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Learning jiu-jitsu on the Peninsula
This guide covers the academies of the Peninsula corridor, from Daly City down through San Mateo, Belmont, San Carlos, and Redwood City to Palo Alto. It is the Charles Gracie corridor, home to Caio Terra rooms and Jean Jacques Machado's only Northern California school. 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.
Map
Only academies with verified information appear on the map. Grey pins mark verified addresses for academies still being confirmed.
10th Planet Jiu Jitsu San Mateo
Who this academy suits
A beginner who wants no-gi from day one and a real runway to test it, three free classes with no experience needed
Why we say it: A no-gi system school that publishes a 3-free-class residents' trial under a self-published 2nd-degree black belt (verified 2026-07-24)
Franchise networkNo-giKids classesFree trialDrop-ins welcome
Your first visit
- Free trial
- Start with 3 free classes, no experience needed (residents only); drop-in visitors are $40
Classes and cost
- Programs
- Kids in three tracks: Tiny Jitsu (3-5, parent participation), Mini Jitsu (6-9), and Junior Jitsu (10-15)
- Programs
- A no-gi school: the 10th Planet system trains without the gi
Location, instructors, contact
- Address
- 910 South Amphlett Blvd, San Mateo, CA 94402
- Instructors
- Led by Adam Sachnoff, a 2nd-degree black belt who trained under founder Eddie Bravo
Caio Terra Academy Palo Alto
Who this academy suits
A beginner who wants a proper two-day tryout before deciding, with a fundamentals class most days
Why we say it: The site offers a free 2-day trial, and the grid runs fundamentals classes daily from morning to evening (verified 2026-07-24)
A working adult who needs early classes, with sessions starting at 6:15am
Why we say it: The weekly grid lists adult classes from 6:15am on multiple weekdays (verified 2026-07-24)
Schedule verified Franchise networkKids classesNo-giFree trialEarly morning classes
Your first visit
- Free trial
- A free, no-obligation 2-day trial (Bay Area residents only)
- Class schedule
- Adults run morning (from 6:15am) through evening daily, with no-gi and an open mat; kids run age-graded afternoon classes and a Saturday family class
Classes and cost
- Programs
- Age-graded kids: Kids I (4-6), Kids II (7-9), Teens (10+), plus a Saturday family class
- Programs
- Both gi (Fundamentals, CTB/CTC) and No Gi classes on the weekly grid
Location, instructors, contact
- Address
- 2695 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, CA 94306
- Instructors
- Donovan Bader is the academy director who runs day-to-day operations
Caio Terra Academy San Carlos
Who this academy suits
A beginner who wants to see the real monthly cost before committing, with rates published outright
Why we say it: The site publishes membership rates ($300 month-to-month, $250/month on a year) alongside a free residents' trial, rare in this market (verified 2026-07-24)
A parent or teen who wants a named coach and age-graded classes with gi and no-gi
Why we say it: Adult classes are led by black belt Mateus Moraes and youth by Bia Campos, with age tracks from 4-6 through teens and both gi and no-gi (verified 2026-07-24)
Schedule verified Pricing published Franchise networkKids classesNo-giFree trialPricing published
Your first visit
- Free trial
- A free trial, available to Bay Area residents only
- Class schedule
- Mon-Fri 4:00-9:00pm, Sat 9:00am-12:00pm, closed Sun; age-graded kids plus adult gi and no-gi
Classes and cost
- Membership
- $300/month month-to-month, $250/month on a 1-year commitment, prepaid annual $2,550 (15% off), prepaid 6-month (10% off)
- Programs
- Age-graded kids: Toddlers/Kids I (4-6), Kids II (7-9), Teens (10+)
- Programs
- Both gi and no-gi classes available
Location, instructors, contact
- Address
- 677 Laurel Street, Unit C, San Carlos, CA 94070
- Instructors
- Adult program led by Professor Mateus Moraes, a black belt; youth program directed by Bia Campos
Castroviejo Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy
Who this academy suits
A beginner who wants an established owner-run room, gi or no-gi, with a free class to start
