Ralph Gracie Berkeley Jiu Jitsu Academy

1500 Ashby Ave, Berkeley, CA 94703, USA

4.9 (80 reviews)

Disciplines

Gi Judo MMA Self-Defense

Classes

Adults Classes

Facilities

Mat Space

Culture

Welcoming Environment

Access

Free Trial

We offer world-class instruction of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, and grappling, for students of all ages and skill levels.

https://www.ralphgracieberkeley.com/

(510) 486-8000

View Schedule

Own or Manage this Academy?

Claim this page to update academy details, tags, and other information.

Reviews from Jiu-Jitsu Blog members who have trained at Ralph Gracie Berkeley Jiu Jitsu Academy. Member recommendations raise an academy's Jiu-Jitsu Blog Score.

Trained here? Share your experience Be the first to review Ralph Gracie Berkeley Jiu Jitsu Academy and help shape its score. Continue with Google

Reviews

Sort by

Jonathan Cotte

Ralph Gracie Berkeley is hands down one of the best places to train in the Bay Area! With an incredible team led by the legendary Ralph Gracie, along with Eduardo Fraga for BJJ and Newton Casemiro for Judo, the technical level here is top-notch. Newton is also a great friend and teaches BJJ at our academy, Griffin Performance Judo, so I can personally vouch for his expertise and passion for coaching. The whole team at RGB brings amazing energy to the mats, making it a fantastic place to train, whether you’re a beginner or an advanced competitor. We’ve had the pleasure of hosting seminars with them, and every time, it’s been a great learning experience with high-level instruction and a welcoming vibe. And if you’re looking for one of the toughest and most fun open mats in the Bay Area, their Sunday session from 10 AM to 12 PM is the place to be! It attracts elite grapplers from all over, guaranteeing tough rounds and a great challenge every week. Huge respect for the crew at Ralph Gracie Berkeley—definitely a must-visit for anyone serious about BJJ!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
quinn dubin

Love this place! Great people, grate vibe! Eduardo is a great instructor, very kind and really cares about all his students! Highly recommend!

Instructors Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Tosca Necoechea

It would be really hard to name everything that's amazing about this place but I want to highlight the amazing community and camaraderie, the serious work ethic, and the amazing instruction, and the broad variety of scheduling options that are available at this school. Big thank you to the Ralph Gracie Berkeley team!

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Karma

I’ve been training here for 17 years! It’s my 2nd family. Come once for the free class and see… it may change your life.

Facility Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Craig Ishimaru

The premier school for jiu jitsu in the Bay Area. Hard training, family atmosphere, with a special culture that has been cultivated over the years by Head instructor Eduardo Fraga, founder Big Dave and the extensive family of practitioners that make this place truly special. Lots of mat space and different classes for different levels or training needs. Try a session in the dry sauna after training too.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Marcus Victoria

Awesome facility, good people, and an outstanding coach. Being a white belt, and new to the game, I’ve never felt more comfortable in doing something so challenging. Truly a great culture in a highly competitive environment!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Akida Amili

