This Mom of four first joined our community almost nine years ago, enrolling her oldest son in our Youth Program. Over the years, she brought her other three kids into the fold, becoming a familiar face of support and encouragement on the sidelines.

Then, in the summer of 2022, Claudia decided it was her turn to step onto the mats and embrace the journey herself.

From day one, Claudia fully committed—trusting her instructors, embracing the training, and proving to herself and everyone else what’s possible. Now, 2.5 years later, she’s gained not only skill and confidence but also the admiration of her peers.

There’s something extra special about moms like Claudia, who take the leap after their kids, step into a male-dominated art, and show up with courage, dedication, and grit. She’s not just growing as a martial artist—she’s setting an amazing example for her children and everyone around her.

Claudia, we’re so proud of you for stepping out of your comfort zone, embracing the challenge, and showing what’s possible with hard work and heart. You’re an...

Each Belt Ceremony reminds us of the incredible community we’re building and the dedication each one of our students brings to their Jiu-Jitsu journey. 🥋

Our students’ commitment and achievements inspire us all, and we’re excited to see what’s next for each of them. Here’s to a future filled with health, strength, and growth! 💪🏼

Congratulations to all our students who earned new ranks over the weekend. We’re so proud of your hard work and dedication! 👏🏼

View the photo album.

Congratulations to all our wonderful students who leveled up today! We are proud of your dedication and hard work!

View the photo album.

Born in Puerto Rico and raised partly in the Bay Area, Fernando discovered his passion for Jiu-Jitsu in 1993, inspired by Royce Gracie’s achievements in the UFC.

After settling in the East Bay in 1995, he began training under Professor Crosley Gracie in 2007. As a Purple Belt, he began volunteering as an Assistant Instructor, gaining a new perspective on the art.

After a decade of dedication, Fernando achieved his Black Belt in 2016, becoming the 4th Black Belt under Professor Crosley Gracie.

Now a second-degree Black Belt, he teaches Adult Intermediate classes and extends his passion for teaching to the classroom, earning his degree in 2019 and becoming a school teacher in the Brentwood Unified School District.

Aside from sharing his passion for Jiu-Jitsu with the local community, Fernando’s an avid skier, often shredding the mountains on the north shore of Lake Tahoe during winter.

Wishes of continued success, good health, and prosperity from all of us at Crosley Gracie Jiu-Jitsu!

Enjoy your day, Fernando, and thank you for all you do...

🥋 Start Your Year Strong: One Month of Martial Arts + Training Gear for $199 🥊

Experience a transformative month of Jiu-Jitsu or Muay Thai with Crosley Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. This special includes all the gear you need to get started and is a perfect opportunity to try something new or help a loved one take their first step into martial arts.

• Offer available through Sunday, January 5th, 2025.
• Open to first-time adult students only.
• Training starts as early as January 6th, 2025.
• Must be redeemed by January 31st, 2025.

Click here to guarantee your Gift Package. Once purchased, we’ll contact you on January 6th to schedule your first class. Take this opportunity to grow, learn, and kick off the new year with purpose!

Only 5 memberships available. Exclusively for first-time students. Must attend the first class in December 2024. Each month includes eight classes. Registration fee and uniform not included. Offer expires Monday, 12/02/24 at 11:59 PM. Non-refundable.

Buy Now!

The True Essence of Jiu-Jitsu

Jiu-Jitsu is far more than a quest for belts or promotions—it’s a journey of personal growth, resilience, and self-discovery. When students focus solely on advancing through ranks, particularly belts, they risk losing sight of what truly matters: authentic progress.

Every belt represents not just technical skill but a deep understanding of the art, built through time, dedication, and countless lessons on and off the mats. Rushing the process undermines the very foundation of Jiu-Jitsu and robs students of the invaluable transformation that comes with each step of the journey.

Jiu-Jitsu is a path to discovering one’s best self, fostering humility, perseverance, and the ability to mentor and inspire others. It challenges us to face setbacks with grace, celebrate victories with gratitude, and remain loyal to the values that the art instills.

The allure of shortcuts—be it through chasing rapid promotions or switching academies for quick advancement—is a hollow pursuit. Such actions not only compromise personal growth but also...

Watch the reel.

🎉 The Biggest Martial Arts Holiday Shopping Event of the Year! 🎉

Join us for an exciting afternoon packed with unbeatable deals on:

New Memberships – Kickstart your journey or gift the gift of martial arts!

Special Offers for Returning Members – Welcome back with amazing savings!

Upgrades – Take your training to the next level.

Uniforms, Training Equipment & Sparring Gear – Stock up on essentials.

Apparel – Up to 50% off select items, perfect for the season!

Private Lessons – Personalized training at incredible prices.

...and so much more!

🕐 When: 1:00 to 5:00 PM – Don’t miss out; it’s only for a few hours!

📍 Where: Crosley Gracie Jiu-Jitsu

Enjoy complimentary snacks and refreshments while you browse and cross off your holiday shopping list.

✨ Extras:

Phone and email orders are available for your convenience (current members).

Gift wrapping is offered to make your purchases holiday-ready!

We can’t wait to see you there!

Crosley Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy’s Black Belt, Tim Toon, recently taught a special seminar in Sinop, Mato Grosso, Brazil, while on vacation with his family, visiting his wife’s hometown.

This meaningful event supported Projeto ABBA, a no-cost Jiu-Jitsu program run by @ibnfamiliasinop , which provides training for children who cannot afford it and offers essential skills like computer basics to prepare them for a brighter future.

In a testament to his dedication, Tim taught the seminar entirely in Portuguese, a language he has recently learned. Sponsored by generous church members, the seminar was complimentary for a group of teenage competitors and also included participants from three other academies, along with their professors and students.

Over R$2000,00 reais were raised during the two-hour class. It was a memorable experience that highlighted how Jiu-Jitsu transcends borders, bringing people together and positively impacting communities.

Watch the video.

Front Bear Hug (over the arms) Escape by Kivian during a Self-Defense demo this Summer. 🥋

Edited by herself in her first job as a newly hired social media content creator for Crosley Gracie Jiu-Jitsu! 😆

Watch the video.

Congratulations to Graham Wilson, November 2024 Student of the Month!

Seven-year-old Graham began his Jiu-Jitsu journey in July 2023, and he has been a model student from day one. Graham brings focus and determination to every class, demonstrating coachability, kindness, and teamwork. His grit and resilience continue to impress!

In May 2024, Graham faced a major challenge off the mat. He, his mother, and his sister were involved in a serious car accident that required him to be airlifted to the hospital, where he underwent surgery and stayed for a week. Thankfully, everyone made a full recovery.

After two months away for recovery, Graham returned to training, welcomed back enthusiastically by his teammates, especially his loyal training partner, Harley. Graham picked up right where he left off, demonstrating the same determination and dedication that have always defined his journey.

Graham’s skills continue to grow, and his commitment to excellence makes him a true role model. Known for his focus and discipline, he consistently sets an example for his...

Congrats, Vinny Pool! Newest Kids Black Belt Club Invitee!

12-year-old Vinny began his Jiu-Jitsu journey at Crosley Gracie Jiu-Jitsu by attending the five-week Summer Camp in June 2023.

Once the Camp was over, he couldn’t wait to continue his training, but he had to sit for a few months on a priority waitlist to enter the Beginners 8-11-year olds program as the program was full.

He patiently waited and joined the year-round training in September. From the start, Vinny has shown great dedication, a competitive spirit, and an unyielding commitment to excellence.

With his perfectionist mindset, Vinny goes above and beyond, putting in extra work with teammates before class, pushing himself to the limit in conditioning, and bringing a quiet intensity to every lesson.

His presence elevates the room’s energy, inspiring others through his focused drive and relentless work ethic. He joined our 30-hour Summer Camp again this year, continuing to amass tremendous combat sports skills, including Muay Thai and Wrestling, disciplines included in the...

Join us in celebrating growth, dedication, and achievement at our 2024 Annual Winter Belt Ceremony!

Be part of this memorable event as we honor our students' commitment, perseverance, and accomplishments, who continue to grow as martial artists, individuals, and valued members of our community.

Invite your family and friends to capture this special milestone in your martial arts journey, surrounded by those who support and inspire you every step of the way: your teammates and instructors.

Please wear your full uniform. We look forward to celebrating with you!

YOUTH CEREMONY: 10:00AM

- Stripe Promotion

- Belt Promotions

- Best Attendance Award

- December's Student of the Month Award

- Student of the Year Award

- Semi-Annual Student Group Photo

ADULT CEREMONY: 12:00PM

- Stripe Ceremony

- Belt Promotions

- Best Attendance Award

- Student of the Year Award

- Semi-Annual Student Group Photo

We look forward to seeing you and your families on Dec 7th!

Continuing our mission to raise awareness and empower our community. 2024 Annual Women's Sexual Assault Prevention Seminar.

Check out the photo album.

Shout out to Muay Thai Program’s Coach Javier Bong and 15-year-old Cole Webb for testing themselves in El Cerrito this past Saturday during the IKF (International Kickboxing Federation) competition!

Cole’s match has to be interrupted due to a non-stop nose bleed after an aggressive strike exchange between him and his opponent.

Coach Bong overwhelmed his opponent with his speed and relentless cardio, winning both rounds of his bout.

Well done, team!!

Salute to all Crosley Gracie Jiu-Jitsu students who represented the team at Saturday’s tournament in Stockton. All 21 competitors fought with heart and resilience and upheld our never-quit standard in victory and defeat throughout the training camp.

I’m always proud of how our students and families stand out in the crowd by behaving with class both on and off the mat. CGJJA students behave with discipline and respect; when the match starts, they have blood in their eyes. Kind and dangerous!

Every time we compete, valuable lessons are revealed to both coaches and athletes. I see things we must work on as a Team. We had some newcomers locked in from the start, who are absolute sponges win Gold.

First time on the big stage! Impressive! We had other newcomers who got their feet wet, fought until the very end, and got to experience the high-pressure environment, managing disappointment and learning more dedication and commitment are required for success.

The sting of defeat is the motivation to work harder! We had others who hadn’t been on the top step for...

Join us in wishing our fantastic instructor, Okeoma, a Happy Birthday today!

Okeoma’s passion for teaching others is contagious, inspiring students and the team of instructors daily.

Recently graduated Black Belt at our Summer Belt Ceremony after 13 years of training, Okeoma can be considered the most dangerous CPA around!

Enjoy your day, sir, and thank you for your selfless contributions to the growth of our community!

We had an absolute blast celebrating Halloween with our youth students! It was refreshing to enjoy a night of costumes, games, and treats, sharing laughs and spooky moments instead of the usual drills, techniques, and sparring.

While we train hard together all year round, seeing the kids in costume and fully embracing the Halloween spirit was a fantastic reminder of the joy and camaraderie that unite us as a community.

Thank you to all the students and families who joined us for the fun—Happy Halloween!

Check out the photo album.

Watch the video.

Twenty years ago this week, on October 14th, 2004, I stepped onto the global stage, making my debut in Pride FC—one of the premier MMA organizations in the world at the time, alongside the UFC.

Pride was legendary, a breeding ground for iconic battles that shaped the sport and continue to be remembered by generations of fight fans.

After a triumphant MMA debut the year prior, where I claimed victory over the reigning Pancrase Welterweight Champion, I was honored with an invitation to compete in Pride Bushido 5 in Osaka, Japan.

My opponent? The feared Japanese knockout specialist, Hayato “Mach” Sakurai. With a formidable record of 23 wins, 5 losses, and 2 draws, Sakurai was regarded as one of the most dangerous Welterweights in the world.

I entered fight week with a deep sense of respect for my opponent, and his accomplishments, fully aware of the legacy I was stepping into. The weight of fighting not just for personal glory but to honor my ancestors lineage made the challenge even more profound.

MMA is a raw, unrelenting sport, and stepping into...

Congratulations, Luke De La Cruz – October 2024’s Student of the Month!

At just seven years old, Luke is the poster child for what discipline and dedication look like. This young warrior shows up on time, never skips class, and warms up with multiple teammates before instruction even starts.

He’s been training for just over a year and a half, but his growth has been nothing short of impressive!

Luke’s gained confidence, sharpened his focus, and dives into training with the kind of determination we love to see. Gone are the days of hesitating before matches—now, Luke steps onto the mat with a quiet intensity, ready for battle, no matter the opponent.

And after every round? No sweat. He’s back on the mat like a pro, mentally reset and prepared for whatever challenge comes next.

His calm demeanor might fool you—he’s not loud, but his eyes? Pure confidence. Luke soaks up every bit of instruction like a sponge, and his work ethic is downright contagious.

Other students who used to wait for class to start are now asking him to drill beforehand,...

Check out the photo album.

Kivian is in Orange County but not at Disneyland?! 😱

In Jiu-Jitsu, the real reward isn’t the black belt, but the journey—every challenge, every lesson, every moment on the mat.

The growth, resilience, and transformation happen through the struggles and victories along the way.

Embrace the process, because that’s where true strength is built. 💪🏼

Here, she walks down to attend her second seminar of this trip. I am proud of this young lady as her Father and Instructor for her dedication to the training. 🤩

Watch the video.

Watch the video.

Watch the video.

