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Learning jiu-jitsu in Orange County
Orange County is a jiu-jitsu region of its own, from Irvine to the beach cities. For someone just starting, the real question is not "which academy is best" but "which one fits me." This guide exists to answer that question.
Open mats in Orange County
Rooms whose published schedule prints an open mat, each with the complete recorded summary of that schedule, its source and the date it was read. What an open mat is, and what a beginner does with one
- 10th Planet Mission Viejo All-levels no-gi runs morning, noon, and evening on weekdays; fundamentals holds Mon/Wed 7:30 PM and Tue/Thu late-morning slots; a 6 week beginners course starts July 29, and Sunday has a free community open mat source · 2026-09-01
- Neiman Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy Adult classes run Mon-Thu 6 PM (Thursday is the advanced class, four stripes and up) with fundamentals Tuesday and Thursday 5:10 PM; no-gi holds Tuesday evening, Wednesday morning and Saturday morning; Friday evening is a members-only gi open mat; sparring is optional after class source · 2026-09-02
A schedule is what the page printed on the day it was read. The academy's card carries the visitor and price facts recorded for it; where admission to an open mat, or its cost, is not published, ask the academy.
Women's classes in Orange County
Rooms whose published schedule or programme page prints a women's or women-only class, each with the complete recorded summary of that fact, its source and the date it was read. What academies publish for women, and what to ask before a first class
- Gracie Barra Headquarters Irvine A dedicated GBF women's program (adults and 13+) with its own bookable trial class source · 2026-07-14
- Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Fullerton The Women Empowered self-defense program runs twice a week, led by a woman instructor source · 2026-07-14
- Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Huntington Beach The beginner Gracie Combatives course runs six days a week (Mon/Fri noon, Tue/Thu 8 PM, Sat 1:30 PM among others); Women Empowered runs Tue/Thu evenings and Saturday afternoon source · 2026-09-01
- Gracie Jiu-Jitsu La Palma The Women Empowered self-defense program runs twice a week, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings source · 2026-07-14
- Guillobel Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Adults Fundamentals runs Mon/Wed/Thu 7:30 PM with a no-gi fundamentals slot on Tuesday; all-levels classes run mornings and evenings daily, and a women's class runs Mon/Wed evenings source · 2026-09-02
A summary records what the page printed on the day it was read. Whether a class is women-only or mixed, and who may join, is in the summary where the academy publishes it; visitor and price facts are on the academy's card; where something is not published, ask the academy.
Map
Every academy with a full entry is pinned on the map, and neighborhood-level pins say so. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
10th Planet Mission Viejo
Who this academy suits
A beginner who wants no-gi from day one, with a dated on-ramp course instead of being thrown into open classes
Why we say it: The schedule holds dedicated no-gi fundamentals four days a week and a 6-week beginners course; a free introductory class now leads the site, and the $35 day or $100 week pass credits toward membership (schedule captured 2026-07-14; offers re-read 2026-09-04)
A visitor or fence-sitter who prefers paying for a full week of unlimited classes to judge the room (100 dollar week pass, credited toward membership)
Why we say it: The own site sells a 100 dollar unlimited week pass, credited toward membership (verified 2026-07-14)
Schedule verified Franchise networkNo-giStructured curriculumKids classes
Your first visit
- Trial
- A free introductory class now leads the homepage and pricing page for first-time visitors, beside a 35 dollar day pass and a 100 dollar week pass credited toward membership if you join; the 599 dollar six-week beginners course also converts to membership credit source · 2026-09-04
- Class schedule
- All-levels no-gi runs morning, noon, and evening on weekdays; fundamentals holds Mon/Wed 7:30 PM and Tue/Thu late-morning slots; a 6 week beginners course starts July 29, and Sunday has a free community open mat source · 2026-09-01
Classes and cost
- Programs
- Kids no-gi (4-7), youth classes (8+), and youth wrestling weekday afternoons and Saturday morning source · 2026-07-14
- Programs
- A no-gi system school; some youth classes use the gi, with Muay Thai and MMA alongside source · 2026-07-14
Location, instructors, contact
- Address
- 25542 Jeronimo Rd, Suite 1, Mission Viejo, CA 92691 source · 2026-07-14
- Instructors
- Head Coach Matt Salinas, a jiu-jitsu black belt with 20 plus years of experience per the school's own page source · 2026-07-14
AOJ Mission Viejo (Art of Jiu Jitsu)
Who this academy suits
A South OC beginner who wants the AOJ method without driving to Costa Mesa; the free trial is for OC residents
Why we say it: The published Mission Viejo schedule runs Fundamentals morning and evening six days a week, and the location page books a free trial class under the academy's OC-resident policy (verified 2026-07-14)
Schedule verified Structured curriculumKids classesNo-gi
Your first visit
- Trial
- The free trial class is for verified Orange County residents; non-residents must buy a guest pass source · 2026-09-03
- Class schedule
