Gracie Jiu Jitsu Santa Cruz

1345 Capitola Rd, Santa Cruz, CA 95062, USA

(35 reviews)

Classes

Adults Classes

Facilities

Mat Space

Culture

Welcoming Environment

Access

Free Trial

Reviews

Sort by

Alex Walker

I first came to get my kids learning Jiu Jitsu so they could build confidence and self defense skills. Since then, I have started training, and my wife has done their women focused self defense program. The studio is clean and welcoming. I am so glad to have found this place for my family.
Posted 11 months ago
S Wan

Extremely friendly and engaging teachers that meet you where you are in your capabilities. I was intimidated by BJJ but eventually the algorithm led me here for a free women empowered class and since then I've been hooked. The dojo is aesthetically peaceful and inviting... Reminiscent of Miyagi-Do on Cobra Kai. 😄
Posted 1 year ago
Laurel Beck

My 5 year old daughter is loving it... finding her voice and strength while having a great time. Her teachers are amazing and we are always looking forward to Our Gracie days!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Christopher Kelly

I Love Gracie in general and this gym in particular. I train here as an adult, and my two kids, ages 10 and 6, go here, too. Gracie has mastered teaching kids jiujitsu through play and not burning them out. The Combatives program is the perfect onramp for adults that avoids injury. The space is clean and beautiful, and we enjoy spending time there. Perhaps most importantly, we feel like we're part of a group of friends every time we train. We highly recommend it!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Rafa

This place is awesome. Drew’s vibe and expertise is exactly what I was hoping for in a BJJ instructor: he keeps it fun and joyful while still explaining the techniques well and the seriousness of getting it wrong in a fight. I also love the combatives system that Gracie does to prepare new folks for successful and safe sparring. They also do fight simulation with gloves when you’re ready which is awesome. If you’re looking for a great BJJ gym that’s a ton of fun, without toxic egos, and great teachers who prioritize safety, then this is the place to be.
Posted 2 years ago
Rafael

This place is awesome. Drew’s vibe and expertise is exactly what I was hoping for in a BJJ instructor: he keeps it fun and joyful while still explaining the techniques well and the seriousness of getting it wrong in a fight. I also love the combatives system that Gracie does to prepare new folks for successful and safe sparring. They also do fight simulation with gloves when you’re ready which is awesome. If you’re looking for a great BJJ gym that’s a ton of fun, without toxic egos, and great teachers who prioritize safety, then this is the place to be.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Josh Nankivel

I love the approach Gracie takes with beginners in the Combatives program. Focus on fundamental techniques and safe training practices before more advanced rolling is a great idea. The program is very structured and complimented with online technique video demonstrations. The instructors and fellow students are knowledgeable and welcoming. This is the only school I recommend to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu beginners.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Ori Adler

Wow, what a great experience. Drew, Shell, Ash, Dave and Stephen are amazing. I came into this with no prior martial arts experience. And not even really knowing what I wanted to get out of it. I'm having a fantastic time. Everybody that I'm in class with is helpful. We pair up together and support each other. All the instructors follow the same basic guidelines on teaching, but each one of them has their own way to adapt the lesson to make sure you understand it. If only I could quit my job and train full-time

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
Caleb Polanco-Montoro

I’ve been going for a while and i honestly love the people there, the lessons, the teachers, and really just the energy. It’s amazing and helpful for self defense.

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 4 years ago
Michael Gomes

This is the place to go if you want to start your Jiu Jitsu journey. They base their philosophy from grandsons of the creator of Jiu Jitsu Helio Gracie. No knarly sparring for beginner people. They base there teaching on learning how to do the art before your body gets exposed to the sparring aspect. Great place for beginners and mature Jiu Jitsu guys who want to get back to the basics, which is the foundation of all good Jiu Jitsu athletes. Great staff. Very professional.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 4 years ago
Stephen Grillos

Not your average jiujitsu academy (and that’s a very good thing) I’ve trained at multiple Jiujitsu schools throughout the Bay Area. While all of them have cool people trying to learn, grow, and challenge themselves, what sets Gracie Santa Cruz apart is the focus on building a solid foundation with excellent technique. Anyone can learn to go 100% and try and smash their opponent. But when you gas out, where does that leave you? In addition, the likelihood of injury skyrockets when poor technique is combined with explosive movements. I love the philosophy and the approach of Steve, Drew, and the team, and really enjoy training with the practitioners I’ve met at this gym.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 4 years ago
camille

Clean space, informative leaders, and inspiring classes. Highly recommend.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 5 years ago
Mauricio Rezaee

My 1st class at Gracie Santa Cruz was in late July 2020. I was so pleasantly surprised to find a Jiu-Jitsu school that was available for in person training (due to covid). Thankfully, the team at Gracie Santa Cruz had taken numerous precautions to provide a safe and effective training environment. Class was social distanced, solo, with sanitized grappling dummies at each training station. I had a blast! The day after my 1st class, covid restrictions intensified and the school was no longer permitted to hold in person classes inside. Within a week, the team at Gracie Santa Cruz had installed an entire outdoor training facility (with mats and shade canopies). I was throughly impressed with the speed and effectiveness in which they were able to adapt to the rapidly changing regulations. Shortly after opening the outdoor training facilities, our area was hit by some of the worst wild fires in history. Poor air quality forced the temporary suspension of all outdoor classes. Again, the Gracie Santa Cruz team was quick to act, putting the health and safety of their students first. The instructors are friendly, knowledgeable, and patient. The gym is clean and beautifully landscaped. Thank you so much to the team at Gracie Santa Cruz for going above and beyond to be available to teach such an amazing art during such a difficult time. You all rock!!!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 5 years ago
Seth Larkin

