Gracie Barra San Diego

3952-A Clairemont Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92117, USA

(63 reviews)

Disciplines

Gi MMA Muay Thai No-Gi Self-Defense

Classes

Adults Classes Black Belt Instruction Fundamentals

Facilities

Mat Space Parking

Culture

Welcoming Environment

Access

Free Trial

Train Jiu-Jitsu at Gracie Barra San Diego. Expert-led programs for all levels in a welcoming and supportive environment. Join us today!

Reviews

Sort by

Luca Candido

Best environment to learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu!!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Erika A

I have loved this gym, and my husband loves this gym and continued to go when I couldn’t. The professors are super patient with those of us that struggle. I was a victim of extreme violence when I was younger that left me in a wheelchair for a long time. I find it hard to have others touch me, and sometimes I still panic. My body feels awkward because it wasn’t that long ago I learned how to reuse my body. I’m still learning myself, and I think Jiu Jitsu helps. The professors are patient, let me work with my husband, gave me guidance, and were accommodating. They do not judge when someone is panicked or is confused. I recommend this gym if you are wanting to start a journey with jiu jitsu, they will be with you and support you along the way.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Gabi M

I was visiting from the Seattle gym, and I couldn’t have had a better experience at the San Diego location! The professors are incredibly knowledgeable and made me feel right at home. The facility is clean, spacious, and the classes are well structured. Everyone is welcoming and supportive. Whether you’re local or just visiting like me, this gym is a fantastic place to train and improve your Jiu-Jitsu. Highly recommend it to anyone! Oss!

Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Kraig Howard

Awesome gym, even better people! I recently visited from some distance away, was very cool to see Professor Ale teaching the same curriculum I practiced the night before at my home academy.

Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Louise Angelberthe Abundo

My boyfriend and I visited Gracie Barra San Diego all the way from Chicago, IL! We had an amazing session with Prof. Ale, Prof. Leticia, and Prof. Matt. They were all very friendly and accommodating, and we met a lot of awesome people there. Will definitely be coming back when we’re back in town!

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Simone Mastrota

Great spot overall! The professors are really good and open to help you . The classes are pretty much at any time of the day. Super relaxed and competitive enough attitude between all the students

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
Rex Brunner

Professor Ale, Luca, and Leticia make this Jiu-jitsu program world class. Started my son just before he turned 4 in their tiny champions Jiu-jitsu training. They are welcoming, knowledgeable, natural born teachers, and do a phenomenal job explaining technique in a way the kids absorb, incorporating the importance of self discipline, respect, and attitude, and integrating fun games to break up the pace and help kids burn energy in a healthy team environment. There couldn’t be a better program or group of individuals for my son to be around. Stoked! Ossss

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
Niki R

I love the fact that they do muay thai and boxing along with BJJ, I first went with my friend ethan, and I really loved it. It boosted my confidence and my skills in 3 different martial arts. It's great stats for the cost, too. Thanks, Professor Ogawa

Instructors Facility Classes Pricing Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
brandon merrill

The jiujitsu experience is top notch. A family environment and teaching one. You come in and everyone welcomes you. Great experience to have!!!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 4 years ago
Anthony Giles

Like most people new to Jiu Jitsu I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect…If you are reading this review I imagine you are most likely in the same boat. I’ve attended a couple of training sessions at Gracie Barra San Diego, and it has been fantastic. I’m a 40+ yr old male who has never done any martial arts before…but that hasn’t been a problem at all. The training sessions are well scaled so you can work on the fundamental moves in the first part of the training session, and then move to more and more action/intensity in the session if you and whoever you are partnered up with desire…if you want to stay chill for the session, that’s cool too. The entire team has been very welcoming, the instructor is outstanding, the facility is clean and easy to get to. Put in an online request to schedule your first session…super easy. Couldn’t recommend it more.

Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere
Posted 4 years ago
Michael McElroy

Upon my first time visiting the gym, everyone was very friendly and welcoming! I did not feel like an outsider whatsoever. I was paired with a black belt / professor Shad who was awesome, went easy on me and made my first day quite fun. Dani at the front desk was also very friendly, nice and helpful in getting me anything I needed. The head instructor, Professor Ale, was also very welcoming and clearly eager to aid any newcomers. Would definitely recommend Gracie Barra to anyone!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 4 years ago
D O

Outstanding community led by a world class instructor in Prof. Ogawa. I've been going here for about 3 months and the environment could not be more welcoming, clean, professional, or fun. The classes meet you where you are to provide a challenging yet safe experience. I was expecting I would need to "shop around" but I got lucky and found my jiu-jitsu home on the first try.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 4 years ago
Jason Duke

I have absolutely loved my time at GBSD. Joined up in late 2019 looking to better my bjj, destress from work, and meet some new people. Professor Ale is extremely knowledgeable and loves what he does! The energy in the school is so encouraging and friendly, which is why I keep coming back. It is a very welcoming school with all experience levels. The front desk staff is amazing and they do a great job to make it feel like a real family/community and not just a “gym”. Lastly, the facility is cleaned multiple times a day and personal hygiene is always emphasized. If you’re even thinking about bjj, this should be the first place you check out!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 5 years ago
Christopher Priedel

Wonderful school, all staff is extremely helpful and welcoming. Best martial arts experience I've ever had!

