Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a popular self-defense and combative form of martial arts. BJJ can be complex to learn. For this reason, prospective students need to choose the best gym to develop their skills. If you live in San Jose, there are many jiu jitsu gyms you can train at. However, it can be tricky to pick the best gym. Today’s article reviews some of the best jiu jitsu in San Jose. Continue reading to learn about these BJJ gyms and find out the best place to hone your skills.
Trying jiu jitsu for the first time? Check out our post that gives you everything you need to know for your first BJJ class.
1. American Kickboxing Academy
Address: 7012 Realm Dr, San Jose, CA 95119
Main Instructor: Javier Mendez
The American Kickboxing Academy is a gym that specializes in Kickboxing, Muay Thai, Boxing, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This gym is open for fighters five days a week. This gym has been tutoring would-be fighters in the sacred arts of BJJ since 1985. The facility features high-quality equipment with numerous heavy bags, cardio machines, and an industry-standard MMA cage.
AKA is divided into 13 well-equipped rooms. In addition, AKA has assisted in the development of several great fighters such as Khabib Nurmagomedov and Cain Velasquez. This gym is an excellent option I would recommend for fighters looking to train with the best equipment.
2. Samurai Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Address: 2125 S Winchester Blvd #130, Campbell, CA 95008
Main Instructor: Rich Jackson
Samurai Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a Jiu-Jitsu gym that teaches the sportsmanly values of the masters that passed through its doors. Undoubtedly, the head instructor, Rich Jackson, has over a decade in the arts of BJJ and imparts this knowledge to fighters.
Fighters can learn advanced Jiu-Jitsu in Gi and No-Gi forms for customers looking to build a strong foundation for self-defense and grappling in mixed martial arts. This academy has also hosted seminars with fighters like Ryan Hall and Pete Letsos. This gym is a good choice for fighters who need extensive BJJ training.
3. Ralph Gracie Jiu-Jitsu – San Jose
Address: 4607 Cherry Ave, San Jose, CA 95118
Main Instructor: Ralph Gracie
Gracie, Ralph Jiu-Jitsu is another excellent Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gym. Former MMA fighter Gracie founded this gym. His expertise and experience have led to the birth of many BJJ gyms all over America, including this one in San Jose.
Ralph Gracie’s training techniques have been passed down to numerous students and their experienced instructors also ensure students learn the BJJ fundamentals. Students can learn Gi and No-Gi techniques and there are self-defense programs for children and women. If you want to learn an aggressive form of BJJ, the RALPH Gracie academy is a great choice.
4. UFC GYM Sunnyvale
Address: 733 S Wolfe Rd, Sunnyvale, CA 94087
Main Instructor: Adam Sedlack
UFC GYM Sunnyvale is one of the UFC Gym franchises. This gym has been in operation since 2014. They provide high-quality training in a variety of martial arts to amateur fighters. Fighters can learn Boxing, BJJ, MMA, and Kickboxing in this gym.
This gym is located far away from the center of San Jose. So, if you live or work in Sunnydale, the UFC gym could be an excellent option. You can begin learning martial arts and develop your skills. You’ll experience a high-quality gym several classes and equipment that will improve your BJJ knowledge and techniques.
5. Gloglo Brazilian Jiu-jitsu
Address: 95 Phelan Ave Suite 3, San Jose, CA 95112
Main Instructor: Leonardo De Seixas
GLOGLO BJJ is a Jiu-Jitsu training academy that caters to students of all ages. This academy provides a family-friendly environment in which everyone can feel at ease and focus on learning jiu-jitsu. In addition, this gym has instructors with years of jiu-jitsu experience who patiently provide lessons to students so they become better fighters. GLOGLO BJJ is an excellent gym to start learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in San Jose, whether you just want to get in shape, learn self-defense, or compete in fighting tournaments.
