Business Details
17 Years
experience
Master BJJ & MMA in Oceanside, CA
Established in Oceanside since 2009, Excel Jiu Jitsu MMA & Fitness has become a premier destination for martial arts training under the leadership of Professor Michio Grubbs, a certified 4th-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu by the IBJJF. Our academy was founded on the principles of discipline, community, and lifelong growth, offering programs tailored for students of all ages and experience levels. With a team of highly qualified instructors, including former IFBB professionals and competitive MMA athletes, we combine technical mastery with personalized instruction to foster both physical and mental development. Our curriculum integrates Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Mixed Martial Arts, and specialized kids programs, emphasizing safety, skill progression, and camaraderie. Over 15 years, we've cultivated a welcoming environment where beginners and seasoned competitors train side by side, building confidence and resilience through innovative techniques.Our competition team consistently achieves success in regional and international tournaments, while our community outreach programs extend the benefits of martial arts to diverse populations. Transparency and integrity guide our operations, from our clear pricing to our commitment to maintaining clean, well-equipped facilities. We measure success not just through trophies but through the personal transformations of our students, as evidenced by countless testimonials about improved fitness, self-defense capabilities, and life perspective. Our founders' combined expertise spans multiple combat sports, ensuring a comprehensive approach to training that transcends traditional martial arts instruction. This unique blend of experience, ethical standards, and community focus has solidified our reputation as a trusted leader in Southern California's martial arts landscape.
Services
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Mixed Martial Arts
Kids Martial Arts
No-Gi Training
Girls-Only Classes
Details
- Year established: 2009
Highlights and features
- Our instructors include IBJJF-certified black belts with 20+ years of teaching experience.
- We offer a free 3-day trial with access to all class types.
- Our competition team has produced multiple state and national champions.
- We maintain a balanced focus on technical precision and practical application.
- Our academy fosters a welcoming community across all skill levels and backgrounds.
Associations and certifications
- IBJJF
What people say
Supportive environment
Expert instructors
Great workout
Transformative experience
Competitive success
Services
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Our Brazilian Jiu Jitsu program develops technical proficiency in grappling and submissions through structured curriculum and live sparring. Certified black belt instructors emphasize positional control, leverage-based techniques, and strategic problem-solving on the mat. Students benefit from proven competition success and personalized feedback during both gi and no-gi sessions.
Mixed Martial Arts
The Mixed Martial Arts program integrates striking, wrestling, and ground fighting techniques from multiple disciplines. Qualified coaches with professional fight experience provide comprehensive training in stand-up combat, clinch work, and ground transitions. This dynamic program prepares students for competition while improving overall athleticism and combat effectiveness.
Kids Martial Arts
Our Kids Martial Arts programs build discipline, coordination, and confidence for children aged 4 and up. Structured belt progression and age-appropriate techniques teach respect, teamwork, and focus. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention while fostering physical development and positive social interaction in a safe environment.
Girls-Only Classes
Girls-Only Jiu Jitsu classes create a supportive space for female students to develop self-defense skills and physical strength. Certified instructors focus on practical techniques for real-world situations while building a community of women martial artists. These sessions emphasize confidence-building and tactical awareness.
Competition Team
The Competition Team provides advanced training for athletes pursuing tournament success. Specialized coaching includes tournament strategy, weight management, and performance analysis. With multiple state and national champions, our track record demonstrates the effectiveness of our competition preparation program.
People
Professor Michio Grubbs
Head Instructor
4th-degree IBJJF-certified black belt with 20+ years teaching experience, former IFBB professional bodybuilder, and 2012 IBJJF Masters World champion. Specializes in technical instruction and competition preparation.
Professor Kidd Grubbs
Academy Director
Starts BJJ in 2009 without prior sports experience, emphasizing team unity and community building. Manages daily operations and student engagement while teaching fundamental techniques and philosophy.
Professor Derek Flesher
Gi/No-Gi Instructor
Translates wrestling background into Jiu Jitsu instruction, specializing in guard techniques and triangle submissions. Focuses on technical mastery and mental resilience during training sessions.