- Fundamentals runs weekdays at 6 AM, 9:30 AM, and 6 PM plus Saturday 7:30 AM; no-gi runs weekdays at 10:30 AM and 5 PM source · 2026-09-03
Classes and cost
- Programs
- Kids program in three age bands, weekday afternoons and Saturday mornings source · 2026-07-14
- Programs
- Gi-centered training with daily weekday no-gi slots source · 2026-07-14
Location, instructors, contact
- Address
- 26971 Crown Valley Pkwy, Mission Viejo, CA 92691 source · 2026-07-14
- Instructors
- Gui Mendes is named Head Professor on the location page; the day-to-day Mission Viejo mat lead is not named source · 2026-07-14
Academy Jiu-Jitsu & Kickboxing
Who this academy suits
An adult beginner who wants grappling and striking in one membership: gi jiu-jitsu at 6:30 PM with kickboxing or no-gi right after, three nights a week
Why we say it: The published schedule pairs Mon/Wed/Fri gi with a following kickboxing-or-no-gi slot, and the trial is a stated 15 dollar class with no gear needed (verified 2026-07-14)
A family with kids from age 4 up: age-banded children's classes on a separate mat area while adults train in the same building
Why we say it: The published schedule splits kids into four age bands and states kids train on a separate mat area during the adult block (verified 2026-07-14)
Schedule verified Free trialNo-giKids classesStriking classes too
Your first visit
- Trial
- A 15 dollar trial class, credited toward your first gear purchase if you join; no experience or gear needed, just show up source · 2026-09-04
- Class schedule
- Adult gi classes run Mon, Wed, Fri 6:30 PM and Sat noon, with kickboxing or no-gi at 7:30 PM; closed Sunday source · 2026-09-01
Classes and cost
- Programs
- Kids and youth classes run weekday afternoons and Saturday morning, split into age bands from 4 to 13 source · 2026-07-14
- Programs
- Both gi and no-gi classes, with kickboxing and Muay Thai as a parallel striking track source · 2026-07-14
Location, instructors, contact
- Address
- 20655 Yorba Linda Blvd, Yorba Linda, CA 92886 source · 2026-07-14
- Instructors
- Hector Beltran, head instructor, introduced on the school's own pages as a 2nd-degree black belt source · 2026-07-14
Almighty Jiu-Jitsu
Who this academy suits
A budget-conscious beginner in Huntington Beach who wants published pricing before walking in
Why we say it: The academy publishes 119 dollars per month with a free gi on its own homepage, plus a free first class (verified 2026-07-14)
An early-morning trainer who needs pre-work gi classes
Why we say it: The published schedule holds Tue/Thu 6 AM gi classes (verified 2026-07-14)
Schedule verified Free trialPricing publishedKids classesNo-gi
Your first visit
- Trial
- The first class is free, framed as a walk-in visit rather than a booking flow source · 2026-09-23
- Class schedule
- Adults and teens have weekday noon classes, gi Monday and Wednesday 6:30-8 PM, Tuesday and Thursday 6-7 AM and Friday 6-7 PM, no-gi Tuesday and Thursday 6:30-8 PM, and Saturday 10-11 AM; youth wrestling, Pee Wee and youth BJJ run Monday to Thursday afternoons, with Saturday youth BJJ 9-10 AM source · 2026-09-26
Classes and cost
- Membership
- 119 dollars a month for unlimited gi and no-gi with a free gi and no contract; cancellation on 30 days' notice, and the page calls it a lifetime rate that never increases while the account stays active source · 2026-09-26
- Programs
- Pee Wee, kids jiu-jitsu, and youth wrestling classes weekday afternoons and Saturday morning source · 2026-07-14
- Programs
- Both gi and no-gi weekly, with wrestling and Muay Thai programs alongside source · 2026-07-14
Location, instructors, contact
- Address
- 9065 Adams Ave, Huntington Beach, CA 92646 source · 2026-07-14
- Instructors
- Three black belts teach together: Professors Nam, Vinny, and Jason deBruyn source · 2026-07-14
Art of Jiu Jitsu (AOJ) Costa Mesa
Who this academy suits
An Orange County resident who wants a dedicated fundamentals track at one of the most decorated competition academies in the world; the free trial requires residency verification
Why we say it: The published schedule runs Fundamentals and Basics three times a day on weekdays, and the trial page books a free class for verified OC residents (verified 2026-07-14)
A traveler passing through OC who accepts paying for mat time at a destination academy (day pass 100 dollars)
Why we say it: The academy's own guest-pass page sells day, week, and month passes to non-residents (verified 2026-07-14)
Schedule verified Structured curriculumKids classesNo-gi
Your first visit
- Trial
- The free trial is restricted to verified Orange County residents; short-term stays do not qualify, and non-residents must buy a guest pass (one day 100 dollars, one week 350 dollars, one month 600 dollars) source · 2026-09-03
- Class schedule
- Fundamentals runs weekdays at 6 AM, 8:30 AM, and 6:15 PM, plus Saturday 11 AM; kids classes split by age on weekday afternoons and Saturday mornings source · 2026-09-02
Classes and cost
- Programs
- Kids program in three age bands (3-5, 6-8, 9-13) running daily source · 2026-07-14
- Programs
- Gi-centered training with no-gi weekdays at 5 PM and on Fridays source · 2026-07-14
Location, instructors, contact
- Address
- 411 E 17th St, Costa Mesa, CA 92627 source · 2026-07-14
- Instructors
- Gui Mendes is Head Professor, teaching alongside Rafael Mendes and a staff of active champions including Tainan Dalpra source · 2026-07-14
Gracie Barra Costa Mesa
Who this academy suits
A beginner who needs lunchtime training: all-levels adult classes run at noon three weekdays, alongside the usual 6 PM slots, with a free trial
