Gracie Combatives is our beginner program for adults. In this program, you will learn the 36 core techniques of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in a fun, safe, and cooperative environment. You can start the program at any time and participate in any class without previous experience and, since safety is our number one concern, there is no competitive sparring in this program.
If you're unsure about trying martial arts training for fear of injury, embarrassment, or any other reason, then the Gracie Combatives program is for you. In the Gracie Bullyproof program, our goal is to instill in your child unshakable confidence so they can overcome bullies without violence.
If you're unsure about trying martial arts training for fear of injury, embarrassment, or any other reason, then the Gracie Combatives program is for you. In the Gracie Bullyproof program, our goal is to instill in your child unshakable confidence so they can overcome bullies without violence.
Services
Most martial arts schools limit you to only one free trial class. We offer new students a 10-day risk-free trial that includes a free uniform and unlimited access to all of our beginner group classes. We're confident that the class structure, the camaraderie, and high quality instruction will convince you to let us guide you on your path to jiu-jitsu mastery.
Gracie Combatives is our beginner program for adults. In this program, you will learn the 36 core techniques of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in a fun, safe, and cooperative environment. Each one-hour lesson addresses one standing and one ground self-defense technique. You can start the program at any time and participate in any class without previous experience and, since safety is our number one concern, there is no competitive sparring in this program.
Every month in the United States, three million children miss school due to fear of bullies. In the Gracie Bullyproof program, our goal is to instill in your child unshakable confidence so they can overcome bullies without violence. Due to the non-violent nature of the techniques, CNN, ABC, NBC, and Oprah have featured the Gracie Bullyproof program as one of the few effective counter-measures to bullying for children between the ages of 5 and 13.
Women Empowered is the official Gracie Jiu-Jitsu self-defense program for women. In this 15-lesson program, we will teach you how to neutralize the 20 most common attacks ranging from having your hair grabbed to being pinned to the ground by a weapon-bearing assailant. Each one-hour Women Empowered lesson addresses two techniques.
Beyond blue belt, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu consists of hundreds of advanced techniques organized into a clearly defined, systematic curriculum called the Master Cycle.
The Master Cycle's unique structure simplifies the journey to black belt by organizing all of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu into seven positional chapters (Mount, Side Mount, Guard, Half Guard, Back Mount, Leg Locks, Standing), each of which is studied for several months before moving on to the next chapter.
The Master Cycle's unique structure simplifies the journey to black belt by organizing all of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu into seven positional chapters (Mount, Side Mount, Guard, Half Guard, Back Mount, Leg Locks, Standing), each of which is studied for several months before moving on to the next chapter.
Reviews (12)
Stephen Grillos
Sep 25, 2021
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Not your average jiujitsu academy (and that’s a very good thing)
I’ve trained at multiple Jiujitsu schools throughout the Bay Area. While all of them have cool people trying to learn, grow, and challenge themselves, what sets Gracie Santa Cruz apart is the focus on building a solid foundation with excellent technique. Anyone can learn to go 100% and try and smash their opponent. But when you gas out, where does that leave you? In addition, the likelihood of injury skyrockets when poor technique is combined with explosive movements. I love the philosophy and the approach of Steve, Drew, and
I’ve trained at multiple Jiujitsu schools throughout the Bay Area. While all of them have cool people trying to learn, grow, and challenge themselves, what sets Gracie Santa Cruz apart is the focus on building a solid foundation with excellent technique. Anyone can learn to go 100% and try and smash their opponent. But when you gas out, where does that leave you? In addition, the likelihood of injury skyrockets when poor technique is combined with explosive movements. I love the philosophy and the approach of Steve, Drew, and
Amber Britt
Nov 18, 2020
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Seth Larkin
Oct 30, 2020
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Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Santa Cruz is awesome! Steve and crew really made me feel welcomed, I went the first day having no experience whatsoever in martial arts and by the end of class I already felt like family. The difference now being able to go anywhere and no-matter the situation I know I could defend myself, my family or anyone in trouble and that has been an powerful experience. I think everyone should go through their combatives program and at least have the fundamentals of self-defense. Also, they have done a great job responding to COVID19 and the Zoom classes are excellent!