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Teen Orange Belts Kivian, Makena, Christine, Barron, and Gabriel trained hard this morning.

Seeing them enjoying an afternoon together out and about after class highlights the deep connections they have built over years of Jiu-Jitsu training.

Their shared pursuit of self-defense mastery and personal development has evolved into healthy friendships, fortified by triumphs, challenges, and the unwavering support they provide each other during their Jiu-Jitsu classes.

As an adolescent, there is no greater influence than being surrounded by peers who are kind and respectful, lead by example, have your back, prioritize a healthy lifestyle, and exemplify mental and emotional resilience.

These bonds, anchored in the ongoing pursuit of self-improvement, are a testament to the powerful experiences they share through Jiu-Jitsu.

But this is nothing new. Many of my closest friendships today were formed on the mat decades ago, reflecting the strong community fostered through this art.

True friendships withstand the test of time and distance. And these five...

Space is limited! RSVP here.

Our Kids Muay Thai program has recently reached full capacity less than two months since relaunch, a milestone that reflects both the dedication of our young athletes and the unwavering support of their parents.

The students’ consistent hard work and discipline have been inspiring, and we couldn’t be prouder of their progress.

We also want to extend our gratitude to the parents for their trust and encouragement, as their involvement plays a crucial role in the continued success of the program.

Together, we are building a strong foundation for future champions on and off the mat!

View the photo album.

Watch the video.

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Congratulations, Kivian Gracie! September 2024 Student of the Month!

Kivian, 14, has been a part of our Academy literally since birth. From being held as a baby behind the front desk to bouncing on the boxing ring ropes as a two-year-old with her signature pigtails, she has grown up immersed in the Academy.

Whether rallying fellow toddlers for playful adventures on the Muay Thai mats or practicing her first Osotogaris at just three years old in the 4-6-year-olds program, Kivian's journey in martial arts has been a remarkable one.

As she progressed through the 6-8-year-olds class, the Kids Black Belt Club, the 12-14-year-olds, and now the Adult Program, Kivian has embraced every challenge with enthusiasm.

Over the years, she has participated in nearly every extracurricular activity the Academy has to offer. This includes competing in internal tournaments, attending six youth summer camps (where she eagerly joins full-contact MMA sparring sessions), and participating in guest seminars, including those led by her cousins, Royler and Royce Gracie.

In...

Watch the video.

A heartfelt thanks to our students and families for attending our annual Potluck Party at the park! We truly enjoyed your company, and all the delicious homemade dishes you brought to share!

At Crosley Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, nothing compares to the pride we feel in watching our students grow in confidence and strength through their training—except perhaps seeing the connections they make amongst themselves along the way.

We hope you all had as much fun in the park as we did, and can’t wait for the next event!

View photo album.

A Discipline For Life

12-14-Year-Olds posing for a group photo after class

Top row (L to R)

Riley, Barrett, Juliette, Danny, Barron, Christine, Gabriel, Farrah, Genevieve, Amelia, & Ethan.

Middle row

Bryson, Ryuu, Lincoln, Mateo, Layla, Askold, Michelle, Joseph, & Avion.

Bottom row

Silas, Jocelynne, Dominic, Zara, Iyla, David, Ryder, Jude, & Evan.

Absent

Kivian, Makena, Greyson, Dean, Olivier, Arthgin, Colt, Madden, Nathan, Mason, Ian, and Johnny.

Congratulations, Jackson Sweitzer! Newest Kids Black Belt Club invitee!

11-year-old Jackson embarked on his Jiu-Jitsu journey in October 2023 with an eagerness to learn and a strong willingness to be coached.

From the beginning, he has demonstrated exceptional qualities as a student—focused, consistent, and disciplined. Jackson’s “all business” attitude not only drives his own success but also elevates those around him, all while keeping the atmosphere fun. He is always on task, quick to raise his hand, and ready to step up when the instructor needs a volunteer.

This young man is an outstanding athlete with an admirable work ethic. He consistently pushes himself to the limit during conditioning and is always willing to go the extra mile. Given these remarkable traits, it’s no surprise that his skills have rapidly advanced.

His recent participation in our annual Internal Tournament earned him a Gold medal, where he showcased poise, technique, and determination.

Jackson strikes a perfect balance between competitiveness and kindness, always looking...

"August 31st holds a special significance for me and Crosley Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. On this day in 2003, I achieved the second major life goal I had set out for myself in my teen years: step into the MMA ring as a third-generation fighter to carry on my family’s legacy.

My first life goal was to earn my black belt in Jiu-Jitsu, which I accomplished in February of the same year.

I vividly remember the day of the fight—waiting in the hotel room, Metallica blasting, and the anticipation building as I prepared to head to the stadium.

Although I didn’t know what to expect, I felt invincible, confident in the countless hours of training and sacrifice that had brought me to that moment.

Thankfully, my efforts paid off. I won a unanimous decision against the reigning Pancrase Welterweight Champion in a non-title fight.

That night, I was the happiest man in Tokyo. The most valuable lesson I took away from that experience was that hard work truly pays off."

- Professor crosley Gracie

...

The FUN is 7 DAYS AWAY!

Join us for a day of great company, food, and fun! Don’t forget your bathing suits, as the Brentwood Aquatic Park is next door!

- Rain or Shine

- All Ages Welcome

- Pets Welcome

- BBQ Area

- Music, Food & Fun

- Sand Volleyball Court

- Swimming Pool (entrance fee required)

- Children’s Play Structure

- Balloon/Face Paint Artists

This event is exclusive to Crosley Gracie Jiu-Jitsu students, friends, and families. Please RSVP and sign up for POTLUCK at the front desk!

We are looking forward to seeing everyone there!

Double-handed shirt grab escape.

Watch the video.

Watch the video.

This past Saturday, we witnessed the rise of a new generation of competitors! Over three hours of nonstop action unfolded, beginning with a comprehensive Sports Jiu-Jitsu rules review. This was followed by an incredible self-defense demonstration by Professor Crosley Gracie and his daughter Kivian that captivated both the crowd and competitors. The event culminated in several thrilling matches featuring competitors aged 4 to 14.

We thank all participants, parents, staff, and sponsors for contributing to a spectacular morning in Brentwood filled with empowerment and positivity.

View Photo Album.

A classic technique from the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Self-Defense System 🥋

Rear Choke Escape (variation when the attacker pulls back). The arm bar finish demonstrated here serves as one option, but remaining standing, and disengaging after the throw—to run away, for example—may be a better choice in certain scenarios.

Students: Kivian Gracie (14) - Orange belt Antonio Fortier (18) - Blue belt

Watch the video.

Our recently opened 6:00 AM class has been an enormous success, and we are pleased to finally offer this option to our students. Since its launch on the 6th, the class has been a hot ticket, with every session fully booked.

Why train first thing in the morning? Check out these five benefits of it:

1. Enhanced Mental Clarity and Focus

Starting your day with Jiu-Jitsu training is a powerful tool for enhancing mental clarity and cognitive function. Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, which helps sharpen concentration, attention, and overall mental acuity throughout the day. This can significantly boost productivity and decision-making skills at work or in daily tasks, putting you in the driver's seat of your day.

2. Elevated Mood and Stress Reduction

Morning Jiu-Jitsu training triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural mood elevators, often called "feel-good" hormones. This can lead to an improved mood, a positive outlook, and lasting well-being throughout the day. Additionally, engaging in physical activity helps reduce cortisol...

The Adult coed No-Gi Self-Defense Camp moves onto its last class this Tuesday, August 13th!

It’s been a fantastic two-month course, and we are pleased with the commitment of all participants.

We’ll see you back on the mat on Tuesday for the final lesson of the Camp!

Click here to view album.

Dear students, friends, and followers -

We are honored to have won the "Best Martial Arts Academy of Brentwood Award" for several consecutive years, and we couldn't have done it without your support. Now, we need your help to achieve this recognition once again!

Please take a few minutes to follow the link below to award the best businesses in Brentwood and include Crosley Gracie Jiu-Jitsu under the "BEST MARTIAL ARTS ACADEMY” category.

Thank you!

Begin voting here.

Jiu-Jitsu is like an ocean, vast and deep, where only a few truly learn to navigate its waters.

Instead of dwelling on when you began or where you currently stand, celebrate the fact that you’ve discovered this incredible art.

Every time you step onto the mat, you are transforming yourself, inching closer to the best version of who you can be.

While the ability to protect yourself and your loved ones is invaluable, the true gift lies in the journey itself.

Cherish the moments of self-discovery and personal growth that Jiu-Jitsu offers. Each class is an opportunity to understand more about who you are and what you’re capable of.

Savor the camaraderie, the friendships, the laughter, and the memories. Celebrate the small victories, both yours and those of your peers, who share this mission with you.

Don’t let the drive to improve and often unrealistic expectations overshadow the richness of the experience. Embrace all that Jiu-Jitsu provides, beyond just technical mastery.

Take in every class, every moment, and every emotion—whether...

Congratulations, Emmett Barbier! August 2024’s Student of the Month!

At just 11 years old, Emmett Barbier has become a familiar face at our Academy. His interactions span across all classes and even reach parents.

With over six years of training, he has dedicated more than half his life to the training, starting in the 4-6 year old class in 2018. His inquisitive mind was evident from the start, and he’s always ready to engage with the instructors.

Oftentimes, before class, Emmett will have a group of students around him, and he educates them on various topics, such as galaxies and black holes.

Emmett progressed to the 6-8 year-old class and later transitioned to the 8-11 year-old class. Last year, he was invited to the Kids Black Belt Club.

Emmett is a classic example of what happens when you keep showing up and trust the process. He has made so much progress year after year with not only his technique but also his confidence, his ability to receive coaching and be a good teammate.

Emmett is now seeing the benefits of all the years of...

Click here to view.

It’s time to party! 🎉

The most exciting 5 hours of our youth students’ year are just one month away! 🤩

Join us on Saturday, September 7th, for a day filled with music, delicious food, great company, swimming, and lots of fun at Veterans Park in Brentwood!

Our annual potluck party is open to students, family, and friends of Crosley Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. Come rain or shine, we’ll be gathering from noon to 5:00 PM at Structure D.

Don’t miss out on this last chance to enjoy the Brentwood Aquatic Park next door, which will be open for the final weekend of the season. Be sure to bring your bathing suits! ☀️

The potluck sign-up list is at the front desk. If you plan to join us, please RSVP by filling out the list with the number of family members attending and what you’ll be bringing. 😋

PARK AMENITIES BBQ Area (BYO Meat) Sand Volleyball Court Children’s Play Structure Aquatic Complex Next Door

EVENT ADD-ONS Music Balloon/Face Paint Artists Pets welcome (leashed)

Think FUN, and bring anything you like, including water balloons and games....

Last week, we had to say goodbye to a long-time and beloved student who is moving out of state.

14-year-old Jeremyah Villanueva started his Jiu-Jitsu journey at Crosley Gracie Jiu-Jitsu over seven years ago. From the start, he was a dynamic athlete with a shy demeanor and a kind/loving spirit.

We knew he was a special athlete when he dropped down and did 50 push-ups straight in front of the entire class as a 6-year-old! Impressive!

Since enrolling for classes in May 2017, Jeremyah has progressed from the 6-8-year-olds to the 8-11-year-olds program, to the Kids Black Club, and most recently, training in the 12-14 -14-year-olds program. Over the years, he has shown remarkable dedication to the discipline, consistently showing up, putting in work, and being coachable.

His confidence, skill set, and emotional control have all improved year after year. He has been a great teammate to all, creating deep friendships and treating the TEAM like family. His achievements, both in Jiu-Jitsu and wrestling, including winning a gold medal at the 2018 US Open, are a...

A massive shout-out to all the kids and parents who joined us for a special afternoon relaunching of the Kids Muay Thai Program yesterday!

As in the Youth Jiu-Jitsu program, our mission is to empower the next generation, foster physical strength, mental fortitude, and emotional resilience, and build a foundation of moral integrity and confidence through the classes.

We are dedicated to shaping our young warriors into adults who are morally prepared to face the adversities of life and ready to serve society.

Despite having just launched, we are nearly at capacity! Get in touch with us and one of our team members will be happy to get your child started with a trial lesson!

Stay tuned for more updates and highlights from the classes!

View photos.

The much-anticipated 6:00 AM Adult Jiu-Jitsu Program was launched earlier today, and we are happy to provide our students with new class options during the week. 🥋

Why train first thing in the morning?

Starting your day with Jiu-Jitsu training boosts mental clarity and cognitive function. It increases blood flow to the brain, which helps improve concentration, attention, and overall mental sharpness throughout the day. This can enhance productivity and decision-making skills at work or in daily tasks.

Morning Jiu-Jitsu training triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural mood elevators, often called “feel-good” hormones. It also helps reduce cortisol levels, the stress hormone, promoting better stress management and emotional stability.

Regulate your body’s circadian rhythm to feel more awake and alert during the day, and get more restful and consistent sleep during the night.

So get to bed early, and rise and roll with the 6:00 AM crew every Tuesday and Thursday at Crosley Gracie Jiu-Jitsu! 💪🏼

...