Why we say it: The published timetable runs noon classes three weekdays plus Monday-to-Thursday evening slots, and the site books a free trial (verified 2026-07-14)
A family in central Costa Mesa wanting age-banded kids classes and adult training on the same days
Why we say it: The timetable runs age-banded kids classes weekday afternoons plus Saturday morning, with adult blocks the same evenings (verified 2026-07-14)
Schedule verified Franchise networkFree trialNo-giKids classesStructured curriculum
Your first visit
- Trial
- A free trial class, booked through the site's first-class button or by phone source · 2026-09-04
- Class schedule
- Adult classes run at noon Monday through Wednesday and at 6 PM Monday through Thursday, with no-gi Tuesday noon and Monday and Wednesday nights, plus a Saturday 11 AM all-levels class source · 2026-09-02
Classes and cost
- Programs
- Kids (GBK) classes run weekday afternoons and Saturday mornings in age bands from 4 to 13 source · 2026-07-14
- Programs
- Both gi and no-gi classes run weekly source · 2026-07-14
Location, instructors, contact
- Address
- 1304 Logan Ave. Suite J, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 source · 2026-07-14
- Instructors
- Professor Elan Walshe, a black belt per the school's own page, owns and leads the school source · 2026-07-14
Gracie Barra Fullerton
Who this academy suits
An early riser or lunchtime trainer: fundamentals at 6 AM Monday (Wednesday and Friday from August) and at noon Tuesday and Thursday
Why we say it: The published schedule lists Mon 6am and Tue/Thu 12pm fundamentals, with Wed/Fri 6am classes marked as beginning in August (verified 2026-07-14)
A first-timer who wants the structured GB fundamentals path with a booked free class, near the Fullerton and Brea border
Why we say it: The published schedule runs fundamentals six days a week and the site books a free trial (verified 2026-07-14)
Schedule verified Franchise networkFree trialStructured curriculumKids classesEarly morning classes
Your first visit
- Trial
- A free trial class, scheduled through the site or by phone source · 2026-09-04
- Class schedule
- Adult fundamentals run Mon 6 AM and 6 PM, Tue and Thu at noon and evenings, and Sat 11 AM; Wed and Fri 6 AM classes begin in August source · 2026-09-01
Classes and cost
- Programs
- Kids classes run weekday afternoons and Saturday morning, split by age and level source · 2026-07-14
Location, instructors, contact
- Address
- 231 E. Imperial Hwy. #101A, Fullerton, CA 92835 source · 2026-07-14
Gracie Barra Headquarters Irvine
Who this academy suits
A first-timer who wants to start at the network's flagship: the school of Gracie Barra's founder, with a free fundamentals class bookable six days a week (no Sunday slot)
Why we say it: GB's own locator titles the school its headquarters, and the school's live booking system books a free GB1 trial class six days a week (verified 2026-09-03)
A family, or a woman who wants her own program: four kids age bands and a dedicated GBF women's class each have their own bookable trial
Why we say it: The school's own booking widget lists separate bookable trials for each kids band and the women's program (verified 2026-07-14)
Schedule verified Franchise networkFree trialDaily beginner classesStructured curriculumKids classesParking
Your first visit
- Trial
- A free trial class, booked directly through the school's own booking system source · 2026-09-04
- Class schedule
- Adult fundamentals (GB1) classes book six days a week: early morning, noon and 6 PM slots on weekdays, 10 AM on Saturday, no Sunday slot; confirm the advanced timetable with the school source · 2026-09-03
Classes and cost
- Programs
- Kids (GBK) classes run in four age bands from 3 to 15 source · 2026-07-14
- Programs
- The GB1 to GB3 curriculum tiers plus adult and kids no-gi programs, per the school's own page source · 2026-07-14
Location, instructors, contact
- Address
- 14988 Sand Canyon Avenue, Studio 1, Irvine, CA 92618 source · 2026-07-14
- Instructors
- Professor Philipe Della Monica, a 5th degree black belt per the school's own page, leads instruction; founder Carlos Gracie Jr. and co-founder Marcio Feitosa head the team page source · 2026-07-14
- Parking
- Private parking, per the school's own page source · 2026-07-14
Gracie Barra Newport Beach
Who this academy suits
A beginner on the Newport coast who wants a structured fundamentals track: dedicated GB1 classes run four evenings a week plus morning and Saturday all-levels slots
Why we say it: The published timetable runs GB1 four evenings a week plus morning and Saturday all-levels slots, and the site books a trial class (verified 2026-07-14)
Someone who wants serious no-gi mornings: advanced and competition no-gi blocks run before work on Monday and Friday
Why we say it: The timetable runs no-gi advanced at 7 AM and no-gi competition at 8 AM Mondays and Fridays; both are advanced-tier classes (verified 2026-07-14)
Schedule verified Franchise networkEarly morning classesNo-giKids classesStructured curriculum
Your first visit
- Trial
- A trial class books through the site; whether it is free is not stated, so confirm with the school source · 2026-09-03
- Class schedule
- Adult fundamentals (GB1) run Tue/Thu 6 PM and Mon/Wed 7:15 PM, with all-levels classes Tue/Thu 7 AM and Sat 11 AM, and no-gi blocks on Mon, Wed, and Fri source · 2026-09-01
Classes and cost
- Programs
- Kids (GBK) classes run in age bands from 3 to 15, weekday afternoons plus Saturday mornings source · 2026-07-14
