Business Details
Your Premier Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Gym in El Cajon, CA
Trilogy Martial Arts was founded to provide high-quality Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training in a supportive environment. Our team combines decades of experience in martial arts, law enforcement, and fitness to serve students from beginner to advanced levels. We emphasize personal growth, physical fitness, and practical self-defense skills through structured classes and expert instruction. Our instructors hold black belts under renowned masters and have developed proprietary combat systems. We welcome all ages and fitness levels, offering specialized programs for kids, women, and adults.The free trial week allows prospective students to experience our methodology before committing. Our facility maintains strict safety standards, including hygiene protocols and respectful conduct policies. With flexible scheduling and affordable membership options, we aim to make martial arts accessible to the El Cajon community. Our commitment to excellence has earned recognition through competition achievements and student testimonials.
Services
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Submission Wrestling
Kids Classes
Women's Program
Private Lessons
Highlights and features
- Instructors hold black belts under internationally recognized masters
- Developed proprietary S.A.W. Systems combat methodology
- Offer specialized women's classes and youth programs
- Provide free loaner gis for first week of training
- Include free trial week with all membership options
What people say
Supporting instructors
Great for beginners
Excellent kids program
Women's classes available
Competent instructors
Services
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program focuses on ground fighting techniques, submission holds, and positional dominance. Students learn practical self-defense applications while improving physical fitness and mental discipline. The curriculum accommodates all skill levels through structured progression paths.
Submission Wrestling
Submission wrestling classes emphasize takedown techniques, ground control, and joint locks without striking elements. Training develops both offensive and defensive capabilities through live sparring and technical drills. Our instructors incorporate competition-tested methodologies for real-world effectiveness.
Kids Classes
We offer age-specific martial arts instruction for children aged 4-12 years. Classes develop coordination, discipline, and confidence through structured activities. Parents report improved focus and self-defense capabilities in their children after participating in our youth programs.
Women's Program
Our women's martial arts program provides a supportive environment for skill development and fitness. The curriculum focuses on practical self-defense techniques tailored to women's physical attributes. Classes meet biweekly to accommodate different schedules and comfort levels.
Private Lessons
Customized one-on-one instruction available with our certified instructors. Private lessons allow focused skill development and personalized progression plans. Hour-long sessions can be tailored to specific goals like competition preparation or self-defense strategies.
People
Sean Wheeler
Instructor
Sean is a PFS Certified Instructor with military combat expertise who developed S.A.W. Systems. A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world champion under Fabio Santos, he specializes in practical self-defense methodologies.
Sophia Norden
Instructor
Sophia holds a black belt under Alfredo Barum and has competed internationally in ADCC and IBJJF events. With 13 years of submission wrestling experience, she focuses on leg lock techniques and women's empowerment.
Chris Gagliardi
Instructor
Chris, a black belt under Sean Wheeler and Fabio Santos, combines martial arts expertise with kinesiology. He holds multiple fitness certifications and advanced degrees to enhance training methodologies.
Questions
What is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a martial art focusing on ground fighting and submission techniques. Practitioners learn to control opponents through joint locks and chokeholds.
Can I try a class before joining?
Yes, we offer a free trial week allowing you to experience our classes and meet instructors before committing to a membership.
Do I need my own GI?
We provide loaner gis for the first week. After that, you can purchase your own gi directly from our gym.
Are women welcome to train Jiu Jitsu?
Absolutely. We have a growing women's program with specialized classes every other Sunday to create a comfortable learning environment.
What are the basic gym rules?
We maintain safety through rules including trimmed nails, appropriate attire, no jewelry, respect for all members, and staying away when ill.
Do I need prior experience?
No prior experience is required. Our classes accommodate all fitness levels and experience backgrounds.
Reviews (7)
Anissa B.
Sep 12, 2021
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Makes you feel like family. My favorite place to work out. Amazing people all around from the owners to the coaches to my fellow students.
Rachael R.
Feb 17, 2020
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I've been coming to Trilogy Martial Arts for a month now and absolutely love it! Didn't have prior experience with BJJ but wanted to give it a shot. The owners, Katie and Sean are so friendly and welcoming. I first tried the first week free and got hooked. The price point is by far the best deal in the area at $100 for unlimited classes per month. Not to mention there's no sign up fees or contract. Whether you have experience or not, I couldn't recommend this place more!
Ja M.
Dec 14, 2019
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Best martial arts gym for kids! My child has been attending for a couple of months and has learned so much from self defense, to listening skills and discipline while having fun. The teachers are great and my son loves coming here!
Liz W.
Dec 03, 2019
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I would love to update everyone on my son's progress at Trilogy. Jordan is a kind boy, who loves to share and be kind to others. The one thing was he never stood up for himself and let kids pick on him. I wanted a place where he could be himself but also gain confidence. He has gained so much confidence, more social with other kids, and enjoys the class. Jordan was so shy when he first started and had a hard time standing up for himself. Not no more! Thank you Trilogy for helping Jordan find his inner strength to stand up for him self. Trilogy is like one big family that we truly blessed to
Hiyas C.
Nov 15, 2019
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My Son Connor has been going here for about a year now and loves it. We live by SDSU and it is worth the drive over. The owners make you feel like family. The main instructor Orlando is the best, he not only teaches the fundamentals but also teaches the kids how to defend themselves from bullies. The new studio is spacious and the price for monthly and drop in is very reasonable for what my son gets out of it.
Anthony S.
Sep 25, 2019
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Their policy is minimum 5 years old. They allowed my 4 year old to try, the 2 girls loved it but they made the decision that my 4 year old wasn't capable of learning and he was not allowed to participate. That really bummed me out because another instructor said he was doing awesome but I respect the decision. We chose to move onto another gym where all 3 are participating and all 3 are doing very well. I don't know what the coaches problem with him was as far as learning capability because he is doing great at our current gym. That being said the staff at Trilogy were very kind and
Amber J.
Jul 08, 2017
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My 3 children and husband are members of Trilogy Martial Arts. Instructors have superior skill (world champions in martial arts) but also fantastic teachers, esp for the young learner. Instruction includes equal amount skill, discipline and encourgement. My kids have made great progress in a short amount of time and we love the family atmosphere of the members. I highly recommend this gym. It offers more than the average martial arts program in SD.