Why we say it: Owner-instructor Leandro Castroviejo has a self-published 20-plus years in the art, the room runs gi and no-gi for kids and adults, and it offers a free trial class (verified 2026-07-24)
No-giKids classesFree trial
Your first visit
- Free trial
- A free trial class
Classes and cost
- Programs
- Kids classes offered and described as the academy's specialty
- Programs
- Gi and no-gi classes for both children and adults
Location, instructors, contact
- Address
- 701 Arguello Street, Redwood City, CA 94063
- Instructors
- Owner-instructor Leandro Castroviejo, with a self-published 20-plus years in BJJ and 50-plus competition medals
Cave Academy, Pacifica
Who this academy suits
A beginner who wants genuine Ralph Gracie lineage in the room and a free first class before committing
Why we say it: Co-head Frank Nunez is a 4th-degree black belt under Ralph Gracie, and the site offers a free intro class with sign-up only if you love it (verified via Yurei 2026-07-24)
A parent starting a young child, with kids classes from age 4 taught by the head black belt
Why we say it: Kids run in two age groups (4-8 and 8-13) taught by founder Mike Murrell, a 2nd-degree BJJ and Judo black belt (verified 2026-07-24)
No-giKids classesFree trial
Your first visit
- Free trial
- Book a free introductory class and only sign up if you love it
Classes and cost
- Programs
- Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in two age groups, 4-8 and 8-13, taught by Mike Murrell
- Programs
- Daily gi and no-gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes for men and women
Location, instructors, contact
- Address
- 1037 Terra Nova Blvd, Pacifica, CA 94044
- Instructors
- Founder and head instructor Mike Murrell, a 2nd-degree BJJ black belt and Judo black belt
Charles Gracie Academy San Bruno
Who this academy suits
An adult beginner who wants to try a first class with a gi provided, no gear to buy up front
Why we say it: The site offers a free intro lesson with a gi supplied, and the adult schedule is open even while kids classes are waitlisted (verified 2026-07-24)
Schedule verified Franchise networkFree trial
Your first visit
- Free trial
- A free introductory lesson with a gi supplied for your first class; the adult on-ramp is open while kids trials are waitlisted
- Class schedule
- Mon-Thu kids in three age bands then adults 7:00-8:30pm; Sat adults 7:30-9:00am plus kids; closed Fri and Sun. Kids classes are currently full with a trial waitlist
Classes and cost
- Programs
- A gi-based Charles Gracie curriculum; the academy supplies a gi for the first lesson
Location, instructors, contact
- Address
- 851 Cherry Avenue #17, San Bruno, CA 94066
Charles Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy San Mateo
Who this academy suits
A beginner who wants a named black belt and a free first class before committing
Why we say it: Professor Cristiano Xavier is the self-published head black belt, and the site offers a free intro class booked by phone or in person (verified 2026-07-24)
A parent starting a young child, with age-graded kids classes from age 3
Why we say it: The site lists kids classes in four age bands from 3-4 up to 8-15, with the free intro on-ramp (verified 2026-07-24)
Schedule verified Franchise networkKids classesFree trial
Your first visit
- Free trial
- A free introductory class; call or stop by to schedule it
- Class schedule
- Mon 4:00-8:30pm, Tue 11:00am-8:45pm (midday break), Wed 4:00-8:30pm, Thu 11:00am-8:45pm (midday break), Sat 10:00am-1:30pm; kids by age group
Classes and cost
- Programs
- Kids classes grouped by age: 3-4, 4-6, 6-8, and 8-15
- Programs
- A gi-based Charles Gracie curriculum; the official gi is required for all classes
Location, instructors, contact
- Address
- 174 W. 25th Ave., San Mateo, CA 94403
- Instructors
- Led by Professor Cristiano Xavier, a black belt
Charles Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy of Daly City
Who this academy suits
A first-timer who wants a short, structured 30 minute intro before joining a full class
Why we say it: The network's own Daly City page publishes a one-time 30 minute basics intro with a clear booking method (verified 2026-07-24)
Someone who wants both gi and no-gi under one roof, with kids and women's self-defense on the same menu