- Programs
- Both gi and no-gi classes run weekly source · 2026-07-14
Location, instructors, contact
- Address
- 3565 East Coast Hwy, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625 source · 2026-07-14
- Instructors
- Professor Tom Reusing leads, per the school's own site source · 2026-07-14
Gracie Barra San Clemente
Who this academy suits
A beginner in San Clemente who wants a structured on-ramp with real scheduling range: all-levels adult classes run early mornings, late mornings, evenings, and both weekend days, with a free first class
Why we say it: The published timetable spreads adult blocks from 6 AM to weekend mornings, and the page books a free class (verified 2026-07-14)
A parent who wants to train with their child: a dedicated Parents & Kids class runs Saturday mornings alongside full kids age bands
Why we say it: The timetable holds a Saturday 9:30 AM parents-and-kids class plus weekday kids bands (verified 2026-07-14)
Schedule verified Franchise networkFree trialEarly morning classesKids classesStructured curriculum
Your first visit
- Trial
- A free first class, booked through the school's page source · 2026-09-03
- Class schedule
- Adult all-levels (GB1) classes run Tue/Thu 6 and 9 AM, weekday evenings at 6:10 PM, and Sat 8 AM, with Monday night no-gi and a Saturday parents-and-kids class source · 2026-09-02
Classes and cost
- Programs
- Kids (GBK) classes run in age bands weekday afternoons, plus a Saturday morning parents-and-kids class source · 2026-07-14
- Programs
- Gi-based training with a no-gi Monday evening block source · 2026-07-14
Location, instructors, contact
- Address
- 225 Calle Pintoresco, San Clemente, CA 92672 source · 2026-07-14
- Instructors
- Professor Felipe Guedes, a 3rd-degree black belt under Flavio Almeida per the school's own instructors page source · 2026-07-14
Gracie Barra Santa Ana
Who this academy suits
A beginner whose week does not fit an evenings-only gym: adult classes run seven days, including 6 AM, noon, and weekend-morning slots
Why we say it: The published timetable runs adult all-levels classes every day of the week, and the free first class books through the site (verified 2026-07-14)
A family wanting finely age-banded kids classes alongside the adult program
Why we say it: The published timetable splits kids into five age bands on weekday afternoons plus Saturday morning, with adult blocks on the same days (verified 2026-07-14)
Schedule verified Franchise networkFree trialDaily beginner classesKids classes
Your first visit
- Trial
- A free first class, scheduled through the site or by phone source · 2026-09-03
- Class schedule
- Adult all-levels classes (GB1) run seven days a week: 6 AM Mon and Wed, noon on weekdays, evenings, and weekend mornings, with Friday night live training in no-gi source · 2026-09-02
Classes and cost
- Programs
- Kids (GBK) classes run weekday afternoons and Saturday morning, split into age bands from 3 to 15 source · 2026-07-14
Location, instructors, contact
- Address
- 2201 N Tustin Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92705 source · 2026-07-14
Gracie Barra Yorba Linda
Who this academy suits
A first-timer who wants the structured GB fundamentals path with a daytime option: GB1 runs late mornings Mon and Wed as well as weekday evenings and Saturday
Why we say it: The published timetable runs GB1 at 11 AM Mon/Wed plus evenings and Saturday, and the free first lesson books by phone or walk-in (verified 2026-07-14)
A family in north Orange County wanting age-banded kids classes and adult training in one room
Why we say it: The published timetable splits kids classes into three age bands on weekday afternoons plus Saturday morning, with adult blocks on the same days (verified 2026-07-14)
Schedule verified Franchise networkFree trialStructured curriculumKids classes
Your first visit
- Trial
- A free first lesson, booked by phone or by walking in source · 2026-09-03
- Class schedule
- Adult fundamentals (GB1) run Mon and Wed 11 AM plus weekday evenings and Sat 10 AM; live training (GB2) follows; closed Sunday source · 2026-09-04
Classes and cost
- Programs
- Kids (GBK) classes run weekday afternoons and Saturday morning, split by age band source · 2026-07-14
Location, instructors, contact
- Address
- 18551 Yorba Linda Blvd, Yorba Linda, CA 92886 source · 2026-07-14
- Instructors
- Professor Carlos Guimaraes, introduced on the school's own site as a 4th-degree black belt source · 2026-07-14
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Fullerton
Who this academy suits
A self-defense-first beginner who wants a purpose-built beginner curriculum and time to decide: Gracie Combatives runs six days a week and the trial is 10 consecutive days, free
Why we say it: The published schedule runs Combatives six days a week and states a 10-day free trial with unlimited beginner classes (verified 2026-07-14)
A woman who wants a dedicated women's self-defense track with a named woman instructor
Why we say it: The published schedule runs Women Empowered twice a week and the school names Natalie Kamada as its lead (verified 2026-07-14)
Schedule verified Franchise networkFree trialStructured curriculumWomen's programKids classes
Your first visit
- Trial
- A 10-day free trial: unlimited access to all beginner group classes for 10 consecutive days source · 2026-09-04
- Class schedule
- The beginner Gracie Combatives program runs six days a week (weekday evenings plus Sat 10 AM); Women Empowered runs Tuesday evening and Saturday morning source · 2026-09-01
