Jiu Jitsu Dojos in San Francisco

San Francisco, CA - 94103 | (415) 910-8703

Details: "11th Street Dojo" is the Dojo building that contains both Suginami Aikikai San Francisco & Clovis Silva BJJ (Carlson Gracie) & Lucio Muramatsu ( Alliance BJJ). We started as "Skidrow Dojo" in the back of a photo studio on Sixth Street in San Francisco February 1986. A group of artists & Punks asked Jimmy Friedman AKA; "Jim Bone" to teach them self-defense shortly after the violent murder of a loved one. Classes began in the shadow of tragedy, and Aikido in a small way helped heal the suffering these people were going through. Beginning as a club for that group of around ten friends, the dojo soon outgrew the Sixth Street studio and relocated to 759 Harrison Street in San francisco, California where it remained for three years. In 1989 we moved to 57B Stillman Street were we remained until 1999. In 1999 we moved to 141 11th Street. Peter Ralls Sensei has assisted and been an instructor at SKIDROW DOJO from 1986-2018. He has dedicated his time and Aikido knowledge to the Dojo for over 30 years. We very grateful for his commitment to us over the years. Since 1986 the Dojo has hosted many of the world's highest ranking Aikido instructors, including Kato Hiroshi Sensei, Christian Tissier Sensei, Nishio Sensei, Anno Sensei, P. Hendricks Sensei, Sugawara Sensei, Terry Dobson Sensei, K. Cottier Sensei. After the 1989, San Franicisco earthquake, James moved the dojo a few blocks away to 57 Stillman Street, and it stayed at that location for ten years. In 1995 Kato Hiroshi Sensei was welcomed to San Francisco, and shortly thereafter "Skidrow Dojo" was renamed Suginami Akikai SF. Our present and final location at 141 11th street, between Mission and Howard streets, San Francisco, California. 11th Street Dojo has a live-in student (Uchi-Deshi) program. Applicants must have a least 6 months experience in Aikido or BJJ. And have been a member of 11th Street Dojo for over 6 months. 11th Street Dojo, is directly Affiliated to Hombu Dojo Tokyo, under the direction of Christian Tissier Sensei.

San Francisco, CA - 94134 | (415) 467-6740

Details: At AB MMA Academy, you will learn and gain important skills that will help you improve your health, fighting style, as well as your daily life. Learn how to defend yourself and master true discipline through any one of our classes! AB Mixed Martial Arts is the perfect place for anyone who wants to get in shape and improve their overall health. Here, we believe in the power of working together. Our goal is to create a fun, safe and engaging environment that motivates all that are part of it. Your health should be taken seriously. However, the way you treat it, can be done in a variety of fun ways. So get out of the “gym” mode and come see what Mixed Martial Arts and AB can do for you! With 4500 square feet of work out space, AB Mixed Martial Arts truly sets itself apart from all other academies alike. With a staff formed by highly trained and experienced instructors, you can rest assure that we will have your best interest at heart from every step of your training!

San Francisco, CA - 94107 | (415) 341-0045

Details: In this day and age, the high pace and demand in life takes its toll on everyone. Barrios Martial Arts offers a fun and engaging solution that can help you, your family or your staff find a new, life-long passion to achieve greater physical and mental strength. In other words, well-being. Martial Arts is for all ages, genders and fitness levels. And we at Barrios Martial Arts offer a variety of disciplines to choose from, in a fun and community-oriented environment. Come and discover an Art for Life!

San Francisco, CA - 94115 | (833) 229-5487

Details: The Bay Jiu-Jitsu Academy was founded in 2008 by Stephan Goyne and initially housed inside of K-One Fitness in San Francisco. Three years later, the academy got its own home with the opening of the first facility in Japantown SF in July of 2011. The academy grew in July of 2012 with the opening of the second facility in Oakland/Piedmont. The third addition to the academy was in July of 2013 with the opening of the Mission SF facility. In March 2016, Bay Jiu-Jitsu outgrew it’s original east bay location in Oakland/Piedmont, leading to the grand opening of our most recent facility in Berkeley, minutes from the University of California campus.

San Francisco, CA - 94107 | (415) 788-0454

Details: The Carley Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy offers group classes and training sessions, for sport and fitness, self-defense, competing athletes and special sessions for teachers, Black Belts and professional fighters. Training is available through scheduled group classes, private group sessions for your team or organization, and private and semi-private instruction and coaching ... conducted primarily by the Grand Master himself, Carley Gracie.

San Francisco, CA - 94116 | (415) 564-0777

Details: Gracie Jiu-Jitsu has turned the martial arts world upside down by emphasizing real-life situations and results over the dramatic kicks and throws of formal competition, making it also one of the most effective self-defense techniques for non-athletes. This guide to the self-defense techniques taught in the classes of Royce Gracie, one of the biggest figures in the world of jiu-jitsu, provides lessons that anyone - regardless of strength or size - can learn to neutralize an attacker in seconds. It offers a variety of defenses to use against knife and gun attacks, as well as escapes from headlocks, choke holds, and other situations that attackers use on the street. This has made Jiu-Jitsu one of the most popular martial arts with the United States military, police academies, and women's self-defense schools.

