Business Details
Your Premier Jiu Jitsu Academy in San Diego
At Legion San Diego San Diego, we are dedicated to providing world-class jiu jitsu instruction tailored to individuals of all ages and experience levels. Our mission is to create a welcoming environment where beginners and seasoned practitioners alike can thrive. We pioneered the 5-Week Beginner Course, ensuring new students start alongside peers at the same skill level, with a structured curriculum that accelerates learning. Our team of award-winning instructors, including world champions and best-selling authors, combines technical expertise with a commitment to personalized guidance.We emphasize physical fitness, self-defense proficiency, and mental resilience, fostering a supportive community that values discipline and growth. With flexible programs for adults and children, Legion San Diego San Diego remains the most reviewed 5-star jiu jitsu academy in America, prioritizing accessibility through no membership contracts and inclusive policies for visitors.
Services
Jiu Jitsu Classes
Beginner Courses
Kids Programs
Private Lessons
Visitor Classes
Highlights and features
- Award-winning instructors with world championship credentials
- 5-Week Beginner Course with guaranteed peer-level starting groups
- Welcoming environment for all skill levels, from novices to pros
- Proprietary curriculum combining essential techniques and safe sparring
- Free premium uniform and lifetime access to class recordings
What people say
Award-winning instructors
Welcoming environment
Effective beginner course
Top-tier coaching
Comprehensive programs
Services
Jiu Jitsu Classes
Our jiu jitsu classes cater to all skill levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners. Structured sessions focus on technical proficiency, live sparring, and strategic application. Students benefit from expert coaching and a progressive curriculum designed to build physical strength, mental focus, and self-defense capabilities in a supportive environment.
Beginner Courses
The 5-Week Beginner Course provides a structured foundation for new students. Participants learn essential techniques through a systematic curriculum, practice with peers at similar skill levels, and receive personalized feedback. The program includes free uniforms and lifetime access to class recordings to reinforce learning and ensure confidence-building progress.
Kids Programs
Our kids' programs develop discipline, confidence, and physical fitness through age-appropriate jiu jitsu instruction. Certified instructors teach self-defense skills, teamwork, and respect in a fun, engaging environment. Classes are designed to accommodate children aged 4 to 14, with specialized curricula for different developmental stages.
Private Lessons
Private lessons offer one-on-one instruction tailored to individual goals and skill levels. Students receive focused attention from expert coaches to refine techniques, address specific challenges, or accelerate progress. Sessions can be customized for competition preparation, self-defense scenarios, or personalized fitness objectives.
Visitor Classes
Legion San Diego San Diego welcomes visiting practitioners with open mat sessions and flexible class options. Travelers and local martial artists can experience our award-winning instruction, state-of-the-art facilities, and inclusive community. Visitors receive guidance on class structure and etiquette to ensure a seamless training experience.
People
Keenan Cornelius
Founder
3rd Degree Black Belt and multiple-time world champion, inventor of the Lapel Guard system. Recognized as a pioneer in modern jiu jitsu techniques and curriculum development.
Miha Perhavec
Beginner Course Director
Judo and jiu jitsu black belt, best-selling author, and co-founder of Legion San Diego San Diego. Specializes in structured curriculum design and beginner instruction with over a decade of teaching experience.
Andris Brunovskis
Gi Instructor
3rd Degree Black Belt and world champion with expertise in traditional gi techniques. Brings competitive experience from Pan-American and international tournaments to advanced student training.
Justin Flores
Judo/Wrestling Instructor
Team USA Olympic Judo Coach and D1 wrestler with extensive experience training UFC fighters. Focuses on grappling fundamentals and athletic development for competitive students.
Dominique Bell
Gi Instructor
2nd Degree Black Belt and social media influencer with multiple world medalist titles. Specializes in intermediate-advanced gi techniques and competition preparation.
Questions
What programs do you offer for adults?
We provide structured jiu jitsu classes for all adult skill levels, including a 5-week beginner course, gi/no-gi options, and advanced training with world-class instructors.
Do you have classes specifically for beginners?
Yes, our 5-Week Beginner Course guarantees peer-level starting groups, structured curriculum, and free uniform access to build foundational skills confidently.
Are private lessons available?
Private instruction is offered by most coaches, focusing on personalized technique refinement, competition prep, or accelerated learning tailored to individual goals.
What benefits does jiu jitsu provide?
Our programs develop physical fitness, self-defense skills, mental resilience, and stress relief while fostering a supportive community environment for personal growth.
How can visitors train at your academy?
We welcome visiting practitioners with open mat sessions and flexible class options, providing access to our award-winning instruction and facilities during their San Diego stay.
Reviews (7)
Gwenaelle Demangel
Jan 30, 2022
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I had a blast at Legion open mat on Sunday ! The staff is super helpful and nice. The mat is packed with super chill and talented fighters from all academies. No politics, just fun. I highly recommend it !
Briggitte Smyrnos
Jan 07, 2022
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The kids program is top tier. All their coaches are awesome and my son is always eager to go, especially for Friday Fun Day. The facility itself is huge and really clean, they even have a fully equipped gym area for members to use free of charge. Weve made tons of friends here- my son with the other students, and myself with the other parents. It really feels like a little community and we love it.
Angela Hill
Jan 06, 2022
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Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,Value
Went to their open mat, everyone was super friendly, no egos, and the mats were spacious and clean. The boss even gave me one of his sparkling waters when they were out of waters to purchase which I really appreciated after a few rounds. If I didnt have a bjj gym I wouldnt mind training here daily.
Went to their open mat, everyone was super friendly, no egos, and the mats were spacious and clean. The boss even gave me one of his sparkling waters when they were out of waters to purchase which I really appreciated after a few rounds. If I didnt have a bjj gym I wouldnt mind training here daily.
Derek Adan
Jan 05, 2022
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While I don't normally train here locally, I love to make an effort to drop in whenever I am in town to get some good rolls in. The open mat is one of the best in the area due to the location to many neighboring schools and affiliations so you're always guaranteed good rolls and a variety of styles and techniques. Best of all there are no politics and everyone is welcome to come train which is one of the best things here. Everyone is here to learn and have fun. The classes I have dropped in for have been great too. The instruction is very detailed and precise no matter who teaches and plenty of
Charles Sherwood
Dec 30, 2021
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Simply outstanding! Legion has crafted a truly unique brand of jiu jitsu. The instructors were fantastic at explaining their technique as well as answering all student questions. It's also very spacious and clean. I also appreciated how comfortable the rest of the facilities were. This gym has re-ignited my passion for the art form after 5 years of not training. If you're considering starting jiu jitsu for the first time or starting again after a layoff, this gym would be my first recommendation!
Martin Fcrf
Dec 28, 2021
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First jiujitsu gym Ive tried out but Im very satisfied with the experience. Andris Brunovskiss 7:30 beginner gi class is very well ran and there is a lot of mat space given the large class size. Hes incredibly charismatic, knowledgeable, and teaches in a very easy to follow along manner. The other coaching staff are all very friendly and helpful also. Highly recommend to anyone wanting to get into this tough but rewarding sport.
Kevin Castillo
Dec 18, 2021
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Moved from Miami to San Diego and checked out a few jiu jitsu schools before choosing Legion. Its the best one in San Diego. The teaching is the best Ive ever come across and all the coaches are personable and down to earth. Each one came to introduce themselves. The culture is amazing with everyone wanting to get better together. I dont see myself training anywhere else ever again.