Classes and cost
- Programs
- Kids classes (Bullyproof) run Tuesday and Thursday afternoons plus Saturday midday, split by age source · 2026-07-14
Location, instructors, contact
- Address
- 721 N Placentia Ave, Fullerton, CA 92831 source · 2026-07-14
- Instructors
- Jake Warren, head instructor, introduced on the school's own page as receiving his black belt directly from Ryron and Rener Gracie in 2021; Natalie Kamada leads the women's program source · 2026-07-14
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Huntington Beach
Who this academy suits
A complete beginner who wants a fixed, named curriculum with no early sparring pressure
Why we say it: Gracie Combatives is a purpose-built beginner course running six days a week on the live schedule, and the 10-day trial books online (verified 2026-07-14)
A woman who wants a dedicated women's program on the weekly timetable, not a once-a-month seminar
Why we say it: Women Empowered holds three weekly slots on the live schedule (verified 2026-07-14)
Schedule verified Franchise networkFree trialStructured curriculumKids classes
Your first visit
- Trial
- A 10 day free trial books online with a refundable deposit (140 dollars adults, 90 dollars kids) and a money-back guarantee; the first visit is a skills assessment class source · 2026-09-04
- Class schedule
- The beginner Gracie Combatives course runs six days a week (Mon/Fri noon, Tue/Thu 8 PM, Sat 1:30 PM among others); Women Empowered runs Tue/Thu evenings and Saturday afternoon source · 2026-09-01
Classes and cost
- Programs
- Bullyproof kids program in three age bands, weekday afternoons and Saturday mornings source · 2026-07-14
- Programs
- Programs split into Gracie Combatives (beginner), Master Cycle (advanced), Women Empowered, and Bullyproof (kids) source · 2026-07-14
Location, instructors, contact
- Address
- 9887 Hamilton Ave, Huntington Beach, CA 92646 source · 2026-07-14
- Instructors
- Head Coach Carlos Leal, introduced as a black belt earned under Ryron and Rener Gracie at the Torrance academy source · 2026-07-14
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu La Palma
Who this academy suits
A self-defense-first beginner in the county's northwest corner: the purpose-built Combatives curriculum, a 10-day free trial, and a loaner gi for first classes
Why we say it: The published schedule runs Combatives four days a week, with a stated 10-day free trial and loaner gi for first classes (verified 2026-07-14)
A parent starting kids in a bully-prevention program while training in the adult classes on the same evenings
Why we say it: The published schedule pairs kids tracks with adult blocks on the same days, and the school encourages parents to observe or train (verified 2026-07-14)
Schedule verified Franchise networkFree trialStructured curriculumWomen's programKids classes
Your first visit
- Trial
- A 10-day free trial with unlimited beginner classes; a gi is provided for first classes source · 2026-09-03
- Class schedule
- The beginner Gracie Combatives program runs Mon, Tue, and Wed at 6:30 PM plus Sat 10 AM; Women Empowered runs Tue and Wed evenings source · 2026-09-01
Classes and cost
- Programs
- Kids classes (Bullyproof) run Monday and Tuesday plus Saturday midday, split by age, with parents encouraged to observe source · 2026-07-14
Location, instructors, contact
- Address
- 7821 Valley View St, La Palma, CA 90623 source · 2026-07-14
Groundwork Jiu-Jitsu
Who this academy suits
A beginner in San Juan Capistrano who wants total cost clarity before walking in: full pricing is public and the trial is a free unlimited week
Why we say it: The academy's own portal publishes all plan prices and a free week (verified live 2026-07-14), and it is the only dedicated BJJ room in the city on the verified roster
Pricing published Free trialKids classes
Your first visit
- Trial
- A free one-week trial with unlimited classes, signed up through the academy's own portal source · 2026-09-03
Classes and cost
- Membership
- Adults and kids are 200 dollars a month unlimited, with a 175 dollar first-responder rate, per the academy's public portal source · 2026-09-03
Location, instructors, contact
- Address
- 32261 Camino Capistrano Ste 103, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 source · 2026-07-14
- Instructors
- Professor John Dabadie, a 3rd-degree black belt under Marcio Feitosa per the academy's own page, leads instruction source · 2026-07-14
Guillobel Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Who this academy suits
A cautious beginner who wants a long runway: a month of classes, a private lesson, and a uniform before committing
Why we say it: The academy's own offer page publishes the 30-day free trial with uniform and private lesson included (verified 2026-07-14)
An adult who wants a dedicated fundamentals class most weeknights rather than surviving all-levels rounds
Why we say it: The adult timetable holds fundamentals four weeknights including a no-gi slot (verified 2026-07-14)
Schedule verified Free trialStructured curriculumKids classesNo-gi
Your first visit
- Trial
- A 30 day free trial with a free uniform and a free 30 minute private lesson, registered online, backed by a 60 day money-back guarantee source · 2026-09-03
- Class schedule
- Adults Fundamentals runs Mon/Wed/Thu 7:30 PM with a no-gi fundamentals slot on Tuesday; all-levels classes run mornings and evenings daily, and a women's class runs Mon/Wed evenings source · 2026-09-02
Classes and cost
- Programs