In Jiu-Jitsu, being mounted is a challenging and often uncomfortable position. Applying defensive priorities is crucial for effectively escaping and regaining control. When mounted, we must consider the following three phases:

- Survival: avoiding submissions and strikes

- Posture: protecting your neck and limbs

- Escaping: finding opportunities to reverse the position or return to guard

Defensive Priorities and Application

- Remaining Calm

Staying calm is essential. A calm mind allows you to assess the situation, identify weaknesses in the opponent’s control, and execute escapes more effectively. Calmness helps in performing techniques with precision and timing, rather than relying on brute strength, which is often less effective.

Panicking can lead to rapid energy depletion, making it harder to sustain defensive efforts and perform effective escapes, poor decision-making, and increased vulnerability to submissions. Instead, control your breathing to manage stress and maintain clarity of thought.

- Protecting Your Neck and...

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When children have high self-esteem, they don’t fall prey to danger. When children understand their worth and value themselves beyond their appearance, they become resilient against the influence of others.

Raising Kivian the Jiu-Jitsu way couldn’t bring me more peace than knowing that one day, when I may not be there to have her back, her lifelong Jiu-Jitsu training and all it encompassed will be her greatest ally out in the world.

I love training and “playing” Jiu-Jitsu with her. Here, we are drilling a few different techniques during a class in the Adult Program.

Watch the video.

Today, we celebrate not only Caeleb’s birthday but also his incredible journey in the world of Jiu-Jitsu. His passion, dedication, and enthusiasm light up our mats, and his ability to connect with students of all ages makes him an invaluable part of our teaching staff.

Caeleb exemplifies the true spirit of Jiu-Jitsu - strength, resilience, and humility. As he continues to pursue his goals and dreams, we eagerly anticipate all the amazing things his future holds. We are very proud of this youth student who turned into an assistant instructor and excited about what’s to come.

Here’s to many more years of success, growth, and empowerment! Keep shining, buddy!

Happy 16th Birthday!

It’s on August 24th!🥋👊🏼

We are thrilled to invite all first-time Crosley Gracie Jiu-Jitsu competitors to an exclusive event designed to ignite their competitive spirit and foster personal growth.

Who Can Participate

All Crosley Gracie Jiu-Jitsu white belts, ages 4-14, are encouraged to attend this event. It's an excellent opportunity for students to experience a competitive environment outside their everyday classes and benefit from lessons that competition can offer, including goal-setting and hard work, accountability, team spirit, managing success and disappointment, and more.

An Event for the Whole Family

Parents and relatives are welcome to attend and discover more about the sports side of Jiu-Jitsu. It is also the perfect time to gather relatives who usually can't watch their loved ones at practice to come in and witness them in action! Invite out-of-town relatives to witness their loved ones in action and share the excitement! A self-defense demo by our students in the Teens Program is also in...

Exciting News! Early Morning Adult Jiu-Jitsu Class Forming Now!

Have you ever wanted to join our Adult Jiu-Jitsu Program but couldn't because of your work schedule? Well, that's about to change! Starting August 6th, we are thrilled to introduce a 6:00 AM class, meeting every Tuesday and Thursday for an hour.

Five Benefits of Training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu First Thing in the Morning

1. Enhanced Mental Clarity and Focus: Starting your day with Jiu-Jitsu training boosts mental clarity and cognitive function. Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, which helps improve concentration, attention, and overall mental sharpness throughout the day. This can enhance productivity and decision-making skills at work or in daily tasks.

2. Elevated Mood and Stress Reduction: Morning Jiu-Jitsu training triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural mood elevators, often referred to as...

Exciting News! Relaunching Our Kids Muay Thai Program!

Dear Parents and Young Martial Artists,

We are thrilled to announce the relaunch of our Kids Muay Thai Program at Crosley Gracie Jiu-Jitsu! Starting Monday, August 5th, 2024, at 05:00 PM, we welcome children ages 8-13 to join us for an engaging and enriching experience in the world of Muay Thai.

Why Choose Muay Thai for Your Child?

Physical Benefits:

• Improved Fitness: Our program promotes cardiovascular health, strength, balance, and flexibility.
• Enhanced Coordination: Techniques in Muay Thai help develop motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
• Increased Stamina: Regular training sessions boost endurance and overall physical health.

Mental Benefits:

• Discipline and Focus: Muay Thai instills a sense of discipline and the ability to concentrate on tasks.
• Confidence Building: As children master new...

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Class #5 and 17+ hours of training elapsed.

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Listen to what our wonderful teen female students had to say during their belt promotions.

Congratulations, Sophia, Scarlett, Aubrey, Amelia, Karla, and Eliana!😃

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Juneteenth, now recognized as a federal holiday in the United States, commemorates June 19, 1865, when Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced the end of slavery in accordance with President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, which had been issued two and a half years earlier.

This day signifies the belated realization of freedom for enslaved African Americans in Texas, marking a pivotal moment in American history and the ongoing struggle for civil rights.

By designating Juneteenth as a federal holiday, the United States officially acknowledges and honors the contributions, resilience, and cultural heritage of African Americans while recognizing the importance of continuing the fight for equality and justice for all.

Such a fun class last night! Great vibe amongst everyone. We love Q&As, as specific questions by some students are often the same questions by other students of similar rank. Making it an efficient way to address flaws and improve. Stay inquisitive! 🧠

Last night may have been our largest Adult Jiu-Jitsu class of the year, with over 40 + students attending at once.

It’s exciting to see our students staying consistent and embracing one of the most vital Jiu-Jitsu mottos for success, “Keep Showing Up!”

This week, we’ll continue tuning up side control and the paper cutter choke & variations. Make sure to be back for more!💪🏼

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Being a father is embracing a sacred and everlasting calling.

It is to sow seeds of faith and wisdom.

It is to be the guardian and shepherd, committed to loving, guiding, protecting, and nurturing the souls who will shape the future of our world.

Wishing a blessed and joyful Father’s Day to all fathers who choose the righteous path, even when it is the most challenging.

Feliz Dia dos Pais!

Congratulations to Faith Phan ( and Gabriel Spreng (10), the newest Kids Black Belt Club members!

Faith, with her two years and five months of dedicated training, has earned the rank of Gray Belt. Gabriel, who has also been training for two years, recently achieved the rank of Yellow/White belt at our Summer Belt Ceremony.

What's more, both Faith and Gabriel come from martial arts families, with Faith's older sister Grace being a fierce competitor in our Kids Black Belt Club and Gabriel's older brother Donovan and sister Sophia excelling in the Adult Advanced class. They are outstanding role models, paving the way for the next generation!

Faith is all business on the mat, a direct communicator, quick-witted, and ready to bring it on after the handshake. When she presents a question, she must have an answer. She's assertive!

Gabriel has made tremendous progress in his focus and skill. He now has the skill set to train with the top dogs!

We, as teachers, are immensely proud of Faith and Gabriel's hard work and dedication to their training. We are...

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Being bullied can severely affect a child's or teen's self-image, social interactions, or school performance and can lead to mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, substance use, and even suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Signs of a child being bullied may be physical, emotional, behavioral, social, or academic. Short and long-term effects of bullying may also include:

- Stress

- Poor self-esteem

- Changes in sleep and eating patterns

- Poor relational skills

- Anger or frustration, and more

At Crosley Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, we train our students to carry themselves honorably and confidently. We teach them the necessary tools to resolve a confrontation with verbal assertiveness. Still, if the confrontation becomes physical, they are able to control the situation and defend themselves without hurting the bully.

Our Youth Jiu-Jitsu Programs not only provide our students with an efficient plan of action if they are bullied but also give any insecure person susceptible to being the bully the respect, confidence, and humility...

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Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, the hardest belt to achieve in all of martial arts.

It’s not the black belt that changes the warrior, it’s the warrior who changes to become a black belt.

It’s not the warrior who asks for it, it’s the belt that asks for the warrior.

L to R (Black Belt promotion dates):

Fernando S. Valdes - 2016

Justin Hoglůnd - 2012

Ryan Murphy - 2010

Crosley Gracie - 2003

Frank Yuen - 2022

Rick David- 2021

Bottom row:

Randy Pearson - 2023

Okeoma Ogbodo - 2024

Bernard Figueroa - 2024

Tim Toon- 2024

Tommy Gonzales - 2020

Chelsea Nalani Burgo - 2023

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Achieving side control in Jiu-Jitsu offers significant strategic advantages. Firstly, it provides a dominant positional advantage over your opponent, severely limiting their movement and ability to defend or counterattack.

From side control, the top fighter can apply incredible pressure strategically using their body weight, making it difficult for the opponent to breathe and move effectively.

This position is not about strength; it’s about efficiency. It allows the top practitioner to conserve energy by relying on positional dominance, forcing the opponent to expend energy in their attempts to escape.

This smart energy use also opens up numerous opportunities for the top practitioner to launch various finishing moves, including chokes and joint locks, such as the Armbar, Kimura, or Americana.

Additionally, side control allows for seamless transitions to other dominant positions like mount or knee-on-belly and even the opponent’s back, further maintaining control and pressure.

By controlling the tempo and dynamics of the match from side control,...

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Congratulations to all who leveled up! It was a beautiful day!

We are proud of your dedication and hard work!

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Congratulations, Harley Milhous! June 2024’s Student of the Month!

At five years old, Harley has been a dedicated member of our 4-6-year-olds’ Program for over a year. Being the youngest of four siblings who train (in addition to Daddy), he has many role models in his family!

Harley often wakes up after a nap and enters the mat with a readiness that shows his commitment. He meticulously ties his belt, ensuring he’s prepared before class begins.

Harley radiates joy, focused intensity, and a quick-witted humor that lights up the room. His positive energy is contagious, uplifting instructors, teammates, parents, and siblings alike. Harley’s friendly nature makes him a beloved member of his class and our Academy.

Balancing “work mode” and “play mode” easily, Harley strives for perfection in every drill, mastering the fundamentals with dedication.

He never misses a class, embraces coaching, and has fun while doing it all. His ability to laugh at himself when he makes silly mistakes is a testament to his wonderful spirit. With this winning attitude,...

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Join us in congratulating Crosley Gracie Jiu-Jitsu’s newest Black Belts!

Okeoma Ogbodo, Bernard Figueroa, and Tim Toon have spent thousands of hours on the mats over the past 12+ years since beginning their Jiu-Jitsu journey.

They epitomize dedication, patience, selflessness, loyalty, humility, and teamwork.

Welcome to the JIU-JITSU BLACK BELT club, gentlemen!

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"Whether you think you can or think you can't, you are right." - Henry Ford

62-year-old Richard (L) and 71-year-old Roy have been training for 4 and 10 years, respectively, and are seen in class as often as anyone else, averaging three weekly classes since enrolling.

Bravo!

Let’s give a big round of applause to the Hoffman family, the real MVPs of Crosley Gracie Jiu-Jitsu!

It all started when husband and father Rick decided to jump into the world of Jiu-Jitsu way back in 2006. Fresh out of the Police Academy and ready to rock the county jail, Rick joined the training to improve his fitness levels and learn combative skills.

And boy, did he dive in headfirst! Rick lost over 40 pounds during his first year on the mat, and for the past 18 years, Rick’s been not only raising a family under the Bushido (Way of the Warrior) code and keeping the peace in our streets but also mastering the art of Jiu-Jitsu, earning his black belt in 2021.

Talk about multitasking and achievement!

But wait, there’s more!

The Hoffmans aren’t just a one-person show. They’re a whole squad of Jiu-Jitsu enthusiasts!

Daughters Sariah, who’s been an assistant instructor for the Youth Program for several years, and Eliana and sons Josiah and Ezra couldn’t resist the family fun and joined the training over time.

And let’s not forget...

We appreciate the privilege of engaging with an exceptional community of dedicated families whose commitment to diligence on the mat is matched only by the joy they bring to our interactions.

The QU family is one of them.

Thank you, Yan, for entrusting us to lead your family through martial arts education and for taking the time to share this.

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Wishing all wonderful Moms out there a very Happy Mother’s Day today!

We treasure your constant support to our youth students, respect and admire your dedication and passion for the training as students, and hope you find yourselves spoiled with love this Sunday.

Tiny grapplers Graham and Harley honing their primal instincts, cultivating strength from within, and embracing their inner warriors!🐯

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Our commitment to fostering our students' personal growth and development extends beyond technical proficiency in martial arts.

Ultimately, we aspire for our students to embody the principles of Jiu-Jitsu both on and off the mat, becoming compassionate, resilient, and empowered individuals who positively contribute to their communities.

Thank you, Brenda, for entrusting us with training your family. It has been a true pleasure having all four of you as part of our student body for so many years.

All women were created equal… Then some learn Jiu-Jitsu

Catch these inspiring women and others training and empowering themselves on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 11:00 AM!

Congratulations, Farrah Pique! May 2024’s Student of the Month!

Since joining our Academy two years ago, Farrah, a dedicated and disciplined 12-year-old, has exemplified these qualities. Beginning in the 8-11-year-olds’ Program, her consistency and strong work ethic were immediately evident.

Her focused intensity during drilling became contagious. She and her “mat BFF,” Genevieve Brown, would drill before class, and suddenly, we had a group of eight students joining in.

They both continue pushing one another to the next level, now leading by example in the 12-14-year-old Program!

