Business Details
Your Premier Martial Arts Studio in Whittier, CA
Founded to empower individuals through martial arts, Tillis Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has dedicated over a decade to developing physical and mental resilience in students of all ages. Our team of championship-winning instructors brings decades of competitive experience and lineage from renowned martial arts traditions. We prioritize community growth by offering flexible training options, including a no-contract free trial, ensuring accessibility to every family in Whittier.Our curriculum spans from foundational self-defense techniques to elite competition preparation, fostering a supportive environment for both recreational and professional athletes. With specialized programs for children and adults, we emphasize character development alongside technical proficiency, creating a holistic approach to martial arts education.
Services
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
MMA Training
Kids Martial Arts
Muay Thai
Wrestling
Boxing
Women's Programs
Fundamentals Classes
Competition Prep
6AM Jiu Jitsu
Highlights and features
- We offer free trial classes with no obligation or contracts
- Our instructors have trained professional fighters in Bellator and UFC
- We provide specialized women's and kids' programs with certified coaches
- We maintain lineage from Carlson Gracie and John Ouano's Brazilian Jiu Jitsu traditions
- Our facility hosts professional-level competition preparation programs
Services
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu teaches ground fighting techniques focusing on leverage and technique over strength. Our program develops self-defense skills, physical conditioning, and competition readiness through structured curriculum and live drilling. Students progress through belt ranks while learning joint locks, chokeholds, and positional control.
MMA Training
Our MMA program combines striking and grappling techniques from multiple disciplines into a cohesive fighting system. Training includes stand-up striking, ground fighting, and transition drills with specialized coaching from championship-level instructors across various martial arts backgrounds.
Kids Martial Arts
Designed for children aged four and up, this program builds discipline, confidence, and physical coordination through age-appropriate martial arts instruction. Classes focus on fundamental movements, character development, and bully prevention techniques in a supportive environment.
Muay Thai
Muay Thai instruction emphasizes strikes using fists, elbows, knees, and shins, plus clinch work and defensive techniques. Our coaches teach authentic Thai boxing traditions while adapting training methods for modern martial artists and competition preparation.
Wrestling
Wrestling classes focus on takedowns, positional control, and defensive techniques. The program accommodates both recreational learners and competitive athletes, with instruction from experienced coaches who emphasize technical mastery and physical conditioning.
People
Noah Tillis
Owner and Head Instructor
25+ years martial arts experience, black belt under John Ouano and John Ramirez since 2012. Former Bellator MMA fighter and multiple-time IBJJF champion. Born and raised in Whittier, dedicated to community martial arts education.
Anthony Aguilera
BJJ Black Belt Coach
9-time national champion with 16 years training in the lineage. Recipient of his black belt from Noah Tillis in 2023. Competed extensively with multiple international tournament victories across various BJJ organizations.
Suzie Tibor
Black Belt Instructor
Started training in 2012, received black belt from Noah Tillis in 2022. Founded the women's BJJ program in 2020. Passionate about making Brazilian Jiu Jitsu accessible and beneficial for female practitioners of all levels.
Channarith Pot
Muay Thai and MMA Coach
Certified ISSA strength and conditioning specialist with professional fight experience. Trained multiple UFC and Bellator fighters. Holds a 3-1 professional record with 3 knockouts. Teaching since 2003.
George Acosta
Boxing Coach
Over 18 years boxing experience with 17 professional wins. WBA Fedecentro Super Featherweight Champion (2021). Combines traditional boxing techniques with modern fight training methods for both competitive and recreational boxers.
Questions
What martial arts styles do you teach?
We offer Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, Boxing, Wrestling, and MMA training programs for all skill levels.
Can beginners try a class?
Absolutely! We offer a free 1-day trial with no contracts or obligations for all new students.
Are kids' classes available?
Yes, we provide specialized martial arts instruction for children starting at age four with dedicated instructors.
How often do classes meet?
Our schedule includes weekday sessions from 7 AM to 10 PM, Saturday mornings, and Sunday daytime hours.
Do you have competition preparation?
We offer elite competition training that has produced numerous national and international champions across multiple disciplines.
What should I wear for my first class?
For martial arts classes, wear comfortable athletic clothing. We provide loaner gear for first-time students.
Reviews (7)
Evan Abeling
Apr 04, 2021
Report
Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Value
Solid teaching at Tillis. Noah is a great owner and the environment here is extremely welcoming. Overall, its been a great place to learn and grow.
Solid teaching at Tillis. Noah is a great owner and the environment here is extremely welcoming. Overall, its been a great place to learn and grow.
Evan Abeling
Nov 16, 2020
Report
The fundamentals I learned at TBJJ have served me immensely since I have since moved away for work. I highly recommend this gym to anyone looking to improve their game, regardless of their ability level. 5 stars.
Luis Castaneda
Oct 13, 2020
Report
Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,Value
Been training here for the last 4 1/2 years or so and it is one of the best decisions Ive ever made. Solid training, everyone is cool and Noah, the head instructor, is one of the best grapplers in the world. Come by and take a class .
Been training here for the last 4 1/2 years or so and it is one of the best decisions Ive ever made. Solid training, everyone is cool and Noah, the head instructor, is one of the best grapplers in the world. Come by and take a class .
Eric Stair
Sep 11, 2020
Report
Positive:Quality
If you want to improve your life, be surrounded by amazing people and have a teacher that genuinely cares about his students this is the school for you.
If you want to improve your life, be surrounded by amazing people and have a teacher that genuinely cares about his students this is the school for you.
Jorge Magallon
Jun 07, 2020
Report
Best place for training and learning jiu jitsu and mma. Noah is a great coach and offers unlimited training at a very fair price. Highly recommended
Sean Roberts
Dec 07, 2019
Report
Stopped by and trained at Tillis BJJ a few days ago. The gym had a really cool vibe and training partners for all skill levels. Next time I'm in the area I'm definitely going to stop in again
Anthony Venti
Feb 04, 2019
Report
Tillis BJJ is the best martial arts school in the Whittier area without exception. Incredible instructors, clean facilities and a family friendly environment. Noah Tillis has dedicated his entire life towards the mastery and instruction of Brazilian jiu-jitsu. He makes his students his top priority, if youre looking for a BJJ school for yourself or your kids then look no further.
