Praia Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu / Checkmat Costa Mesa

Our experience at Praia has been incredible! one month after our daughter started, my husband got into it. They both love it so much it has brought their relationship even stronger then before. My daughter, who was bullied at school this past year, has grown her confidence in so many ways. I am so glad we picked Praia. It feels like a second family/home for us!

I loved this place. I’m visiting from Arizona and heard great things. If you haven’t been here GO! Everyone was very humble. Professor Thiago Pierre was very knowledgeable. I could tell everyone, from the beginners to experienced learned from him. Amazing. Go!!! You won’t regret it.(I’ve been to a lot of places in the US and this one in SoCal is my favorite by far)

My daughter loves the team at Praia. The coaches and facility are top notch. It's refreshing to see how engaged the coaches are with the 4-7 year old group. The facility itself is stunning and my only issue is that I wished I had the time myself to train here. Prices are fair compared to other BJJ gyms. Great community vibe!

My 7 year old daughter loves learning Jiu-Jitsu! Thiago, Junior and the rest of the instructors are incredible. The older kid and adult classes look amazing too. Highly recommend.

Both of my girls started jiu jitsu for the first time together three years ago and they love it!! Coach Thiago is caring, kind, and dedicated to the kids!! He ensures they are prepared and learn the skills. I have been so impressed so happy we go to Praia.

Our son has been attending Praia for 18 months.The head professor and coaches at Praia are amazing!!You can expect a beautiful combination of gentle and strict instruction at Praia.The coaches recognize the students' individual abilities and propel them to be their best.Thank you. Our son has grown so much because of you.

Was in town for Worlds and wanted to find a place to get some movement and drilling with my professor. Thiago is such a classy guy that he let us use some mat space after his instruction with his students. The gym is beautiful and clean. Nice place. We will be back to visit.

I've been training at Praia BJJ for nearly 3 years and earned the rank of Blue Belt under our coach Thiago Pierre. Praia is a community hub in the Orange County area. A clean, professional, friendly environment that I look forward to visiting every day. I highly recommend Praia to anyone who is interested in starting their Jiu Jitsu journey!

I have taken private classes with professor Thiago since he was teaching at Checkmat Headquarters and i still do to this day at his own gym at Praia Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. If I don’t understand a technique or want to learn something that I really want to learn he will make the time to help me understand the technique or learn the technique i want to learn. He is very patient and explains in the most detailed way with an explanation on why the technique works the way it does and how effective it is when you apply it. He will drill with you until you get the technique down and make sure that you understand it and i have noticed my Jiu-Jitsu game has been improving a lot under professor Thiago whether it’s in regular class or privates and i would highly recommend for anyone to do private classes with professor Thiago because he will help you get better and understand Jiu-Jitsu on another level 🤙🏻

Training at Praia BJJ is an honor. Coach Thiago Pierre is so kind a patient. He has a wealth of knowledge and really takes the time to teach his students the right way. Coming into a Jiu Jitsu academy knowing nothing, he really helped me feel comfortable and safe. I learned the basics and was already feeling more confident after my first class. I have also watched him with Kids, and he is phenomenal. The new gym is BEAUTIFUL and offers everything I need. I would definitely recommend training at Praia BJJ to anyone in the area!