Business Details
Your Premier BJJ School in Huntington Beach
At Gracie Jiu-jitsu Huntington Beach, we have dedicated ourselves to empowering individuals of all ages through the transformative practice of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Founded on the principles of discipline, respect, and self-improvement, our programs cater to both children and adults, offering structured curricula designed to build physical fitness, mental focus, and emotional resilience. Our lead instructor, Carlos, brings over 30 years of martial arts expertise, including a black belt earned through rigorous training at the Gracie Academy in Torrance, California, and experience teaching military personnel and law enforcement tactical techniques. We pride ourselves on creating a welcoming, inclusive environment where students of all skill levelswhether beginners or advanced practitionerscan thrive. Our Gracie Bullyproof program for children emphasizes conflict resolution and confidence-building, while the Women Empowered self-defense classes equip participants with practical skills to handle real-world threats. With a team of certified instructors, including Selenia, a brown belt with 25 years in multiple martial arts, and Sarah Miller, a blue belt and Pink Belt-certified Women Empowered instructor, we ensure personalized guidance and support for every student.Over 1,230 satisfied customers and 52 five-star reviews attest to our commitment to quality instruction and community impact. Through a blend of traditional BJJ techniques and Gracie-specific methodologies, we provide a comprehensive martial arts education that fosters personal growth, enhances self-defense capabilities, and promotes lifelong health. Our Huntington Beach facility serves as a hub for families seeking both physical activity and character development, offering flexible class schedules, including dedicated times for kids, adults, and advanced practitioners. By emphasizing safety, technique, and mutual respect, we strive to be more than just a martial arts schoolwe are a community dedicated to cultivating strength, confidence, and integrity in every individual who walks through our doors.
Services
Gracie Bullyproof
Kids Martial Arts
Gracie Combatives
Adult Martial Arts
Women Empowered
Advanced BJJ
Self-Defense
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu
Master Cycle
Highlights and features
- We offer Gracie-certified instructors with decades of martial arts experience.
- Our programs build unshakable confidence and practical self-defense skills.
- We provide age-specific classes for children and adults with proven results.
- Our instructors have trained military, law enforcement, and border patrol personnel.
- We maintain a 4.9-star rating with 52 positive reviews from local families.
What people say
Confidence grow
Excellent instructor
Great for kids
Positive environment
Highly recommend
Services
Gracie Bullyproof
Gracie Bullyproof builds unshakable confidence in children to overcome bullying without violence. Through structured techniques, kids learn respect, discipline, and emotional resilience in a supportive team environment. Parents report improved social skills, maturity, and self-esteem after enrollment.
Women Empowered
Women Empowered teaches practical self-defense against 20 common attacks, including hair grabs and weapon threats. Classes emphasize situational awareness, boundary setting, and physical techniques adaptable to any body type for real-world safety.
Gracie Combatives
Gracie Combatives introduces 36 core BJJ techniques in cooperative, low-impact environments. Adults gain functional fitness, stress relief, and progressive skill development through partner drills that simulate real-life self-defense scenarios.
Master Cycle
Master Cycle provides structured BJJ advancement through 23 belt ranks and testing requirements. Experienced practitioners refine technical precision, strategic thinking, and tournament preparation under expert supervision while progressing toward black belt certification.
Assessment Classes
Free assessment classes let newcomers experience programs before commitment. Instructors evaluate individual goals and physical capabilities to recommend optimal class placements from beginner to advanced skill levels.
People
Carlos Leal
Head Coach
With 30+ years in martial arts, Carlos earned his black belt at Gracie Academy in 2022. He trains military and law enforcement in survival tactics while fostering a warm, inclusive environment for community members of all ages.
Selenia Soto
Instructor
Selenia, a Gracie Jiu-Jitsu brown belt since 2019, brings 25 years across martial arts disciplines. Her teaching emphasizes technical mastery, fair play, and creating cooperative learning spaces where students develop at their own pace.
Sarah Miller
Women Empowered Instructor
Sarah empowers students through 25 years of martial arts experience. As a blue belt and Pink Belt-certified Women Empowered instructor, she specializes in making self-defense accessible while fostering strength and confidence in female practitioners.
Questions
Do you offer free trial classes for new students?
Yes, we provide free assessment classes so you can experience our programs risk-free before committing to enrollment.
What age groups do your martial arts programs accommodate?
Our programs serve children starting at age 5, teens, and adults through age-specific curricula designed for different developmental stages.
Are martial arts classes safe for beginners?
Yes, our structured curriculum prioritizes technique over intensity, using partner drills that minimize injury risk while teaching effective self-defense strategies.
What makes your school different from other BJJ gyms?
We combine Gracie-certified instruction with personalized attention, maintaining smaller class sizes and focusing on real-world application rather than competition-centered training.
What should I wear for my first class?
Comfortable athletic clothing like t-shirts and shorts or leggings works initially—uniform requirements will be discussed after your first session.
How do kids benefit from your martial arts training?
Students develop confidence, social skills, and emotional control while improving physical fitness through structured lessons emphasizing character development alongside technical skills.
Reviews (4)
Kevin Breton
Dec 04, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism
I've been coming to this school for two months. Often times the most challenging part of starting a martial art is just walking through the door. Carlos creates a professional, safe environment for anyone to learn or with an interest to learn jujitsu. I'm very happy with the program so far, I'm glad to call this home.
I've been coming to this school for two months. Often times the most challenging part of starting a martial art is just walking through the door. Carlos creates a professional, safe environment for anyone to learn or with an interest to learn jujitsu. I'm very happy with the program so far, I'm glad to call this home.
Rainbow Planche
Dec 02, 2021
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Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality
Went as a guest and would totally go if I didn't live out of state! I felt really welcomed and learned a surprising amount for just one class.
Went as a guest and would totally go if I didn't live out of state! I felt really welcomed and learned a surprising amount for just one class.
Dylan A.
Dec 02, 2021
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Very organized, well taught, and accessible for beginners. Carlos is a great guy and youll feel welcome as soon as you walk through the door.
Nelson Maldonado
Nov 30, 2021
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Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,Value
My 11 year old child's been attending for a few years now. Absolutely adores it! Carlos runs the best studio; he creates a very warm and friendly environment. Kind, soft spoken and gentle with his students. I can't recommend it enough!!
My 11 year old child's been attending for a few years now. Absolutely adores it! Carlos runs the best studio; he creates a very warm and friendly environment. Kind, soft spoken and gentle with his students. I can't recommend it enough!!
