Business Details
Your Trusted Martial Arts Academy in Hemet
Gracie Hemet is a premier martial arts academy dedicated to empowering individuals of all ages through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai. Founded as a direct affiliate of Gracie Humaita, we uphold the legacy of Grand Master Helio Gracie and his son Royler Gracie, emphasizing self-defense, physical fitness, and personal growth. Our programs cater to children, women, and adults, fostering confidence, discipline, and non-aggressive conflict resolution. Led by Professor Omar Salum, a 6th-degree black belt with over 25 years of experience, our team of certified instructors delivers tailored training that combines technical precision with mental and spiritual development.We prioritize creating a supportive community where students learn to harness their strengths, build resilience, and achieve holistic well-being. Our facility serves as a hub for competitive athletes and casual learners alike, offering structured curricula for both sport and real-world self-defense applications. With a focus on accessibility and inclusivity, we ensure that every participant, regardless of background or skill level, gains the tools to thrive in and out of the gym.
Services
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Muay Thai
Kids Program
Women's Classes
Self-Defense
Highlights and features
- We offer over 25 years of combined instructor experience in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
- Our family-friendly environment welcomes all ages and skill levels.
- We emphasize practical self-defense techniques for real-world scenarios.
- Our instructors hold certifications from the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation.
- We combine physical training with mental and spiritual development programs.
Services
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu develops self-defense skills and physical fitness through grappling techniques. Our program teaches leverage-based combat strategies, emphasizing control and technique over strength. Students gain confidence, discipline, and practical skills applicable in both competitive and real-world scenarios.
Muay Thai
Muay Thai classes focus on stand-up striking and clinch work using fists, elbows, knees, and shins. This high-intensity workout improves cardiovascular health, coordination, and self-defense capabilities while building mental focus and physical endurance through traditional Thai martial arts methods.
Kids Program
Our Kids Program teaches conflict resolution, bullying prevention, and physical coordination through age-appropriate martial arts instruction. Children develop confidence, respect, and social skills while learning non-violent self-defense techniques in a structured, supportive environment.
Women's Classes
Women's martial arts classes combine fitness training with practical self-defense strategies tailored to female practitioners. Participants build strength, flexibility, and situational awareness while learning effective techniques for personal safety and empowerment.
Self-Defense
Self-defense training focuses on real-world scenarios, teaching de-escalation tactics and physical techniques for personal safety. Our curriculum emphasizes awareness, boundary setting, and practical responses to common threats for all skill levels.
People
Omar Salum
Head Instructor
A 6th-degree black belt with over 25 years of experience, Omar Salum founded Gracie Hemet and developed 250+ black belts globally. He brings decades of competitive success and teaching expertise to our academy.
Dan Gonzalez
Instructor
Dan Gonzalez teaches fundamentals and beginners classes after returning to BJJ in 2018. He trains alongside his family and brings practical experience from teaching roles at multiple academies.
Jona Urueta
Assistant Coach
A black belt under Omar Salum, Jona Urueta assists coaching with competition experience since 2017. He emphasizes discipline and personal growth through martial arts training and competition success.
Gabriel Barragan
Black Belt Instructor
Gabriel Barragan combines 24 years of wrestling coaching with BJJ instruction, earning his black belt in 2022. He brings dual expertise in grappling sports and youth development programs.
Brandon Arredondo
Kids Coach
A purple belt specializing in youth instruction, Brandon Arredondo focuses on developing confidence and respect in children. He balances competitive success with community outreach through martial arts education.
Questions
What martial arts do you teach?
We offer Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai classes for all ages and skill levels.
Are classes available for beginners?
Yes, our programs welcome all experience levels with structured instruction for newcomers.
Do you offer family training options?
Yes, we encourage family participation with classes suitable for multiple generations.
What self-defense techniques do you teach?
We focus on practical BJJ techniques and Muay Thai striking for real-world safety scenarios.
Are there competitive opportunities available?
Yes, we prepare students for BJJ tournaments and Muay Thai competitions at all levels.
What should I wear for my first class?
Wear comfortable workout clothes; we provide loaner gear for initial sessions.
Reviews (7)
Sarah S.
Jan 03, 2022
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When my husband and I started BJJ we were impressed to find such a talented professor teaching in our town! Between his many IBJJF gold medals, our professor has maintained a large number of classes available throughout the week for adults 7 days a week! There are also kids classes 5x/weekly and a strictly women's class 1x/weekly. Whether you are interested in self-defense, professional fighting, or just physical fitness, Gracie Humaita Hemet is the place to go!
Vivian C.
Feb 14, 2021
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This is Such a Fantastic place to learn and train JiuJitsu, everyone is so welcoming and friendly, they even offer a class for women only if your not comfortable training with men. My sons both attend classes here they're 7-9 and they absolutely love the confidence and the training they get here to be able to train under Professor Omar Salum a world champion for his weight class. I recommend giving it a try.
Andrew Arroyo
Dec 19, 2020
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Hemet's hidden Gem!!! This place is the best gym in the in the empire hands down maybe the best in california!!! Talk about direct lineage professor Omar was trained and received his black belt from Master Royler Gracie son of grand master Helio. Professor Omar is a world champion and arguably the best in the world in his weight class. I had joined Gracie Humaita Hemet 2 months before the pandemic unfortunately I had to move out of town during the shutdown for work professor Omar and his wife Karoline extremely understanding respectful and sympathetic they actually allowed me out of the contract
Mirna Lozano
Sep 27, 2020
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I was part of this so called family for almost 3 years and the one time I decided to go on a team outing and ride with my professor, I get kicked out. His wife deemed it inappropriate and left me no chance to explain or apologize. Anyone that knows me knows why I used Jiu jitsu and understands why I felt comfortable enough to ride with my professor. There were no hidden intentions behind my actions the way she claimed. I confided in my professor as any other student would and explained my history of trauma, which is why I dont understand why he would allow all of this to happen.
Iconoclast Music
Jul 29, 2020
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You will not get a better value for your martial arts experience then at Gracie Humaita Hemet. With the explosion of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu around the world there are lot of gyms one could train at. But being a student under Omar Salum (who has been training 25+ years under Royler Gracie), you can see the lineage, the tradition, and the respect of working with a high level practitioner and professional. There is a culture of family, hard work, and legacy that is well beyond the price you pay for admission. If youre willing to humble yourself and be a learner, you will soon see success in your own
Eddie D.
Nov 24, 2018
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My family and I love Gracie Humaita Hemet! If you been considering BJJ this is the school for you. Omar and Caroline are the best and run the school great! With pricing plans for all family sizes, this school will get you rolling at affordable rates in no time.
Mofieda C.
Nov 14, 2018
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This is the only reason I'm grateful to live in Hemet. This is a great place to train! Omar is a professional, knowledgeable, expert in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Hemet is so lucky to have a world champion like Omar. We put our son in Jiu-Jitsu to build his strength, balance, and self-esteem. It really has helped my son, and Gracie Humaita Hemet is really for everyone of all ages, strengths, and weaknesses! Our whole family now trains here. If you're looking for a competitive, challenging sport to help with discipline, strength, fitness, and self-esteem, this is what you need in your life!