Christiane Tran
Oct 07, 2020
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At any age, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Santa Cruz is THE place to finally learn the self defense you've always wanted to try but were a little too timid to venture. The teachers and students are SUPER nice and inclusive to all.
Once you take the chance, you will never regret it. This martial art is extremely effective and easy to do. It does not take strength to get out of any tough situation you are in but smart, leverage based techniques. Surprise yourself and try it today.
Once you take the chance, you will never regret it. This martial art is extremely effective and easy to do. It does not take strength to get out of any tough situation you are in but smart, leverage based techniques. Surprise yourself and try it today.
Angela Hedges
Oct 02, 2020
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Gracie Santa Cruz is truly an amazing place. There are so many options for martial arts, but none that are a real family like Gracie. In the four years my kids have attended, they've learned so much more than jiu-jitsu. Respect, character building, conflict resolution and so much more are all part of the program. Plus it's so fun, gorgeous like a retreat, and an overall great vibe to learn and grow strong in. Steve and the crew have created a wonderful place. I can't recommend Gracie enough!
Mauricio Rezaee
Jul 23, 2020
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My 1st class at Gracie Santa Cruz was in late July 2020. I was so pleasantly surprised to find a Jiu-Jitsu school that was available for in person training (due to covid). Thankfully, the team at Gracie Santa Cruz had taken numerous precautions to provide a safe and effective training environment. Class was social distanced, solo, with sanitized grappling dummies at each training station. I had a blast!
The day after my 1st class, covid restrictions intensified and the school was no longer permitted to hold in person classes inside. Within a week, the team at Gracie Santa Cruz had installed an
The day after my 1st class, covid restrictions intensified and the school was no longer permitted to hold in person classes inside. Within a week, the team at Gracie Santa Cruz had installed an
Michael Palin
Feb 10, 2020
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Jerry Abreu
Nov 14, 2019
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I've been studying here for approximately 4 months and I'm glad I decided to sign up at this gym. The instructors and other students are all very helpful and welcoming. It is part of a big family that is Gracie University. The training, resources and facilities are exceptional. A first class organization. I highly recommend this school for someone interested in learning this amazing art.
Sally Arena
Oct 16, 2019
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As a woman walking into any kind of martial arts studio can be intimidating with many places having a competitive and machismo culture. Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Santa Cruz made me feel safe and welcomed right from the start. The instruction is clear and geared towards real life situations. The community is inspiring, fun, and encouraging. Their free 10 day intro is the perfect way to get your feet wet without any financial commitment. Give it ten days and I bet you stay 🤙🏽 I know I did!
Chris Sanders
Jul 01, 2019
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Amazing school with outstanding instructors. Learn self defense, build confidence, find honor, give respect, stay humble, enrich your mind, body and soul. Gracie Jiu Jitsu is a martial art that is, at its heart, a self defense method that allows a smaller practitioner to protect oneself against a stronger opponent, whilst also protecting the opponent from harm, if possible (via de-escalation). If you’re ready to embark on a life changing experience, prepare to check your ego at the door and join an incredible group of individuals who care about each other and simply want all to succeed in reaching
Megumi Whittle
Nov 20, 2018
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As a parent and a helper in kid’s Bullyproof program, as an aspiring assistant instructor in Women Empowered program, and as a striving student of the Combatives Adult program, I can truly say that this is a community you want to be a part of. I drive almost 2 hours round trip, 2-3 a week just to train here. Coming from zero athletic background, I have found a greatest joy to practice this gentle, yet practical art of Gracie Jiu-jitsu in a very non-competitive environment. Everyone is dedicated, and interested in learning and assisting each other. I am very grateful for all instructors and training
Jlb FamBam
Sep 14, 2018
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The instructors are very welcoming and friendly! The facilities are really cool! It’s a legit Gracie Academy Training Center based out of Torrance, Ca. The Combative class is awesome for beginners! The Gracie BullyPROOF for Kids is a great program! My kids and I enjoyed training and learning and most likely are going to sign up! Highly recommend!
