HomeCaliforniaUpland › UCS - University of Combat Sports, Carlson Gracie Claremont

UCS - University of Combat Sports, Carlson Gracie Claremont

5 ★★★★★ 107 Google reviews · Judo dojo in Upland, California

Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens Competition

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
  • Competition a competition team for members who want to test themselves in shiai (tournaments)
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule ucsmma.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 909-353-3827

Hours

Monday 6–8:30 pm
Tuesday 8–10:30 am, 4–8:30 pm
Wednesday 8–10:30 am, 4–8:30 pm
Thursday 8–10:30 am, 4–8:30 pm
Friday Closed
Saturday 8–11 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 UCS - University of Combat Sports, Carlson Gracie Claremont, confirmed in members' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🌱 Beginners 5 mentions

“When I came to UCS, I had no experience with Muay Thai or BJJ.”

All dojos that run beginners →

🧒 Kids Judo 12 mentions

“Not to mention the wonderful kids program, where they teach them wrestling and kickboxing as well.”

All dojos that run kids judo →

💪 Women's Judo

“The UCS community is welcoming and friendly, and as a woman, I feel comfortable and respected.”

All dojos that run women's judo →

🏆 Competition (Shiai) 3 mentions

“If you are looking to compete or learn actual self defense skills I encourage you to attend a trial class at UCS before you sign on with another gym.”

All dojos that run competition (shiai) →

🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

“If you’re interested in martial arts either for fitness, self defense, or just to push your limits, then the University of Combat Sports is the gym for you.”

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 UCS - University of Combat Sports, Carlson Gracie Claremont — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🥋 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu 23 mentions

“I highly recommend this Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and Judo Academy to anyone seeking a challenging yet rewarding martial arts experience.”

Other dojos that also teach brazilian jiu-jitsu →

🤸 Wrestling 7 mentions

“Whether it's jiujitsu, Muay Thai, MMA, wrestling, or even fitness in general he is always there to help you grow and push you.”

Other dojos that also teach wrestling →

🏟️ MMA 11 mentions

“Whether it's jiujitsu, Muay Thai, MMA, wrestling, or even fitness in general he is always there to help you grow and push you.”

Other dojos that also teach mma →

🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

“If you’re interested in martial arts either for fitness, self defense, or just to push your limits, then the University of Combat Sports is the gym for you.”

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 107 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, high-level coaching 7 mentions

“Jamar, the head instructor has been great and is always there whenever you need to ask a question about a move or transition when training.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 12 mentions

“Above all, the community is one of the most welcoming and family oriented which is a core value that trickles down from the owner - something I personally look for in a school.”

🤝 respectful, no-ego dojo 21 mentions

“Above all, the community is one of the most welcoming and family oriented which is a core value that trickles down from the owner - something I personally look for in a school.”

📘 strong technique & fundamentals 4 mentions

“He is a skilled fighter and teacher who is detail oriented and makes sure that the people that come into the gym are safe and respectful.”

🔥 great workout & conditioning 3 mentions

“The school also offers Muay Thai, Judo, Strength & Conditioning, and MMA classes.”

🧒 strong kids program 3 mentions

“Not to mention the wonderful kids program, where they teach them wrestling and kickboxing as well.”

From the reviews

I highly recommend this Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and Judo Academy to anyone seeking a challenging yet rewarding martial arts experience. The professors are not only demanding but also fair and hardworking, pushing students to give their all in every session, nothing less.

★★★★★ — Suicide, Apr 2025

I initially moved to this area in October ‘22 and did a couple trial runs at a few of the surrounding schools before settling on the UCS academy in March ‘23. This academy is a rare gem for a few reasons, 1. There’s an equal balance of Gi & Nogi BJJ. 2.

★★★★★ — Jesse, Nov 2023

For about 2 years I've been training at UCS Carlson Gracie Claremont. I initially came in to be trained in boxing, Muay Thai and kickboxing. However professor Jamar pushed me to try training in Jiujitsu as well. Super happy that he did, The team here is all like family and welcomes anyone.

★★★★★ — Kenneth, Feb 2022

I’ve been training here at UCS for the past year now. Jamar (our instructor) pays great attention to detail and makes sure we understand what we’re doing and when to apply it. I train BJJ and Muay Thai here and not only have I gained new skills but have also become part of the Carlson Gracie family.

★★★★★ — Francisco, Feb 2022

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 107 reviews →

New to judo? Start at UCS - University of Combat Sports, Carlson Gracie Claremont

UCS - University of Combat Sports, Carlson Gracie Claremont 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.

Check beginner classes on their site

Your first judo class at UCS - University of Combat Sports, Carlson Gracie Claremont

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 UCS - University of Combat Sports, Carlson Gracie Claremont

1242 Monte Vista Ave #13, Upland, CA91786

Get directions Instagram · Facebook

More judo dojos near Upland

Goltz Judo

4.9 ★★★★★ 10 reviews

1700 Danbury Rd, Claremont, CA

Judo dojo Kids & teens Competition respectful, no-ego dojoactive competition team

2.1 miles away

BJJ Intensive Camp

5 ★★★★★ 34 reviews

919 E Rte 66, Glendora, CA

Judo dojo Beginners welcome Competition expert, high-level coachingrespectful, no-ego dojostrong technique & fundamentals

8.8 miles away

Charter Oak Judo School

5 ★★★★★ 28 reviews

1430 E. Covina Blvd Wrestling Room, Covina, CA

Judo dojo Kids & teens expert, high-level coaching

9.4 miles away

All judo dojos in Upland, CA →

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.