Peninsula Self Defense

2766 Bay Rd, Redwood City, CA 94063, USA

(55 reviews)

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Jiu Jitsu can be an amazing vehicle for change in your personal life including weight loss, increased athleticism and stress reduction.

https://www.peninsulaselfdefense.com/#about

(650) 701-7731

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Reviews

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Hannah Beryl

We’ve been part of this gym for almost 4 years, and I can’t say enough good things about it. All of the parent coaches are wonderful, but Coach Chris and Coach Ed stand out as truly exceptional. They not only teach Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with patience and skill but also instill important lessons about discipline, respect, and following instructions. What makes this place so special is the family-like atmosphere—everyone is welcomed and supported, and my kids look forward to every class. We’re so grateful to have found a gym that cares just as much about character and community as it does about technique. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a BJJ gym!
Posted 1 year ago
Michael Marocco

One of the best life choices I have made for my daughter and myself!

Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Omer Gozen

Our son began his journey at PSD at the age of 4.5, and from the very first day, we felt truly welcomed into the community. The coaches—Coach Ed, Coach Chris, Coach Cruz, Coach Sergio, and Coach Kevin—are not only exceptional instructors but also remarkable human beings. They have consistently provided outstanding training and care for our son, fostering both his skills and his character. As we prepare to leave the Bay Area, PSD and its incredible coaches will be among the top things we will deeply miss. We cannot recommend PSD highly enough. If you are considering it, do yourself and your child a favor by trying a class—you’ll immediately understand the profound impact this place can have.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Jon Souliere

Peninsula Self Defense is an amazing gym with a supportive and welcoming atmosphere. The coaches and professors are passionate about Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and are dedicated to helping their students succeed. The classes are engaging, challenging and rewarding. You feel less like a gym member and more like a family member starting on day one. The Children's and Little Samurai programs are incredible. The coaches take a fun almost game-like approach to teaching, so the kids are learning without even realizing it. The expectations of the Little Samurai program is to have fun and grow which I feel only improves our daughter's experience improving her learning and desire to continue. The coaches are great with the children and maintain a great kid-to-coach ratio which helps keep class engaging for the younger kids. Our daughter loves going to the little samurai class. The adult classes are also great. The professors and coaches are knowledgeable, experienced, and provide a supportive and encouraging environment to train for students of all levels. I thoroughly enjoy and benefit from every class I attend. The number of classes available and ability to attend any class on the adult schedule provides flexibility I need to fit into my schedule. I would highly recommend Peninsula Self Defense to anyone interested in learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Janna Tisea

I can’t say enough great things about PSD. Specifically, the BJJ program for kids. For the price, it is a great value. The coaches love the kids and the kids get tons of direct, positive, rewarding interaction with the trainers. For Coach Ed it isn’t just about teaching the kids to fight, it is about training them to be honorable and respectful as well.

Instructors Facility Classes Pricing Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Afroz Alam

Great teachers and lovely community. One of my favorite places to be in Redwood City.

Instructors Location Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
David Hansell

Top tier school. I did a drop-in here during a business trip, and I was welcomed like I had trained there for years. Quality teachers, amazing students, zero drama, just good people on the mat.

Instructors Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
GG Bulanti

Best place in the bay area to learn Brazilian Jiu-jitsu. Very grateful to have trained at this fine establishment.

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Sebastian W.

Great atmosphere and a good workout. Very welcoming gym for people of all ages. The training is tough, but at no point will you feel judged or ignored. I would highly recommend to anyone!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
Anne Carr

LOVE coming here for BJJ!!!!! Wonderful and experienced Instructors and great classes. This place has become Family for me. As a woman beginning BJJ in my 50s, having a World Champion Instructor like Brenda as my Role Model and Mentor has been very inspiring and motivating.

