Crosley Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy - Brentwood, CA

Our Academy Is An Establishment For Self Improvement And Personal Excellence.

We are determined to meet all of our member's needs, first and foremost, in a constructive, disciplined, friendly and safe environment. We empower our members to reach their full potential and experience an overall improved healthy lifestyle and regimen, to help maintain an excellent quality of life.

Crosley Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy - Brentwood, CA

Programs    Adult Jiu-Jitsu Classes

People's primary goal in joining Martial Arts vary. Some want to do it for its stress-relief effects, some to improve their fitness levels, confidence, etc... However, if your primary goal is to be able to defend yourself against any attacker regardless of size and strength, then this is the program for you.

You'll learn realistic and modern self-defense techniques from one of the most experienced staff around and practice with a close group of students who work diligently as a team. With consistency, 100% of the students achieve excellent fitness goals in just a few months. And this is just one of the side-effects you'll get from continuous training. 

This is a co-ed program for anyone 15 and over, with or without previous athletics experience. In fact, we specialize in teaching beginners. If you are interested in a Women-only Jiu-Jitsu Program take a look at the next section below.

In addition to receiving Martial Arts training directly from a member of the Gracie Family all year long, our Academy is constantly hosting events with other Gracie family members such as Rodrigo, Royler and UFC pioneer, Royce Gracie. Click on names to view photo albums.

See what our students are saying in the Students Testimonials Page.

Jiu-Jitsu for Women


Jiu-Jitsu for Women

Although we do offer a Women-Only Jiu-Jitsu program, the class is used as an introduction and supplementation, not replacement, to the co-ed program. Women who are serious about learning self defense aren't trying to learn to defend themselves against other women, however we understand that navigating through the lack of space and close proximity when practicing with a teammate can be unconfortable at first.

Most of our adult female students start in this program before making the move. Part of what makes Jiu-Jitsu as efficient as it is, is that it forces you to become comfortable with all body types, boosting your overall confidence to unprecedent levels once you get into resistance training sessions. This type of training occurs after approximately, 3 months of training.

Although we only offer the Women's Class once a week (Saturdays from 9-10:00 AM), consistency and diligent practice will get you to progressively improve your skill and fitness levels.

The Jiu-Jitsu Approach
A fact that will never change is that the average man will always be stronger than the average woman. Relying on striking techniques against someone bigger and heavier, will greatly reduce your chances of escaping for the simple fact that if you get hit back, chances are they'll get hurt first. Sexual assaults are carried on once the attacker approaches undetected, subdues and takes control of the victim on the ground. Striking at such close proximity to your attacker will have no effect as there's no range of motion to develop full power in the strike. If anything, such strategy will only infuriate the attacker, causing him to hit you back harder.

In the program, women learn techniques that will prevent them from getting subdued as well as techniques that can be applied if they do get controlled and taken to the ground, where the attacker will try to carry on the assault. Diligent training will teach the students to remain calm, think methodically how to execute the techniques, avoid panic response and develop the right state of mind to recognize and create an escape plan.

The Techniques
All movements are based on leverage and natural body movements backed up by the concept of "Minimum effort, maximum efficiency". Have you ever used a jack to change a tire on your car? Do you twist your body when you swing a baseball bat? If so, then you are using body mechanics and leverage to help you increase force. They combine sequenced and coordinated movements to generate torque in an efficient way.

The purpose of using body mechanics is to maximize applicable force by taking advantage of the principles of physics as related to the structure of the body. For example, when using body mechanics, you do not rely on the arm alone to throw, swing, push or pull. You incorporate a twisting, springing or dropping motion of the body to increase the power that is output through the arm. This powerful tool allied with proper technique and timing, make it for a successful execution of any move on a resisting opponent. Of any size!

If you can't commit to a weekly training schedule, we do offer individual lessons and Rape Prevention Seminars for your group or organization. Click here for more info.

Jiu-Jitsu for Law Enforcement

Police brutality and law suits are one of the main concerns of Police Chiefs nationwide. Since our system doesn't rely on strikes and kicks, Law Enforcement Officers will be less likely to injure the suspect during the arrest procedure. Arrests will be done without the need of assistance from two or more colleagues. Confrontations will end much faster with fewer injuries to both parties.

Jiu-Jitsu for Competition

Although we have a very strong competition team, with most of our competitors always placing in all major tournaments nationwide, competition is always optional. We provide a non-competitive training environment to our students; however, coming from a competitive background ourselves, we always motivate and encourage those looking to pursuit the sport aspect of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.

We have created several local, regional, state, national and international champions over the years. Join our team and see for yourself how far you can go!

In our Adult Jiu-Jitsu classes you'll find high school seniors, small business owners, law enforcement officers, lawyers, firefighters, Moms, Dads, you name it! Everyone looking to achieve their own goals!


