Studying jiu-jitsu with like-minded people, whom have a desire to learn a practical self defense while staying healthy and fit, makes the journey fun and enjoyable. This is our goal! Whether preparing for a tournament, or helping a fellow student get ready for one, we look at Jiu-jitsu as a team sport.
Our success (in practice or competition) depends heavily on the dedication of ALL our students. We win or learn as a team! Find out more about our authentic Carlson Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy, located in the heart of Orange County, California. Learn Jiu Jitsu, Kickboxing and self defense. Classes areavailable for adults, young children and teens, as well as women.
Our success (in practice or competition) depends heavily on the dedication of ALL our students. We win or learn as a team! Find out more about our authentic Carlson Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy, located in the heart of Orange County, California. Learn Jiu Jitsu, Kickboxing and self defense. Classes areavailable for adults, young children and teens, as well as women.
Services
The Carlson Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy in Orange County, was founded in 1994, and run by Franco DeCarmargo, legendary instructor and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt under Grandmaster Carlson Gracie. Franco was a pioneer at passing on the highly effective teaching methods and techniques of Grandmaster Carlson to his students at his academy.
As mentioned on our "About Us" page, our school was run successfully for years (since 1994) by head instructor, Franco De Carmargo under Grandmaster Carlson Gracie. The academy was one of the very first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu schools in the Southern California area, and we're very proud to have been able to continue the tradition set by Professor De Carmargo.
With the modern methods of warfare introduced during the Tokugawa era, and the introduction of the Kodokan in 1802, Jiu-Jitsu was nearly forgotten. Only sportive aspects of Jiu-Jitsu were practiced, such as Judo, which involves throws, and Karate, which emcompasses strikes. A few forms of Jiu-Jitsu developed in the West, but it was mostly Judo with some wrist locks.
Kid's classes are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:00-5:45 pm for kids 5-7 and 6:00-6:45 pm for kids 8-10 years old. Uniforms worn are called "kimonos or gis" and consists of a jacket, pants and a belt. We use 1 piece of red tape at the end of the belt in between belt promotions. For example: With proper attendance it takes approximately 1 year to progress from grey w/white stripe to an all grey belt.
Classes are Monday, Wednesday and Fridays from 5:00-6:00 pm. Uniforms worn are called "kimonos or gis" and consists of a jacket, pants and a belt. For kids starting at this age, our belt system goes as follows: white, grey, yellow, orange and green. We use 1 piece of red tape at the end of the belt, in between belt promotions, to show the student is half way to the next belt level.
Reviews (24)
Vraunwyn Denny
Jan 11, 2022
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Matthew Patton
Aug 24, 2021
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C. & R. Gaming
Jul 12, 2021
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The best place to train your kids in bjj and also respect. The instructors are very good and respectful. Been around this gym for over 10 years and it to me the best place to train or to train your kids for self defense. I had my two older sons train here 7 years ago and now I’m back here again with my 7 year. Glad that I’m back!!💯💯💯
Tim Musico
Oct 28, 2020
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Dhira
Jun 04, 2020
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Elijah Eirich
Dec 13, 2019
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Michael Boudreau
Dec 08, 2019
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Tisha Adams
Sep 26, 2019
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Marisa R.
Sep 25, 2019
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Nothing but great things to say about this place. Our second home! Such a family friendly environment. Our kids love the classes and coaches. Professor Troy is a huge mentor to our kids and we greatly appreciate him. Even having a toddler, I'm still able to train frequently. I love going to the Women's class Sunday mornings, starts my day off right!
Ya M.
Apr 17, 2019
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Andrea W.
Apr 17, 2019
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This place is so much fun. I've been training for about 2 years. I have tried a number of gyms that are closer to my home and have always come back here. The instructors are so nice, encouraging of all members, and really make jiu Jitsu not only really fun, but a great workout as well. Professor Troy is very knowledgeable, patient, and makes this place a great environment to train and grow. I couldn't imagine going anywhere else!!!!!
Tyler B.
Feb 01, 2019
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Doug
Jan 25, 2019
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The art speaks for it's self, so it's really all about the instructor, people, vibe, team, comradeship that makes a world of difference when choosing a school. Having trained with several different JiuJitsu schools, two of them being a Gracie JiuJitsu style, I have found a home here at OC Carlson Gracie JiuJitsu with Troy Acker, lead instructor. Troy is humble and does not have an ego, rolls with his students from white to black belt and is the kind of guy you want to work hard for. Great school, will be your last school.
Nilay P.
Mar 01, 2018
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Coach Troy runs a great program! My son loves his first year at this location. I like all the warm-up activities. I can tell you that all the kids will have better flexibility and strength because of it. There are 2-3 coaches when the kids practice sparring. This is the best part! They learn good moves and practice with a coach watching each match. My son's classmates are great as well! Highly recommend the free trial!
Alex H.
