Ralph Gracie Berkeley Jiu Jitsu Academy

My kids and I have been training here over 5 years, and I can't say enough about how great the staff and facilities are. Plenty of classes, great instruction, lots of experienced sparring partners!

Visiting San Francisco... Amazing academy. Eduardo is one of the best instructors I have ever come across...

This gym is going to be what you want it to be. If you wanna hang out and do beginner jiu jitsu learn to throw a triangle or lock an armbar, go for it. You can come in minimally and still pick up some sick technique from Eduardo Fraga who …

Ralph Gracie Berkeley is a real old school jiu jitsu academy. There are no 5 year old black belts giving instructions on how to do a death punch or any of that kind of McDojo stuff. The head instructor is 5th degree black belt Eduardo …

Ralph Gracie BJJ in Berkeley is a great environment to learn Jiu Jitsu. There is a wide variety or skill levels on the mats, including 3-4 black belts at the average class. Eduardo Fraga is an awesome teacher and coach. The facility is big …

I have trained at many BJJ academies thought and world and none of them have been more welcoming or had more thoughtful instructors than Ralph Gracie Berkeley. I highly recommend anyone interested in learning Jiu-Jitsu, getting in better shape, and being part of an awesome community give them a try. You don't have to be an all star athlete or have previous experience to start learning and having fun.

I can't say enough good things about Ralph Gracie Berkeley. I started my jiujitsu journey here 2+ years ago as a complete beginner and I will definitely continue to train here as long as I live in the area. I'm learning from a top notch head instructor (5th degree black belt) and getting better all the time, but more importantly I'm supported by a great group of teammates who are loyal, unselfish and dedicated. There is something here for everyone -- people of all levels, all different goals, and all different backgrounds. We could use some more white belts beginners for me to beat up, errrrrr...train with!!!

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 into practice every time you train. Instructors are always there to help you with questions, and watch over the class to give tips whenever they can.While keeping a strict environment where performance is expected, it simultaneously is one in which everyone can have a good time and enjoy themselves. Pick-up games of soccer for conditioning are not uncommon. However, many squats, sit-ups, push-ups and pullups are not uncommon either.This is a studio where everyone gets to know each other and looks out for each other. Other students are always just as willing as the instructors to give tips and help out in any way.All in all, my experience at the gym has been wonderful and have allowed me to train hard and learn great martial arts skills. I always look forward to coming and training, and would recommend it to anyone.

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. 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. I feel at home even though as a white belt I'm still at the low end of the totem pole, I am made welcome, team mates instruct and help, classes are varied and inspiring, and in general its a vibe you want to be in - I highly recommend it if you want to get in shape, become a jiu jitsu master or just try something new!

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 been here for 5 years and have grown so used to coming here consistently, this place became my second family. The school environment meets a diverse set of objectives from staying in shape for some, to high level competition for others. Students are friendly and supportive. The school has new mats with a huge mat space and a work out area. The school has several black belts teaching occasionally in addition to the head instructor and also offers nogi, judo and kickboxing classes. Can't beat that.