Farrah has been a trailblazer within her family, being the first among seven members to embark on the journey of Jiu-Jitsu! Older brother Julian, Father Fred, Mother Jasmina, Aunt Marlene, and Cousins Zarah and Iylia followed suit! This commitment is a testament to the disciplined culture within their family unit. They are ALL in! Great job of inspiring, Farrah!

Farrah is a poised competitor. She was a standout at our 2023 In-House Tournament and recently tested her...

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Countdown: Achievements unlocking…

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"Life has no remote. Get up and change it yourself." - Sarah Wilson

Join us in wishing a Happy 18th Birthday to our wonderful student-turned-Assistant Instructor Antonio Fortier!

Your enthusiasm and dedication to assisting in improving the lifestyles of our youth students make every day brighter here at Crosley Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.

Wishing you a lap around the sun filled with accomplishments, discernment, laughter, growth, love, and, of course, Jiu-Jitsu as you celebrate this special milestone.

Cheers!

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Check out last year's camp photos here.

Bullying & Rules of Engagement class video.

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Join us in congratulating our Jiu-Jitsu team on their outstanding performance at the tournament in Stockton this weekend! 💪🏼

To our gold medalists, your dedication, skill, and perseverance have shone brightly! Your triumph inspires us all to keep aiming for greatness.

To those who didn’t clinch gold this time, remember that setbacks are stepping stones to success. Your hard work and determination have not gone unnoticed. Keep training and pushing your limits. Your time to shine is just around the corner.

Our team brought home six gold medals and went 22-12, with 16 of those wins coming by way of submission.

We are proud of each and every one of our competitors.👏🏼

Gold Medalists: 🥇Scarlett Castillo 🥇Max Lucas 🥇Pia Dong 🥇Colton Ames 🥇Juan Pena 🥇D’Marcus Cooper

Check out the photo album here.

Congrats, Marianne, on completing the Beginners’ Program and earning her first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu stripe in class today!

Referred to the program by our long-time student and Assistant Instructor Sariah Hoffman, in just a brief span of a few months, it’s safe to say that soon-to-be 26-year-old Marianne Spekner already loves Jiu-Jitsu.

Since enrolling (after nearly a year of deliberating), she took on the challenge to learn the art with captivating positivity, dedication, and joy, often seen smiling and giggling throughout the practice.

She has purchased mats and a dummy to practice at home and religiously journals each class she attends. She can be spotted sitting by the ring, sometimes up to 40 minutes after the end of the class, documenting the material she just learned. As a graphic design student, she even draws the positions!

Admirable dedication!

Well done, Marianne! Keep up the phenomenal work, and may your journey in Jiu-Jitsu be filled with triumph and fulfillment!

Congratulations to the newest members of the Kids Black Belt Club (L to R) :

- Austin Enos (11)

- Tristan Ruddell (10)

- Jackson Eckler (10)

- Ashton Ruddell (

- Callen Macfarlane (7)

- Mason Scroggins (7)

This group of kids will bring a STRONG work ethic to the room. They have all worked extremely hard to be invited to join this elite group. They are the students who don’t miss class, put in the extra work, and are the first to raise their hands when a question is presented to the class.

Austin shows up and puts in the work. His focus has improved tremendously, and he’s as gritty as they come. He’s calm during victory and defeat.

Tristan is highly coachable and polite and aims to please. He’s a great teammate and has improved his focus and fundamentals dramatically. He and his brother Ashton recently signed up for our Summer Camp in June and are in for an additional 30 hours of combat sports training aside from their regular classes!

Jaxon is determined to outwork everyone in the room. He’s the first to ask teammates...

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Jeremy “Lionheart” Flauding attended grade school at Washington State, where he wrestled in junior high and high school. While in High School, Jeremy started taking Shotokan Karate. A year after graduating, Jeremy moved to California in 1996 and quickly found a home training Muay Thai at Concord Kickboxing Club under Daniel "Doc" Doctor.

In 1999, Jeremy would continue his Muay Thai training at what is now known as Combat Fitness under George "TNT" Tsutsui, one of the prodigy fighters from the world-famous Fairtex School of Muay Thai. Jeremy later transitioned from fighter to instructor, teaching Muay Thai for 11 years at a local martial arts school.

Undersized as a child, Jeremy began wrestling and weightlifting in the 8th grade. Growing up with movies like Kickboxer, Blood Sport, and Enter the Dragon, Jeremy had always been enamored with martial arts, but coming from a small town, there was little opportunity for exposure. Jeremy was exposed to the first Ultimate Fighting Championship through his first martial arts instructor, dramatically changing his view on...

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Our pint-sized Jiu-Jitsu champions posing for a photo after a fun and productive class!

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An adventurous life choice.

Tuesday, 04.02.24.

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Pre-registration is available for current students only. If you are not a current Crosley Gracie Jiu-Jitsu student, please check back on Friday, April 12th, to register or complete the Contact Form to enter our emailing list. Thank you!

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Stripes and smiles

Each Jiu-Jitsu stripe promotion represents a milestone in your journey towards mastery in terms of technical skill and personal development.

Congrats, Marlene (second from R), on your promotion tonight!

The first member of the Diaz family to join was Samuel, who trained in the Muay Thai program over 15 years ago.

Four years ago, Sam returned to join the Jiu-Jitsu Program and, shortly after, added their older daughter, Viviana, to the 4-6 Program’s waitlist. After waiting almost a year, Viviana stepped on the mat and has been training ever since.

Last Summer was little Samantha’s turn, and like her older sister, Sam waited on the waitlist to try out a class. She came, she saw, and she conquered! *check out the last slide photo taken right before she stepped onto the mat.

To our excitement, Stephany decided to take advantage of our Holiday Special and try the training for a month (and we LOVE seeing the Moms step up as role models and join the training to not only be an example to their children but to benefit themselves from all of the things Jiu-Jitsu training provides).

Stephany joined once the trial period ended and attends the Tuesday & Thursday evening Beginner classes.

Thank you, Stephany, for this review and for trusting us to share the...

A quick shoutout to second-generation Crosley Gracie Jiu-Jitsu student Josiah Hoffman (son of Black Belt Rick Hoffman) for bringing home some hardware from Woodside, CA, today. Well done, buddy!

“WHY DO I LOVE JIU-JITSU?”

Genevieve started her Jiu-Jitsu journey in February 2022 and has displayed passion and excellence from day one. She is coachable, drills diligently, is an active listener, and loves sparring. She is a leader, highly competitive and has a champion mindset!

Genevieve does a great job balancing hard work, focus, and fun in each practice. She trains three times a week, has developed tremendous skills over the past two years, and is currently preparing to enter her first large-scale tournament next month.

Genevieve continues to get better every week, and her work ethic and attitude is an example to be followed.

Way to go, Genevieve! Keep up with the great work!

Empowering young minds and bodies!

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Monday, February 26, 2024.

Congratulations to 11-year-olds Aria Qu and Austin Ha and 8-year-olds Jayden Ha and Ezra Danh on their invitations to our elite Youth Jiu-Jitsu Program, the Kids Black Belt Club!

This group has FOCUS and DISCIPLINE! All four of these students understand the value of being consistent, coachable, and putting in extra work. They make everyone around them better. They are incredibly respectful, kind, and well-mannered and will bring a newfound focus, discipline, and competitiveness to their new Program.

Aria was introduced to martial arts during our 2022 Summer Camp and has undergone an incredible transformation since then! She brings a welcoming spirit, makes everyone feel included, and is a friend to everyone in class.

Training since September 2022, Austin is often the first student to start drilling before class, creating a chain reaction that makes others follow suit.

Austin’s younger brother, Jayden, has been training for less than a year. He’s one of the rare students who earned an invitation to the KBBC so early on! Jayden leads by example. His...

On this day five years ago, our outstanding Assistant Instructor Antonio Fortier was earning his first Jiu-Jitsu stripe at 12 years old.

Since then, Antonio has put in the work! He continued to show up, worked hard, climbed the ranks, broke his arm at practice, catapulted his skills, won several tournaments in the Juvenile Division (16 & 17-year-olds), and has immersed himself in the art of teaching Jiu-Jitsu to the youth, a skill not even mastered by many black belts out there.

It’s been great witnessing this young man's progress as a practitioner, athlete, and now as an assistant instructor, helping improve the lifestyles of the next generation. Keep it up, Antonio, well done, sir!

Congratulations, Reed Thomas! March 2024's Student of the Month!

10-year-old Reed has been training for just over three years and is a student of the Kids Black Belt Club, our Elite Kids Jiu-Jitsu Program. Reed is always on task with a calm and focused intensity. He's a rule follower who is highly coachable and rarely misses class. As a result, his skill continues to improve at an accelerated rate.

Anytime the Instructors demonstrate a technique, we can count on Reed's full attention. His laser focus is contagious, and he drills with high intensity. When it is time to spar, Reed keeps his stoic demeanor regardless of how the match is going. He stays calm in the most challenging situations in a match, which is a must to get to the highest level of the art.

Reed is a competitive and dynamic athlete whose favorite takedown is the foot sweep. His playful side always comes out during games at the end of class; then he is full of emotion.

Reed's exemplary behavior makes him a terrific role model for his younger brother Keller, who is in the 6-8-year-olds'...

Brown Belts Bernard Figueroa and Tim Toon sharpening their weapons defenses in preparation for the coveted Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt.

Congratulations to our Intermediate Adult Jiu-Jitsu students, Thomas (23) and Andres (28) on their 3rd Jiu-Jitsu stripe promotions!

Both students started their Jiu-Jitsu journeys within a week of each other in early 2023 and have followed similar paths since then.

They train consistently two to three times a week, push hard during each practice, LOVE sparring, lost over 20 lbs. of body fat, and have developed vital grappling skills and a passion for training.

Don't become the 40-year-old who regrets not having started yesterday. Message us and feel great about starting today!

Way to go, sirs!

12-year-olds Genevieve Brown (bottom) and Farrah Piquet drilling open guard distance control and triangle choke setups to perfection tonight at the Teens Class.

They have incredible mat chemistry and continue to elevate each other’s game with their passion for the art, drive to succeed, and overall work ethic!👏🏼

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Last night’s seminar was nothing short of extraordinary, thanks to the enthusiasm and passion demonstrated by all participants in attendance.

The energy brought to the event truly elevated the experience, making it an enriching and memorable gathering.

On behalf of the organizing team, we extend our gratitude to all participants. Your presence made the seminar a resounding success, and we look forward to creating other opportunities to come together, learn, and inspire one another.

Thank you for being an integral part of our Jiu-Jitsu community.

Thank you, @realroyce, for the visit!

We did it again!

Thank you, Brentwood, for voting us the Best Martial Arts Academy in town for the 14th year.

Your trust and support in our services drive us to excel and strive for perfection daily.

Congratulations to our amazing staff: Crosley, Ryan, Fernando, Okeoma, Sariah, Antonio, Caeleb, Stefan, Javier, Lindsey and Sam. Thank you for your hard work!

We love meeting new prospective students and showing them the Gracie way to introduce Jiu-Jitsu into their lives.

As a third generation Self-Defense institution, Crosley Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is dedicated to preserving the original methods of teaching beginners, developed by Grandmasters Carlos and Hélio Gracie nearly 100 years ago, in 1925, when the first-ever Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy opened its doors in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Loski has since last week tried a class out and enrolled in the Co-Ed Beginners Program.

Thank you for sharing your initial experience, and welcome aboard Crosley Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, Mr. Eugenio.

Secret Santa Gift Exchange (drawing) week! 🎅🏼🎁

What will you GIVE this holiday season?

“Christmas Gift Suggestions: To your enemy, forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance. To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, a good example. To yourself, respect.“

- Oren Arnold

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Congratulations, Dean Macumber! December 2023’s Student of the Month!

13-year-old Dean started his Jiu-Jitsu journey early in 2020 in our 8-11-year-olds’ Program. He followed the footsteps of his older sister, Audrey, who was a force to be reckoned with on the mat for several years.

At first, Dean was very reserved while in class and still discovering his body’s capabilities. He has always been a kind, well-mannered student who aims to please and doesn’t want to disappoint.

In June of 2023, Dean earned his Yellow Belt after having put in consistent work, and the TRANSFORMATION was underway!

From that day forward, he has been more consistent, focused, diligent worker, confident, skillful, and aggressive in matches, and he is developing friendships on the mat.

Dean is a classic story of one of the superpowers of Jiu-Jitsu, CONFIDENCE! If one doesn’t give up, stays consistent, trusts the system, embraces the coaching, and puts in the time, the MAGIC HAPPENS!

Great job, Dean! We are proud of you!

Congrats to our female warriors Pia and Liz on earning their third and first stripes, respectively, today!

Congratulations to the newest members of the Kids Black Belt Club, Reed Thomas (10), Viviana Diaz (, and Jack Baker (7)!

These young Jiu-Jitsu practitioners will bring competitiveness, focused intensity, calmness, fun, leadership, and fearlessness to the room.

Reed has been training for almost three years. He's a hard worker who trains consistently! He's very polite, kind, focused, and always gives his best effort. Reed's always willing to put in extra work before class to improve.

At the end of Summer, Reed entered our Internal Tournament and displayed exceptional calm under pressure. We are excited to witness his growth in his new program!

