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GiMMANo-GiSelf-Defense
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Adults ClassesAll LevelsBlack Belt InstructionFundamentalsIntermediateOpen Mat
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Join our jiu-jitsu school to build character, self defense skills, and prepare for life's challenges. Empowering youth and adults through enduring advancement in a supportive community.
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Reviews from Jiu-Jitsu Blog members who have trained at Jiu-Jitsu Kaizen. Member recommendations raise an academy's Jiu-Jitsu Blog Score.
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I dropped in from out of town for one nogi and one gi class each and learned a lot from Professor Edwin. He has great attention to detail while teaching and shows a high level of technique during rolling. Additionally, the gym has a great vibe, safe environment, and friendly training partners. I highly recommend Jiu-jitsu Kaizen!
Jiu-Jitsu Kaizen is an incredible place to train, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced practitioner. Professors Edwin and Jason are outstanding instructors who bring a wealth of knowledge, patience, and passion to every class. They teach modern Jiu Jitsu techniques that are effective for both sport and self-defense, staying up-to-date with the latest innovations in the art.
One of the best things about training here is that each group class feels like a private lesson. The attention to detail and personalized feedback make a huge difference in refining technique and developing confidence on the mat. They take the time to adjust techniques based on each student’s body shape and size, ensuring that everyone can optimize their game in a way that works best for them.
If you’re looking for top-tier instruction in a positive and motivating space, Jiu-Jitsu Kaizen is the place to be. Highly recommend!
My kids 8 year old and 5 year old train here. The instructors are good with the kids and balance the fun, learning the techniques, and safety. The gym is spacious and clean and you can enjoy fresh air all the time thanks to the big garage doors! Highly recommended.
I’ve been training at Jiujitsu Kaizen since it opened. I originally started training in Brazilian Jiujitsu many years ago, then took a long break due to work. Back then, my classes were taught by a purple or a blue belt and I never saw a black belt. At Jiujitsu Kaizen, the classes are personal. Professors Co and Lau are very patient, approachable, and always seem to teach something new every other week. Occasionally, I roll with them so that I can experience firsthand what it’s like to get submitted by a black belt without any effort on their part and maximal effort on my part. The culture of the studio is very relaxed and consists primarily of locals who come to learn and get some exercise. This is a great place for people starting or continuing their journey with Brazilian Jiujitsu.
Great training, instruction, and a huge mat space with lockers and shower! Jiu jitsu heaven
One of the few places I’ve trained at where the instructors are razor focused on technique and look out for member health and longevity!
This is the BJJ school you've been looking for!
I've been attending for a few months now, and it checks all the boxes:
Instructors - Professors Edwin and Jason are qualified and caring instructors who are passionate about helping each student advance in their BJJ journey. They are patient, articulate and make the training both challenging and enjoyable.
Facilities - Mats are very clean, as are the changing areas and shower room. I love how the training area gets plenty of fresh air from the open bay doors.
Students - All ranks and levels of experience. Everyone is friendly and willing to share a helpful training tip.
Vibe: Culture is focused on self-improvement and BJJ growth, not on building ego.
Bottom line: If you are looking for a place to continue or begin your BJJ journey, I highly recommend this school.
I've been training jiu jitsu for almost 30 years and have been a black belt for over 15 years. Jason Lau of Jiu Jitsu Kaizen was one of my main training partners for several years. He is a true student of the game and still one of the best guys I've ever trained with. I'm very happy he has his own school.
I'm pretty sure I've also trained with Edwin Co at the original 10th Planet at the Bomb Squad from 2003-06. He was also really good and a great guy as well.
People of Pasadena are in good hands with these two men at the helm.
I have trained at multiple BJJ gyms, but I feel like I have indeed found a home here at Jiu-Jitsu Kaizen. Edwin and Jason have truly created a culture of respect and friendship that they model in their interactions with their students. Everyone who trains here takes care of one another and pushes each other to achieve their goals. There is a great family atmosphere where everyone looks out for the kids and families that attend. I highly recommend coming to check it out if you are looking for a good group of people to train with, a place for your kids to learn self-defense, and if you want to be part of a community of caring individuals.
Ive trained at several other schools throughout my BJJ journey and this is the first one that I feel I can truly call home. The level of instruction is incredible, the culture they have created is the best I've seen and the other students are great training partners. It is safe, clean and loads of fun. No matter what happens throughout the workday and life, when I leave Jiu-Jitsu Kaizen after training, I have a huge smile on my face.