Why we say it: The weekly menu carries BJJ and No-Gi/MMA plus kickboxing, women's self-defense, and kids 4-15 (verified 2026-07-24)
Schedule verified Franchise networkKids classesFree trialNo-gi
Your first visit
- Free trial
- A one-time 30 minute basics intro class, booked by phone, in person, or by email
- Class schedule
- A full weekly grid is published as a schedule image; sample slots include Mon 6:00-7:30pm BJJ, Tue 11:00am-12:30pm BJJ and 6:00-8:00pm No-Gi/MMA, and Sat kids 10:00-10:50am; the menu also includes kickboxing and women's self-defense
Classes and cost
- Programs
- Kids classes for ages 4-15
- Programs
- Both gi BJJ and No-Gi/MMA on the menu, plus kickboxing and women's self-defense
Location, instructors, contact
- Address
- 7340 Mission Street, Daly City, CA 94014
- Instructors
- Clint James Gerona is the head instructor
- Belt
- Clint James Gerona is a 3rd-degree black belt professor under Charles Gracie
Gracie Fighter Bay Area
Who this academy suits
A beginner who needs both midday and evening adult classes and an easy way to book a first session
Why we say it: The site lists adult classes Mon-Fri at 11:00am and 6:30pm and books trials over WhatsApp (verified 2026-07-24)
Schedule verified Franchise networkKids classesDaytime classes
Your first visit
- Free trial
- Book a trial class via WhatsApp
- Class schedule
- Adults Mon-Fri 11:00am-12:30pm and 6:30-7:30pm; kids Sun 9:00-10:00am and Mon-Fri 3:45-4:45pm
Classes and cost
- Programs
- Kids classes with placement by age, maturity, and experience
Location, instructors, contact
- Address
- 1700 Industrial Rd STE C, San Carlos, CA 94070
Phone +1 (415) 871-7153 (WhatsApp trial booking) Website Naver Map Apple Maps
MBJJ | Minc Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy
Who this academy suits
A total beginner who wants a dedicated beginners class every day under a decorated black belt
Why we say it: The grid lists a beginners class daily and Pedro Minc is a self-published multiple-time IBJJF and CBJJO champion (verified 2026-07-24)
A woman who wants a women's-only class option, with two on the weekly grid
Why we say it: The site lists women's-only classes on Tuesday and Thursday evenings (verified 2026-07-24)
Schedule verified Franchise networkKids classesNo-giWomen's programEarly morning classesDaily beginner classes
Your first visit
- Free trial
- Book an intro class via WhatsApp
- Class schedule
- Adult gi and no-gi from 6:30am to 9:00pm most weekdays with daily beginners classes, a Friday open mat, Sunday no-gi competition, and women's-only sessions; kids in age tracks afternoons and weekends
Classes and cost
- Programs
- Kids in age tracks: Little Samurais (3-5), Samurai Kids (6-8 and 9-12), Warriors (13-16)
- Programs
- Both gi and no-gi across the weekly grid, plus wrestling and cardio/MMA sessions
Location, instructors, contact
- Address
- 800 Woodside Road, Redwood City, CA 94061
- Instructors
- Led by Professor Pedro Minc, a black belt and multiple-time IBJJF and CBJJO champion
Phone +1 (201) 754-2463 (WhatsApp intro booking) Website Naver Map Apple Maps
Marco Nascimento BJJ
Who this academy suits
A student who wants a highly experienced, still-competing black belt and a named woman coach on staff
Why we say it: Marco Nascimento is a self-published 6th-degree black belt with 150-plus golds, and co-founder Christina Nascimento is a full-time black belt instructor since 2017 (verified 2026-07-24)
A woman who wants a dedicated women's class as an entry point
Why we say it: The site lists a dedicated Women's class on Wednesday evenings alongside a free-trial registration (verified 2026-07-24)
Schedule verified Women's programNo-giFree trial
Your first visit
- Free trial
- Register for a free trial class via the online link; a seasonal 'reopens April 6' notice on the page has already passed, so confirm availability when booking
- Class schedule
- Partial from the own site: Competition class Sunday 10:00am and a Women's class Wednesday 6:00-7:00pm, with further adult and juvenile classes referenced; confirm the full grid by phone
Classes and cost
- Programs
- Adult all-levels and juvenile BJJ, both gi and no-gi
Location, instructors, contact
- Address
- 1743 S El Camino Real, San Mateo, CA 94402
- Instructors