Viviana is a natural leader who trains with a fearless tenacity. She does a great job helping the younger students and those with less experience. She completed 30 additional hours of training during Summer camp and displayed her fearlessness when in the ring for MMA sparring day.

She recently tested herself at the Jiu-Jitsu World League Tournament and fought with courage and heart for her first time on the...

Are you a Crosley Gracie Jiu-Jitsu student or a relative of a student? Don’t miss out on exclusive group offers and giveaways! Follow the link to join now: http://bit.ly/2xBXJ3h

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oin us in wishing Professor Fernando Valdes a Happy Birthday today!

Fernando has been training since 2004, and this December celebrates the 7th anniversary of his Black Belt promotion. He is Crosley Gracie Jiu-Jitsu's 4th Black Belt.

Professor Fernando teaches the Adult Intermediate classes on Monday and Friday nights and can typically be seen training on Tuesday and Thursday at the Adult Advanced classes.

Fernando's passion for teaching has taken him beyond the Jiu-Jitsu mat, as since earning his black belt, he took on a career as an elementary school teacher for the Brentwood Unified School District.

Lifelong wishes of good health, peace, and happiness, Professor! Enjoy your day!

Give the gift of Confidence!

Now through January 2, 2024, purchase this for yourself, a friend, or a relative, and they can try out either one of our adult programs (Jiu-Jitsu or Muay Thai) for one month (two classes a week).

*First-time students only. Purchase now through Jan 2, 2024 and begin taking classes as early as Jan 3, 2024. It must be redeemed before Jan 31, 2024, or it will expire. Call or email for an appointment after purchase. Non-refundable.

Limited packages available! Click here to purchase now.

Benefits of Private Lessons:

• Flexible Scheduling
• Accelerated Learning
• Targeted Skill Development
• Personalized Training Plan
• Sparring Time w/ Instructor
• Attention to Detail
• Instant Execution Feedback
• And Much More!

Purchase up to ten lessons per instructor and utilize them throughout 2024. Click here to purchase now!

*Current students only. Lessons must be booked and attended before 12/01/2024. Non-refundable.

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Seize this rare, time-limited opportunity to enjoy three months of the premiere Jiu-Jitsu program in town, including the uniform and registration, all at an incredible $350 discount (just $599)!

Offer valid for first-time students only. Only 10 available. First class must be attended in December 2023. Three consecutive months from the first class attended. Eight classes per month. Offer expires on 11/27/23 at 11:59 pm.

Click here to purchase now.

Moms and Dads training with their kids, siblings, neighbors, couples, and co-workers, bonding and investing in their health and well-being.

This is the Jiu-Jitsu lifestyle, and nothing is more rewarding for us than witnessing the strengthening of familiar laces and the development of new relationships through Jiu-Jitsu.

We are thankful for the blessing bestowed upon us to do what we love. We are thankful for our insatiable desire to keep evolving and learning new ways to reach and empower as many individuals as we can.

Thankful to our students, current, past and future ones, for being part of our journey in this lifetime. Happy Thanksgiving!

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To our wonderful staff, thank you for always going above and beyond to serve our students and making Crosley Gracie Jiu-Jitsu what it is today.

To our students and families, thank you for being part of our tight-knit community.

To our friends and followers, thank you for the ever-growing support!

Happy Thanksgiving!

We take great pride in introducing new individuals to Jiu-Jitsu training the right away.

In over 18 years of meeting local community members and introducing thousands of them to the training, we have developed an efficient system to learn what each individual is after, what they value, and what they prioritize before enrollment.

And sometimes, that may mean that what they seek is not what we believe in and provide.

While our job is also to educate prospective students and help them pinpoint exactly what they may need, an entitled, impolite, bad-mannered, "the customer-is-always-right" attitude will certainly not help them become students of our Academy, and as a personal opinion, likely won't help them develop the relationships to go as far in life as they could either.

Respect is the ultimate currency, and no amount of money in the world will make us overcome our beliefs, the respect we have for ourselves, our time, and the role our self-improvement institution has in society.

Thank you, Ismael, for the kind words, and we are happy to have you as...

The biggest SALES of the year!!!

• New Memberships
• Returning Members Specials
• Upgrades
• Uniforms, Training Equipment & Sparring gear
• Apparel (up to 50% off select items!)
• Private lessons and more!

Mark your calendar! This event is taking place from 1:00 to 5:00 PM only!!

Come on in and enjoy some snacks and refreshments while checking off your shopping list!

Watch the video.

Watch the video.

Help us collect new toys and gifts for kids up to 18 years of age to benefit the families in need around our community.

All donations to the Brentwood Regional Community Chest (BRCC) stay within the local area and go straight to more than 500 homes in Brentwood, Knightsen, Byron, and Discovery Bay.

Please stop by the barrel we placed next to the ring and drop off whatever you can. If your children train, involve them by adding the Community Chest to your Christmas shopping list this year and ask them to drop off the gifts themselves. By doing so, they'll feel pride and the positive impact of giving back to their community.

The barrel is set to be picked up on Monday, December 11th

Thank you!

At Crosley Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, we provide our youth students a fertile ground for development and growth to:

• ✅ Respect themselves
• ✅ Respect hierarchy and authority
• ✅ Believe in themselves unconditionally
• ✅ Trust the self-defense skills they are learning
• ✅ Trust their ability to execute those skills if needed
• ✅ Be accountable for their actions
• ✅ Not to victimize themselves
• ✅ Solve problems
• ✅ Not freeze up and panic when facing a difficult situation
• ✅ Be mentally strong when they may not be physically strong
• ✅ Grow up without fearing other children
• ✅ Be polite and well-mannered
• ✅ Listen when it's time to listen
• ✅ Stay humble and graceful in victory and defeat
• ✅ Manage disappointment
• ✅ Be part of a team
• ✅ Be positive, cheerful, and kind
• ✅ Morally prepared to face life’s adversities

What’s the monthly monetary value behind raising children to be equipped with the above?

Priceless.

Martial arts training is an...

Forty-seven athletes and the coaches' irritated throats the morning after; we are proud of every single student for stepping up to the big stage to not only test their technical skills, but to learn who they are and how they react in the face of pressure and adversity.

On Saturday, 33 Crosley Gracie Jiu-Jitsu students experienced a Jiu-Jitsu competition for the first time. While not every individual has what it takes to succeed in combat sports competition, taking chances to find out who we are is what counts in the bigger scheme of things. And Jiu-Jitsu tells us who we are every day.

Stay attentive to the hidden lessons each time you step on the mat, and embrace the self-discovery process. A new threshold unlocks each time a competitor completes a training camp and competes. The ability to push yourself when exhausted, execute techniques without thought, deal with pressure, and handle your coaches' critiques while trying to balance life's obstacles. PERSEVERANCE.

Your opponent will show you your weaknesses; the homework is to identify the flaws and turn...

Click here to view the photo album

Over the past 22 years I’ve been teaching, it’s become common to hear prospective students say, “I need to get in shape before I sign up.”

While the perception of Jiu-Jitsu by the average Joe is one of aggressiveness, blood, injuries, and violence, due to the UFC and because of its connection w/ the Gracie Family, for most by way of @realroyce’s performance in the first four editions of the event, the fact that you must be in shape to join has become a wide misconception.

First-timers indeed “don’t need to get in shape before getting in shape.” By that expression, I mean that Jiu-Jitsu training will get you in shape, and the most functional type of shape is FIGHTING SHAPE.

HOWEVER, and this is for anyone at any level in their JJ journey, supplemental training for cardio and strength can add not only to your Jiu-Jitsu performance but to your overall health.

After joining @crossfit over six years ago, I’ve been able to find a workout method that supplements my already healthy lifestyle with something new, consistent, and, in my opinion, complete for what...

Congratulations, Lucy Watson! November 2023's Student of the Month!

11-year-old Lucy is cool, calm, and focused! She has been training for just under two years after patiently waiting for six months on the waitlist.

Consistent from the start, she drills purposefully and always encourages her teammates. Her skill is accelerating rapidly, earning her the rank of yellow belt at our Summer Belt Ceremony in June. That same day, she was invited to the Kids Black Belt Club, where she continues to thrive!

Lucy has participated in our Summer Camp for the last two years. In both years, she did multiple MMA sparring rounds in the ring with calm alertness and executed her techniques with precision.

She stayed calm in the fray, utilizing some of the SUPER POWERS of Jiu-Jitsu: performing under pressure and solving problems under stress as they presented themselves in each match.

Lucy has been a great role model for her younger sister Penelope, who joined her for this year's Summer Camp. Penelope had been waiting for a spot to join the year-round training since...

This past Saturday, over 80 participants from around the community, varying from 14 to 69 years old, stepped on our mat to empower themselves.

From co-workers (especially nurses, many of whom leave their hospital shifts late), Moms and daughters, grandparents, siblings, and friends, we were pleased with the turnout and the participants' dedication.

It’s no news the world isn’t in harmony. While we can’t control others’ potential tyrannical behavior, we can control how well-prepared we can be should we ever need to reinforce and maintain our mental, physical, and emotional integrity.

In addition to discussing the psychology behind sexual assault by strangers and non-strangers broken down into phases and preventive strategies for each stage, the free two-hour class covered awareness and boundary-setting principles and escaping techniques standing and on the ground.

The class was a lot of fun, and we hope to see everyone back on the mat next time!😃💪🏼

Watch the video.

Highest Women's Seminar Attendance since we began offering this class to the community in 2010, with participants varying from 14 to 69 years old.

From co-workers (nurses who leave their shifts late), moms and daughters, grandmothers, siblings, and friends, we are pleased with the turnout and dedication of the participants.

This shows women are becoming more and more aware of the fact that setting boundaries but also being able to enforce them physically, if necessary, is an essential skill to have.

The world isn't in harmony, and while we can't control other's potential tyrannical behavior, we can control how prepared we are should we ever need to maintain our mental, physical, and emotional integrity.

A huge shoutout to our booking and teaching staff for running a seamless event. Thank you all who attended!😃

View the photo album.

Join us in wishing our fantastic instructor, Okeoma, a Happy Birthday today!

One of the most passionate Jiu-Jitsu practitioners we know, when Okeoma is not training or assisting with teaching a group class, you can find him helping the students and teammates between classes.

A true selfless warrior! Enjoy your day, sir, and thank you for all you do for our students!

Remembering over 15 years of Halloween festivities with our youth students! So many fun memories! 🎃🤩

Happy Halloween!👻

Watch the video.

This coming weekend’s seminar is sold out! Thank you to all 80 females registrants. We look forward to training with you all this Saturday, starting at 11:00 AM sharp!

See you on the mat!

Congratulations to the newest Kids Black Belt Club members, William Guevara (7) and Tyler Ng (11).

These students are developing the traits of a champion: They are disciplined, consistent, highly coachable, and make everyone around them better. Natural leaders! William and Tyler were both tournament standouts at this year’s In-House Tournament in August.

William steps on the mat with his fingers taped and always looks like he just left the barbershop! He puts in repetitions before class and is always the first to raise his hand when the Instructor asks a question. He’s exceptional, and his mind works fast!

Tyler spent ten months on the waitlist patiently watching his younger brother Nolan train from the sidelines. Once a spot opened up in our 8-11-year-old program, he took full advantage and rarely missed a class. Tyler is highly focused and kind and is often found drilling repetitions before class.

These two warriors will bring much energy and value to their new program! Keep it up, boys! We are proud of your hard work and look forward to witnessing your...

Congrats to our Muay Thai coach Javier Bong for winning his fight at last weekend’s IKF point Muay Thai event in Alameda, Ca.

Bong noticed his opponent’s strength was throwing knees from the clinch, so he used teeps and angles to keep his opponent within striking range of kicks to keep scoring.

In the second round, Bong picked up the pace with aggressive forward movement, adding a variety of hand combinations, knees, and kicks to earn the W.

25-year-old Bosah has been training since the Summer of 2021 and decided to join the competition at the last minute. He remained aggressive and composed throughout the entire fight, utilizing all of his weapons.

Bosah landed multiple clean straight crosses with body and leg kicks. He also swept his opponent a few times at the beginning of each round. In the clinch, Bosah dominated with a barrage of knee strikes to the body to seal his victory.

Well done, sirs!

The fact that the average male will always be stronger than the average female will never change.

But the belief that women cannot physically enforce their boundaries and come out on top against a stronger attacker, anywhere, anytime, has been outdated since the Gracie Family developed and shared Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with the world in the early ‘90s.

Be like Danielle and Krista. Break the pattern of old-school thinking and invest 2-hours of your time to learn REAL and MODERN self-defense and situational awareness skills.

Stay current with what’s available in regards to your safety and peace of mind. In two Saturdays, learn not only a handful of escaping techniques from standing and on the ground but also proactive preventive measures to avoid becoming a target in the first place.

Over 60 women have registered for our annual Self-Defense Seminar on November 4th. Don’t wait, it will sell out!

Follow the link to learn more :...

The passionate and talented Jiu-Jitsu student and instructor Okeoma testing for his black belt

• First class in 2011
• Blue Belt promotion in 2013
• Best Attendance Award in 2015 (185)
• Purple Belt promotion in 2016
• Best Attendance Award in 2017 (189)
• Brown Belt promotion in 2019
• Best Attendance Award in 2021 (226)
• Black Belt promotion in ….?