- Age-banded classes from 3 to 17 fill weekday afternoons, plus a Parents and Me class source · 2026-07-14
- Programs
- Both gi and no-gi weekly, with a separate Muay Thai room source · 2026-07-14
Location, instructors, contact
- Address
- 1021 Calle Recodo, Suite A, San Clemente, CA 92673 source · 2026-07-14
- Instructors
- Founder Paulo Guillobel leads instruction source · 2026-07-14
Neiman Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy
Who this academy suits
A cautious first-timer who wants a Gracie family black belt and optional sparring — and who lives in Orange County, since the trial is now residents-only and no longer called free; visitors are pointed to a drop-in
Why we say it: The academy's own pages name Neiman Gracie as the teaching black belt and describe sparring as optional (captured 2026-07-14); the booking page now fences trials to Orange County residents and points visitors to a drop-in, with FREE dropped (re-read 2026-09-04)
Someone in the Bristol St pocket of Newport Beach who wants no-gi without leaving the neighborhood: three adult no-gi slots a week including Saturday morning
Why we say it: The timetable runs adult no-gi Tuesday evening, Wednesday morning, and Saturday morning (verified 2026-07-14)
Schedule verified Free trialNo-giKids classes
Your first visit
- Trial
- A trial class booked through the site, no longer called free, and now for Orange County residents only; out-of-town visitors are pointed to a drop-in with no price printed source · 2026-09-04
- Class schedule
- Adult classes run Mon-Thu 6 PM (Thursday is the advanced class, four stripes and up) with fundamentals Tuesday and Thursday 5:10 PM; no-gi holds Tuesday evening, Wednesday morning and Saturday morning; Friday evening is a members-only gi open mat; sparring is optional after class source · 2026-09-02
Classes and cost
- Programs
- Kids classes run in 4-7 and 8-12 bands on weekday afternoons, plus Saturday kids no-gi source · 2026-07-14
- Programs
- Both gi and no-gi classes run weekly source · 2026-07-14
Location, instructors, contact
- Address
- 1000 Bristol St. N, Newport Beach, CA source · 2026-07-14
- Instructors
- Neiman Gracie, a Gracie family black belt from Rio, teaches; the academy's page introduces him as a former Bellator title contender source · 2026-07-14
Power of Leverage Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Who this academy suits
A cautious beginner who wants a free first look before any money changes hands: a free trial of unstated length, arranged by phone
Why we say it: The schedule page prints a free trial by phone; the one-week line is gone (re-read 2026-09-04); the 2026 schedule image shows nightly adult classes (read 2026-09-02)
A parent scheduling around school: three kids age bands stacked on the same afternoons
Why we say it: The 2026 schedule PDF stacks three kids age bands across weekday afternoons and Saturday morning (verified 2026-07-14)
Schedule verified Free trialKids classesNo-gi
Your first visit
- Trial
- A free trial of unstated length, arranged by phone; the one-week free trial line of July is gone from the homepage source · 2026-09-04
- Class schedule
- Adults and teens train Mon-Fri 7:15 PM, Wed/Fri 5:45 AM and Sat 7:30 AM; kids split by age (4-6, 7-9, 9-13) across weekday afternoons and Saturday morning, with a Tue/Thu 10:15 AM slot for 6-13s; Sunday is a rest day source · 2026-09-02
Classes and cost
- Programs
- Kids BJJ in three age bands, weekday afternoons and Saturday morning source · 2026-07-14
- Programs
- BJJ-centered with a Wednesday wrestling and no-gi slot, plus a boxing program source · 2026-07-14
Location, instructors, contact
- Address
- 19060 Brookhurst St, Huntington Beach, CA 92646 source · 2026-07-14
- Instructors
- Professor Kelly teaches, introduced on the school's page as a 3rd degree black belt with 25 plus years of experience source · 2026-07-14
RYSK Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Who this academy suits
A beginner in the Laguna Hills corridor who wants a real fundamentals track and time to decide: a dedicated beginners class runs five evenings a week and the trial is three full days
Why we say it: The published timetable runs a fundamentals class every weekday evening and the page states a 3-day free trial (verified 2026-07-14)
An early riser: all-levels adult classes run at 6 AM and 8 AM every weekday, with Friday mornings in no-gi
Why we say it: The timetable holds 6 AM and 8 AM classes Monday through Friday (verified 2026-07-14)
Schedule verified Free trialEarly morning classesDaily beginner classesNo-giKids classes
Your first visit
- Trial
- A free 3-day trial, booked through the site source · 2026-09-03
- Class schedule
- Adult all-levels classes run 6 and 8 AM on weekdays, with evening fundamentals at 6:30 PM and advanced at 7:30 PM; Wednesday and Friday evenings and Friday mornings are no-gi, and boxing and kickboxing share the timetable source · 2026-09-02
Classes and cost
- Programs
- Kids classes run in three bands from 3 to 14, weekday afternoons plus Saturday morning source · 2026-07-14
- Programs
- Both gi and no-gi classes run weekly source · 2026-07-14
Location, instructors, contact
- Address
- 26548 Moulton Parkway, Unit 48-D, Laguna Hills, CA 92653 source · 2026-07-14
- Instructors
- Chico Lima, a black belt in the Carlos Gracie Jr. line per the school's own site, leads instruction source · 2026-07-14
Academies being verified
We are re-confirming the essentials: class schedules and trial mechanics. Each academy joins the full guide once its facts meet the bar.