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Santa Cruz is awesome! Steve and crew really made me feel welcomed, I went the first day having no experience whatsoever in martial arts and by the end of class I already felt like family. The difference now being able to go anywhere and no-matter the situation I know I could defend myself, my family or anyone in trouble and that has been an powerful experience. I think everyone should go through their combatives program and at least have the fundamentals of self-defense. Also, they have done a great job responding to COVID19 and the Zoom classes are excellent!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 6 years ago
Angela Hedges

Gracie Santa Cruz is truly an amazing place. There are so many options for martial arts, but none that are a real family like Gracie. In the four years my kids have attended, they've learned so much more than jiu-jitsu. Respect, character building, conflict resolution and so much more are all part of the program. Plus it's so fun, gorgeous like a retreat, and an overall great vibe to learn and grow strong in. Steve and the crew have created a wonderful place. I can't recommend Gracie enough!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 6 years ago
Christiane Tran

At any age, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Santa Cruz is THE place to finally learn the self defense you've always wanted to try but were a little too timid to venture. The teachers and students are SUPER nice and inclusive to all. Once you take the chance, you will never regret it. This martial art is extremely effective and easy to do. It does not take strength to get out of any tough situation you are in but smart, leverage based techniques. Surprise yourself and try it today.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 6 years ago
Chris Sanders

Amazing school with outstanding instructors. Learn self defense, build confidence, find honor, give respect, stay humble, enrich your mind, body and soul. Gracie Jiu Jitsu is a martial art that is, at its heart, a self defense method that allows a smaller practitioner to protect oneself against a stronger opponent, whilst also protecting the opponent from harm, if possible (via de-escalation). If you’re ready to embark on a life changing experience, prepare to check your ego at the door and join an incredible group of individuals who care about each other and simply want all to succeed in reaching goals and new heights. Major side effects include getting into the best shape of ones life, a positive outlook on life, caring about ones community, and possible addiction to learning techniques.

Instructors Atmosphere
Posted 6 years ago
sally arena

As a woman walking into any kind of martial arts studio can be intimidating with many places having a competitive and machismo culture. Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Santa Cruz made me feel safe and welcomed right from the start. The instruction is clear and geared towards real life situations. The community is inspiring, fun, and encouraging. Their free 10 day intro is the perfect way to get your feet wet without any financial commitment. Give it ten days and I bet you stay 🤙🏽 I know I did!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 6 years ago
Jerry Abreu

I've been studying here for approximately 4 months and I'm glad I decided to sign up at this gym. The instructors and other students are all very helpful and welcoming. It is part of a big family that is Gracie University. The training, resources and facilities are exceptional. A first class organization. I highly recommend this school for someone interested in learning this amazing art.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 7 years ago
Mark Vasquez

They say the hardest first step is stepping onto the mat. I say the hardest step is finding a gym that turns learning self-defense into fun, positive moments. I have been going to this gym for almost a year now. I have to say I am glad I found it and took the leap to try it. I am a lot more confident, assertive and proud in many areas of life now because of Jiu-Jitsu. I am what you would call a, "Lifer." I have met a lot of amazing people because of this green mat. No matter what brings you to the mat, Jiu-jitsu keeps you there. Keep it playful! Thanks again, Gracie Santa Cruz! Regards, Mark #JiuJitsuForLife

Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 7 years ago
Justin Bragz (JustinBragz)

The instructors are very welcoming and friendly! The facilities are really cool! It’s a legit Gracie Academy Training Center based out of Torrance, Ca. The Combative class is awesome for beginners! The Gracie BullyPROOF for Kids is a great program! My kids and I enjoyed training and learning and most likely are going to sign up! Highly recommend!

Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere
Posted 7 years ago
Dave Chandler

Excellent Instructors and Beautiful Facility.

Instructors Facility
Posted 8 years ago
Aaron K.

This place is awesome! The instructors are super friendly and helpful. The gym looks great and I can tell they put a lot of hard work and thought into making it visually and functionally amazing.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 8 years ago
Megumi Whittle

As a parent and a helper in kid’s Bullyproof program, as an aspiring assistant instructor in Women Empowered program, and as a striving student of the Combatives Adult program, I can truly say that this is a community you want to be a part of. I drive almost 2 hours round trip, 2-3 a week just to train here. Coming from zero athletic background, I have found a greatest joy to practice this gentle, yet practical art of Gracie Jiu-jitsu in a very non-competitive environment. Everyone is dedicated, and interested in learning and assisting each other. I am very grateful for all instructors and training partners who help me be the best I can be.

Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere
Posted 8 years ago
Rianorix Alaunana

Welcoming and wonderful. My daughter is a pretty squiggly kid and she has done really well with the Bullyproof kids program. The teacher is positive and fun.

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 8 years ago
Jacob Arnold

Gracie Jiu jitsu Santa Cruz is an awesome training facility. Anyone interested in learning Jiu jitsu in a friendly environment should come check it out!

Facility Atmosphere
Posted 9 years ago
Angela Bernard

Everyone here is warm and welcoming, especially to beginners. The instructors, as well as the other students are all invested in your growth and success. They offer a fun and safe atmosphere conducive to learning and teamwork.

Instructors Atmosphere
Posted 9 years ago
Linda VasquezRubio

The team is very kind here. My 6 year old says the instructors are caring and fun.

Instructors
Posted 3 years ago
Stanley Wilson

We attended a one day trial practice and signed up. My 6 yr old son decided not to attend and I cancelled our membership. It has been over 60 days and I am still getting billed.

Pricing
Posted 3 years ago