A family that trains together…

• Sets the example for their children
• Strengthens trust and respect
• Builds quality family time
• Develops yet another way to bond
• Learn more about one another
• Motivate and encourage each-other

Parents Jessica and Yan started their martial arts journey in the Summer of 2018 in the Muay Thai program. One year later they both decided to start their Jiu-Jitsu journey and made it their primary self-defense class.

Jessica and Yan stayed tethered to the training during the pandemic when many quit, religiously attending the classes we hosted live via Zoom.

Last summer, Jessica and Yan enrolled then 9-year-old Aria, and 15-year-old Amelia, who have always been wonderful students. Both were very dedicated from day one, always showing up with a smile on their faces and ready to work.

Such willingness to challenge herself has earned Aria the Student of the Month award for the month of June this year! Just a little over a year ago when beginning her journey, she had made very clear...

Denver Seminar as part of the annual @roycegracienetworkofficial gathering. Thanks to all brothers and sisters of the sword for attending, and sharing your energy. Always an exciting time reuniting with old friends and making new ones. Watch the video.

Join us in wishing our incredible administrative coordinator, Lindsey, a Happy Birthday today!

Often, the success of a martial arts academy is measured by the consistent quality of instruction, its instructors’ skill level, and the welcoming and supportive atmosphere on the mat.

But no success would be possible without the diligent hard work behind the scenes done by the front desk staff.

Thank you for your excellent work ethic and dedication in being not just the bridge between the local community’s interest in our programs and the instruction on the mat but also for being the positive, reliable, attentive, and kind staff member to our current students and their families.

Enjoy your day!

P.S.: Lindsey is now a blue belt and will squeeze your neck for an extra second if your dues are late

"Activities and sports like Hockey, Baseball, Soccer, Gymnastics, Girl/Boy Scouts, etc... are all great hobbies and pass-time activities, and I let my kids choose whatever activities they want.

I categorize swimming lessons differently; swimming is a life skill and non-negotiable in my house.

Sooner or later, my children will be exposed to water (be it a pool, lake, river, or ocean), and not having basic swimming skills and confidence around the water will hold them back and could be potentially fatal. They don’t need to be Olympic swimmers, but they need enough basic skills to tread water and survive ideally and are competent enough not to be nervous or fearful around water.

Now, apply that same filter to martial arts. It’s a great sport with all the benefits of traditional sports, but it also teaches self-defense, which is an essential life skill. In your child’s lifetime, they will almost certainly face the threat of physical violence (often unavoidably and through no fault of their own).

When you are attacked, just like in the water, it doesn’t matter...

“Giving your son a skill is better than giving him one thousand pieces of gold.”

On her last day as a 13-year-old, I’m proud beyond words of my sidekick for embracing the lifestyle, the networking with others on the same path as her, and the “invisible” growth she may not yet able to see but will most definitely feel as an adult.

Great times on the mat last night in Denver! Thank you to all who attended my seminar as part of the Annual Royce Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Network Gathering.

It’s always an inspiring experience to be surrounded by so many passionate practitioners from around the country and abroad.

Click here to view the photo album.

CONSISTENT TRAINING is, without a doubt, the most important aspect of athletic success and forward progress. Even a poorly designed or random training program will produce results if followed consistently and training occurs regularly.

A four-day-per-week plan followed with energy and precision is better than a 5-day-per-week plan that leaves you tired, and unmotivated and adversely affects other areas of your life.

Consistency doesn't just apply to the frequency of workouts, but how consistently you adhere to the workout format. It's no surprise that those who follow their plan precisely are the ones who see the greatest improvements in performance.

SCHEDULE time for your workouts as you would any other appointment. Don't try to fit them in haphazardly; put workouts on your calendar or have a set time each day. A good Instructor will help you make the most efficient use of your training time and can customize a plan to fit your needs and lifestyle.

Each workout must have a purpose, consistently moving you forward.

Train HARD, train SMART, and...

Watch the video.

2023 Annual Defensive Tactics and Weapons Retention Seminar. Thank you all LE officers who attended the class this past Saturday.

Watch the video.

Two Black Belt Club warriors who met the age/skill parameters being welcomed by their new teammates of the 12-14-Year-Olds’ Program 🤝🏼

Welcome to the more advanced Teens Program, Kevin Loadholt, and Jayden Parks!💪🏼👏🏼

Watch the video.

A few promotions last night in the 6-8 Year Olds’ Program :

• Faith Phan (, training since Jan 2022
• Mason Scroggins (7), training since June 2021
• Grace Rivera (7), training since Feb 2023

Well done, ladies and sir!

Next Saturday, 09.30.23 from 1100-1300 hours‼️

2023 Annual G.R.A.C.I. E.™ Defensive Tactics & Weapons Retention Seminar.

This seminar is exclusive for active duty law enforcement and military personnel. It’s the perfect opportunity for officers who have never trained in Jiu-Jitsu before to get a feel for what the Jiu-Jitsu approach can do for you on the field.

DETAILS

The seminar is 100% hands-on and will last approximately two hours. Wear comfortable workout clothing (bring your duty belt).

MATERIAL

• ✅ Closing the distance and clinching on a suspect who’s trying to hit you
• ✅ Takedowns
• ✅ Escapes & defensive strategies from the bottom position
• ✅ The “21-feet rule”
• ✅ Transitioning from submission holds to cuffing

👉🏼 To register, call (925) 634-6958 or click here to register online now.

Jeremyah, Danny, Noah, and Kivians, teammates of the 12-14-Year-Olds’ Program, are tearing it up in middle-school Wrestling! They are about to get on the mat at Edna Hill for their last competition this season for Bristow MS. — at Edna Hill Middle School.

Congratulations to the newest Kids Black Belt Club members!

• Caroline Scroggins
• Noah Bedgood
• Caleb Bedgood
• Mackenzie Ventura

These students have put in the work! They have all taken the training seriously since enrolling, maintained consistent attendance, and made Jiu-Jitsu a priority while participating in other competitive sports.

Caroline (9) has had extreme focus and has been a remarkable student since joining in June 2021. She carries herself with poise and strives for perfection. Caroline always has well-thought-out technical questions. She is always thinking! She does a great job of balancing her Jiu-Jitsu training with her competitive dance schedule.

Noah (11) has made tremendous progress since day one! He’s learned about respect, worked hard on improving his technical skills, and has developed an extremely coachable mindset. He’s become a leader in the Beginners 8-11 year old Program. You can always find Noah getting in more repetitions before class. He's highly competitive, doesn't miss a class, and often, he and...

Watch the video.

Join Professor Crosley Gracie on Friday, October 13th, as he teaches another one of his world-class seminars as part of the 2023 Annual Royce Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Network Gathering.

Royce returns to Denver to host his annual gathering 30 years after stepping into the Octagon on November 12th, 1993, for the first-ever UFC.

The 4-day event will be held at the Embassy Suites Downtown Convention Center at 1420 Stout St, Denver, CO 80202.

Other greats who will be sharing their combat sports knowledge are:

- Kenny Johnson (Thurs, 10/12 at 6:00 PM)

HS/College All-American Wrestler/MMA Coach

- Royler Gracie (Fri, 10/13 at 10:00 AM)

ADCC/IBJJ Hall of Famer

- Leticia Ribeiro (Sat, 10/14 at 10:00 AM)

Multiple-time Jiu-Jitsu World Champion/ IBJJF Hall of Famer

- Fabricio Morango (Sun, 10/15 at 10:00 AM)

Jiu-Jitsu World Champion/Former UFC Fighter

To register, please get in touch with Chandra Wheeldon at chandra4ksports@gmail.com.

Embassy Suites group rate:...

Thank you, students and families, for joining us for our annual Potluck Party at the park! It was a blast!

For us at Crosley Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, the only other equating feeling that comes from knowing our students are feeling more confident and empowered with the training every day is witnessing all the relationships that are being built amongst them in the process.

Click here to view the photo album.

13-year-olds Kivian Gracie, Noah Binsol, and Danny Castorena demonstrate 26 escaping techniques from some of the most common street attacks, such as punches, kicks, bear hugs, and chokes, during our In-House Tournament.🥋

Well done, guys!👏🏼

Watch the video.

Congratulations, Thane Bray! September 2023's Student of the Month!

6-year-old Thane has had great focus since his first trial class over one year and a half ago. Thane steps on the mat with the attitude, "I'm here to work!" He shakes the Instructors' hands and looks directly into their eyes with a serious and prideful glare, displaying quiet confidence.

Thane immediately puts in extra work before class. Sometimes, he is working on break falls, drilling with a partner, or continuously jumping jacks until it's time for class to start. ALL BUSINESS!

Thane's focus is infectious; his focused mindset spreads throughout the class. He is respectful to his teammates, is always up for challenges, and perseveres when things become difficult. He is one of the first students with their hand raised to answer a question or to demonstrate a technique.

At our Belt Ceremony in June, Thane was awarded the rank of Grey/White belt, and more recently, he received the Gold medal at this year's Internal Tournament. Hard work and focus get results!

Great job, Thane! We...

12-14-Year-Olds Program’s student Danny Castorena bringing in his “unorthodox” Jiu-Jitsu style to middle school Wrestling🥋

Watch the video.

One of the most beautiful aspects that young students enjoy when they join our Jiu-Jitsu programs is the camaraderie created among the team.

Camaraderie instills mutual respect, trust, and a sense of well-being in a team. It brings a sense of closeness that forms a strong bond between teammates. Ultimately, it is this friendship and loyalty that they have for one another that helps them work together towards a common goal.

As instructors, one of our primary goals is to cultivate camaraderie within our students. The mutual trust and friendship that they develop while training will give them positive memories that will last a lifetime, allowing them to build strong relationships in the future.

Our students spend hundreds of hours practicing on their teammates per year. They work and play hard together, get tired, and sweaty, and share emotions of failure and success daily. Many times making friends through Jiu-Jitsu leads to lifelong relationships with teammates from childhood, high school, and college. Some of my closest friendships to date developed through the...

20 years ago today, on August 31st, 2003, I stepped into the ring to be part of @pancrase_official’s 10th Anniversary Event held at the historic Ryogoku Kokugikan Sumo Arena in Tokyo, Japan to realize a personal dream, enter an MMA ring to fight and continue my family’s legacy.

Facing the current welterweight champion (non-title fight) and the #2 ranked middleweight who had a record of 29-15-9 at the time on my debut was, in every sense of the word, a challenge.

But I knew when starting preparation for the fight three months before that he was not hungrier than I was, that he would not train harder than I was planning to, and that he would not sacrifice more than I was willing to during training camp.

The thrill of accomplishing my second life goal (the first being earning my black belt) was unexplainable.

Watch the video.

JIU-JITSU FOR MOMS

Moms are awesome for many reasons. They are selfless and put everyone in the household ahead of themselves. They give and give without expecting much in return.

But sometimes, this selflessness and dedication to others can create stress and anxiety that sometimes can’t be cured with just regular exercise.

Feeling awkward and out of place in a male-predominant activity is absolutely normal. But like everything else in life, you’ll get over these mental obstacles over time.

Jiu-Jitsu training is the ideal activity for any Mom, not just because it’s the most realistic and effective self-defense system in the world today, but because it is purpose-giving, stress-relieving, physically empowering, and helps improve physical, mental, and emotional health. It’s also challenging and fun, allowing Moms to have their own “me time.”

Moms are passing things down to their kids all the time. Why not give them the gift of a confident role model with a healthy dose of self-respect? Why not show them through your actions how a leader...

Click here to view photo album.

Another memorable Saturday at Crosley Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is on the books! 😃

Congratulations to all the competitors who challenged themselves at our Annual In-house Tournament yesterday. It was a great day of Jiu-Jitsu display in Brentwood, and we are proud of our warriors for challenging themselves in competition!💪🏼

Special congrats to the award winners:

• 🏆Arthgin De La Cruz (Fastest submission)
• 🏆Farrah Pique (Tournament standout)
• 🏆Makena Mathews (Match of the day)
• 🏆Cole Webb (Match of the day)

Shout out to our sponsors:

• Campos Development
• Mata Leao Real State Investments
• Grant & Lewis Lease Administration

Watch the video.

There's a new Gracie in the Middle school Wrestling circuit! I am proud of my warrior princess for stepping up to learn and compete in the world’s oldest sport. 🤼‍♀️

With only seven practices before the competition, she showed she’ll be a force to be reckoned with! I’m excited about all the benefits this incredible combat sport will bring her, including improved mental toughness, durability, athleticism, and grit.

Her imminent improvement in Jiu-Jitsu will be nice to see as well.🥋

If your child has the chance to wrestle, don’t think twice. Enroll them. It’ll be a great supplement to their Jiu-Jitsu training and character. 💪🏼

- Professor Crosley Gracie

Watch the video.

A pleasant memory from 1999, months after my relocation to the U.S. from Brazil to pursue my dreams.

From L to R, Uncle Carlson, Troy, now the head instructor of @carlsongracieoc, Franco de Camargo, one of the pioneers of Jiu-Jitsu in Orange County-Ca, and myself as a purple...