Professor Djavan Coleman
MMA Coach
Black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with professional MMA record of 2-0. Combines wrestling experience and tournament success to develop well-rounded fighters through comprehensive striking and grappling instruction.
Professor Eric Charriere
Judo Specialist
Martial arts practitioner since 1977, specializing in Judo takedowns and choke techniques. Expert in conveying technical details to students of all ages with emphasis on proper form and safety.
Questions
What martial arts styles do you teach?
We specialize in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (both gi and no-gi), Mixed Martial Arts, and incorporate elements from wrestling, Judo, and striking disciplines.
Are there programs for children?
Yes, we offer structured kids programs for ages 4 and up focusing on discipline, coordination, and fundamental martial arts techniques.
Do you offer a free trial?
Yes, we provide a free 3-day trial with access to all adult and youth classes during our regular schedule.
What experience do instructors have?
Our team includes IBJJF-certified black belts, former IFBB professionals, and competitive MMA athletes with decades of combined teaching and tournament experience.
Can women participate in BJJ classes?
Absolutely, we offer girls-only classes and welcome women in all regular programs with specialized attention to self-defense applications.
Are there competition opportunities?
Yes, our competition team trains athletes at all levels with proven success in regional and national IBJJF tournaments.
Reviews (6)
Jericha McHugh
Apr 19, 2021
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Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,Value
My daughter wanted to try out Jiu jitsu and boxing so we decided to go check out Excel. Everyone was so welcoming and knowledgeable. She was enjoying it so much we all decided to join. I couldnt ask for a better place to train and call my second home. Really a great family community.
My daughter wanted to try out Jiu jitsu and boxing so we decided to go check out Excel. Everyone was so welcoming and knowledgeable. She was enjoying it so much we all decided to join. I couldnt ask for a better place to train and call my second home. Really a great family community.
Brett Urbina
Jan 11, 2021
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Ive been training here for about 3 years and I feel like this place is my second home. It is a safe, clean environment to train in and the Coaching staff works great with all skill levels. They offer many different options from beginner to advanced. Come try it out for yourself and see!
Holley Mignosi
Jan 04, 2021
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Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,Value
We love Excel! The confidence, mindset strength, physical fitness, and team building skills are priceless! The coaches are highly skilled with huge hearts. And we love that our whole family can attend. If you are looking for a dojo that will transform your familys life this is the place. #PricelessLifeSkills
We love Excel! The confidence, mindset strength, physical fitness, and team building skills are priceless! The coaches are highly skilled with huge hearts. And we love that our whole family can attend. If you are looking for a dojo that will transform your familys life this is the place. #PricelessLifeSkills
Tyler Wilhelm
Dec 25, 2020
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Very friendly and welcoming which is what a beginner needs to feel comfortable taking those first leaps into jiu jitsu. Michio is a great professor and you can tell he really cares about keeping the "jiu jitsu family" safe from injuries in class. I've been to other gyms that focus on being tough physically, but Michio focuses on being mentally tough, which is more important when getting into any altercation. It is obvious his patience and friendliness has rubbed off on his higher belt students because they are all willing to teach instead of tapping all the lower belts. He brings a presence of
William Harris
Sep 03, 2020
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Excel is a highly professional, family friendly academy offering first class instruction. My three older kids and I all take classes at here and have been impressed since day one. My kids used to train at a different academy for about a year, however; in the few weeks we've been at Excel I have seen an improvement. I credit this improvement to how well Professor Michio and his instructors explain and break down every technique.
Bernadette White
Sep 01, 2020
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My family of five has been training at Excel for almost 6 years now and it has become like a second home to us. Professor Michio and Kidd treat everyone with respect, and like an extended family. I cant say enough great things about Excel Jiu Jitsu MMA and Fitness. If you are looking for a gym with great culture, that has fantastic coaches and instructors, where you can get in shape and learn the most effective martial art in the world, along with other disciplines...come give them a try! I have no doubt this will be your place!
