitsu but my two boys seem to love it! Definitely a sense of.community here! The coaches seem friendly and the facility is very clean. Highly recommend this gym for anyone interested in BJJ

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Nicole Phillips

What a great place to train! Technical and engaging professors. Top notch kids and adults program. Always feels like home stepping on these mats.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

John Zurbach

World class instruction, number of classes to choose from throughout the day, deep bench of talented competitors, airy and clean facility, friendly atmosphere. Go train.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Andrew Champlin

I had high expectations for my first class with Clark and he does not disappoint! Truly world class instruction + a beautiful gym!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 2 years ago

Niko Trottier

Friendly instruction and a good place to learn self defense

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

jkirkendall91

This academy is amazing! Great community, and a diverse range of experience from white belt to black belts to train with. Clark has an ability to teach anyone. The explanation of techniques is incredibly thorough. The amount of details and drills will make you bjj to that next level. No more plateaus that feel never ending. Your game will continue to grow and if you plan to compete in competition, you will have the confidence and strategy to perform your best. Highly recommend training here!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

M M

I was visiting SD for work and learned of this academy. I was a bit overwhelmed as a newer white belt thinking it might be an intimidating experience to do a session with who all the online sites were identifying as a giant of BJJ and world champion. However, it ended up being one of the greatest fitness/sport related experiences I've had. The scheduler was super responsive and easy to work with, and provided the relevant details and answered my questions so kindly. When I got to the center and saw Professor Clark walk out, it felt like I saw a real life Greek god. A beautiful fit man with such a humble aura and friendly personality and a sense of discipline- he really represents the best of Jiu Jitsu and is certainly filling the great fighting and nutrition shoes his grandfather Carlos and great uncle Helio (the BJJ founders) left behind. The gym itself was spacious and nicely set up with a merchandise store too. In the 3 BJJ gyms I've seen so far, the mats here were the most pleasant to fall on. The session itself was extremely elucidating and I learned a lot, and practiced a lot. It was such an honor to train with the scion of this world famous family and I hope I am able to train with and meet him again. I want to be like Clark Gracie when I grow up!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

Zachary Sturman

I went to Clark's for my very first day of jiu jitsu and trained there for my initial 3 months and now every time I am in San Diego (no longer live in the area). Clark is one of the most incredible people in the sport, and anyone who has met him will tell you the same. His academy is a reflection of that... Welcoming people, high-level instruction / guidance / rolls, a great atmosphere, and a world-class facility. People are humble just like Clark... I had no idea who he was when I joined, and he has always maintained that humility & welcoming attitude. LOVE the academy and feel so lucky to be part of the extended family of the academy. Thank you! 10/10 would recommend if you are thinking of joining a gym in SD or just in town looking for a place to drop in.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

G B

Dropped in while in town for a conference. I emailed ahead for the mat fee and a few other question. Mat fee was reasonable and visitors don’t need to adhere to a uniform policy. The evening class I attended had a few dozen people. After a 15-20 min warmup we completed a series of guard passing drills that, while pretty fundamental, helped get me out of a horrible funk I’d been in preceding my visit. Rolls in the subsequent session were plentiful, courteous, and challenging. Many thanks to the gym

Instructors Facility Classes Pricing Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

Ken Holtschlag

I recently stopped into Clark Gracie Jiu Jitsu when visiting the San Diego from Colorado. Prior to the visit, Clark and his team provided timely communication regarding available walk-in class times. During class ,Clark and his students were friendly, helpful and attentive. It can be intimidating visiting another gym. However, they all made it a fun opportunity to learn from a true leader in Jiu Jitsu. Much respect and many thanks, Clark and team! I look forward to visiting again if and when in the San Diego area.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

Mint Body Fitness

I’ve visited Gracie Allegiance SD several times over the years and it’s always been beyond EXCELLENT ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ everyone is very friendly and welcoming. The facility is outstanding open, clean, fresh air, and full bathrooms with showers. The mat space is incredible over a full basketball court size of mat space. The classes are outstanding nice warm ups, great explanations, techniques taught and shown clearly, and nice sparring with every level from white to black belts. Professor Alan and Clark are super nice and helpful during my visits. The BJJ is world class level especially from Professor Clark GRACIE himself he’s very knowledgeable, genuine, and an amazing instructor. I have taken several private lessons from him also which has helped me greatly. Overall this is the very best BJJ academy I’ve ever experienced my whole 15 years of training BJJ. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND YOU TRY GRACIE ALLEGIANCE SD to start your BJJ journey 100% satisfaction!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

Vipin Tyagi

Fantastic academy in San Diego. I trained here for a year while I was living in San Diego and could not recommend it more. Professor Clark is a fantastic with technical and well explained instruction for any level. All the other professors are amazing as well who genuinely care about you learning and improving. You won't find better training partners anywhere else either. They really try to build a family like environment where everyone is centered on helping other improve. I met some incredible folks here who became friends on and off the mats. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a solid BJJ spot in town!

Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

Christina Woods Luxury Real Estate Photography

After trying multiple places this place is the one that made us feel at home. My boys smile more here than anywhere else. The instructors are amazing, the environment is positive and uplifting. I have seen a great change in both my kids since they have started. More confidence. More energy. More friends. I can see this being something that will be in there lives for a very long time and its going to be a great journey. Thank you Clark Gracie!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

Brian Williams

Excellent teaching and great place to train.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

travis zinner

This is my academy of choice! Best instruction and training partners in all of San Diego. Clark Gracie’s techniques are beyond comparison. If you want to be the best and learn from the best this is where you need to be.

Instructors Classes Location Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

John kirkendall

Amazing facility, clark is an incredible instructor and gives really well communicated details. Everyone is very friendly and that takes away a ton of anxiety. They roll hard but no egos. Showers, workout equipment, and clean mats. Definitely worth it.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 3 years ago

Christopher

Best academy around. Amazing community and most detailed instruction I’ve ever received. Clark is a true professional. Lucky to get to train here.

Instructors Atmosphere

Posted 4 years ago

Ignacio P

Took a 2 hr intro class with Professor Gracie and his student. Showed us many ground grappling moves and how to do it step by step. He was very patient and open to questions. I had a wonderful experience being taught by the grandson of the gracie elders. Very friendly and open staff. I highly recommend it!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 4 years ago

Brett Holko

Recently joined and I can't say enough about this place! Incredibly professional yet kind environment. Clark Gracie the legend is on site every day giving instruction and pointers. He has created a decidedly positive, supportive environment. The other high level black and brown belts are also there everyday giving everyone help and support. Clark's academy will change your life, I'm kicking myself for not joining sooner.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 4 years ago

Drew Low

Was visiting from Anderson’s Martial Arts, a Clark Gracie Affiliate school in NYC. Dropped in to do an open roll tonight, and I have nothing but great things to say about this school, its instructors, and the students I had the opportunity to train with. Amazing group of positive, friendly people, all working together to learn and grow as a team. Would recommend anyone in the San Diego area to come check it out and spend a fun, challenging time on the mats like I did. Thanks a lot, Clark Gracie’s!

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere

Posted 4 years ago

Rob Pope

Been going here for a few months now to group and private classes. I moved from LA where I was a member of another BJJ gym. This is an excellent environment. Large, clean, open mat area. Instructors and staff are really friendly and you always feel like you get what you need to learn.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 4 years ago

Emily Hall

This gym is everything you could ask for — incredible instruction from professors, clean, and family friendly. Clark’s is a place welcome to everyone from all walks of life, which makes for great friendships and great training. Classes are also offered at a number of different times to fit any schedule. Again, couldn’t be happier to have found this gym.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 4 years ago

gracie jiu jitsu

Clark Grcaie jiu jitsu academy is the best place to practice jiu jitsu in San diego.Clark has the mind of a genius and the body of a striper.

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Posted 4 years ago

Ejay Menchavez

What a community of loving and caring martial artists. They welcomed my brother and I very quickly. There's many who compete, as well as many who train for fitness or self-defense. Professor Clark teaches most of the adult classes when he's in town, Professor Alé teaches the youth programs and Lucas teaches whenever either are out of town. I enjoy all of their teaching styles, I've even had the privelege to learn from visiting black belts who are currently national champs in their weight classes.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 4 years ago

Spencer Hancock

Excellent!

Instructors Facility Location Pricing Atmosphere

Posted 5 years ago

Samson younes

everyone there is super nice and everyone is good at teaching and professor clark is nice to everyone. there are classes specifically for your level too there is a kids class, fundamentals, intermediate, a no contact, and a wrestling class for kids and adults so there is a perfect class for everyone so I highly recommend this academy. :)

Instructors Classes Atmosphere

Posted 5 years ago

Pedro Silva

I've been grappling for over a decade, and I have been to many gyms, and this is the nicest gym that I have been to, by far. its well kept, they have a huge mat space, a workout area, 5 star country club like bathrooms, and the staff is top notch.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 5 years ago

Chuck Meyers

Clark Gracie and all of his instructors are very knowledgeable and professional. The facility is one of the nicest that I have ever trained in. So clean you could eat off the mats. Highly recommend.