Teens’ Jiu-Jitsu program students Noah, Jeremyah, Kivian, and Danny getting ready for their first Wrestling tournament at Bristow this afternoon. Go get them, guys!

13-year-olds Kivian Gracie, Danny Castorena, and Noah Binsol practice a street Self-Defense routine they’ll demonstrate this Saturday during our Kids' In-house Tournament. Great job, lady and gentlemen!😃👏🏼

Watch the video.

Coach Javier "Bong" Ramos and his two sweet yet fierce teenage daughters, Aubrey (L), and Addy (R).

Bong was born and raised in the Philippines until his parents moved the family to Guam at 9, then to California at 10 years of age.

As a highly active child, he played sports every day. He remembers being inspired by the Street Fighter video game character Ryu, a worldwide hit in the early 90s.

Bong's Martial Arts journey started at 13 when he began training under the Grand Master Lay Wing Sung at Buk Sing Choy Lay Fut Kung Fu Academy in Fremont, CA.

While a student, he learned multiple forms, weapons (long staff and spear), and the demonstrations necessary to attain his Green Sash in 3 years.

Bong played High School Basketball and Football and wrestled for Mission San Jose in Fremont, CA.

With much dedication and hard work, he was a finalist at every wrestling tournament.

While in college for Engineering at San Jose State University, Bong started weightlifting to supplement his athleticism.

After becoming a Dad at 22, he did...

Concluding another Adult No-Gi Summer Camp. Two months, 16 classes, and 20 hours of pure Jiu-Jitsu for Street Self-Defense.

This year in special we witnessed couples, Dads and sons, and a 68-year-old grandma join her 14-year-old granddaughter join the course and strengthen their relationship bonds by learning together.

We are now back to our regular Gi curriculum for Beginners on Tuesday and Thursday from 7:15-8:15 PM.

Check out the photo album here.

It’s PARTY TIME!

Join us for a day of great company, good food, swimming, and lots of fun at the Veterans Park in Brentwood on Saturday, September 9th, for our annual Potluck Party!

This event is open to students, families, and friends of Crosley Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. It's rain or shine, and we'll be there from noon to 5:00 PM on Structure Group A.

Make sure to bring your bathing suit!

• Rain or Shine
• All Ages Welcome
• BBQ Area
• Music, Food & Fun
• Sand Volleyball Court
• Children’s Play Structure
• Balloon/Face Paint Artists

If you plan to attend, RSVP and sign up for POTLUCK at the front desk.

The Veterans Park is located at 3841 Balfour Rd. in Brentwood, Ca.

Monday, August 14th, 2023. THE “GOOD OLD DAYS” ARE NOW!🥋

Enjoy the process, enjoy the camaraderie of your teammates, enjoy your instructors, enjoy the beatings, the victories, and the daily lessons.

Enjoy whatever stage in your Jiu-Jitsu journey you are in.

From beginners to advanced, you are exactly where you should be; the good old days are now! 🤩

Watch the video.

Dear students, friends, and followers -

Thanks to you, we have won the Best of Brentwood Gold Medal award for the past several years, and now we need your help to do it again! Please take a few minutes to follow the link below to award the best businesses in Brentwood, including Crosley Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, under the "BEST MARTIAL ARTS ACADEMY” category.

Obrigado!

Begin voting here

Purple belt Reed Wilson supplementing his already strong Jiu-Jitsu game with some strength and conditioning training, w/ @_gabby_smith Smith at @greygroupfitness_cftakedown

He now joins another 6-8 students who joined the nearby Crossfit affiliate and are embracing the LIFESTYLE outside the mats.

Being fit is a mindset first and foremost. Live a fit physical and mental lifestyle 24/7, not just Jiu-Jitsu twice weekly. Don’t just come to class; train hard and give your all, and ruin it all by not staying on the path when outside the mat. Use your Jiu-Jitsu training to motivate you to stay on course after the class ends, and you walk out the door.

Train Jiu-Jitsu, do other forms of cardio, weight...

Become a beacon of inspiration.

Elizabeth, Aaliana, and Pia after class this morning.

Congratulations, Aaliana, on completing the 12-week beginners’ program and earning your first stripe!

11-year-old Colt has been a dedicated student from the start. He has maintained an enthusiastic attitude in the five years he has been a student at the Academy. COMMITMENT!

Colt is coachable, a great teammate, kind, and has been a positive role model for his younger sister Mattingly, who is currently thriving in our 4-6-year-old class. He paved the way!

Colt is always eager to do the right thing and takes pride in putting in the work. He has a way of quietly encouraging his teammates and getting the best out of them during drilling sessions.

Colt has progressed through the Youth Programs. Starting in the 6-8-year-ols, moving on to the 8-11-year-olds, and most recently moving into the 12-14-year-olds' program. Colt also balances his Jiu-Jitsu training with his competitive baseball schedule.

We have witnessed Colt's focus, athletic ability, and confidence continue to evolve year after year. He puts in the work, and he is seeing the results!

Great job, Colt! Keep up the outstanding work!

“Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.”

It is with Dr. Seuss's quote in mind that we say goodbye tonight to our long-time student (13 years) Vandit as he moves away from the Bay Area.

We are grateful for your company on the mats all these years. May the Jiu-Jitsu force be with you!

It’s on, Saturday, August 26th!

We are back building another generation of competitors with our Annual Kids In-House Tournament!

We are looking forward to seeing all beginning Crosley Gracie Jiu-Jitsu warriors “getting their feet wet” in this small-scale Jiu-Jitsu competition.

Invite your relatives, and bring your cameras to catch all of the action! It will be a great day of fun, with a Self-Defense demo, sport Jiu-Jitsu rules recap, lots of matches, awards, and more!

Follow the link for registration here.

*Exclusive to CGJJA students

Thank you to our sponsors:

- Campos Development

- Mata Leão Real Estate Investments

- Grant & Lewis Lease Administration

Tomorrow! The Adult No-Gi Self-Defense Camp continues with Lesson 14/16.

We’ll see you on the mat!

Are you in your 30s or 40s and think you are too old to start training? We bet that purple belts Roy Rios (70) and Joe Vernazza (59), seen here chatting after yesterday’s morning class would disagree!

If you train, how old were you when you started your Jiu-Jitsu journey?

Sixty empowered children with a plan of action against verbal AND physical bullying.

In over three hours, we:

• Worked out
• Listened to stories and gave advice
• Discussed the psychology behind bullying
• Shared ways to improve situational awareness
• Gave tips to help minimize the chances of getting picked on
• Talked about carrying ourselves w/ honor and confidence
• Went over easy-to-follow steps to address verbal bullying
• Reiterated to NEVER ignore a situation that makes them feel uncomfortable
• Watched videos of the techniques in action in real-life street fights
• Drilled controlling techniques standing and on the ground
• Did full-resistance partner drills

Well done, ladies and gents!

Click here to view photo album.

12-year-old white belts Ethan, Arthgin and 13-year-old yellow belt Noah earned their stripes upon completing the 30 hours of Summer Camp training last month.

The dedication and hard work of these three fellas since enrolling in the program is admirable.

Not only did all three of them hold an attendance record above the average for the Youth Program, they learned to embrace the culture of showing up, and giving their all during conditioning, technique-drilling, and sparring.

They are the epitome of success, as shy teens who had no skills and have transformed themselves into respectful, hard-working, confident, and skillful Jiu-Jitsu practitioners less than 12 months later.

Well done, sirs! We are proud of you!

Keep it up!

Congrats, Ella (Yellow/Black belt), Josh (Orange/White belt), and Ethan, Arthgin, and Noah (stripes), on your promotions following the completion of all 30 hours of training in the Summer Camp! Well done, everyone!

Join us in wishing a Happy 15th Birthday to the former US Open Champion, Student of the Year award winner, and the latest addition to the teaching staff, Caeleb Stanovich!

Caeleb is a Jiu-Jitsu lover who, since starting training at the age of 7, displayed consistent work ethic, politeness, and a desire to excel.

After completing the 100-hour Instructor Certification Program in the Spring and officially becoming a Crosley Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Assistant Instructor, he’s now sharing his passion for Jiu-Jitsu with the younger generation and sharpening his own skills in the Adult Program.

Enjoy your day, champ!

Click here to view photo album.

What a month for 8-year-old Nolan Ng. First, July’s Student of the Month award, and now an invitation to the Kids Black Belt Club.

Nolan will bring a diligent work ethic to the program and is sure to catapult his skills in our elite Youth Jiu-Jitsu Program!

Well done, buddy!

Watch the video.

Join us in wishing a Happy Birthday to our founder, program director, and head instructor, Professor Crosley Gracie! Thank you for being a true inspiration and visionary leader for our team. Have a delightful day! Cheers!

Congratulations, Nolan Ng! July 2023’s Student of the Month!

Eight-year-old Noland is a student who has discipline! He enters the mat and greets the Instructors with a shy smile and calm demeanor, all with the watchful eye of Mom, Dad, older brother, and little sister, who is a star at the Academy.

Shortly thereafter, his classmates crowd around him. When we give Nolan a task, we can count on him putting in the work to master the skill. He is a great teammate who doesn’t get distracted when others are off track.

Nolan is always quietly doing the right thing. His focused mindset is contagious! Nolan is respectful, kind and makes everyone around him better. This is why everyone lines up to be Nolan’s partner. They know he is on the path of discipline.

After ten months of training and consistently attending all classes, Nolan’s skills and confidence have grown tremendously. We are excited to watch him continue to excel.

Great job, buddy! We are proud of your hard work and commitment!

Click here to view the photo album.

Concluding our 15th annual Youth Summer Camp yesterday with a crowd’s favorite, MMA Sparring Day!💥🥊

After 5 weeks and 30 hours of pure street readiness training, our warriors have improved their fitness levels, confidence, and self-defense skills, learned/reviewed the plan of action for bullying, should they ever become victims, AND had a blast (like us)!😃

Giving every child that comes to us the weapons to help them fight against the potential tyranny of other children and the world in a disciplined, supportive, and safe environment is our #1 mission.💪🏼

Thank you, all participants!

Watch the video.

19-year-old Aaliana Miranda first started her Jiu-Jitsu journey with us nearly 15 years ago when she trained for about a year. Yes, she was little! 👧🏼

She returned to Jiu-Jitsu three months ago and has been attending the Adult No-Gi Summer Camp religiously. 💪🏼

Here, she’s seen working on establishing side control as part of Class #9 of our 16-class camp with long-time purple belt student @kbake307, helping her with the technique.

Kyle is helping her with adjusting her body weight distribution, shoulder pressure on the jaw, and knowing when to brace and post when losing her balance as a result of her opponent’s efforts to flip her over.

We are always thrilled to meet new students and excited to guide them through the Jiu-Jitsu journey, but there’s something special about seeing former members return to the training. No matter how old they were then and are now, or how long their hiatus was.🤩

Watch the video.

“By working hard, you get to play hard, guilty-free.” - Jim Rohn

Join us in wishing a Happy 21st Birthday today to our beloved student and assistant instructor, Sariah Hoffman!!

Thank you for being so dedicated to our mission of empowering our youth students to be their best version every day! Our littles couldn’t have a better role model to look up to!

Enjoy your day!

Watch the video.

Watch the video.

The post-Summer Belt Ceremony 12-14-Year-Olds

Standing L to R:

• Professor Ryan Murphy
• Farrah Pique
• Sophia Spreng
• Cody West
• Colt Johnston
• Gabriel Avecilla
• Vinny Ramirez
• Clay Andrews
• Maria Clara Rebordao
• Allie Phan
• Cole Webb
• Arthgin De La Cruz
• Greyson Cervantes
• Ethan Larosa
• Michael Ventura
• Jay Bryant
• Professor Crosley Gracie

Knees L to R:

• Caeleb Stanovich
• Barron Saeparn
• Ella Ausmus
• Genevieve Brown
• Dominic Yeom
• Leila Milhous
• Lincoln Milhous
• Daniel Ludwig
• RJ Harrell
• Sofia Anderson
• Christine Nguyen
• Kamila Aldaco
• Dean Macumber
• Makena Mathews
• Juliette Rush
• Olivier Marti
• Danny Castorena

Not pictured:

• Zachary Matthews
• Kivian Gracie
• Charlotte Busman
• Madeline Wilson
• Noah Binsol
• Mateo Schwab
• Jeremyah Villanueva
• Hailey...

Click here to learn more.

Our Youth Summer Camp continues on! Class 5 of 9 is in the books.

We are proud of the 50 warriors putting in 3.5 hours of work each time, and getting results!

Check out the photo album here!

Watch the video

Class #3 - Taking the back & Rear naked choke

Watch the video

Being a Dad is taking on a divine and eternal responsibility.

It’s to plant roots.

It’s to be the warrior who takes on the mission to love, discipline, protect, and watch over the formation of the nation's future.

A Happy Father’s Day to all Dads out there who do what’s right, not what’s easy.

It’s our responsibility to lead by example and raise strong humans for this less-than-harmonious and fair world.

Watch the video

Feeling too old for Jiu-Jitsu?

Six years ago yesterday (06/14/17), then 8-year-old Calleigh was enrolled in the Youth Jiu-Jitsu Program by her Grandma Candy.