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I recently had the pleasure of training at Ralph Gracie Jujitsu in Berkeley, and I cannot recommend it highly enough! From the moment I walked through the doors, I was greeted by a warm and welcoming atmosphere that immediately put me at ease. The instructors at Ralph Gracie Berkeley are true experts in jujitsu, and their dedication to teaching goes above and beyond. They possess a profound knowledge of the sport and are incredibly skilled practitioners themselves. Their passion for jujitsu is evident in every class, and their commitment to each student's progress is inspiring. The training facilities at Ralph Gracie Berkeley are top-notch. The gym is spacious, well-maintained, and equipped with everything you need to have a successful training session. The mats are clean and in excellent condition, providing a safe environment to practice and learn. What sets Ralph Gracie Berkeley apart from other schools is their sense of community. Everyone, from the instructors to the fellow students, creates an inclusive and supportive environment that fosters growth and personal development. I felt encouraged and motivated every step of the way, which made my jujitsu journey truly enjoyable. Ralph Gracie Berkeley offers a variety of classes suitable for all skill levels, ensuring there is something for everyone. Whether you are a beginner looking to learn self-defense techniques or an advanced practitioner wanting to refine your skills, you will find the right class for you. In addition to the exceptional training, the staff at Ralph Gracie Berkeley is friendly, approachable, and always ready to assist. They go out of their way to make sure that every student feels comfortable and supported throughout their jujitsu journey. If you're looking for a place to train jujitsu in Berkeley, Ralph Gracie is the perfect choice. The high-quality instruction, excellent facilities, and incredible sense of community make it an unparalleled experience. I couldn't be happier with my time spent at Ralph Gracie Berkeley, and I'm confident that anyone who joins will feel the same. Thank you to Ralph Gracie Berkeley for providing such an outstanding jujitsu experience. I am grateful for the opportunity to train with such a talented and supportive team.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
erbaileyMI

High-level instruction, incredible culture, great training partners, amazing facility, and without a doubt - one of the very best jiu-jitsu academies in the Bay Area. Give this place a try and see for yourself. I have been training here for 8+ years and joining this gym is one of the best decisions I have ever made.

Facility Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Eduardo Curado

Very nice place. Very welcome with a amazing energy environment. Super clean too. The people are the best. I made friends here that for sure is for a life time. 🗣️🗣️😎😎

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Paulo Braga

Amazing team great people

Instructors Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
MarkJay Acosta

Best BJJ Gym/Community around!

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Emily Hsieh

Awesome instructors and wonderful with kids. Our kids have been training here since they turned five and we all adore Eduardo. The work ethic and sportsmanship he instilled in our kids are beyond measures. Very happy to continue our journey with such awesome jiujitsu community.

Instructors Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
mimi chakarova

Eduardo is amazing! In fact, all the people who work at Ralph Gracie Berkeley are great trainers. Highly recommend this place.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Julie Cress

The gym is big, clean and there are always lots of kids! Eduardo his a talented instructor and my kids love it!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Max Schultz

Great school for adults and children.

Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
gerardo gaytan

If you’re looking for a competitive place to train, a place to start something new, or overall want to find a new community/ family then this is the place. There’s great people and Eduardo and all the other coaches lift up the environment. They have something for everybody, they have beginner classes, kids classes, no gi, sauna, weight room, sometimes ice baths, and great smiles!!!! Come by and train at Ralph Gracie Berkeley you won’t regret it.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Watershed Down

This place is awesome! Everyone loves it. It’s a large school with lots of classes and training partners. Large group of competitors and also plenty of people who just train for the enjoyment of the sport. If you are looking for a school in the area, definitely check it out.

Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Jonah Cohn

Best jiu jitsu academy in the world lead by the one and only Professor Eduardo “Selvagem” Fraga!

Instructors Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Fumikage Tokoyami

best jiu jitsu academy ive gone too by far.

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
John Robinson

Great environment. Great coaches. Everyone is friendly and easy to train with!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Octavio Roza

This is an amazing place; here, you will learn the true BJJ with Eduardo Fraga, who has over 30 years of teaching BJJ. The facility has a lot of amenities such as a private gym, aerobic equipment, sauna, ice bath, etc. Super friendly environment.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Michael Marshall

Been training here since I moved from the peninsula to the east bay. Great club, tough athletes, and great community atmosphere. If you want to learn jiu jitsu in a fun competitive atmosphere this is the place

Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Jason Etchingham

Ralph Gracie Berkeley is an amazing gym. The atmosphere is great and so are the people. Would give 100 stars if possible

Facility Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Calder Powers

Amazing people and instruction. Happily training here since 2014. Welcoming environment for everyone