- Owner-instructor Marco Nascimento, a 6th-degree black belt and the first black belt under Bitta of the Pitbull team
Mike De Jesus Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy
Who this academy suits
A beginner who wants gi, no-gi, judo, and wrestling from one coach, with a free class to start
Why we say it: Mike De Jesus is a BJJ black belt (under Adam Piccolotti) and Judo black belt (under Willy Cahill), the grid carries gi, no-gi, judo/wrestling, and striking, and the site offers a free trial (verified via Yurei 2026-07-24)
A parent who wants a kids grappling program with both BJJ and judo/wrestling on the week
Why we say it: Kids classes run Mon/Tue/Thu in BJJ and Wed in no-gi judo/wrestling, with a teens track Tue/Thu (verified 2026-07-24)
Schedule verified No-giKids classesFree trialStriking classes too
Your first visit
- Free trial
- A free trial: sign up on the site or call (650) 255-4286 to try a class
- Class schedule
- Adults Mon gi, Tue no-gi, Wed striking, Thu gi (evenings); teens Tue/Thu; kids Mon/Tue/Thu BJJ plus Wed no-gi judo/wrestling
Classes and cost
- Programs
- Kids classes Mon/Tue/Thu (BJJ) and Wed (No-Gi Judo/Wrestling) 5:00-6:00pm, plus a teens track Tue/Thu
- Programs
- Both gi and no-gi BJJ plus judo, wrestling, and a striking class, under one coach
Location, instructors, contact
- Address
- 233 El Camino Real, South San Francisco, CA 94080
- Instructors
- Mike De Jesus, a BJJ black belt under Adam Piccolotti and a Judo black belt under Willy Cahill
Signature of Jiu-Jitsu
Who this academy suits
A beginner who wants a newer, community-minded room under a named black belt
Why we say it: An independent room founded in 2022, led by Charles-Gracie-promoted black belt Taidi Santana, with a web-special trial to start (verified 2026-07-24)
A woman or a parent who wants dedicated women's and age-graded kids classes
Why we say it: The site lists a dedicated women's Jiu-Jitsu program and kids classes in three age bands from 5-7 up to 11-14 (verified 2026-07-24)
Kids classesWomen's programNo-gi
Your first visit
- Free trial
- A web-special trial booked through try.sofjj.com; the exact trial terms sit behind the booking page
Classes and cost
- Programs
- Kids Jiu-Jitsu in three age bands: 5-7, 8-10, and 11-14
- Programs
- Adult Jiu-Jitsu in gi and no-gi, plus women's Jiu-Jitsu in gi and no-gi
Location, instructors, contact
- Address
- 915 Ralston Ave, Belmont, CA 94002
- Instructors
- Led by Professor Atahide 'Taidi' Santana, a black belt under Master Charles Gracie
- Founded
- Founded in 2022, per the academy's own statement
The 148 Jiu Jitsu Academy
Who this academy suits
A beginner who wants the real cost up front and a proper two-week run to decide
Why we say it: The site publishes a $50 two-week trial and a $25 non-member Friday open mat, a rare pair of public figures in this market (verified 2026-07-24)
Someone who specifically wants the Jean Jacques Machado method under a named black belt
Why we say it: The room is a self-published Jean Jacques Machado Association affiliate led by black belt Ed Soares (verified 2026-07-24)
Schedule verified Franchise networkKids classesNo-giPricing publishedDrop-ins welcome
Your first visit
- Free trial
- A 2-week trial for $50; the non-member Friday open mat is $25
- Class schedule
- Classes Monday-Friday mornings and evenings plus weekends, with posted times from 6:30am to 8:00pm; a downloadable PDF carries the full grid
Classes and cost
- Programs
- Kids programs: Little Samurai (ages 3-5) and Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (ages 5-15)
- Programs
- Both gi and no-gi classes offered
Location, instructors, contact
- Address
- 2766 Bay Road, Redwood City, CA 94063
- Instructors
- Led by Professor Ed Soares, a black belt under Jean Jacques Machado
Phone (650) 701-7731 (academy); (650) 400-4462 (operations) Website Naver Map Apple Maps
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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Burlingame Jiu Jitsu Academy · Official siteLast checked: 2026-07-24
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Thrive Jiu-Jitsu & Martial Arts, Pacifica · Official site215 Rockaway Beach Avenue, Pacifica, CA 94044 · (408) 375-8813Last checked: 2026-07-24
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.