Since then, Candy has become one of the most frequently seen faces in the school as Calleigh participates in EVERY extra-curricular activity we host, such as our annual Summer Camps and individual lessons, and rarely misses a group class.

Such commitment has earned Calleigh an unprecedented Highest Attendance Award for four years in a row.

Now at 14, and having been part of three different Youth Programs (Beginners 8-11 yo, Kids Black Belt Club, and the 12-14 yo), Calleigh was recently moved up to the Adult Program.

This past Tuesday, Grandma enrolled Calleigh in our 8-week No-Gi Camp to get extra training and learn the No-Gi curriculum.

While praising Calleigh to Candy that day for her dedication, Candy joked around that she should join Calleigh in the 16-class course. Or was she joking?

Regardless, that was all I needed to hear!

After a little push, Candy joined the class...

Watch the video

39-year-old Chelsea Burgo’s Jiu-Jitsu journey began when she was 6 years old at her Dad’s Brad Burgo Dojo, Bay Isle Judo & Jiu-Jitsu Club, where she trained until she was 13.

Fast forward to her 20s in 2010, and working as a front desk receptionist at the UFC gym in Concord, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program was launched. She found a friend to join the program with, and she never looked back.

In 2017, Chelsea started her own Jiu-Jitsu program in Alameda, where she lives and has since submerged herself in learning the intricacies of running her own martial arts academy, @gracie_jiujitsu_alameda, and morally preparing students of all ages to serve society.

Chelsea was a fierce competitor during the first half of her journey and has acquired extensive experience in that aspect of Jiu-Jitsu. Among her main achievements in competition are:

• 2011 American Nationals:🥇
• 2011 US Open:🥇
• 2013 Abu Dhabi Trials:🥇
• 2013 All-Stars:🥇
• 2013 American Open:🥇
• 2013 US Open:🥈
• 2014 US Open:🥈
• 2014 US Open...

Congratulations, Aria Qu! June 2023's Student of the Month!

10-year-old Aria started her Jiu-Jitsu journey at last year's Summer Camp with encouragement and guidance from her parents, who are both Jiu-Jitsu blue belts.

The combat sports world was completely new and foreign to the then-timid and soft-spoken Aria. She was very nervous, but faced her fears, was optimistic, and was willing to give the camp her best (with one condition, she didn't want ANYTHING to do with live training)!

Throughout the camp, we noticed Aria's confidence building, and she started believing in her technique. Her coordination, athletic ability, and conditioning improved after every session.

After completing the 30 hours of Summer Camp and earning her first stripe, Aria joined our year around Jiu-Jitsu program. She was more confident and comfortable on the mat since completing the Summer Camp as long as she didn't have to spar!

Three months later, it all changed! The much more confident Aria decided to challenge herself and test her skills by jumping in for sparring!...

Thank you to all families who have expressed interest in our Summer Camp. We are sold out!

Make sure to hurry up & register for the Adult No-Gi Summer Camp while spots remain available!

• 8 weeks
• 16 lessons
• 20 hours of material

Follow the link to learn more, and sign up today!https://bit.ly/GracieCamps

Congratulations to the eight students who earned their Kids Black Belt Club invitations this past weekend at our annual Summer Belt Ceremony!

From L to R:

• Lucy Watson (11)
• Julius Tapia (7)
• Camille Grant (
• Noah Magpantay (7)
• Gwen Diethelm (9)
• Evah Efros (9)
• Jase Macfarlane (9)
• Hudson Macfarlane (10)

Criteria to enter the Kids Black Belt Club

• Above-average attendance
• Technical proficiency
• Diligent work ethic
• Positive attitude and behavior
• Willingness to help others in class
• Be a team player
• Never-quit attitude

Summer 2023 Promotion Gauntlet, featuring two new Black Belts!🥋

Congratulations to (in order as appears on the video):

• Randy Pearson (66)- Black Belt
• Chelsea Burgo (39) - Black Belt
• Troy Tamashiro (41) - Purple Belt
• Anthony Fama (24) - Blue Belt
• Jenica Wilson (39) - Blue Belt
• Karla Peña (17) - Blue/White Belt
• Johnny Salmeron (27) - Blue Belt
• Zach Dawson (15) - Orange Belt
• Miguel Rodriguez (39) - Blue Belt
• Dustin Ruddell (51) - Blue Belt

Watch the video

We are blessed to have the most rewarding job in the world. We are inspired every day by our students’ drive, passion, and willingness to be vulnerable on the mats day in and day out.

We witness children of all ages overcome their fears and insecurities and develop the confidence needed to succeed in this less-than-harmonious world.

We witness teens with little to no social skills, some victims of bullying, become assertive, self-assured athletes and respectful and patient young adults.

We witness adults ranging from 18 to 70-year-olds taking chances, overcoming personal difficulties, challenging and learning about themselves, and becoming their best version while pursuing mastery of Jiu-Jitsu.

Truly the best job in the world. We thank our students for their resilience, perseverance, and commitment lessons. We are lucky to be surrounded by many outstanding citizens from all walks of life on a daily basis.

Well done, everyone! We are very proud of each of our students. A quick shout-out to our staff for working diligently to prepare for the event and ensure it ran smoothly. Thank you, students, parents, and relatives, for your continued trust and support in our work. See you in December for the Winter Belt Ceremony!

Click here to view the photo album

Congratulations to our beloved long-time student Randy Pearson on his Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt!

66-year-old Randy attended his first class in 2010, and despite being one of the oldest students in our Academy, he has displayed tremendous consistency and dedication to the training since day one.

In the last year and a half, Randy could be seen drilling the required Street Self-Defense curriculum diligently before and after his group classes, helping fellow brown belts master the material before testing for their Black Belts.

His discipline is admirable and has inspired all of us at Crosley Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, the staff and students.

Thank you for being an example, Randy; we are very proud of you! This achievement is nothing short of amazing!

Watch the video

Watch the Video

Concluding another productive day improving public health in East Contra Costa County.

Thank you to our students and the local community for trusting and supporting our work year-round.

Your belief in our ability to guide you through the Jiu-Jitsu path, allied with your unmitigated faith in yourself, is all that is needed for success.

The saying Jiu-Jitsu isn’t for everyone is false.

Jiu-Jitsu is for everyone.

What is not for everyone is the willingness to pay its price.

The willingness to stay patient and trust the process.

The willingness to sacrifice comfort.

The willingness to embrace the discouraging days and understand that without accepting and being at peace with them, the rewarding days will never come.

We’ll see you on the mat tomorrow!

13-year-old Kivian Gracie (L) and 14-year-old Calleigh Maldonado posing for a picture after sparring for 10 minutes, immediately after their class.

These two Jiu-Jitsu BFFs have been training together since Calleigh was invited to the Kids Black Belt Club back in late 2019, which Kivian was already part of.

Since then, they both have been direct training partners in that program, then the Teens Program, and now also in the Adult Program.

To see these ladies’ passion and determination to improve by often sparring after the class (in a class that’s already physically demanding) is admirable.

As it is in life, when we surround ourselves with those on the same mission as us, the tendency is for the path to become less difficult, more fun, and more rewarding.

Calleigh has been training since the Summer of 2017 and has maintained an impressive attendance record since enrolling, participating in every Summer Camp we hosted, attending dozens of private lessons a year, and earning the best attendance award for the Youth Program the last four years in a...

Smiles from the warriors of the 4-6-year-olds’ program.

You can try to teach children anything you want, but unless they understand what’s expected of them behaviorally during learning time, they will never retain the material. Most importantly, they will never respect the environment they are in.

We teach our youth students to learn by enforcing (every single time there’s a “slip”) what we allow and what we don’t allow on the mat. Children are children, and while the training should always be fun, there must be a very clear message about when it’s time to play and when it’s time to learn.

Earning their respect, first and foremost, is paramount for building an organized and successful youth team. That respect is earned by staying consistent with the rules, praising them when praise is earned, holding them accountable when they make wrong choices, and rewarding them for their efforts.

Historically, youth students at Crosley Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, 99% of the time, end up accepting what’s expected of them and get used to behaving that way for as long as they...

12-year-old Jayden started his Jiu-Jitsu journey six years ago. Jayden is a kind-hearted young man, easygoing, soft-spoken, and patient. He has a good sense of humor, is a math Wizard, and has shown tremendous grit and dedication along his journey.

Jayden has always been a good teammate, hard worker, and his focus has improved immensely over the years. He always enters the mat with a smile and radiates kindness.

During the lockdown in 2020, Jayden stayed tethered to Jiu-Jitsu by participating in our online Zoom classes. He would practice with his younger sister and patiently wait for her as she ran around the room and randomly attacked him! DEDICATION.

In June 2021, Jayden was invited to the Kids Black Belt Club. After joining this elite group, Jayden increased his focus and intensity and developed stronger bonds with his teammates. He and Barron Saeparn enter the zone when partnered together during class. They drill at a fast pace, with perfection, while giving each other feedback.

With Jayden’s high-intensity drilling, he is now reaching a higher skill...

Caeleb Stanovich started his Jiu-Jitsu journey in 2016 at the age of 7.

His kind and thoughtful characteristics were quickly noticed when he joined our 6-8 year olds. He was coachable, a hard worker, and a good listener. He improved the class dynamics by always doing the right thing and being on task.

Eight months later, Caeleb's exceptional behavior, consistency, and work ethic earned him an invitation to the Kids Black Belt Club. A rare feat for any white belt student to accomplish.

He immediately paid his dues; being a smaller student with less experience, he was the nail for a while. During this phase of his journey, he started developing a passion for Jiu-Jitsu and a deeper bond with his teammates. Seven years later, Caeleb is still close with many of them; he is even in contact with a couple who have left the state.

In 2017 Caeleb's hard work and grit started to surface when he won gold at the American Jiu-Jitsu Cup after testing the waters at the U.S. Open in 2016.

A inspirational experience for Caeleb early on in his journey was attending...

Crosley Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy Mother's Month Special

Get one month of jiu-jitsu training + uniform for $199 ($380 value). Special ends May 31st, 2023.

The Jiu-Jitsu community serves a much more meaningful purpose than most understand. With that said I recorded this video to explain what that means, especially after losing a beloved friend and Jiu-Jitsu black belt to depression this week.

Our beloved Dave has lost the most important “match” of his life, to depression.

While many of us can’t and probably will never comprehend how anyone with so many positive things in life going for themselves can fall victim to it, the fact is that anyone can.

I am very sad to see that the great Robson Gracie Snr, father of my teacher, Renzo Gracie, has passed away. Years ago Mr Robson Gracie would periodically come up to New York to see his son and stop by the blue basement. When he came we were all expecting a fire-breathing dragon given the nature of his sons! We were completely wrong.

Thank you, Dustin, for taking the time to share your training experience. We are happy to have you as part of of our student-body!

51-year-old Dustin Ruddell has now been training for about 18 months and has become one of the highest-attendance students of the Adult Jiu-Jitsu program.

Join us in wishing our beloved youth student turned assistant instructor Antonio Fortier a Happy Birthday today!!🎉🎈

What to say about Antonio? Check out a post we made a month ago

Congratulations to the newest Kids Black Belt Club member, Laney Waters!

8-year-old Laney joined our program in August of 2021. She has been consistent, coachable, a hard worker, and an excellent teammate. Laney enters the Academy with a huge smile regardless of the kind of day she is having and politely suggests to the Instructor different warm-up options or game options for the day. 😁

G.R.A.C.I.E. Defensive Tactics and Weapons Retention Seminar for Law Enforcement

May 20, 2023 | Saturday at 11:00 AM

Exciting news! 🎉 Registration for the most popular Self-Defense Summer Camp in Contra Costa County is NOW OPEN! Head to the link to learn more, and sign up today! 👉🏼 http://bit.ly/GracieSC23

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

Happy Easter!🙏🏼

Kivian, Smile!😆

Tomorrow at 11:00 AM, @roylergracie brings a lifetime of combat sports knowledge and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu history to Brentwood, Ca!

Today marks #WorldHealthDay, an event dedicated to highlighting the importance of human health.

However, in truth, your health should be a priority EVERY day!

Congratulations, Frankie Thomas! April 2023's Student of the Month!👏🏼

Frankie started her Jiu-Jitsu journey just after her 5th birthday. She was very soft-spoken and somewhat hesitant about Jiu-Jitsu.

Join us in wishing our beloved instructor Ryan Murphy a Happy Birthday today! 🥳🎈

Growing up in the Gracie Family, was growing up w/ a unique philosophy about food.

The Gracie Diet was created by my grandfather Carlos Gracie to ensure our bodies’ PH was maintained at a slightly alkaline state, inflammation-free, making it practically impossible for diseases to occur and thrive.

Soothing the soul in my birthplace with nature, family, childhood friends, workouts, fruit-filled meals, and tranquility.

It is my personal philosophy that the more time I spend by nature, be it by breathing the cold air from the mountains while snowboarding or jumping in a lake or the ocean for a quick energy cleanse no matter the temperature, the stronger and more well-balanced my body, mind, and spirit become.

Very few things in life equal to the feeling of training with childhood friends. @glauciomota8 @helisamurai

A Dad asks another: “Why do you spend so much money with training and tournaments and are always running around to make your son learn how to "fight" Jiu-Jitsu?"