Sport Jiu-Jitsu No Gi 2010 Worlds Champion


Sport Jiu-Jitsu 2009 Pan American Semifinalist


Professor Crosley training with friends in Rio

 

Jiu-Jitsu for Mixed Martial Arts

Jiu-Jitsu has been adopted by every successful MMA fighter now days. Without any knowledge in Jiu-Jitsu, achieving the top of the ranks would be just impossible. Our main focus isn't MMA competitions, however we do hold MMA Camps and Individual Lessons that cover this program for those who are fans of the sport and want to learn the fastest growing sport in the world. In a typical MMA class you'll learn how to use Gracie Jiu-Jitsu to close the distance on an opponent who's trying to hit you, take him to the ground, work your way up to a dominant position and finish the fight!!

In addition to Jiu-Jitsu, Professor Crosley Gracie has been studying Muay Thai, Boxing and Wrestling for over a decade and has competed in the biggest stages in the world. In 2003, he made his debut defeating the current Pancrase Welterweight Champion by unanimous decision. This win was followed by another dominating performance against highly regarded Japanese star Hayato Sakurai (35-8-2) which ended by submission in the second round.

Concepts covered in the program are:

  • Striking
  • striking to takedowns
  • counter attacks
  • countering takedowns
  • the clinch
  • top position over a downed opponent
  • the guard, etc...

Class format

Classes run from 60 to 90 minutes depending of the content. The warm ups are designed to improve your overall condition which includes several plyometric exercises and abs for core strengthening and endurance. Warm up may include fighting simulation drills, such as clinching, takedowns and ground techniques. The technical part of the class is done by several rounds of repetition according to the topic of the month or week. We believe that intense drilling is essential to develop your drills to their fullest.

Live training sessions will conclude the class. This is where all eligible students put to practice all they have been learning against a counter acting partner, who's trying to accomplish their own moves. This is undoubtedly the most exciting and fun aspect of Jiu-Jitsu. You'll learn how to remain calm and perform under pressure following the proper procedure to overcome a stronger attacker in the streets, if you even need to.

Program Breakdown

As a beginner, you'll be presented with two options when you enter our facility, a 2 class/week program and a 3 class/week program. This will depend of your availability and budget. Assuming you will continue your training through the intermediate level (Blue Belt), it may take you 12 to 22 months, depending on your attendance. Unlimited classes program available for previous practitioners only.

Intro Program (Beginners only)

The Intro Program consists of a cyclic 12-week course. That means you can start your training at any time, regardless of which week is in progress. With exception of the first two classes, all techniques included here can be learned in any order. This Intro Program will teach you the fundamentals, from learning how to fall, to clinching, taking down and successfully setting up and applying a submission hold on a resisting opponent. Escapes and reversal techniques from your back are also included here.

This initial stage of your training will gradually improve your skill, coordination, reflexes and focus, preparing you to begin drilling at a full resistance pace (optional) in the following program.

Upon completion of the 12-week Intro Program, you will earn your first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu stripe and eligibility to enter the Blue Belt Program.

Blue Belt Program (Intermediate)

After a minimum of 3 months of training, you will begin to experience more resistance training in your routine (This type of training is done in a very controlled environment, where safety always comes first). Undoubtedly, this is the most exciting part of your training. Attempting to submit your training partners as they resist and counter act with their own moves. This is as real as it gets!

You will drastically improve your conditioning, strength and skill. You'll drill and work with more experienced students, helping you progress quickly and confidently. Once in this program, you have the opportunity to upgrade your plan to Unlimited allowing you to reach the next rank faster! Besides moving up in rank and making a big progress towards mastery of the art, this stage of your training will give you the experience necessary to enter the Black Belt Program.

Black Belt Program (Advanced)

In this program, you will experience more live training and be exposed to more advanced moves. In this phase, you will witness incredible improvement not only on your technique, but your conditioning as well. Many blue belts and higher ranks at our school choose to enter competitions although, it is completely optional. Our Academy has formed many regional, national and international champions and encourages anyone who intends to compete.

Class Curriculum

The Black Belt Program is designed so intermediate and advanced students may benefit from the same class. The curriculum is continuous and repeats itself. It is divided into monthly and subdivided into weekly topics and cover from street self defense techniques such as defense against weapons and various holds, to takedowns, attacks and escapes from your back and more.

Promotions

The average time on each belt upon promotion to the ranking of Blue varies from 2 and 3 years, depending on attendance. Each belt has 4 stripes. Stripes are earned in an interval of a minimum amount of classes stipulated by our Academy. After Blue Belt, you'll go through Purple, Brown and finally Black Belt. Click here to view our Belt System.

Private Lessons

Want to learn even faster? Click here to see what our Individual Lessons can do for you! 

Trial Class

If you wish to set up a trial class, we'd love to teach you! Just click here to send us some information our away and we'll get you going ASAP!.