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
Aram Haghighi

Let me tell you, if you have any doubts questions or concerns about BJJ, come here. I started about 7 weeks ago and I'm glad I started. Everyone is so welcoming, the teachers are amazing with us students and make everything a pleasant experience. Brenda, Pablo, Jeremy do an excellent job at making sure safety is the number one priority! I cannot stress enough how glad i am to have found a community of great people that want to push you to be better and learn in the process. COME TO PSD!!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
M Jeung

I’ve trained at many jiujitsu gyms over the years and PSD has some of the best gym culture I’ve ever seen. I loved how friendly and welcoming the people here are. I was just a visitor, coming in for the first time but I felt like family. Professor Eric has built something special here and this gym really stands out because of the good vibes and healthy environment. I’ve been to gyms where people treat each other like strangers and that was not the case here. The training was great; lots of higher belts were on the mat, including multiple black belts. The facility is clean and very spacious with lots of mat space. Highly recommend to anyone in the area.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
Alexander Tsyplikhin

Amazing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu trainers. Our kids love this place.

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
Dylan Steele-Cucolichio

Go there for bjj it is so much fun.

Classes Atmosphere
Posted 4 years ago
Jenn Bolich

I am a super newbie to martial arts and really feel I found the best martial arts gym in the Bay Area. I initially wanted my son to do the classes and after watching the coaches and seeing their style, their enthusiasm, their love of the sport, and how patient they are, I had to join the adult class! First the kids classes are hands-down the best I’ve ever seen and then when I started doing the adult class I really was welcomed and never felt intimidated. 💕

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 5 years ago
Donald Via

The PSD is fantastic environment for learning with an excellent group of instructors whether you're looking to train hard and improve your skill set for a competition, for practical use like law enforcement, or even if you're an older weekend warrior like myself just trying to lose a few pounds and move at your own pace. The school offers an excellent blend stand-up, as well as ground/grappling programs affiliated with legends Jean Jaques Machado, Eric Paulson, Dan Inosanto: - Brazilian Jiu-jitsu - Combat Submission Wrestling - Kickboxing - Kali/Escrima - Jeet Kun Do Professor Eric Acha has built a unique space thats large enough to lure in top notch instructors and fly in legends for seminars, but not so large that you get lost in the shuffle, he's made the PSD a nice diverse home here where everyone feels like family and is welcome regardless of our differences. Stop in and say hello.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 5 years ago
Jaeson C

Eric is a great instructor. Very humble and loves to teach. He will always respond when you have questions. Our whole family trains here and we haven’t had a disappointment yet. I have recommended this school to most of my colleagues and friends. Family atmosphere for both kids and adult classes.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 5 years ago
Keyan Navid

I started training at PSD in January 2019. Having trained at multiple academies, both in the states and overseas, I can say with confidence that the staff, facilities, instruction, and overall vibe of the gym are top notch. Whether you're training jiujtisiu for health, fun, or to collect gold medals, you'll find a solid jiujitsiu curriculum for hobbyists and competitors alike here. 10/10 would highly recommend that anyone looking for a gym stop by and get some rolls in.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 7 years ago
Clay Bavor

An outstanding operation. Coach Eric is a level above. We're grateful to be part of PSD.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 7 years ago
Tarang Shrivastava

PSD is an amazing place to train and learn jiu-jitsu with some great people. Coach Eric Acha and the PSD team have created a friendly and challenging environment which makes training here a wonderful experience.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 8 years ago
Uriel Chavez

We take our son here for more than just the great jujitsu training by the talented and technical instructors. Almost as important as the training is his newfound ability to take on difficult situations and get back up, over and over, from what some see as failure, and what he now sees as something he learned. He gets to train against other kids who are more experienced and demonstrate that in a respectful manner, and he has an opportunity to to do the same with newer students. Very few places around that balance teaching humility, building self confidence, and helping us in making him a better person. Great family environment with a lot of mutual respect earned and given.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 8 years ago
Gabe Zawalski