Feb 07, 2018
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Kim A.
Jan 24, 2018
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Can't begin to tell the you how much my son has flourished, athletically, academically and emotionally since being involved in jiujitsu 9 months ago. He was a shy and quiet boy, but he took to coach Troy, Evan & Lovey, and we saw an enthusiasm towards the class, unlike any other prior activity. His confidence grew. He is much more social, more willing to try new things, and helped his focus in school. This is the best thing has happened to him thus far. So grateful for what the coaches at OC Carlson Gracie JJ has done for him.
Michael B.
Jul 27, 2017
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My son started training here almost a year ago, and I joined shortly after. Every single person I've met so far has been extremely welcoming and helpful. This place feels like a real community. My son's confidence has increased and he decided on his own that he wanted to try out the tournaments and he now has two medals that he is extremely proud of.
Jason M.
Oct 27, 2016
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My son has been training here for a few years now , along with my husband and I recently just started myself .
From the moment you walk in you feel welcomed . Troy is the nicest guys you will meet . The kind of guy that will give you his own shirt off his own back if you needed one .
He has taught my 9 year old not only bjj but confidence , RESPECT , and how to handle any situation he might have at school with his own peers .
Thank you Troy for everything you have done for us.
Oc Carlson Gracie makes you feel like family.
It's our second home and family .
Highly recommend this place
From the moment you walk in you feel welcomed . Troy is the nicest guys you will meet . The kind of guy that will give you his own shirt off his own back if you needed one .
He has taught my 9 year old not only bjj but confidence , RESPECT , and how to handle any situation he might have at school with his own peers .
Thank you Troy for everything you have done for us.
Oc Carlson Gracie makes you feel like family.
It's our second home and family .
Highly recommend this place
Yudontpay I.
Mar 24, 2015
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Anthony K.
Jan 07, 2014
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I trained here while attending Chapman University between 04-08. If you're looking for the authentic OC Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) gym this is it. Carlson Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Orange was here long before anyone knew what BJJ and MMA was and is the most authentic BJJ gym in the OC, possible even CA, responsible for producing many world and pan-american champions. With that said, don't be intimidated, there are plenty of students of all shapes and ranks to train with and it's almost impossible that you'll be the best one on the mat so there's always something to strive
Alejandro C.
Dec 19, 2013
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"There isn't enough time to boast on how incredible Carlson Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Orange has been. It has done so much for me and I am so grateful for Troy Acker and everything he has done to give me direction and a great work ethic. They treat you like family, they are my family. Regardless of your age and gender, I'd recommend anyone interested in learning or advancing their skill sets in Brazilian jiu jitsu to come to Carlson Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Orange]. You won't be disappointed.
Barry B.
Aug 18, 2010
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I was a student here years ago under the late Franco de Camargo (RIP my friend). I'd give this place a 5-star if Franco was still there. Now he has an old student of his, Troy, running the place. He does a good job. He was on his way to getting his black belt just before Franco passed (cancer), and eventually got it from Carlson Gracie Jr. Franco was a three stripe black belt under Carlson Gracie Sr., so this is a legit Carlson Gracie school.
There's plenty of room for about 20 people to a class. They have a small changing room in the back or you can change in the bathroom. The parking
There's plenty of room for about 20 people to a class. They have a small changing room in the back or you can change in the bathroom. The parking
Max M.
Jun 29, 2009
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This is a no frills gym run by some hard core practitioners. Most are accomplished in tournament BJJ or MMA. Here you'll get a type of Jiu-Jitsu that is very effective (Carlson Gracie Style) made famous when MMA was first being popularized. The school has many instructors and senior students and you get to apply what you learn often in free sparing sessions. Classes are held often with morning and evening classes, in both Gi and No-Gi. Child classes are available.
If you are serious about learning Jiu-Jitsu, Check them out for a free introductory class.
If you are serious about learning Jiu-Jitsu, Check them out for a free introductory class.
Kim D.
Jun 03, 2008
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I should really give this studio 5 stars, based upon the fact that this is where I was introduced to my husband, by the owner/proprietor Franco de Camargo.
The Cadet was in 3rd grade at the time, and enrolled in the Kid's Class - the parents were a very agreeable and eclectic bunch: general contractors, heavily inked accountants, homemakers... a proverbial breath of fresh air. I was living in Orange County and feeling very stifled by the TKD Academy that we'd just left... I just wanted to get away from the oppressive soccer-mom and stage-dad types.
My 9-year old wanted to grapple
The Cadet was in 3rd grade at the time, and enrolled in the Kid's Class - the parents were a very agreeable and eclectic bunch: general contractors, heavily inked accountants, homemakers... a proverbial breath of fresh air. I was living in Orange County and feeling very stifled by the TKD Academy that we'd just left... I just wanted to get away from the oppressive soccer-mom and stage-dad types.
My 9-year old wanted to grapple
