Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Nipomo

“I have been training here for over a year and a half, and love it. Jiu-Jitsu has been very beneficial for me. All of the instructors are excellent. Jeff has built a culture of excellence, respect and safety here at Gracie Nipomo.”

“I’ve been taking classes here for a year now, and I could not be happier with my experience. The staff has created an amazing atmosphere for people to come in at all levels and learn about this amazing art. The team encouraging and supportive, while challenging students to improve in a safe environment. Come observe a class or try it out and see for yourself.”

“I have been attending jiu jitsu here at Gracie Nipomo for about 3 years. I started in the Women Empowered program and since earning my pink belt, went through the Women Empowered instructor program. I have loved my journey here. The confidence I have gained in doing jiu jitsu is incredible. Gracie Jiu Jitsu Nipomo has a wonderful environment where you will feel supported and welcomed! Sometimes gyms can feel very competitive but this place is so encouraging and focused on supporting all jiu jitsu practitioners in their learning! I love it here! If you’re on the fence, come join us! You’ll love it!”

“This is a review of the kids Bully Proof program. I have a six-year-old son who is well-behaved and good-natured. While his kindness is a wonderful quality, I sometimes worry it might make him a target for bullying in the future. 😅 Because of this, I’ve been searching for a martial arts program that: 1. Teaches practical self-defense skills. 2. Promotes physical self-control and discipline. 3. Encourages learning through observation and practice. I took martial arts as a child, and my instructor ran a very disciplined and structured program. That experience taught me self-control and respect, and I wanted my son to experience the same kind of environment. Living in the 5 Cities area, I explored all the local kids’ BJJ programs and even had my son attend one for several months. While all the programs kept the kids engaged with games and small competitions, the approach at the Gracie school stands out far above the rest. Many of the other schools felt chaotic. There was distracting music during classes, kids were often unfocused or off-task, and clear behavioral boundaries seemed lacking. Unfortunately, self-control and discipline—the very qualities I hoped my son would gain—weren’t being consistently modeled or reinforced. At Gracie, the experience has been completely different. The studio is clean, organized, and calm, which immediately signals a well-run program. And the difference only becomes more apparent from there. The kids’ instructor, Sensei Jeff, is calm, systematic, and excellent at teaching self-control and discipline in a positive way. In the three classes I observed, I never once saw him raise his voice. He commands the kids’ attention and respect through positive modeling and gentle guidance, not fear or punishment. He also takes the time to teach communal responsibility and respect for parents—and he incorporates these lessons into their stretching routine! I honestly feel like Sensei Jeff has a “10th-degree black belt” in kids’ behavioral jiu jitsu. In contrast, the prior school had 6- to 8-year-olds shouting, goofing off, and struggling to follow along. They were being taught advanced techniques meant for competition, but the kids were completely lost during technical practice. At one class, I watched as the kids attempted to learn how to apply a kimura from side mount. Even when 99% of the kids clearly didn't understand how to apply the basic technique, the instructor moved on to how to block an escape attempt with a different, more advanced (and dangerous) technique. Not surprisingly, all the kids were completely lost - which was probably a good thing for their shoulders! At Gracie, the curriculum appears thoughtfully designed to be age-appropriate, focusing on foundational skills that build over time. The emphasis is on preparing for real-world situations rather than BJJ competitions, which is exactly what I want for my son at this stage. Sensei Jeff demonstrates techniques in simple, clear language suited to the kids’ age and abilities. He and his assistant keep watch on all the kids to keep them on task and safe. After the third class my son mentioned he feels like he’s learning more this way—and I completely agree. He's even learning discipline and self-control without even realizing that Sensei Jeff is having him learn it with well-structured games. If you’re looking for a martial arts program that emphasizes respect, discipline, and practical technical training, I wholeheartedly recommend this school and Sensei Jeff.”

“Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is a positive, caring, encouraging environment. My son has been taking the Bully Proof classes for three years and loves it. I just signed up for the Women Empowered classes and am excited to learn!”