Because of the close quarters nature of BJJ, it can be intimidating walking into a new gym but Coach Edwin and Coach Jason make you feel welcomed and take great care of each and every student.
5 stars all day long. See you on the mats!
What can I say except that you NEED to come here for BJJ! I've been coming to Jiujitsu Kaizen since it opened a couple months ago!
Back story: I've been looking for a BJJ gym for over 2 years. I've never felt right at others that I've tried. It was either dirty, I didn't feel respected by the guys, and I was always afraid of getting hurt.
I'm a Physical Therapist. I treat people that have injuries from martial arts, BJJ, etc. You name it, I've seen it ;). I've always looked for the right gym for me and this is it!
I've been hesitant to start, but I have SO many friends that do BJJ. I was waiting for Jujitsu Kaizen to open up and let me tell you I'M HOOKED!!
Pros:
-Clean: This place is CLEAN. The mats are cleaned between EVERY CLASS. Let me tell you that THIS IS BIG. No impetigo for me (google it I dare you lol). I'm a germaphobe. I work in health care lol. You are only allowed to walk barefoot on the mats - I appreciate this so much.
-I Feel Safe: As a girl in her 30's, I feel so safe. I feel respected by the professors and the other guys that are there. I never once felt like I was being pummeled or smashed. I have not found any creepies which is a big deal to me. Everyone has been incredibly respectful. Note: If you are a girl and wanting to start BJJ, I recommend starting off with the gi classes (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) and then Tuesday Thursday do the women's self defense class! Make some new friends yay!
-Professors: I cannot say enough about how important it is to have good professors. Professor Edwin and Professor Jason care about their students so much. They are so encouraging, SO GOOD AT EXPLAINING, and really patient. They will push you where you need it to help you grow. Also side note: I'm getting so strong!! and improving so much every class!!
-Culture: My confidence is skyrocketing! It has EVERYTHING to do with the professors and the entire vibe of the gym! When you have people that only want to compete with you all the time, that is the best way to not make friends. The culture at Jiujitsu Kaizen is incredibly uplifting and everyone wants each other to succeed. It's a safe place to roll because people aren't trying to be spazzy (no spazzy white belts! haha). When you treat your rolling partner like a friend, brother, sister, you won't get hurt. You will only get better. Also this place is GREAT for kids!! Start them young! Heck, just sign up you and your kids. You can do a class at the same time. Look at the schedule on the website!
-GREAT PARKING!: Need I say more? I've done so many different type of gyms (traditional, bougie, CrossFit, hapkido, etc). If I need to look for parking, it's already a HUGE barrier for me - I normally end up phasing out. That's why I never got into cross fit even though it was only half a mile from my place smh. At Jiujitsu Kaizen, there is so much parking here! When you running late, just park and walk in haha. No need to stress about parking. ;)
-Shower: Always a plus to have at any gym!
-Bathroom for the ladies: This is not always an option at other gyms. It's nice and clean!
-Lockers: If you are worried about ur stuff, ur stuff is safe. But if you want to lock things up, there are lockers. Just bring a lock and you can use them :). Oh also random fact, there is a nice water fountain with a water bottle station!
-Gorgeous Location: I want to go to that twinkle light restaurant so bad. When I'm rolling, sometimes I'll look up at the twinkle lights in South Pas. It's a really nice vibe!
Ay yah. I wrote so much lol. Anyways long story short: I was waiting for a gym just like this to open up! Give it a try! BJJ is SO FUN!!
Super legit instruction. My kid competes at a high level, and it's hard to find a top tier bjj school in LA County, believe it or not. So happy this place opened up.
Great place to start jiu jitsu and self-defense! Good for all levels. Coach Edwin and Coach Jason are patient, detail-oriented, and serious fighters/competitors.
I'm a complete beginner -- the coaches walked me through the 'how' and 'why' of certain moves, helping me understand the bigger picture. They keep the place clean, and are also down-to-earth and humble.
Big plus: it's super family friendly. I'll be enrolling my kids here -- they start as young as age 4.
Coaching for every age and size, Teachers are patient and detailed to answer all my technical questions and humor my hypothetical situations. I know them personally and am happy to place my kids under their tutelage!
A friendly and welcoming jiu jitsu school. This place is a wonderful addition to the South Pasadena community. The instructors are both high level jiu jitsu black belts who provide years of experience in teaching self defense and BJJ. The facilities are immaculate, from the 2000 sq ft mat space, to the lobby area, as well as shower facilities. highly recommend!