This is an amazingly warm and welcoming place to train. It's a real community and you feel welcomed from the first moment you walk in the door. I train in Jiu-Jitsu here and want to be at the gym for every session just because of the family atmosphere and strong community culture. The instructors show care and compassion for each person and really I cannot express enough the heart that is in everyone here, including fellow gym members.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 8 years ago
Nikhil Mehra

No

Instructors Facility Location Pricing Atmosphere
Posted 8 years ago
bret thomson

I, and my two kids, train Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under professor Eric. We LOVE it here. The level of instruction is world class, and the people are super friendly! It has become a second family for us.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 9 years ago
Wei-Nchih Lee

This place is a real gem. Eric has a deep, deep understanding of jiu jitsu, and it shows in how he structures the curriculum and teaches the class. He frequently visits the home academy with Jean Jacques Machado (a legend in this art) and brings back all sorts of insights that really elevates our game. He promotes an atmosphere of learning, camaraderie, and friendship in the school where everyone trains hard but also takes care of each other. His Kids class is wildly popular and professionally run. And he is about as down to earth and real as they get ... Eric gets our respect because he earns it by giving it all on the mat, and he inspires the rest of us to do the same.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 9 years ago
Stefan Petry

Best BJJ gym for kids on the mid-peninsula. I've looked.

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere
Posted 10 years ago
Farouk Khan

Excellent instructors, superb training area and an awesome group of people to train with. This is a fantastic place for anyone looking to begin their journey into martial arts or experienced martial artists looking for a new school to call home. I recommend this school without any hesitation!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 10 years ago
Brady Sewall

Best Brazilian Jujitsu studio I have seen. Eric is an amazing instructor. Highly recommended!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 10 years ago
Joshua Harsono

Not only is Eric's instruction top notch, but the philosophy he brings to the art motivates you to be a better person, both on and off the mat. One of the things you'll notice when training here is the lack of meatheads on the team. Great people who check their ego's at the door, all with the common goal of making a positive difference in their lives. I have trained here for the past year. I had very limited experience with martial arts: a week trial here and there. Not being very athletic myself, I knew that I was hooked after my first class of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu when I was out of breath but craving more. I've never experienced anything like that with any physical activity. If you're a beginner, don't be worried that there's no "beginners-only" classes. We all share the responsibility of getting you up to speed and invest in you to have more people to train with and challenge us! You may be frustrated at first without a set curriculum, but it allows you to learn organically and apply concepts in the way that fits you best as you develop your style. I was terrified my first week but soon saw the beauty in being utterly confused and allowing my mind to put the puzzle together. See you on the mat!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 10 years ago
Carlos Cano

I have trained here for the past couple of years PSD is great. Also, both of my daughters also train Brazilian Jujitsu. Eric Acha is so knowledgeable and technical in Brazilian Jujitsu and a great role model not just on kids but also on adults as well. It's a great place to train, great environment, everyone treats you like family. When you walk in the building, you will feel welcome and you will walk out with an smile on your face. I would recommend PSD any time.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 11 years ago
Chris Kelly

I love this place. I have been a part of the academy for about 3 years now. For the adult class there are a lot of considerate practitioners here. Also, there are a wide variety of body types. We have a large group of women, smaller guys as well as the big boys. The teens also get to participate in the adult class, and there is a nice mix of boys and girls. Kids classes are also well run, and a lot of fun! They are also a Jean Jacques Machado affiliate, and that is some very high quality Jiu-Jitsu!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 11 years ago
Ammar T

Whether you would like to learn how to Kick A-S-S, get in shape, step up your workout regimen or simply find a new hobby. PSD has got your back!!! PSD offers a variety of classes. Men ,women and kids. They also provide tactical defense training for Police officers and public safety professionals which I really recommend. Go talk to Eric Acha, he is the man with the master plan.. P.s Never under underestimate him,.lol.. I did and I was chocked out..lol..