6. Sandro Batata BJJ
Address: 2360 South Bascom Ave, Ste E Campbell, CA
Main Instructor: Sandro Santiago
Sandro Batata BJJ is one of the best Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academies in San Jose. This gym offers excellent BJJ training for adults and children, with three medal-winning instructors. This gym also offers short-term contracts so that you can take classes without having to register full-time. This will save you some money if you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro. The Sandro Batata BJJ gym features useful equipment and is inclusive to students from any background. Sandro Batata gym is an excellent academy that teaches Jiu-jitsu in San Jose.
7. CAIO Terra Academy
Address: 855 Park Ave, San Jose, CA 95126
Main Instructor: Caio Terra
CAIO Terra Academy provides people living in San Jose with world-class martial arts training. The academy welcomes students of all ages and skill levels. Moreover, the accomplished martial arts instructors teach Judo, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, and self-defense techniques. The 7,000-square-foot facility provides a safe space for practicing several BJJ techniques. This academy also provides a free trial for newcomers. In addition, students can expect to have a nice time while improving their overall fitness. Overall, this is a great gym that teaches Jiu-jitsu in San Jose.
8. Smash Gyms
Address: 2268 Quimby Road, San Jose, CA
Main Instructor: Mario Rios
Smash Gyms offers classes in Boxing, Kickboxing, BJJ (Gi and No-Gi), Wrestling, Muay Thai, Judo, MMA, and so on. Moreover, there are also classes for kids available.
There are also extra classes that offer more fitness training, such as Body Burn for fat burning as well as Yoga and cardio for boosting mobility and flexibility. Smash is an impressive gym for adults and children who want to try out different training styles, stay healthy, gain confidence, and develop a strong character.
13 Important BJJ Etiquette Reminders
BJJ gym etiquettes are a set of common rules that students are expected to follow in order to guarantee safety and improve training outcomes. Here are seven BJJ gym etiquette which students must know. Note that some gyms may have extra rules students must follow.
- Students must trim fingernails and toes to a reasonable length so as not to endanger other fighters.
- Students and tutors must wear appropriate attire for the session. Typically, this consists of a jiu jitsu gi unless you are training no-gi. In this case you need a rash guard and BJJ shorts or pants.
- During the training session, you must remove all jewelry, including bracelets, watches, and piercings.
- No shoes are permitted on the mats at any time during the session. Footwear must be kept in designated areas.
- Students under the influence of drugs or intoxicating substances will not be allowed to participate.
- Food is not permitted on the mat at any time.
- All students and instructors must be treated with respect at all times.
- Keep your ego in check and be humble and respectful to other students and instructors.
- Ensure you’re punctual to classes. Arrive before classes start.
- Turn off your smartphone or put it on silent mode and leave it in your bag.
- Ensure you tie back long hair for safety reasons.
- Show respect to the black belt instructor by shaking their hand before and after every class. Note that guest black belt tutors are not excluded.
- Ensure your gi is clean with no holes, tears, or stains.
Final Thoughts
There you have it: the ten best gyms teaching Jiu-Jitsu in San Jose. Every gym in this review has experienced tutors with some gyms offering better equipment than others. Ultimately, if you see a BJJ gym you like, feel free to call or visit to learn more about their classes and prices so you can get better at Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Frequently Asked Jiu Jitsu Questions
- What is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a combative martial art sport based on submission. Its primary emphasis is on the ability to drop your opponent to the floor, control that opponent, and use methods to submit them using chokeholds and joint locks. You don’t require any prior experience before starting BJJ. Also, people of all fitness levels and ages can benefit from learning BJJ.
- What equipment do I need to learn BJJ?
If you want to be serious with your BJJ training, you’ll require a gi. A gi is the standard uniform for BJJ students and instructors. However, if you’re only learning no gi BJJ, you won’t need one; a rash guard and BJJ shorts will suffice. DO NOT wear jewelry such as rings, watches, earrings, or bracelets as they may cause injury to other fighters.
- Is BJJ training safe for children?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training is safe for kids. Look for gyms that offer children’s programs and ensure the instructors are well-trained and experienced. Children’s programs typically focus on instilling the core values of hard work, discipline, and respect to prepare children for adulthood.