Instructors Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Mitch Rostad

An incredible community and place to train

Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Morgan McDonald

Visiting Berkeley from Fl, Did two drop in’s. Gi class Thursday and no gi Saturday. Everyone was friendly and demonstrated great technique. Great competitors! Large training area, clean mats, lockers and showers. Definitely recommended Ralph Gracie for locals and visitors alike!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Angela Kohtz

Nia teaches women’s classes twice a week as well as general classes. Highly recommended for fitness and upping those martial arts superpowers. The skills are challenging both physically and mentally, and Nia’s fun, expert approach dispels any nerves and fuels students’ confidence. What a gift to ourselves to do this work. I’m so impressed with the culture here, encouraging and inspiring. Also, 5 stars for the kids’ classes. Over more than a year, I’ve watched the kids develop discipline, find their place in the community, work through anxiety, fears, and find support in their struggles, and pounce, romp and shriek with joy during the many team-building physical fitness games and play. Learning new skills, the little ones respectfully attend to the serious instruction. So wholesome and commendable.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Jonathan Wu

Very awesome academy. Been training here for about 3-4 months with prior Jiu Jitsu experience. This is a great academy with good solid traditional Brazilian influence with Professor Eduardo Fraga running the show and Newton Casemiro alongside him. There is also a blend of American style Jiu Jitsu taught by other great black belt professors also. I like this place a lot. Got great training partners, good atmosphere, clean all the time, friendly staff and overall great place to socialize and get good training in.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Newton Casemiro

Come train with us! There are classes for everyone at every level. It's a welcoming place, with great, hard working athletes.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Jeff T

Great gym

Facility Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
Richard H

One of the largest Brazilian Jiu Jitsu schools in the Bay Area, founded by Master Ralph Gracie and Luis Eduardo Fraga, who is a 6th degree Black Belt. Professor Eduardo still competes at the highest level himself and is also a passionate coach for a highly competitive team. There are about 400 students, but many high level instructors, including Nia a 1st degree female black belt. Be sure to stop by on Sunday 10:00 am to 12:00 pm for a free open mat to anyone willing to put on their Gi and roll!

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
Pedro Paulo - Mantiqueira Xerém

Excelente academia. Ambiente familiar. Espaço físico excelente. Professor Eduardo é um profissional exemplar, receptivo, cordial, amigável e extremamente profissional. Tive a hora de conhecê-los em 2022. Academia nota: 100 milhões . Oss

Instructors Facility Pricing Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
Roman Sanchez

Nice place for training bjj

Facility Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
Albert Venzon

Definitely one of the best Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Academies in the Bay Area!!!!

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere
Posted 4 years ago
mrk p.

The best

Facility Atmosphere
Posted 4 years ago
Patrycja Arundel

I’ve trained at Ralph Gracie BJJ for a few weeks this summer and it was awesome. Prof. Fraga and his team were super welcoming, kind, and helpful. I loved the quality of instruction, the focus on proper technique and details, and Prof. Fraga’s incredible ability to spot a mistake I was making even when I thought he wasn’t looking! I also appreciated all of his suggestions after our rolls re things I could incorporate into my game or things I could consider saving for when I’m a higher belt. It was really valuable for me and showed me his passion for the sport and helping anybody who wants to train at his academy get better. The team was awesome too! I loved being able to train and get tips from higher belt women and all the black belts. As a white belt, it was a treat to get to train with so many of the latter, including prof. Fraga. It’s a competition academy and it shows in both the level and philosophy of training and results they get (🥇🥈🥉) The academy, lockers, and common space have always been very clean. The atmosphere is casual and lighthearted despite everybody showing up to give their 100% and working hard. Ah! One of my absolute favorites were judo takedown warmups! So so fun and useful.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 5 years ago
Spartan Blaze

Love it here.

