Gentle Arts Jiu Jitsu

“Gentle Arts Jiu Jitsu has been an incredible place for both me and my daughter. She started training here at just 5 years old, and I’ve been training for over 3 years myself. Professor Sinistro is the heart of the academy—he’s patient, fair, and brings a consistently positive energy to every class. He pays attention to every detail, whether it’s helping a student fine-tune a technique or making sure the class runs smoothly. His care and dedication to each student, no matter their age or experience level, truly sets him apart. We’re proud to be part of the Gentle Arts family!”

“I’ve been training Jiu-Jitsu for over 10 years of my life and I’ve had the chance to train with some of the best in the world and some great competitors, but few people can compete so good and be able to be such a good professor. Francisco is a great coach and world class athlete bringing always the best energy on the mats and making sure everyone is having a blast 🙌. Great Family environment if you’re trying to get a hobby with your Family and also if you’re trying to better in the competition aspect this is the place to be.”

“I’ve been training with Professor Francisco Iturralde at Gentle Arts Jiu-Jitsu Academy since 2011. He is an outstanding instructor. Extremely professional, dedicated to his students, and deeply involved in the community. His passion for teaching shows in every class, and he creates a welcoming, respectful environment for everyone. More than just a great coach, he’s also a great friend. I highly recommend this academy to anyone looking to learn Jiu-Jitsu the right way.”

“I have been training at Gentle Arts JiuJitsu for nearly 3 years under Prof. Francisco “Sinistro” Iturralde. I find Francisco to be a kind, caring, and highly capable instructor. He purposefully maintains a safe environment that caters to hobbyists and competitors alike. The community of fellow students are welcoming, and hard working. Having moved to San Diego to train Jiu Jitsu I visited and trained at a few academies before finding my home at Gentle Arts. Whether you have goals as a competitor or non competitor there is a place for those wanting to practice the Gentle Art.”

“Training under Sinistro has significantly enriched my jiu-jitsu journey, introducing me to diverse techniques that have profoundly influenced my personal style. Training alongside esteemed practitioners like Mike Rodriguez, Rene, Johnny Tama, Sinistro’s brother Juan,Chris Wood, and Clark Gracie has further deepened my appreciation for the art. The caliber of individuals that Sinistro surrounds himself with epitomizes excellence in jiu-jitsu. His commitment to maintaining a safe and clean training environment is evident, aligning with the broader martial arts community’s emphasis on hygiene to prevent infections and ensure a positive experience for all practitioners. Currently, at my third gym, I find that while connections are being made, the training environment and camaraderie differ from those cultivated under Sinistro’s mentorship.”