BJJ Gyms in Los Angeles: Where to Train Across LA

Los Angeles has one of the deepest BJJ scenes in the world. The city was an early adopter of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu thanks to the Gracie family's move from Brazil in the late 1980s, and the academies that opened then have produced generations of world champions. Today, LA offers everything from traditional Gracie-lineage academies to no-gi-only gyms, plus the headquarters of 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu.

Quick summary

• Best for traditional gi BJJ: Jean Jacques Machado BJJ, Renzo Gracie East LA, Rey Diogo (Carlson Gracie lineage)
• Best for no-gi specialists: 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu Headquarters (Eddie Bravo's flagship)
• Best for competitive track: Cobrinha BJJ (under multiple-time world champion Rubens "Cobrinha" Charles)
• Best for structured curriculum: Gracie Barra Northridge
• Best for community-first training: Echo Park BJJ, Kaizen BJJ Academy

Why LA matters for BJJ

LA's BJJ history starts in the late 1980s when Rorion Gracie moved from Brazil and opened the original Gracie Academy in Torrance. That academy produced UFC 1, the first major Gracie Challenge fights in the United States, and a generation of practitioners who would seed BJJ across the country. Today the original Gracie lineage runs through multiple LA-area academies.

Other major LA-based BJJ figures:

• Eddie Bravo founded 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu in LA, building the most influential no-gi-only system in the sport.
• Jean Jacques Machado (and the wider Machado brothers) brought one of the most respected gi lineages to LA, with Chuck Norris among their high-profile students.
• Rubens "Cobrinha" Charles opened Cobrinha BJJ in LA after a career as one of the most decorated featherweight competitors in IBJJF history.
• Rey Diogo runs his own academy under the Carlson Gracie lineage.

The result: LA has both depth (many gyms) and pedigree (most are run by genuine high-level practitioners).

The 15 LA BJJ gyms worth knowing

1. Cobrinha Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Fitness

• Address: 4929 Wilshire Blvd Ste 104, Los Angeles, CA 90010
• Phone: (323) 931-9953
• Website: cobrinhabjj.com
• What to expect: Led by multiple-time IBJJF World Champion Rubens "Cobrinha" Charles. Strong competition track, classes for all levels including kids and no-gi.

One of the most competitive academies in LA, with a high concentration of black and brown belts on the mats. Cobrinha himself has coached Mikey Musumeci, among others.

2. 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu Headquarters

• Address: 1314 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90015
• Phone: (213) 623-9444
• Website: 10thplanetjj.com
• What to expect: Eddie Bravo's no-gi-only flagship. Rubber guard, lockdown, twister system, modern submissions.

If you want to train no-gi exclusively in the 10th Planet system (and you live in LA), this is the headquarters. Visitors and travelling grapplers welcome by arrangement.

3. Jean Jacques Machado Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

• Address: 20935 Warner Center Ln Suite B, Woodland Hills, CA 91367
• Phone: (818) 888-3369
• Website: jjmachado.com
• What to expect: Traditional Machado-lineage BJJ. One of the most respected academies in the country.

Jean Jacques Machado is a legendary black belt and one of the most influential coaches in American BJJ history. His academy has a long-running roster of celebrity students alongside its competitive grapplers.

4. Gracie Barra Northridge

• Address: 19520 Nordhoff St Unit 9, Northridge, CA 91324
• Phone: (818) 709-1808
• Website: gbnorthridge.com
• What to expect: The Gracie Barra global curriculum (Fundamentals, Advanced, Competition tracks). Strong for beginners and structured progression.

If you have trained at any Gracie Barra in the world, the system here will feel familiar.

5. Renzo Gracie East Los Angeles

• Address: 6132 E Washington Blvd Suite D & E, Commerce, CA 90040
• Phone: (562) 440-1458
• Website: renzogracieeastla.com
• What to expect: Part of the global Renzo Gracie network. Programs for kids and adults, welcoming community.

The Renzo Gracie lineage produced John Danaher and Gordon Ryan; this academy is part of that wider system.

6. PKG Martial Arts Academy

• Address: 11099 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064
• Phone: (310) 575-4500
• Website: pkgla.com
• What to expect: BJJ, Muay Thai and fitness classes. Friendly atmosphere, experienced instructors.

A solid crossover option if you want to train multiple martial arts at one gym.

7. Beverly Hills Jiu Jitsu Club

• Address: 1080 S La Cienega Blvd #106, Los Angeles, CA 90035
• Phone: (310) 854-7664
• Website: bhjjc.com
• What to expect: Classes for all levels with experienced instructors. Focused on personal development.

A premium-feeling option with a strong reputation on the west side.

8. Dynamix MMA

• Address: 11435 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025
• Phone: (310) 478-5425
• Website: dynamixmma.com
• What to expect: BJJ, MMA and fitness. Supportive environment, skilled coaches.

Strong option if you train BJJ alongside MMA, with both programmes available in one gym.