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10th Planet Irvine16632 Hale Ave, Irvine, CA 92606Last checked: 2026-07-14
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10th Planet Jiu Jitsu Costa Mesa · Official site3771 S Plaza Dr, Santa Ana, CA 92704 · (714) 321-9635 · Ron Turner, head coach, a black belt under Eddie Bravo per the network's own locator bioLast checked: 2026-07-14
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10th Planet Jiu Jitsu Fullerton · Official site601 S Euclid St, Fullerton, CA 92832 · 714-477-4553 · Andy Prudencio, owner and head coach, introduced on the school's own site as a 10th Planet black beltLast checked: 2026-07-14
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10th Planet Jiu Jitsu Orange · Official site1832 N Tustin St, Orange, CA 92865 · 714-477-4553 · Jon Cho, head coach, per the school's own siteLast checked: 2026-07-14
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Alliance Jiu Jitsu Huntington Beach · Official site19111 Beach Blvd., Huntington Beach, CA 92648 · (657) 353-3291Last checked: 2026-07-14
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Brea Jiu-Jitsu · Official site379 W Central Ave, Brea, CA 92821 · (714) 9-BREA-JJ · Dan Lukehart, owner and head instructor, introduced on the school's own page as a black belt under Beneil Dariush · A free trial class with no appointment needed, just walk in; the schedule page is broken, so call for class times firstLast checked: 2026-09-04
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Carlson Gracie Jiu Jitsu Anaheim · Official site428 N Lakeview Ave, Anaheim, CA 92807 · 714-998-8783 · Nick Moghaddam, owner, per the school's own pagesLast checked: 2026-07-14
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Carlson Gracie Legacy Jiu Jitsu · Official site28162 Camino Capistrano, Suite 109B, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 · (949) 444-5110 · Master Allan Goes, introduced on the school's own page as a protege of Carlson Gracie Sr., leads instructionLast checked: 2026-07-14
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Cleber Jiu Jitsu · Official siteLast checked: 2026-07-14
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DT Jiu Jitsu · Official site515 N Sycamore St #101, Santa Ana, CA 92701 · (714) 598-6492 · Ozzie Avalos, per the school's own siteLast checked: 2026-07-14
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Electric Jiu Jitsu · Official site4972 Warner Ave Ste 103, Huntington Beach, CA 92649 · (714) 655-9007 · Joao Assis teaches, introduced on the school's own page as an ADCC championLast checked: 2026-07-14
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Ethos Jiu-Jitsu Fullerton · Official site618 Harbor Blvd Unit A, Fullerton, CA 92832 · (657) 390-1133 · Rodnei Barbosa, introduced on the school's own team page as a 2nd-degree black belt, with two co-founders at the same rankLast checked: 2026-07-14
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Evolve Jiu Jitsu & Muay Thai Academy · Official site28236 Airoso St., Rancho Mission Viejo, CA 92694 · (949) 503-3328 · Todd Aimer, owner and main instructor per the school's own pagesLast checked: 2026-07-14
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Fight Strong MMA · Official site140 Calle De Los Molinos, San Clemente, CA 92672 · (949) 218-5222Last checked: 2026-07-14
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Gracie Barra Aliso Viejo27062 La Paz Road, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656Last checked: 2026-07-14
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Gracie Barra Dana Point · Official site34085 Pacific Coast Hwy, Suite 106, Dana Point, CA 92629 · (949) 388-8886 · The school's own roster lists founder Flavio Almeida (5th degree) and Fernando Nassif (2nd degree) among its instructorsLast checked: 2026-07-14
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Gracie Barra Garden Grove · Official site12062 Valley View St #101, Garden Grove, CA 92845 · (714) 642-0781 · Professor Alex D'Hue, introduced on the school's own page as a black belt under Otavio SousaLast checked: 2026-07-14
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Gracie Barra Huntington Beach6423 Edinger Ave, Huntington Beach, CA 92647 · (949) 295-2990 · Otavio Sousa leads instruction, per the school's own siteLast checked: 2026-07-14
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Gracie Barra Rancho Santa Margarita · Official site29911 Aventura, Suite B, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688 (confirm the suite letter before visiting) · (949) 558-0719Last checked: 2026-07-14
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Gracie Barra West Anaheim · Official site910 S Euclid St, Suite D, Anaheim, CA 92802 · (949) 802-3114Last checked: 2026-07-14
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Huntington Beach Ultimate Training Center (HBUTC) · Official site7411 Belva Dr., Huntington Beach, CA 92647 · (714) 593-9335Last checked: 2026-07-14
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Hybrid Academy · Official site950 E Katella Ave, Suite 1, Orange, CA 92867 · (714) 597-6947Last checked: 2026-07-14
