Gracie Barra Yorba Linda - Yorba Linda, California

nobody important

I am not sure how this establishment is around but this gym survives off new members who don’t know anything about the sport getting scammed. The youth instructors all have creepy vibes. Mario and Lester, I wouldn’t want those guys babysitting my children. Carlos is the biggest scammer I have ever encountered in my life. The dude exaggerates his Brazilian accent which gives him a couple extra degrees on his self promoted black belt. His only accolade is beating up on other 35 year old hobbyists in the elderly division. There’s a video on YouTube of him getting handled by a high school wrestler with a 20 pound disadvantage. Embarrassing how a high school wrestler can stifle a 5th degree black belt or whatever you made yourself up to be. You are an embarrassment to the sport of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Don’t believe what I have to say? Go through their instagram/social media and see how they are only retaining their creepy instructors. CULT.

Travis Patterson

I grew up with martial arts, so when my youngest daughter showed an interest I wanted her to learn a style that she could actually use to defend herself. BJJ in an actual equalizer. Instead of a martial art where size strength play a huge factor (striking based), BJJ allows someone who is smaller to actually defend themselves - you really need to see it to believe it. It’s a perfect fit for my daughter.

Once I settled on BJJ the real challenge was to find a studio with excellent teachers and greet students. There are a lot of BJJ schools - really something for everyone. When you find amazing instructors they really shape the culture of the studio.

I was looking for a studio with good instructors, that made BJJ both fun and effective. Also, I was looking for classes that had a nice mix of boys and girls. After checking dozens of local schools - even branching out and checking other martial arts schools - I finally found Gracie Barra Yorba Linda.

Not enough can be said about how great of a culture Professor Carlos has created. The classes are a perfect mixture of both boys and girls, new and experienced, work and fun. There is definitely an emphasis on discipline and individual responsibility reinforced with a smile and great attitudes. Professor Lester and Professor Mario each bring different instructing styles, both bring energy and enthusiasm for the sport. Their contrast greatly enhances the Overall experience. The camaraderie at the studio makes everyone feel welcome and like they are family.

Visit and see for yourself.

(I focused on the kids classes in this review, but the adult level classes are excellent. The same instructors provide a very personal and hands on approach. It’s a very welcoming group all around.)

Dean Kim

Solid instructions!! I took advantage of their free trial lesson and I was very impressed. Compared to the other places I've trained, I'd say Gracie Barra is among the most thorough technical instruction.

If you have never trained and want to learn or you have little ones, you should check this place out. No "meat heads" and family friendly.

Ultimately, I chose another gym because I wanted to keep developing my striking but if you're interested in pure BJJ, I highly recommend Gracie YL

Temple Stratton

Gracie Barra Yorba Linda Jiu Jitsu is getting my best of recommendations! This class has it all. It is what you are looking for in your training. The instructors take time to go over the techniques in detail and make sure everyone is getting top training. I have been impressed with the training program but even more importantly the staff. Professor Carlos and Coach Chris have the gift of being able to instruct and teach each student to be their best and learn great self defense techniques of Gracie Jiu Jitsu. There is so much to learn, having great teachers is so very important!

Marc M

This is a great location to train and learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Professor Carlos is not only a world class athlete but also great instructor. The atmosphere is friendly and I have a great time every time I go there. The classes are challenging and fun for all levels of fitness.

Ed Park

Master Carlos does a great job instructing the kids. Its surprising how much a 3 year old can learn. I grew up learning Tae Kwon Do and I think BJJ (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu) is a superior discipline. Like other martial arts, jiu jitsu teaches discipline, builds self confidence, and provides physical activity. Whats different is there’s a high focus on technique and thinking rather than repetition. I highly recommend this studio for anyone lookig for a BJJ studio.

Kate Rivas

This is a great place to learn, exercise and make friends. I always enjoyed getting ready to go train. They also make you feel so proud of yourself when you earn another stripe on your belt or even get the next belt color. They also make sure that you know the techniques/self defense through and through so that you don't have a false sense of security. The owner, Carlos, also holds occasional potlucks so that members can get to know each other better and feel relaxed in an environment that is a home away from home. ~Kate

Daniel Holguin

I have been with the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu program at Gracie Barra Yorba Linda for over an year and have recently received my blue belt, that's quite an achievement for me, I am 70 years old. As I reflect on the past year I realize two things. One, the excellent instructors will help me to be the best that I can be, if I just put in the time and effort. Also, the program is a journey with the destination of achieving the black belt status. But for me the journey is as important as the destination. Staying in shape and maintaining my weight while learning Jiu-Jitsu is great physically and mentally. But the best part of this journey is being around the instructors and other students.