San Francisco, CA - 94107 | (415) 550-6689

Details: El Niño Training Center is a top premiere training and fitness facility in mixed martial arts. We cater to all levels whether new to the sport or training for a professional competition. Our style is constantly evolving based on practices founded in: American & Braziilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, Wrestling, Boxing - and optimized by Athletic Performance Training and Sports Medicine. Although our coaches are elite in their respected fields, they share a passion for understanding the art of combat as a whole. Our edge is in how we integrate these disciplines, preserving their authenticity while aligning them towards a single, adaptable way of fighting.

San Francisco, CA - 94110 | (415) 658-7520

Details:

San Francisco, CA - 94114 | (415) 378-6667

Details: While Maru Dojo is primarily an Aikido dojo, it also explores the connection between Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) Filipino Martial Arts and Aikido. The focus is to cross-train and discover the common threads between Aikido, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Filipino Martial Arts. While many enjoy the competitive aspect of martial arts, one should bear in mind that not all techniques are applicable on the street. Although competition in BJJ is a valuable learning tool, Maru Dojo does not push the "competitive agenda" on its BJJ students nor does it focus on training for competition. In order to hone in the BJJ skills, we do "pressure test" such techniques during the "rolling" part of the class. Maru Dojo's BJJ is a member of Roy Dean's The Affiliates. Ray's focus is to explore the connection with Aikido and Brazilian-Jiu-Jitsu. Beginners are always welcome!

San Francisco, CA - 94103 | (415) 552-4777

Details: Ralph Gracie has been a champion fighter for over 20 years and has been called one of the best ground fighter in the world. He has fought in major events including extreme Fighting and Pride Bushido. He was born into and has studied Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for over thirty years. Ralph has dedicated his life to teaching the incredible fighting system known today around the world as Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. He currently has 6 academies in California in which all are run by black belts directly under him. Ralph’s focus on his teachings consist mainly of learning the techniques, executing them correctly and training. He has said more than once, “It’s better to die , than not train.” His fighting style backs this theory as well as his teaching delivery.

San Francisco, CA - 94103 | (415) 255-9443

Details: Bunkerd Faphimai grew up in Chaiyaphum, a small country town in Thailand. His family made a living as rice farmers. When Bunkerd was just 11 years old, he was forced to quit school and get a job. At the same time, he started competing in small Muay Thai fights around the country for extra money. His first fight brought in the equivalent of one American dollar. Bunkerd dreamed of becoming a great Muay Thai fighter, which would bring his family money and fame. Because he was shorter than the average fighter of his weight class, not too many people believed this dream was possible. At 18, Bunkerd made off to Bangkok to try his luck in joining aMuay Thai training camp. Phillip Wong, of Fairtex, Thailand was the one who gave him his first break. Bunkerd proved all his doubters wrong and became a great champion – winning two of the most prestigious championships—one at the famed Lumpinee stadium and another at Rajadmnerm Stadium. His dedication, strength, perseverance and success in the sport of Muay Thai brought him much recognition and fame. Eventually, in the year 1992, Bunkerd came to the United States to become one of the head trainers in the new Fairtex camp in Chandler, Arizona. Simultaneously, he became a well-known world champion in the U.S. Because of Bunkerd’s humble disposition and fierce fighting style, he became known as the “People’s Champion.” It was at this new U.S. facility that Chris Cariaso and Bunkerd first met. Chris, only 12 years old at this time, received a flyer about the Arizona gym while eating in a Thai restaurant with his mother. They immediately drove to the new facility and Chris became the very first student to sign up. Chris began training exclusively with Bunkerd. As a result, Chris excelled in this sport and began fighting at a very young age. Bunkerd and Chris became very close like father and son—Chris even lived at the gym for a period of time. Five years later, to the dismay of Chris and many other students, the gym closed down and the pair separated. At this time Bunkerd was moved around to many other gyms and Chris began pursuing another sport-BMX racing. A few years later, a twist of fate landed the two in San Francisco at the same time. Alex Gong had started a new Fairtex in San Francisco and Bunkerd again served as head trainer. Chris, after winning the World Cup in BMX racing, moved to the Bay Area with his brother. Chris showed up at the gym with a seriously broken arm and jaw that would force his BMX career to come to a screeching halt. Chris remembered the one sport that made him strong before and decided that training with Bunkerd again was the best way to rehabilitate. At the young age of 17, Chris became program director at the San Francisco Fairtex. Chris was a natural in this business and his enthusiasm about Muay Thai helped Alex’s business grow. Chris also began teaching classes and developed a following of dedicated private students. After the tragic death of Alex Gong in 2003, Bunkerd and Chris decided to strike out on their own. Bunkerd, now with three sons and a wife in America, wanted to fulfill a life-long dream of owning a gym. He and Chris aggressively pursued the business knowledge needed to make this dream a reality. Once again Bunkerd faced opposition with the cynical, and this time he was not alone. Many thought Chris was too young to lead this business venture, and Bunkerd could not be his own boss. The skeptics didn’t sway the pair and finally, the hard work paid off. One of Chris’ private students rented them a space at 734 Bryant St. in San Francisco. Fight and Fitness opened its doors on March 15, 2004 and began a thriving and beloved gym. In the age of the big corporate gym, many aspects about Fight and Fitness set it apart from the others. Fight and Fitness is family-owned and operated, and the positive atmosphere reflects that feeling. Every student is important to Bunkerd and Chris. Fight and Fitness gives every student the personal attention they deserve. The training is excellent for all ages and levels, and everyone is continually encouraged to do their personal best. Because of the opposition the two overcame, Bunkerd and Chris believe that anyone can achieve whatever they believe in. As long as you believe in yourself, they will help you achieve your goals. Their enthusiasm reflects this belief. The pair plan to expand the business, but never at the expense of losing the personal touch Fight and Fitness acquired.