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Kama Jiu-Jitsu SoCal · Official site23011 Moulton Parkway, Suite E5, Laguna Hills, CA 92653 · (626) 780-8982 · Founder Dave Kama, a black belt under Rickson Gracie (1995) per the school's own pageLast checked: 2026-07-14
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Kings MMA Academy (Huntington Beach) · Official site7391 Warner Avenue, Huntington Beach, CA 92647 · (714) 848-2525 · The jiu-jitsu program is led by black belt professors Pat Banford and Jon Jon Rico, per the academy's own pageLast checked: 2026-07-14
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Mamute Jiu Jitsu · Official site1315 N Tustin St, Suite i, Orange, CA 92867 · (714) 471-7764 · Professor Bruno Paulista, a black belt per the school's own siteLast checked: 2026-07-14
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Mission Jiu-Jitsu Academy · Official site26861 Trabuco Road #H, Mission Viejo, CA 92691 · (949) 400-7108 · Marcelo 'Bob' Lucena, a black belt in the Carlos Gracie Jr. line per the school's own pages, leads instruction · The first class is free and books through the site, with no commitmentLast checked: 2026-09-03
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North Orange County Martial Arts · Official site1521 N Placentia Ave, Placentia, CA 92870 · (714) 485-8982Last checked: 2026-07-14
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OM Jiu Jitsu · Official siteLast checked: 2026-07-14
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Phenom Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu · Official site16782 Von Karman Ave, Suite 22, Irvine, CA 92606 · (657) 210-1615Last checked: 2026-07-14
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Praia Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu · Official site3010 Harbor Blvd, Suite A, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 · (949) 287-6808 · Founder Thiago Pierre leads, introduced on the school's page as a black belt under Leo Vieira · The first class is free · Adults unlimited is 269 dollars a month and kids 259, with a 200 dollar registration that includes a gi and belt; memberships are month to monthLast checked: 2026-09-04
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Santo Performance Studio · Official site847 W 16th St, Newport Beach, CA 92663 · (657) 293-4393Last checked: 2026-07-14
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Teragi Academy · Official site1901 Sunny Crest Dr, Fullerton, CA 92835 · 657-248-7140 · Professor John Ramos, introduced on the school's own page as a Gracie Humaita black belt and 3-time IBJJF World ChampionLast checked: 2026-07-14
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Triunfo Jiu-Jitsu & MMA · Official site2781 W MacArthur Blvd Unit F1, Santa Ana, CA 92704 · (949) 614-3833 · Professor Felipe Fogolin, a black belt with BJJ and judo credentials per the school's own siteLast checked: 2026-07-14
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V1SION BJJ · Official site25612 Crown Valley Pkwy L-3, Ladera Ranch, CA 92694 · (949) 593-0077 · Marcelo 'Captain' Capociama, a 3rd-degree black belt per the school's own site, leads instructionLast checked: 2026-07-14
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Valiant Academy · Official site1715 E Wilshire Ave #723, Santa Ana, CA 92705 · (714) 414-6105 · Jonathan Marroquin, founder, per the school's own siteLast checked: 2026-07-14
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West Coast Jiu-Jitsu · Official site26051 La Paz Rd #120, Mission Viejo, CA 92691 · (949) 556-9849 · Founder Rafael Conti, a black belt from Brazil per the school's own page, leads instructionLast checked: 2026-07-14
Frequently asked questions
Which academies in Orange County offer a free trial?
10th Planet Mission Viejo: A free introductory class now leads the homepage and pricing page for first-time visitors, beside a 35 dollar day pass and a 100 dollar week pass credited toward membership if you join; the 599 dollar six-week beginners course also converts to membership credit; AOJ Mission Viejo (Art of Jiu Jitsu): The free trial class is for verified Orange County residents; non-residents must buy a guest pass; Almighty Jiu-Jitsu: The first class is free, framed as a walk-in visit rather than a booking flow; Art of Jiu Jitsu (AOJ) Costa Mesa: The free trial is restricted to verified Orange County residents; short-term stays do not qualify, and non-residents must buy a guest pass (one day 100 dollars, one week 350 dollars, one month 600 dollars); Gracie Barra Costa Mesa: A free trial class, booked through the site's first-class button or by phone …
How do I book a trial class?
It differs by academy. Where we could verify the booking method, it is listed under "Your first visit" in that academy's entry; otherwise, asking through the academy's official channel is the most reliable route.
I'm a complete beginner. Can I just show up?
It differs by academy. Entries show where a fundamentals program and first-visit process are verified. For the rest, check with the academy before visiting. For what a first class actually feels like, see the beginner posts on our blog.