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 11 years ago
Salvador Alvarez

My son started training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at Peninsula Self Defense (PSD) a few weeks after his 4th birthday. He is now 6 ½ years old and continues to look forward to every single class. He has class 4 days a week (3 weekdays & 1 weekend), a very good deal for the price we pay. When we shopped around, most activities we found that fit our schedule ran only once or twice a week for more than the fees at PSD. The lessons my son has learned have been invaluable. Not only is he learning a great skill, he has also gained positive role models via his sensei, Eric Acha, and the other coaches. As a parent, I am glad that everyone working with my son is patient and kind. They not only care about teaching him skills in BJJ, but also emphasize respect, discipline, honor, and good values. In addition, PSD has not only welcomed my son but my entire family as well. We couldn’t be happier with PSD and encourage everyone looking for a positive, pro-social activity (adults and children alike) to join the PSD family.

Instructors Facility Classes Pricing Atmosphere
Posted 11 years ago
Narvaez5 J

Peninsula Self Defense training academy has far surpassed my expectations as a positive and fun activity for my daughter. She just turned 6 and has been going there for close to a year and absolutely loves it. We go 4 days a week and she never says she doesn't want to go. Her progress is amazing, the kids learn very fast because of the premium instruction given by Eric and his staff (Rony, Yolanda, Aracely and Vianney). My husband also joined the adult class which takes place after the kids class. It sparked his interest very quickly after my daughter joined. Jiu Jitsu quickly became his new passion (as it is for my daughter as well) and it is wonderful that they have an activity that they can do together. As a matter of fact they both just participated in the same tournament and both won first place and brought home gold medals! My 4 year old daughter will soon begin and I would like to start as well when my infant gets a little older. I could go on forever about all of the things I love about this gym but I will keep it short: Knowledgeable instructors who really care and customize there way of teaching to suit the needs of each child individually, promotes a team mentality and makes the child (or adult) feel like they are a part of something, great exercise while teaching the kids good discipline and gives them a priceless skill of self defense that will stay with them forever, very rewarding as they are promoted in rankings making them feel a sense of accomplishment, not to mention the cost is very reasonable. Peninsula Self Defense is our home away from home and we have built a lot of close friendships with the other families that go there. I strongly recommend getting involved with this training academy!!

Instructors Facility Classes Pricing Atmosphere
Posted 11 years ago
Ken Doll

Peninsula Self Defense is an excellent school for BJJ. Eric the instructor is one of the most gifted teachers I have ever had the pleasure of taking a class with, he's very detail oriented, has superb technique and is genuinely passionate about helping people get better at BJJ every time you step on the mat. The school has a great family feel to it, kids, dads, mums all come and train together. The school has the largest mat space on the Peninsula, loads of parking, big changing rooms, very conveniently located. Check out the great schedule and go try it out, you will not regret it.

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere
Posted 11 years ago
Rheddy Setgo

We looked past the previous negative reviews and tried this place because of Coach Chris’ demeanor. We liked the friendly atmosphere here. This is a decent place to start learning BJJ & up to 10 yrs perhaps since they get to run around and roll on the mat with music. But if your kid wants to progress & be serious, I recommend to try a different school. The weekend atmosphere becomes distracting with the littles joined with the older ones. But it’s all fun and friendly. All of the coaches and assistants there are respectful with the exception of Prof. Kevin’s teen son. He should tone down his insulting comments to the younger kids there. Sadly, our daughter experienced disturbing incidents there with P. Kevin himself. After we raised our concerns in detail to the owners, they talked with P. Kevin and they decided to dismiss our concerns as “within the parameters of coaching”. An expected outcome given their close ties. Due to this, we decided to move on and the owners kindly offered to cancel our membership without the 30-day advance notice fee per their policy. Although they’ll miss Coach Chris and Coach Ed (one of the owners) our kids continue to love BJJ at another school.
Posted 1 year ago
Robert Calmex

Drama and politics. No thanks.

Facility Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago