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Gracie JiuJitsu Alameda

5 ★★★★★ 26 Google reviews · Judo dojo in Alameda, California

Beginners welcome Kids & teens

Plan your first class

  • Beginner-friendly all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
  • Kids & youth classes kids and youth judo classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • Women's classes dedicated women's judo classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule graciejjalameda.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (510) 260-0226

Hours

Monday 11 AM–12:30 PM, 4–7 PM
Tuesday 11 AM–12 PM, 4–7 PM
Wednesday 11 AM–12:30 PM, 4–7 PM
Thursday 11 AM–12 PM, 4–7 PM
Friday Closed
Saturday 9–11 AM
Sunday Closed

Hours shift for holidays, seminars, and open-mat times — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The classes they run

Judo classes on the schedule at Gracie JiuJitsu Alameda, confirmed in members' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🌱 Beginners 5 mentions

“For a beginner - Jiu jitsu can be discouraging but the Tatami instructors are very careful at pushing the students without breaking them.”

All dojos that run beginners →

🧒 Kids Judo 16 mentions

“I asked what he likes about (GJJA) : "I like learning life skills, being able to make friends and have fun with the other kids in the class, and the coaches are kind and friendly.”

All dojos that run kids judo →

🤸 Throws (Nage-waza)

“They make sure you know how to defend yourself before you are thrown into intense situations.”

All dojos that run throws (nage-waza) →

🛡️ Self-Defense 5 mentions

“I’ve been doing jiujitsu for about 5 months and it’s great it’s a great way to take your kids off electronics and also a great way to teach your kids self defense.”

All dojos that run self-defense →

Other martial arts here

Judo dojos are often multi-discipline. Here's what else members mention training under the same roof at Gracie JiuJitsu Alameda — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🥋 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu 24 mentions

“I started with Gracie JiuJitsu Alameda last year and I have to say that it was one of the best decisions I've made for myself in a long time.”

Other dojos that also teach brazilian jiu-jitsu →

🛡️ Self-Defense 5 mentions

“I’ve been doing jiujitsu for about 5 months and it’s great it’s a great way to take your kids off electronics and also a great way to teach your kids self defense.”

Other dojos that also teach self-defense →

Disciplines are mined from reviews and the dojo's own info — they show what members have trained, not a formal class guarantee. If you specifically want BJJ, wrestling, or sambo alongside your judo, confirm the current schedule with the dojo.

What members say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 26 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, high-level coaching 3 mentions

“Coach Chelsea is one of the best Coaches you could have at Gracie Jiujitsu in Alameda.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 14 mentions

“For a beginner - Jiu jitsu can be discouraging but the Tatami instructors are very careful at pushing the students without breaking them.”

🤝 respectful, no-ego dojo 17 mentions

“My 8 year old son has been a student and part of the Gracie JiuJitsu Alameda (GJJA) family for a little over a year now.”

📘 strong technique & fundamentals 10 mentions

“The learning environment is safe, attention to detail and discipline is evident, and the support from instructors and fellow students is felt.”

🔥 great workout & conditioning 2 mentions

“I’ve been doing jiujitsu for about 5 months and it’s great it’s a great way to take your kids off electronics and also a great way to teach your kids self defense.”

💗 welcoming to women 3 mentions

“I had an enlightening experience with Chelsea and Mark during the women empowerment seminar.”

From the reviews

Great Jiu jitsu & Judo instruction!!! The instructors are very friendly, knowledgeable and meet the students at their skill level. For anyone curious about starting Jiu jitsu - I would say this is the school for you.

★★★★★ — Josiah, Oct 2017

Coach Chelsea is amazing. She educates you and teaches everything step by step. I am a beginner and I was welcomed without judgement. You cannot go wrong with her.

★★★★★ — Michael, Dec 2021

My 8 year old son has been a student and part of the Gracie JiuJitsu Alameda (GJJA) family for a little over a year now. It's never a struggle to motivate him to go to his 2x per week classes, and he even initiates attending a make-up class if he happens to miss one due to illness or other conflicts.

★★★★★ — Serafin, Dec 2023

I started with Gracie JiuJitsu Alameda last year and I have to say that it was one of the best decisions I've made for myself in a long time. I thought that JiuJitsu was something that I physically wasn't qualified to do any longer due to age and being out of the Martial arts for decades now.

★★★★★ — Ken, Jan 2024

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 26 reviews →

New to judo? Start at Gracie JiuJitsu Alameda

Gracie JiuJitsu Alameda comes up as a beginner-friendly dojo, going by their listing and members’ reviews. If you've never stepped on a mat, that's exactly who a good beginners program is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit or flexible to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and sensei scale the intensity to you. Second, you'll start by learning to fall safely (ukemi) — reputable dojos build fundamentals (breakfalls, grips, a first throw and some groundwork) for weeks, live randori eases in gradually, and tapping early keeps everyone safe. Third, all levels really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out, and remember to bow in and show respect (rei). Most dojos are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.

See their beginner class info

Your first judo class at Gracie JiuJitsu Alameda

Nervous about walking into a judo dojo for the first time? Almost everyone is, and good sensei expect beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, learning to fall safely (ukemi), then drilling a throw or two and some groundwork with a partner — not hard randori. Rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: athletic wear you can move in (or a judogi if you have one); you'll train barefoot on the mats. What to bring: water and a mouthguard if you have one — many dojos lend a loaner judogi for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own judogi. Live randori eases in gradually, once your fundamentals are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the sensei. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.

Judo is a contact sport. Ease in, tap early and often, listen to your sensei, and if you have any injuries or health concerns, mention them before class and check with a doctor if you're unsure.

Where to find Gracie JiuJitsu Alameda

2424 Blanding Ave, Alameda, CA94501

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and member reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this dojo? Claim your listing — it's free.