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Praia Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 92 Google reviews · Judo dojo in Costa Mesa, California
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
- Private lessons private, one-on-one coaching available — a focused way to start or to work around a busy schedule; ask about availability and rates
- Competition a competition team for members who want to test themselves in shiai (tournaments)
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule lp.praiabjj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 949-287-6808
Hours
| Monday | 6–10 am, 3–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 6–7 am, 3–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 6–10 am, 3–8 pm |
| Thursday | 6–7 am, 3–8 pm |
| Friday | 3–7 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am–12 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“I highly recommend this studio/gym to everyone, from kids to adults and beginners to seasoned martial artists.”
“Sensei Gabriel is fantastic with the kids—he not only teaches them proper technique but also instills values of hard work and respect, which is exactly what we were looking for.”
“The combination of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo has amplified my sons abilities, allowing them to compete and even medal at a JJWL event.”
“😁 Update: our boys are now 7 and 9 and are practicing not only Jiu jitsu with world champions, but also Judo with Sensei Gabriel.”
“I recommend private lessons with coach Christina she is unbelievable.”
Other martial arts here
“The combination of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo has amplified my sons abilities, allowing them to compete and even medal at a JJWL event.”
What members say
“The environment at Praia is welcoming, supportive, and motivating, and the coaches truly care about each child’s growth both on and off the mats.”
“Sensei Gabriel is fantastic with the kids—he not only teaches them proper technique but also instills values of hard work and respect, which is exactly what we were looking for.”
“Sensei Gabriel is fantastic with the kids—he not only teaches them proper technique but also instills values of hard work and respect, which is exactly what we were looking for.”
“He has helped my son greatly in his strength and confidence on and off the mat.”
“The combination of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo has amplified my sons abilities, allowing them to compete and even medal at a JJWL event.”
“They love the coaches (who have a perfect mix of being firm and loving) the gym gives lots of opportunities for growth, it’s clean and open.”
From the reviews
Amazing BJJ gym and coaches! My 4-year-old son started after the summer and he loves it! He’s really grown in confidence since starting. All the coaches are really caring, organized and very patient teaching advanced techniques in a way that’s understandable to kiddos.
Our son has been attending Praia for 18 months. The head professor and coaches at Praia are amazing!! You can expect a beautiful combination of gentle and strict instruction at Praia. The coaches recognize the students' individual abilities and propel them to be their best. Thank you.
Both of our boys, ages 5 and 7, love coming to Jiu Jitsu at Praia. My oldest said he would come everyday all day if they let him. Coach Thiago, Coach Junior, and Coach Malena are exceptionally well in teaching discipline, respect, and awareness and they practice patience with the kids while providing professional…
I highly recommend this studio/gym to everyone, from kids to adults and beginners to seasoned martial artists. I wanted to get my 3-year-old daughter into martial arts and decided to try Praia because they offer judo classes for 3-5 year olds. She has been going for a few months now and loves it.
New to judo? Start at Praia Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Praia Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu 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.
Your first judo class at Praia Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
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.
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