Business Details
Your Premier Martial Arts Academy in Costa Mesa
Praia Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has been dedicated to empowering individuals through martial arts since its founding in Costa Mesa. Our academy offers expert instruction in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Judo, and fitness for children and adults of all skill levels. With a team of world-class instructors, including Checkmat Black Belts and competitive champions, we provide personalized training that builds confidence, discipline, and physical resilience. Our curriculum blends technical precision with engaging, age-appropriate methods to ensure students develop both mentally and physically. As part of the globally recognized Checkmat network, we bring cutting-edge techniques and seminars from top practitioners worldwide.The beach-themed environment fosters a relaxed yet focused atmosphere where students thrive. Whether pursuing self-defense, fitness, or competitive excellence, our community supports every individual's journey. Over two decades of combined coaching experience ensures tailored guidance for beginners and advanced athletes alike. Our family-friendly culture has made us a second home for many local families seeking growth and connection through martial arts.
Services
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Judo
Kickboxing
Private Lessons
Kids Programs
Adult Training
Personal Training
No-Gi Classes
Women's Only Classes
Beginner Seminars
Highlights and features
- Expert instructors with decades of competitive experience and Checkmat affiliation
- Family-friendly environment promoting growth and community connection
- Personalized attention for all skill levels from 3-year-olds to adults
- Proven curriculum blending technical precision with character development
- Regular seminars with world-champion practitioners from Checkmat network
What people say
Great Place for Kids
Caring Instructors
Welcoming Transfer
Second Family
Perfect for Families
Services
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Our Brazilian Jiu Jitsu program develops technical proficiency and physical resilience through structured classes for all experience levels. Students learn self-defense techniques, positional strategy, and competitive grappling in a supportive environment. Expert instructors provide personalized feedback to help practitioners grow from beginners to advanced competitors.
Kids Judo
The Judo program for children teaches balance, coordination, and respect through age-appropriate grappling techniques. Certified instructors focus on safe skill development that builds confidence and discipline while preparing students for competitive opportunities. Classes emphasize character growth alongside physical development.
Private Lessons
Tailored one-on-one instruction addresses individual goals for martial artists at any skill level. Sessions combine technical drills, personalized strategy development, and focused feedback to accelerate progress in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Judo, or Kickboxing. Flexible scheduling accommodates specific training objectives.
Kids Programs
Age-specific martial arts programs for children aged 3-13 develop foundational skills through engaging, structured activities. Instructors use games and drills to teach coordination, discipline, and self-defense while fostering social skills and confidence in a safe, supportive environment.
Adult Training
Comprehensive adult martial arts instruction covers self-defense, fitness, and technical mastery across multiple disciplines. Classes accommodate all experience levels with progressive curricula that build physical conditioning, strategic thinking, and mental resilience through practical application exercises.
People
Thiago Pierre
Head Coach
Checkmat Black Belt with 20+ years experience, multiple IBJJF medalist, and certified strength specialist. Emphasizes fundamentals and individualized instruction for all skill levels in Costa Mesa.
Junior
Professor
3x IBJJF World Champion and Checkmat affiliate with extensive competition experience. Creates engaging family-friendly classes while maintaining high-level technical instruction for advanced students in Long Beach.
Jazmin Hamuy
Professor
IBJJF European Champion with background in kickboxing and MMA. Focuses on disciplined mindset development and technical precision for students at all levels through Checkmat-affiliated instruction methods.
Gabriel Silva
Judo Head Coach
Judo specialist combining traditional techniques with modern training approaches. Develops character alongside technical skills while maintaining CrossFit expertise to enhance overall athlete performance in Costa Mesa.
Chase Duquette
Coach
Purple Belt under Thiago Pierre with six years of teaching experience. Focuses on beginner development and community building while balancing aerospace engineering studies at Long Beach State University.
Questions
What martial arts programs do you offer for children?
We provide Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Judo classes for children aged 3-13 with age-specific curricula focusing on confidence, discipline, and technical fundamentals through engaging activities.
Are there beginner classes for adults with no martial arts experience?
Yes, our adult beginner program teaches core techniques and self-defense applications in a supportive environment designed for newcomers to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and martial arts.
Do you offer private martial arts instruction?
Private lessons are available for both kids and adults, offering personalized training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Judo, and Kickboxing tailored to individual goals and skill levels.
What makes your academy different from other martial arts schools?
Our Checkmat affiliation brings world-champion expertise, while our family-friendly culture and personalized instruction create a unique environment for technical and personal growth.
Can I try a class before committing to membership?
We offer free trial classes for new students to experience our programs and determine if our training environment matches their martial arts goals and preferences.
Are there competitive training opportunities available?
Advanced students receive competition preparation with experienced coaches and regular seminars featuring top-level practitioners from the Checkmat network and international circuits.
Reviews (7)
Anthony Campagnolo
Dec 14, 2021
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Started taking my 6yo there about a month ago and couldn't be happier with the experience. Not only are all the coaches extremely knowledgeable, they are also great with kids, and my kid loves it. I would recommend this place to anyone.
Mopar Skape
Apr 12, 2021
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Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality
I have been a member for six months and I'm extremely satisfied I went with this place over other bjj gyms. The coachs are A list and they members are some really good guys and girls.
I have been a member for six months and I'm extremely satisfied I went with this place over other bjj gyms. The coachs are A list and they members are some really good guys and girls.
Steven Ness
Feb 21, 2021
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Professor T. is very concise, thoughtful, and patient in his teaching. The classes are focused and taught in such a manner that every detail of a move/position are drilled over and over again until the tactic makes sense and becomes natural. The dojo itself is pristine, and the energy is positive and welcoming. No one I have encountered at the dojo is merely interested in dominating and submitting their partner. Rather, the focus is on learning and rolling in a manner that is both challenging physically and mentally, while maintaining safety so you can live to train for the long game to come.
Jose Sotelo
Jan 19, 2021
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I have taken private classes with professor Thiago since he was teaching at Checkmat Headquarters and i still do to this day at his own gym at Praia Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. If I dont understand a technique or want to learn something that I really want to learn he will make the time to help me understand the technique or learn the technique i want to learn. He is very patient and explains in the most detailed way with an explanation on why the technique works the way it does and how effective it is when you apply it. He will drill with you until you get the technique down and make sure that you
Ian Daelucian
Dec 29, 2020
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I have some experience in martial arts from college, specifically Karate and Aikido; however, PRAIA is my first formal introduction to BJJ. I have always wanted to try but circumstances never aligned until now and I am grateful to have found Thiago as a teacher. The training studio is local, within walking distance from where I work. The space is kept very clean and organized. Thiago takes extraordinary and consistent care to ensure the space is sanitized after each session. All of the necessary safety precautions are followed and safety of the students is built-in to his training regimen.
Thiago
Thiago
Heather Mota
Sep 18, 2019
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Training at Praia BJJ is an honor. Coach Thiago Pierre is so kind a patient. He has a wealth of knowledge and really takes the time to teach his students the right way. Coming into a Jiu Jitsu academy knowing nothing, he really helped me feel comfortable and safe. I learned the basics and was already feeling more confident after my first class. I have also watched him with Kids, and he is phenomenal. The new gym is BEAUTIFUL and offers everything I need. I would definitely recommend training at Praia BJJ to anyone in the area!
Juan Gomez
Aug 23, 2019
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Thiago is a fantastic instructor! Facility is beautiful and you're part of the Checkmat family. Check this place out if you want top notch BJJ training!
