Ralph Gracie Jiu-Jitsu

A great gym to train BJJ in the East Bay. Everyone I encountered was friendly and supportive in helping me to learn. Even advanced black-​belt competitors did not display egotism, but rather were gentle but firm with beginners, encouraging them to get fit and build foundational skills to practice sport jiu-​jitsu.
Training BJJ is not cheap, but of course I think it’s worth it. This gym does not exceed the market value based on other gyms I’ve been to, and they do not require a long-​term contract. I was offered a free trial month after paying the $ 40 joining fee, and I made good use of that. When I needed to cancel my membership due to leaving the area, I had no problems cancelling my month-​to-​month agreement.
Judo classes with senseis Barry and Newton are included in the cost of membership, and are well worth taking. An easy five out of five recommendation for Ralph Gracie Berekely.

My kids are taking Judo classes here. We started with a groupon deal and decided to stay. The trainers are great and don’t give the kids short cuts. My kids like to blow some steam here and I like when they come back home more relaxed and saving their fights for next day because they are exzusted.

A great gym, with high level guys. I came from Renzo Gracie in NY and didn’t skip a beat here! I feel at home and it’s nice to have an instructor that is competing on a regular basis, makes the instruction more relevant.
This kid’s classes look like a blast, with warmups that are engaging and fun. The adult classes are a perfect balance of cardio and technical.
If you are looking for top level training in Berkeley/​Oakland I would suggest this place in a heartbeat!

Being very expensive is beyond the point. The children’s 5 – 15 yr old class is a very unorganized helter-​skelter zoo of kids. The actual «Jiu-​Jitsu» instruction is VERY weak and minimal. The children are not properly shown or taught about the most basic moves and what the objective of each is. Keep in mind some of these basic moves are still very technical and require alot of practice and PROPER instruction. The kids are shown once, maybe twice and left on their own to roll around aimlessly. Whether the instructor has a wealth of knowledge or not has no relevance, you either know how to teach the art or you don’t and it is the latter with this place, maybe it’s different for the adult class.
Parents, you are better off taking your kids to a playground or ACTUALLY putting them on a soccer team (the first 25 – 35 minutes of class three out of five days a week, the kids ranging from 5 – 15 yrs of age play indoor soccer, as their warm up, with literally 20 – 25 kids including the instructor and a few parents running around trying to score on each other, all trying to kick at a small soft soccer ball, with most of the younger kids staying out of the mix on the sides, very unsafe with bare feet and just plain ridiculous.) Soccer is soccer and Jiu-​jitsu is something else, we are paying very high membership fees for Jui-​jitsu NOT indoor soccer! You would also think with the amount of money this place makes they could at the least, afford to pay a couple more instructors to help out. This is not the case.
DO NOT waste your $ here, you are paying for the name, I’ve come to find out there are MUCH better martial arts studios in the area for half the price with far better instruction and organization.

Almost like a second home. Everyone here is super friendly. Ive been to quite a few jiu jitsu gyms, and I would have to say that this is the most competitive one. I cant speak on the morning class, but the evening and afternoon classes that i attened are usually packed with a decent amount of people. There is a lot of physical talent at this gym, as well as technique enthusiasts no matter your weight class. However if your a beginner, people here will show you the ropes as best they can, and if you dont like being thrown into the fire, they also have a class specifically for beginner’s. Once again I cant stress it enough how genuinely kind and friendly everyone is at this gym.

This place is top notch! I have trained jiu jitsu for just under two years and I find a gym wherever I travel. There are more women at this academy than any other I’ve been to! The instructors are smart and kind. The training is rigorous and fun. I love training here!

I have trained Jiu Jitsu for over six years and I would say this is a five-​star gym. Enjoy a packed schedule on fresh and spacious mats with some of the nicest teaches and training partners around.

I’ve trained at various gyms before permanently finding a home at RG. There are tons of great people here of all skill levels, an amazing team-​based environment, and a highly experienced head instructor, Eduardo, with 35 years of experience. I’ve been here for 4.5 years and have grown so used to coming here consistently, this place became my second family. The school environment meets a diverse set of objectives from staying in shape for some, to high level competition for others. Students are friendly and supportive. The school has several black belts teaching occasionally in addition to the head instructor and also offers many judo and kickboxing classes.

*UPDATE*
Since my last review my car broke down and I was unable to train in San Leandro. I had been going for almost two months. During my training something amazing happen. I read up on health, eating and got more in tune with my body. I then quit smoking and found myself becoming vegetarian. Fast forward four months. I came to Ralph’s.
One thing I realize in retrospect was the mindset of a proper noob. Showing up is the hardest part, and white belt retention is generally low. If you normally sit at a desk all day and have been doing it for 10 years, be prepared to push yourself. Training at Ralph’s is akin to practicing baseball with the Giants. This team produces champions. If your looking to surround yourself with positive, healthy and down to earth individuals.. look no further than this gym. Although I can barely make it through warmups and am awkward as hell, I know I am growing and am surrounding myself with like minded people. Come train, it might change your life.