San Francisco, CA - 94133 | (415) 816-9104

Details: Romulo Melo BJJ practices and teaches traditional Gracie Jiu-Jitsu for fitness, competition, and self-defense. Chief instructor, Romulo Melo, having trained directly under Vinicius Aieta and Royler Gracie at the highly respected Gracie Academy, Gracie Humaita in Rio de Janeiro, as well as at the Gracie Tijuca academy, brings the best of authentic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to the United States. Romulo adheres to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as a complete way of life, not just a martial art or a sport. He is proud and excited to be able to share his wealth of knowledge and practical experience both on and off the mat with his students. He also embraces BJJ’s healthy lifestyle as one that can help you get the most out of life in every aspect. The programs and classes here at Romulo Melo BJJ welcome those of all ages from complete beginners to accomplished martial arts competitors. It doesn’t matter where you are now in terms of fitness and expertise, or whether you are 3 years old or 70. Come learn and let Romulo work with you to help you reach your own individual goals, whether they be just getting in great shape, learning to defend yourself, or launching an incredible MMA career. It is easy to get started with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training. You will quickly escalate to learning advanced techniques that will help you attain an elite level of fitness and equip you with serious skills for dealing with real life situations, as well as being able to compete at the highest levels of BJJ and MMA. Plus it is fun for the whole family!

San Francisco, CA - 94103 | (415) 583-9136

Details: San Francisco Jiu Jitsu was founded by Professor Denny Prokopos on the belief that through Jiu Jitsu/ Martial Arts we can make the world a better place. At San Francisco Jiu Jitsu, Denny Prokopos Academy we believe Jiu Jitsu is for EVERYONE! We offer a free, no obligation trial for Bay Area residents. We hope to see you soon!

San Francisco, CA - 94122 | (415) 759-1510

Details: Chief Instructor and Owner Kru Sam (Chilaphanh) Phimsoutham is a Thai/Laos trainer whose mother is Laos and whose father was a Thai General. Muay Thai, but more specifically Muay Boran and Lerdrit, run in his family for generations. His father was also a trainer and a referee in Lumpini and his uncle the same. His first lesson in Muay Boran was given to him when he was four years old. He was not a Muay Thai Champion. He immigrated to the United States at age seven. At the age of 18 Kru Sam then trained under Master Toddy, whose father knew his father, to become a Muay Thai trainer and teacher. Master Toddy taught Kru Sam an unbeatable system of teaching and continued to train him in this manner for 10 years. He also certified him as “Kru.” Because knowing how to fight does not always translate to knowing how to train others, Kru Sam’s innate ability to teach, his Muay Boran and Lerdrit background and certification from Master Toddy are keys to his success. Kru Sam brought Muay Thai to the Bay Area in 1991. He introduced the sport by fighting black belts in the Bay Area wherever he could. Word quickly spread and interest in the sport was immediately picked up by legends such as Sifu Harlan Lee, Sifu Shane Lacey and the Lozada family. SFPD Officer Paul Lozada gave Kru Sam his first teaching job at a small academy in downtown San Francisco. Kru Sam taught part time for years raising fighters, including Wrath James White, Alex Gong (RIP) and Richard Tan. They obtained most of their experience in gymnasiums. When Kru Sam opened up Team USA nearly 20 years ago, he raised his second generation of Champions – David Lau, Anthony Badua and John Ellcessor. These Champions were privileged to experience Muay Thai competitions in productions brought by BJohn Promotions, Scott Coker’s Strikeforce and Dennis Warner’s World Championship Muay Thai. In fact Kru Sam, along with Coach Cung Le and Professor Navarros, brought the first “smoker” to the Bay Area in 1995. Today, Kru Sam is on his fourth generation of Champions and the team continues to grow. With the legalization of MMA, Team USA expects to add its ground game and introduce a team of MMA fighters. For over 2 decades we’ve offered elite Muay Thai training in the San Francisco Bay Area. We teach Muay Thai and kickboxing through a highly organized curriculum that meets varying needs. We also offer the very best Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA training for all levels. There are classes available for men, women and children of all ages and sizes. These training (Muay Thai, BJJ, and MMA), to fitness programs and even to Muay Thai for kids and families. Find out why we stand out from the rest!