Gazze Academy

“If you’re looking for the best Jiu-Jitsu practice in Huntington Beach, Paulo Gazze Jiu-Jitsu is the place to be. Led by the highly respected Professor Gazze, this school offers world-class Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training in a safe, supportive, and family-friendly environment. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced athlete, they have programs for both kids and adults, helping everyone build confidence, discipline, and skill. The atmosphere is welcoming, the instruction is top-tier, and the community is second to none. They also offer top-quality Muay Thai training for all ages, making it a complete martial arts experience for the whole family. Training here isn’t just about self-defense – it’s about personal growth. Martial arts truly improves your life.”

“It would be an understatement to say that Gazze Academy helped me lose weight. It’s more accurate to say it changed my life. While i can personally attest to the benefits I’ve experienced physically, down 28 pounds and counting, the true change has come from the community at the gym. Professor Gazze is a beacon of positivity in each class he runs but he is not alone as the other instructors like Gio, Ryan and Francisco have pushed me to be better all around. I’ve made great friends and although it’s a great class, it feels like a community of driven and positive people who are all working together to improve each other. I cannot fully put to words what this jiu jitsu gym in Huntington Beach has done for me, because it continues to help me grow into a more confident, stronger individual. Thank you to professor and everyone else who has pushed me. You guys are the reason I cannot stop getting friends and family into the sport and specifically this gym. I’ve attached some photos: a couple of the community and one showcasing the change Jiu Jitsu has had on my physique in the past couple months I’ve been enrolled. If you’re thinking about joining but your not sure, just walk through the door. You may be one decision away from being the best version of yourself.”

“I became friends with Junior a few years ago and his jiu jitsu academy in Huntington Beach has transformed many parts of my life. Everyone here is very friendly and helpful - we all want to succeed and learn together. Junior teaches in a way that makes it easy to understand because he uses real world analogies. His priority is to make sure you learn technique and not get injured. I've been training here for a few months, but will train here for many years!”

“I just took my first Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai classes at Gazze Academy, and I couldn’t have had a better experience! For the Jiu-Jitsu class, I had the opportunity to learn from the owner, Junior Gazze. He was incredibly knowledgeable, welcoming, and brought a wealth of experience to the mat. As the only woman in the class, I felt completely comfortable and supported. The entire group was respectful, helpful, and genuinely encouraged my learning. In the Muay Thai class, I trained with Seuua Daao. Wow, he was amazing. His passion for the art is contagious. Not only did he correct my form with care, but he also shared valuable insight into the history and tradition of Muay Thai. His energy, wisdom, and motivation made a lasting impact. The conditioning circuit was both challenging and empowering. I walked out feeling stronger, more confident, and inspired. Also, the gym is very clean, well-maintained, and organized, which made the overall experience even better. Highly recommend!”

“My journey at Gazze Academy began in 2006, and it has truly transformed my life in ways I never imagined possible. When my Muay Thai coach Mike Nolte first recommended this place to me, I had no idea I was about to embark on a path that would become so central to who I am today. Walking into the newly expanded facility fills me with pride every single time. Seeing how the gym has grown to double its original size reflects the incredible community we’ve built together over the years. The convenient parking might seem like a small detail, but after those grueling training sessions when your body is exhausted and your mind is still processing everything you’ve learned, having that ease of access feels like a blessing. What moves me most deeply about training here is how Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has woven itself into the fabric of my character. The respect I’ve learned on these mats extends far beyond the academy walls – it’s changed how I interact with my family, my colleagues, and even strangers. The discipline required to show up consistently, especially on days when motivation is low, has taught me that growth happens in the uncomfortable moments when we push through anyway. The self-control I’ve developed through countless sparring sessions has become my anchor in stressful situations outside the gym. When life throws challenges my way, I find myself drawing on that same calm presence I’ve cultivated while rolling. And the confidence – it’s not the loud, boastful kind, but rather a quiet assurance that comes from knowing you can handle whatever comes your way. Training alongside world champions here in Huntington Beach is nothing short of magical. There’s something profoundly humbling about learning from athletes who have reached the pinnacle of our sport, yet remain so generous with their knowledge and time. The competitive atmosphere pushes me to levels I never thought possible, but it’s balanced with genuine camaraderie and support. I’m particularly grateful for the gym’s inclusive approach – not requiring specific gi brands removes financial barriers and keeps the focus on what truly matters: the learning and growth. Rolling with black belts and brown belts has accelerated my development in ways that training solely with peers my level never could. These higher belts don’t just defeat you; they teach you through their movements, showing you possibilities you hadn’t even considered. The cleanliness of our space reflects the respect we have for our training environment and each other. When we all contribute to maintaining our gym, it creates a sense of ownership and pride that strengthens our bond as a team. It’s our dojo, our sanctuary, and we treat it with the reverence it deserves. As I reflect on still being here in 2025, 19 years after I first stepped through those doors, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude. This isn’t just about martial arts anymore – it’s about the person I’ve become through this practice. The friendships forged, the lessons learned, and the personal growth achieved here have shaped my life’s trajectory in the most beautiful way. Looking ahead, I don’t just see more years of training; I see a lifetime commitment to this art that has given me so much. The thought of continuing this journey, of passing on what I’ve learned to newer students, and of continuing to grow alongside this incredible community fills me with excitement and purpose. Oss – this simple word carries the weight of respect, gratitude, and dedication that defines our way of life here at Gazze Academy.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​”