9. Kaizen BJJ Academy

• Address: 2012 Colorado Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90041
• Phone: (323) 739-0209
• Website: kaizenbjj.com
• What to expect: Continuous improvement (kaizen) philosophy. All skill levels welcome.

The name reflects the gym's approach: incremental progress, consistent training, technical focus.

10. Ezekiel BJJ

• Website: ezekielbjj.com
• What to expect: Led by Michael Carnes, a black belt under Cobrinha. Gi and no-gi classes focused on technique and personal growth.

Address and phone are not publicly listed; contact through the website to confirm class times.

11. Echo Park Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

• Address: 1310 Liberty St, Los Angeles, CA 90026
• Phone: (323) 522-6211
• Website: echoparkbjj.com
• What to expect: Inclusive community, technical instruction. Gi and no-gi training for all levels.

Popular with the east-side BJJ community. Strong reputation for newcomer-friendliness.

12. Rey Diogo Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

• Address: 8733 Venice Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90034
• Phone: (310) 839-9086
• Website: reydiogojiujitsu.com
• What to expect: Carlson Gracie lineage under Ricardo "Rey" Diogo. Traditional BJJ with focus on self-defence and competition.

One of the more traditional academies on the list, with a clear emphasis on the older Carlson Gracie system.

13. Autore BJJ

• Address: 11943 Montana Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90049
• Phone: (310) 207-5260
• Website: autorebjj.com
• What to expect: Personalised instruction in a welcoming environment. Beginners and advanced both welcome.

Smaller gym with strong personal-instruction reputation.

14. Lions Fight Club

• Address: 7206 Foothill Blvd, Tujunga, CA 91042
• Phone: (818) 646-6914
• Website: lionsfightclub.com
• What to expect: Range of martial arts including BJJ. Family-friendly atmosphere, experienced instructors.

Good option in the northern LA area for cross-discipline training.

15. Won Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

• Website: wonbjj.com
• What to expect: Led by Professor Won Lee. Technical instruction with a supportive training environment.

Address and phone not publicly listed; contact through the website.

What to look for in an LA BJJ gym

The LA scene is large enough that you can be selective. A few questions worth asking before committing:

• Lineage: What lineage is the head instructor's belt? Gracie, Machado, Cobrinha, 10th Planet, Carlson Gracie all have established credentials. Smaller gyms with no clear lineage warrant more scrutiny.
• Class sizes: How big are the mats? How many people in an average class? Crowded mats are not necessarily bad but mean less individual attention.
• Schedule: Most working professionals want evening and weekend classes. Confirm before joining.
• Gi and no-gi balance: Some LA gyms are gi-heavy (Machado, Gracie Barra), some are no-gi only (10th Planet), some balance both. Pick what matches your interest.
• Drop-in policy: Most LA gyms welcome trial classes. Try two or three before committing to a membership.

For a broader checklist (instructors, atmosphere, equipment, class variety), see our BJJ gyms in London guide, which goes deeper on what to evaluate.

Frequently asked questions

How much does BJJ cost in Los Angeles? Most LA BJJ academies charge between $150 and $250 per month for unlimited classes. Drop-in fees typically range from $25 to $40 per session. Premium gyms in Beverly Hills and Santa Monica run on the higher end.

Where is 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu HQ? 1314 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90015. The HQ is in downtown LA and welcomes visitors with arrangement.

Is there a Cobrinha BJJ in LA? Yes. Cobrinha Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Fitness is at 4929 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles. Rubens "Cobrinha" Charles is one of the most decorated BJJ competitors in history and teaches at the academy.

Where is Jean Jacques Machado's academy? Jean Jacques Machado Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is at 20935 Warner Center Ln Suite B, Woodland Hills, CA 91367.

Does Eddie Bravo teach at 10th Planet HQ? Eddie Bravo is the founder and oversees the headquarters academy. Specific class scheduling for his appearances varies; check the academy directly.

Is LA a good city to start BJJ? Yes. LA has one of the deepest BJJ scenes in the United States, with academies across the city covering every style, price point and skill level.

Can I train at multiple LA BJJ gyms? Yes. Most gyms welcome drop-ins for $25 to $40. If you have an open-mat habit, LA gives you genuine options across the city.

Are there BJJ tournaments in LA? Yes. LA hosts IBJJF Pan-Ams (every spring in Long Beach), the IBJJF LA Open, and various smaller events year-round. Most LA gyms have active competitors and run team trips to local events.

The bottom line

The LA BJJ scene is one of the deepest in the world. The 15 gyms above cover the major lineages (Gracie, Machado, Carlson Gracie, Cobrinha), the major styles (traditional gi, modern no-gi, 10th Planet system), and the major regions of the city. Try two or three before committing.

For more on the global BJJ landscape, see our BJJ gyms in London, BJJ gyms in Limassol and BJJ gyms in Paphos guides. For more on the figures who shaped LA BJJ, see our profiles of Andre Galvao, John Danaher and Gordon Ryan.

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