Facility Atmosphere
Posted 5 years ago
Duane Smith

Review is for the kids jiujitsu class. My 11 yr old son has been training with instructor Eduardo Fraga at Ralph Gracie for over 2 yrs now. The kids class usually has between 10 and 20 kids each class and the class is rarely overcrowded. Some times more or less depending on the time of year, day or the week, etc. Kids can train up to 5 days a week, which is encouraged, but not necessary. Eduardo encourages competition, but kids are not required to compete. My child trains 2-3 days a week. Currently the kids class is taught by Eduardo and 1-3 assistant instructors. I think a different instructor (Newton) teaches on Wed. Mon, Tues, Thurs and Fri is gi training, Wed is no-gi. Open mat is on the weekends and has given me a chance to come and train with my son. A typical class will start with a warm-up, followed by instruction and drilling of a technique and finished with some 'sparring'. Usually 1 type of technique is focused on in a given week, so as long as you make 1 class a week (regularly) you will be exposed to the breadth of techniques taught. The same techniques (or variations) are revisited over time. The dojo has seating for parents to watch their child in class. It's amazing how much he and other kids have progressed. He has also made a couple of close friends on the mat. There is a good mix of kids with various levels of experience as well as new comers. Most of the kids are aged 9 to 12 yrs old, particularly the ones that keep training for longer periods of time. I'm an experienced martial artist and I watch how the class is taught as well as how many of the kids progress over time. It's great to see them develop both in their technique but also their attitude. I hope my child continues into his teenage years.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 6 years ago
John Drexler

Came in as a complete novice a year and a half ago, and I've been every week since then. Love this place. Great beginner classes to get you started, then lots of helpful black belts around who can help when you're ready to go deeper. Genuinely friendly community. Tough competitors. Eduardo is a beast.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 6 years ago
Eric Lee

My kids and I have been training here over 5 years, and I can't say enough about how great the staff and facilities are. Plenty of classes, great instruction, lots of experienced sparring partners!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 6 years ago
Igor Estrella

Jiu-Jitsu in Excellence!🥋🏆

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 7 years ago
Big Mike

My brother runs a great school!

Instructors
Posted 7 years ago
Chagnaadorj Tumurkhuyag

I like this guys and place

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere
Posted 7 years ago
Estefano Isaias

Visiting San Francisco... Amazing academy. Eduardo is one of the best instructors I have ever come across...

Instructors Location
Posted 8 years ago
Yo Yo

Amazing instructors, helpful students and clean gym.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 8 years ago
Bato B

Good place, I really enjoyed to go there to exercise with great instructors

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 8 years ago
Arrion Brown

This gym is going to be what you want it to be. If you wanna hang out and do beginner jiu jitsu learn to throw a triangle or lock an armbar, go for it. You can come in minimally and still pick up some sick technique from Eduardo Fraga who has more than a trick or two up his sleeve. If your more competitive, are looking for a physical challenge, and want to actually experience jiu jitsu, sign up today. In the advanced class from the white to the black belts this gym is stacked with athleticism and talent. Dont get me wrong, this is a good group of guys and girls, everyones nice, bumps fist and chats it up and what not. But when you hit the mat theres some absolute studs. Dont believe me? Just ask to roll against white belt world champion mongolian Chuck, or purple belt adcc qualifying Ahmed. The short of it is, if your looking for a gym to train or begin learning at, theres no choice but Ralph Gracie Berkeley, because if you choose another school you'll see us in competition and thats a mistake.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 11 years ago
McGregor Stadtmiller

This Ralph Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy is by far the best gym I have trained at. The instructors are both highly skilled and great teachers. The class is split into conditioning time, drilling and free sparring, allowing you to train your personal fitness, get instructions from the teachers and put everything you learn into practice every time you train. Instructors are always there to help you with questions, and watch over the class to give tips whenever they can. While keeping a strict environment where performance is expected, it simultaneously is one in which everyone can have a good time and enjoy themselves. Pick-up games of soccer for conditioning are not uncommon. However, many squats, sit-ups, push-ups and pullups are not uncommon either. This is a studio where everyone gets to know each other and looks out for each other. Other students are always just as willing as the instructors to give tips and help out in any way. All in all, my experience at the gym has been wonderful and have allowed me to train hard and learn great martial arts skills. I always look forward to coming and training, and would recommend it to anyone.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 11 years ago
Ingo Piroth