Instructors Atmosphere
Posted 5 years ago
lexi h.

As a Gracie Barra student, I’ve learned to be confident and to take care of others around me with respect. Professor Ale, is an awesome mentor for me as well as someone I can count on. This school has shown self defense skills as well as helping others. I believe these are life long lessons for me.

Instructors Atmosphere
Posted 5 years ago
Bryan Smith

This is an incredible school with excellent teachers and leadership. My 5 year old son is enrolled and it is clearly having a positive impact on him. He looks forward to every class and is learning while having fun. The class is much more than just BJJ technique, it is a path for growth and personal development far beyond what I was expecting. The classes are skillfully run and i am amazed at the quality of instruction and breadth of skills that are being developed. I highly recommend this studio for anyone considering for themselves or their kids.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 5 years ago
Rocky Beam

I first went to a free trial class at Gracie Barra with a friend of mine. It was super easy to set up, called and spoke with Professor Ogawa who was awesome and answered all of my questions. They provided a loaner Gi and everything at the gym was nice and clean. The professor, coaches and fellow students were all so kind and helpful! I loved my first class and decided to do a trial parents & kids class with my 7 yr old and we had a great time so we both signed up. They have an open schedule with classes everyday that you can just show up to when it fits your schedule. Different times for different skill levels and/or all level classes. We’ve been going since December 2020 and we have learned so much more than I thought possible in such a relatively short amount of time and we truly feel like we’re a part of the Gracie Barra Family. Professor Ogawa is a wonderful and kind man who has managed to successfully teach and grow a unique group of amazing athletes who are knowledgeable, disciplined and never hesitate to come along side anyone who enters the gym to learn. He has a real gift of teaching and focuses on technique as well as proper execution. Most importantly he exemplifies and teaches kindness and respect. My husband who has been learning Jiu-Jitsu from black belt coworkers for a number of years came to a Valentines Day couples class and really appreciated the teaching & people so much that he joined Gracie Barra too. Professor and coach Dani are the best and so great at putting fun things together like women’s self defense classes (free to the public), Valentines Day couples self defense classes, family bbqs at the bay, even opening up the gym and teaching self defense to local high schoolers free of charge! Professor Ogawa (being a dad of two young women himself) is a believer that everyone should know Jiu-Jitsu, especially women. We’re so grateful for this gym and for these cool people. We look forward to continuing to learn excellent Jiu-Jitsu and growing as a family here.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 5 years ago
Starlit Mercado

Went here for the 1st time with my friends and loved it! I had no knowledge of jiujitsu other than it being a martial art and my body isn't necessarily in the best physical condition haha. The instructors gave clear directions/demonstrations but also knew how to joke around and have fun. 10/10 would reccomend for anyone to learn the basics (and beyond) of self defense.

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 5 years ago
Nieder Tron

So far we enjoy this gym very much and they were very patient with my special needs daughter who tried jiujitsu for the first time. We hope to enroll her with hopes of building her confidence. The energy and atmosphere is amazing 👏

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 5 years ago
gianna Therootedwomban

I can not brag enough about this school and the staff!! Joining Gracie Barra in Clairemont is easily one of the best decisions I made for my son and I! Professor is so knowledgeable, informative, talented and kind! Dani, at the front desk was amazing from our very first phone call to seeing her every class. The facility is always clean and they have changing rooms! The location is central, easy to find and has tons of parking! I look forward to every single class, learning something new, challenging my self and improving my skills in BJJ. HIGHLY RECOMMEND trying Gracie Barra in Clairemont!

Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere
Posted 5 years ago
Bernardo Goulart

The best Jiu-Jitsu school in the world! I'm a brazilian student from the Gracie Barra HQ and it's amazing how professional is GB units all over the world! Gracie Barra San Diego is a perfect place to find friends, good Jiu-Jitsu in a perfect environment!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 5 years ago
A D

Great place to train. The people are friendly and modest. They’ve been tremendously nice since the beginning. I never felt pressurized in to joining since my first trial class. Highly recommend this.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 5 years ago
Otavio De Assis

Great facility to train and learn Jiu Jitsu. A structured environment that gives a family feel. Gracie Barra San Diego is a great place to train clean mats and friendly people.

Facility Atmosphere
Posted 5 years ago
Vinny Marcial

I’ve recently visited San Diego and wanted to train jiu jitsu. Gracie Barra San Diego went above and beyond for my expectations. The professor, staff and all the students were super friendly. I felt at home especially since no one went hard on me during training. Highly recommended if you’re looking for somewhere to train

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 5 years ago
Rocky Abild

This is the place to be for amazing instruction paired with a safe, positive learning environment. Definitely recommend you try a class for yourself.

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 6 years ago
Denise

Started my first day here today. ...I was super nervous walking in not knowing a single thing about martial arts. Just a bubbly 26 year old girl who’s never had any physical altercation.The staff was super nice and professional ...walked me through everything. Facility is also super clean... excited to keep learning.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 6 years ago
Scott Capistrano

Wonderful studio. Great learning environment. Instructors and students both have no attitude. Very sincere desire to learn and teach.

Instructors Atmosphere
Posted 7 years ago
Joseph Barton

Why train anywhere else? GB has a great network of schools all over the world. This particular school in San Diego is fantastic. The students all want to improve and help others improve. The atmosphere is not intimidating to newcomers. The professor is knowledgeable and friendly.

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere
Posted 8 years ago
LARRY BULLOCK

This is my home school. Professor Ogawa is a fantastic teacher and an even greater man. The atmosphere of this school is family oriented and the other students and coaches are always friendly and helpful. If you're in San, come by and check out a fantastic school. Oss!

Instructors Location Atmosphere
Posted 8 years ago
Brian Feria

Great place to learn Jiujitsu. Gracie Barra SD is very welcoming. Professor Ale is a great instructor and will treat you like family!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 8 years ago
Jason Lankford

Great atmosphere and good energy at Gracie Barra San Diego. It is a great place to Train. The best part is everyone is treated equal and it is good for the whole family all ages. My experience training with professor Ali was simply the best. I would recommend that everyone go on out to Gracie Barra San Diego you won't regret it. I have been out of training due to an accident on a skateboard. But when my bones heal, you won't be catching me on a skateboard. I'll be back down at Gracie Barra San Diego. Go on down and sign up . GREAT EXPERIENCE, see you soon professor Ali

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 8 years ago
Manny Escalante

I highly recommend it from the first time I set foot inside the Gracie Barra gym I was treated like I've been there for years ,my kid loves it also happy I joined

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 8 years ago
Colin Gallagher

Professor Alé Ogawa has created a culture of family, friendship, and positivity and the martial arts instruction is second to none. Beginning jiu jitsu can be intimidating. The movements are awkward, you're closer to people than you'd normally be, and you're rolling around on the ground. At gracie barra san diego you'll find a team of partners and instructors that will encourage you through those initial challenges and celebrate your successes. At Gracie Barra San Diego no matter what your goals, age, gender, or body type you will be welcomed into our jiu jitsu family.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 8 years ago
Samuel Nascimento

Excelente Escola de Jiu Jitsu

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 9 years ago
Rogerio Marques

Sensei Ogawa amazing jiu-jitsu professor for Kids and adults !

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 9 years ago
Karen Harrington

Exciting starting to move with strength again. The professor understands I need to start slowly N safely. I love the sweating, exercises, and companionship!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 9 years ago
Daniel Huh

Clean facilities and good atmosphere. Awesome teacher and other bjj practitioners.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 9 years ago
Richie McGirr

This is a very friendly place that lives up to the slogan “Jiu Jitsu for Everyone!” Small children, strong competitors, and even the elderly can learn and practice jiu jitsu here. Professor Alexandre Ogawa treats everyone like family and expertly teaches a very robust curriculum. I highly recommend Gracie Barra San Diego to anyone looking to learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or to any current practitioners looking for a new place to roll.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 9 years ago
Lance Pruitt

Excellent environment for adults and kids. Amazing Professor with extensive knowledge.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 9 years ago
Jeni Park

Highly recommend! Teaches kids self discipline, leadership, anti-bullying tactics (real world scenarios and what to do), self defense, respect, and no quitting attitude. Professor Ale is an awesome professor! He's great with kids and my girls look up to him. His wife Patricia works the front desk and she is so kind and humble :)

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 9 years ago
Jose Angel Barrientos

Ogawa Sensei is an Outstanding Instructor!!! His martial arts skills are equally matched by his kindness and genuine willingness to help you understand the concepts and technical aspects behind the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills he teaches. I enjoyed learning from him so much that I decided to bring my 5-year old daughter to their child lessons and she LOVES attending them! I'm a swim coach and I know how important it is to help a child master skills and develop self-confidence, so that they can become strong-minded individuals. I could not ask for a better instructor or role model for my daughter. Ogawa Sensei's positive attitude and reinforcement are things that I value highly, especially since it is helping my daughter's self-confidence flourish. Definitely stop by and check this place out! I did and after they gave me a free Introductory lesson, I haven't stopped coming back!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 9 years ago
Fair Lilly

This place is great! The professor is very knowledgeable and easy to follow. His technique lets you learn from a beginner stand point to advance tournaments. The atmosphere feels like your apart of a family and a team. I started going to learn self defense and coordination but soon realized even as a beginner this place really helps build up your self esteem as well. Highly recommend anyone who has never tried to test this out!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 9 years ago