Instructors Facility

Posted 5 years ago

Francisco Albrecht

Best jiu jitsu academy I ever been. Great space, workout area, sitting area for hangout/wait. All the amenities for a great experience. Highly recommended! Ossss

Facility Atmosphere

Posted 5 years ago

Lucas Espinoza

Clark is a great instructor with competition experience the facility is clean and well kept and very welcoming environment

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 5 years ago

mrfredcoletta

What an amazing place with amazing people. Just visited tonight from Bend Oregon and was met with amazing hospitality and some fantastic jiu-jitsu. I will defiantly go back and train here next time I'm in town. If you live in San Diego, and you train, you have to check this place out. OSS ✋ 👊 🙏

Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere

Posted 5 years ago

Kellen Anderson

Great place to train. Everyone is friendly and welcoming!

Instructors Atmosphere

Posted 6 years ago

Claudio Canive

I have been training here for a long time. The instruction is top notch. Great atmosphere and great jiu jitsu.

Instructors Classes Atmosphere

Posted 6 years ago

John Gomez

I'm a dad to three kids and a very busy lawyer. Despite that I try to take care of myself and stay active between trials and travel. I first started jiu jitsu with Clark in my late 40s. My kids all trained here too. It's now been 5 years or so. I consider Clark and everyone here great teachers and friends. I have competed for the team, attended team weddings, parties and seminars, and stayed healthy and strong all the while. With the demands of work I sometimes can't train for a while. But when I come back, it is always to open arms and warm welcomes. The instructors and teammates here are welcoming and kind. The jiu jitsu is obviously world class. We are lucky to have this academy in San Diego. I recommend it to anyone hoping to improve their health, fitness or ability to defend themselves. Kids, moms, old dads like me, and young hungry competitors will all thrive here.

Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere

Posted 6 years ago

Eladio Venegas

World class BJJ in a friendly atmosphere

Instructors Facility Atmosphere

Posted 7 years ago

Elijah Gibson

Great atmosphere and good instruction. Will return for sure. Loved the class!!

Instructors Classes Atmosphere

Posted 7 years ago

Shaun Sullivan

Simply put, the more often I'm at this place, the better my life gets. Something about the combination of mental and physical rigor, the clarity and nuance of the instruction - walking out you can feel it was time well spent. To top it off, the students and professors are welcoming and friendly, and the facility is top-notch.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 7 years ago

Ian Marquardt

I have been to 7 or 8 different jiu jitsu schools, and this one is by far the nicest one facility I have ever been to. It's light years ahead even the second nicest place I've been to....The mats have a super nice bounce, they have showers for you after you roll, and a huge changing room. The people here are some of the nicest and most genuine people I've ever rolled with. Definitely an awesome Jiu Jitsu place

Facility Atmosphere

Posted 8 years ago

Lane Noble

Excellent instruction. I was just a white belt when I visited San Diego from Iowa for a week during a medical conference. They welcomed me with open arms and I even got to meet Clark, who is a really nice guy btw.

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere

Posted 8 years ago

Cole Casey

There are far too many good things to list about this place, but from the professors to the students, this academy is just an amazing group of people. As an older student trying BJJ for the first time, along with running a professional practice and raising a family, trying such a demanding sport could have been really intimidating and unwelcoming. Not here. Brandon and Clark and the entire staff of professors take their art very seriously, yet they make the classes and the training interesting and fun. It is intense to be sure, and it isn't easy, but that's what makes even the smallest increases in your development so rewarding. The fellow students are welcoming, and seem to know exactly how hard to push a new white belt without scaring them away, or having to prove something. I have a 2 year old son and am literally counting the days until he can start their kids classes. If you are serious about wanting to learn this beautiful art, true Gracie Jiu Jitsu and not some knock off, and if you are willing to put in the work, you will learn it here, and make a great group of friends and training partners along the way. Highly recommend.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere

Posted 10 years ago

Adam D

I've trained a lot of places and this place is great! Staff is welcoming and so are the other students. I'm glad to be a part of the school and I would encourage anyone interested in studying jiu jitsu to train here. Free class and no pressure to join or gimmicks. Straight up and no nonsense!

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Posted 10 years ago

Clark Gracie Jiu Jitsu Academy

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