Having competed in many sports from ultimate frisbee and rugby to rock climbing and distance running I found Jiu Jitsu last year and have not looked back - a fascinating sport made incredible by my favorite gym. How can such serious and awesome dedicated instructors (led by Eduardo Fraga and supplemented by a host of other black belts) create such a friendly and welcoming environment. I feel at home even though as a white belt I'm still at the low end of the totem pole, I am made welcome, team mates instruct and help, classes are varied and inspiring, and in general its a vibe you want to be in - I highly recommend it if you want to get in shape, become a jiu jitsu master or just try something new!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 11 years ago
Ben Weinstein

I have trained at many BJJ academies thought and world and none of them have been more welcoming or had more thoughtful instructors than Ralph Gracie Berkeley. I highly recommend anyone interested in learning Jiu-Jitsu, getting in better shape, and being part of an awesome community give them a try. You don't have to be an all star athlete or have previous experience to start learning and having fun.

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 11 years ago
Michael Nimon

I've trained at various gyms before permanently finding a home at Ralph Gracie. There are tons of great people here of all skill levels, an amazing team-based environment, and a highly experienced head instructor, Eduardo, with 35 years of experience. I've been here for 5 years and have grown so used to coming here consistently, this place became my second family. The school environment meets a diverse set of objectives from staying in shape for some, to high level competition for others. Students are friendly and supportive. The school has new mats with a huge mat space and a work out area. The school has several black belts teaching occasionally in addition to the head instructor and also offers nogi, judo and kickboxing classes. Can't beat that.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 11 years ago
Brian Arons

Ralph Gracie BJJ in Berkeley is a great environment to learn Jiu Jitsu. There is a wide variety or skill levels on the mats, including 3-4 black belts at the average class. Eduardo Fraga is an awesome teacher and coach. The facility is big and has lots of mat space, a weight lifting room, and multiple showers/locker-rooms. I love coming here, I just wish I knew about this place sooner! They offer no-gi Jiu Jitsu, Judo, Muay Thai, conditioning classes, and regular BJJ in the gi.

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 11 years ago
Dai Deh

I can't say enough good things about Ralph Gracie Berkeley. I started my jiujitsu journey here 2+ years ago as a complete beginner and I will definitely continue to train here as long as I live in the area. I'm learning from a top notch head instructor (5th degree black belt) and getting better all the time, but more importantly I'm supported by a great group of teammates who are loyal, unselfish and dedicated. There is something here for everyone -- people of all levels, all different goals, and all different backgrounds. We could use some more white belts beginners for me to beat up, errrrrr...train with!!!

Instructors Facility Atmosphere
Posted 11 years ago
Thomas Stern

Ralph Gracie Berkeley is a real old school jiu jitsu academy. There are no 5 year old black belts giving instructions on how to do a death punch or any of that kind of McDojo stuff. The head instructor is 5th degree black belt Eduardo "Selvagem" Fraga, a former bare-knuckle MMA fighter from the days of the original vale tudo and a champion of many big jiu jitsu competitions, including the Pan Ams. The facility has one of the largest mat spaces in the Bay Area, without any interior columns in the way. New Dollamur mats were recently installed. There is also a weight room with kettlebells and a rack. The gym also has climbing ropes, punching bags, and a C2 rower. Multiple jiu jitsu classes for various skill and age levels are offered throughout the day, as well as weekly judo and muay thai classes. The academy is home to a community of people of all ages, races, and professions. Friendly, clean, accessible (Easy street parking), and for real!

Instructors Facility Classes Location Atmosphere
Posted 11 years ago