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Ralph Gracie Berkeley Jiu Jitsu Academy
4.9 ★★★★★ 86 Google reviews · Judo dojo in Berkeley, California
Plan your first class
- Free trial or intro class most dojos welcome new members with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
- 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
- Open mat open-mat randori sessions for members to practice live — always optional and at your own pace
- Competition a competition team for members who want to test themselves in shiai (tournaments)
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule ralphgracieberkeley.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (510) 486-8000
Hours
| Monday | 11 AM–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–9 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–9 PM |
| Friday | 11 AM–9 PM |
| Saturday | 8:30 AM–1 PM |
| Sunday | 9 AM–1 PM |
The classes they run
“There are tons of great people here of all skill levels, an amazing team-based environment, and a highly experienced head instructor, Eduardo, with 35 years of experience.”
“They have something for everybody, they have beginner classes, kids classes, no gi, sauna, weight room, sometimes ice baths, and great smiles!”
“Nia teaches women’s classes twice a week as well as general classes.”
“The whole team at RGB brings amazing energy to the mats, making it a fantastic place to train, whether you’re a beginner or an advanced competitor.”
“One of my absolute favorites were judo takedown warmups!”
“Whether you are a beginner looking to learn self-defense techniques or an advanced practitioner wanting to refine your skills, you will find the right class for you.”
Other martial arts here
“High-level instruction, incredible culture, great training partners, amazing facility, and without a doubt - one of the very best jiu-jitsu academies in the Bay Area.”
“Whether you are a beginner looking to learn self-defense techniques or an advanced practitioner wanting to refine your skills, you will find the right class for you.”
What members say
“There is also a blend of American style Jiu Jitsu taught by other great black belt professors also.”
“How can such serious and awesome dedicated instructors (led by Eduardo Fraga and supplemented by a host of other black belts) create such a friendly and welcoming environment.”
“How can such serious and awesome dedicated instructors (led by Eduardo Fraga and supplemented by a host of other black belts) create such a friendly and welcoming environment.”
“Whether you are a beginner looking to learn self-defense techniques or an advanced practitioner wanting to refine your skills, you will find the right class for you.”
“It’s a competition academy and it shows in both the level and philosophy of training and results they get (🥇🥈🥉) The academy, lockers, and common space have always been very clean.”
From the reviews
I've trained at various gyms before permanently finding a home at Ralph Gracie. There are tons of great people here of all skill levels, an amazing team-based environment, and a highly experienced head instructor, Eduardo, with 35 years of experience.
I’ve trained at Ralph Gracie BJJ for a few weeks this summer and it was awesome. Prof. Fraga and his team were super welcoming, kind, and helpful. I loved the quality of instruction, the focus on proper technique and details, and Prof.
This Ralph Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy is by far the best gym I have trained at. The instructors are both highly skilled and great teachers. The class is split into conditioning time, drilling and free sparring, allowing you to train your personal fitness, get instructions from the teachers and put everything you learn…
Having competed in many sports from ultimate frisbee and rugby to rock climbing and distance running I found Jiu Jitsu last year and have not looked back - a fascinating sport made incredible by my favorite gym.
New to judo? Start at Ralph Gracie Berkeley Jiu Jitsu Academy
Ralph Gracie Berkeley Jiu Jitsu Academy 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 Ralph Gracie Berkeley Jiu Jitsu Academy
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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