BJJ Academies in California.
California is the densest U.S. BJJ market and the literal annual finish line of the IBJJF Grand Slam season — IBJJF Worlds has been held at the Walter Pyramid in Long Beach every year since 2007. The state's role in U.S. BJJ history starts in 1989, when Rorion Gracie opened the first U.S. Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Torrance after years of garage classes in Hermosa Beach. Four years later, Rorion co-founded the UFC as a showcase for the family's style.
Today multiple sport-defining HQs sit inside California. Gracie University HQ is at 2440 W Carson St in Torrance. Gracie Barra Headquarters sits in Irvine (14988 Sand Canyon Ave). Atos Jiu-Jitsu HQ is at 4810 Mercury St in San Diego — Andre Galvão's team relocated from Rio Claro, Brazil to San Diego in 2010. 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu HQ runs out of Downtown LA (1314 S Grand Ave) under Eddie Bravo. Cobrinha BJJ & Fitness sits at 4929 Wilshire Blvd in Mid-Wilshire under Rubens "Cobrinha" Charles. Art of Jiu Jitsu (AOJ) opened in Costa Mesa in 2012 under the Mendes brothers (411 E 17th St). Ralph Gracie SF (1166 Howard St, SoMa) opened in 1994, with a Berkeley branch added in 2005.
The competition calendar runs heavy: IBJJF Worlds at the Walter Pyramid in Long Beach, the IBJJF American National Championship at the same venue, and the ADCC West Coast Trials.
Los Angeles
San Diego
San Jose
San Francisco
Sacramento
La Mesa
National City
Santee
Alpine
Bonita
Chula Vista
Costa Mesa
Del Mar
El Cajon
Lemon Grove
Poway
Ramona
San Marcos
San Ysidro
Solana Beach
Tournaments and seminars in California.
Los Angeles Convention Center - South Hall J · Los Angeles, California
This IBJJF International Open tournament runs in Los Angeles, California, contested under IBJJF gi rules across all belts, weights, and age divisions.
Los Angeles Convention Center - South Hall J · Los Angeles, California
This IBJJF International Open No-Gi tournament runs in Los Angeles, California, contested under IBJJF no-gi rules across all belts, weights, and age divisions.
Los Angeles Convention Center - South Hall J · Los Angeles, California
This IBJJF International Open Kids tournament brings youth competitors to Los Angeles, California under IBJJF gi rules across all belts and age brackets.
Harry West Gymnasium · San Diego, California
This IBJJF International Open tournament runs in San Diego, California, contested under IBJJF gi rules across all belts, weights, and age divisions.
Harry West Gymnasium · San Diego, California
This IBJJF International Open No-Gi tournament runs in San Diego, California, contested under IBJJF no-gi rules across all belts, weights, and age divisions.
Harry West Gymnasium · San Diego, California
This IBJJF International Open Kids tournament brings youth competitors to San Diego, California under IBJJF gi rules across all belts and age brackets.
SAFE Credit Union Convention Center - Hall A · Sacramento, California
This IBJJF International Open tournament runs in Sacramento, California, contested under IBJJF gi rules across all belts, weights, and age divisions.
SAFE Credit Union Convention Center - Hall A · Sacramento, California
This IBJJF International Open No-Gi tournament runs in Sacramento, California, contested under IBJJF no-gi rules across all belts, weights, and age divisions.