So far its only been one week, my husband and stepson love this place. Eduardo and Newton are hands on with kids, paying attention to detail and quick to cease any goofing around. They discipline with a firm but gentle hand, like father figures, giving off a true sense of caring.
There is a rule to wear shoes off the mat which promotes cleanliness. This is enforced as it should be.
Adult classes are taken serious. When they roll, they roll hard. The students are there to train, not social hour. Everyone is respectful, you feel the positive energy and are welcoming.
The dojo is drama free promoting a true family atmosphere. I like that my stepson is able to take a class with his father. That’s really cool to see them on the mat together.
One thing that stood out compared to our last place, black belts are on the mat rolling with everyone. There is no discrimination nor favoritism. They focus on your techniques and correct. So far no cell phones have been on the mat. The black belts pay 100% attention to the class. This place is top notch!
Only downside, if you could even call it that, the 6:30 — 8:30pm class causes hubby to miss dinner and gets less family time in the evening. But he loves the sport and I support him 100%.
Since my husband is a competitor, I’m curious to see how the coaches are at competitions. From prior posts, sounds like they support and coach their team. Exactly how it should be! I’m excited we came to Ralph Gracie Berkeley.

I am sure that once you are involved with Ralph Gracie Jiu– Jitsu, it is just fine, but after calling a dozen times, leaving a dozen voicemails, and got absolutely zero calls back, I decided to simply stop by. When I walked in, I was not given the time of day. This was after trying to find a day when the doors were actually open. I instead decided to check out Pacific Ring Sports which also has a really good program in jiu-​jitsu, along with top notch boxing and muay thai (these are their specialties). Perhaps this is a great place, but after numerous attempts to get in or even just have some questions answered I was left extremely disappointed. 2 stars because I am giving the benefit of the doubt here.

This is a top notch institution backed by the Ralph Gracie team, which has a long history of pumping out high level competitors. Even with the tough pedigree the VIBES are always good, if I get my ass kicked I always walk away with a genuine smile on my face (maybe im just weird).
The instructors are great Eduardo, Dave, Pete, and Newton all have a lot of matches under there belts and want to help you succeed.
The facilities are great, on the off chance you choose a gym based on the showers or mat size.
I spend a lot of time here sometimes 8+ hours a week. I dont even always come to train. If Im in the area Ill stop by to see whats up. I spend a lot of time here… because I love Jiu Jitsu and I love this gym.
If you are a competitor. Know that somebody from this gym will always have your back at competitions. Whenever we compete we roll deep. An instructor is always there to man my corner, game plan.
If you are serious about competition, you want to get in shape, or just are a casual fan of the gentle art, or want to meet like minded people. This is a gym for you.
Update:
So I have been here for while now, and this place has really become a family for me.
I am a blue belt now and I know just enough jiu jitsu to know I know nothing about jiu jitsu. It isnt that I havent been learning but there is so much to learn you can never learn it all. It is a life long pursuit and I will be doing this until I cant do it anymore.

Top level instruction. Really clean facility with showers and locker rooms. Extremely well geared curiculum for those who want to be a part of the sport.

I’ve been training here for just about 3 weeks now. They take a great «hands-​on» approach to teaching and I like that. The other members and staff seem nice and the atmosphere is warm.

I have been training at Ralph Gracie Jiu-​Jitsu for just over 2 years, and I can’t say enough positive things about my time there.
Eduardo Fraga, a fourth degree black belt, is the head instructor at Ralph Gracie, and is an encyclopedia of jiu-​jitsu knowledge and technique. Even more importantly, he is not only a complete bad ass in the world of jiu-​jitsu, but he is a truly nice person and respectful representative of the sport. The academy boasts seven other black belts all with different styles of games that augment Eduardo’s offerings and are all wonderful and talented people.
It also offers an exceptional judo class three times a week taught by 2^nd degree judo black belt Newton Casimero as well as a striking class 2 times a week and a no gi class offered three times a week.
The instructors not only facilitate a safe and friendly environment but one in which people of all levels of fitness and ability can succeed and surpass their goals, whether it’s getting in shape or bringing home some gold.

I have gone to a number of BJJ schools around the country in the last 5 years or so, and I really like this school after moving to the area and attending for a few months.
The school has a nice mix of good instruction and people to train with, yet is laid back enough to have a good time in the process. Eduardo, the main instructor is top notch, and there are a number of people that go out of their way to help with questions.
Prices are very reasonable for monthly membership, and very reasonable for private lessons, about ½ of what I’ve seen in other areas. They also don’t push things like buying thier clothes and their gi, taking seminars, and other things that can get annoying that some schools try to do.
I’d recommend the school for sure.

Although I don’t have a basis for comparison (brand new to Jiu Jitsu and any form of martial arts, so have never been do a dojo in my life), I will say that this place is fantastic. Eduardo, the head instructor, is patient, technical and a super nice person. The other students I have met are all very helpful as well. Regardless of skill level, everyone has the right attitude and respect toward the sport.
I’m happy to have signed up for the classes and the prices are very reasonable.
My cousin, an LAPD cop of 20 years trains at Big John McCarthy’s gym in Valencia (and has trained for over 25 years in various styles) confirms that this gym is legit and in the right price point, especially for a «Gracie» named establishment.
Good Stuff!

I really enjoy it here. The instructions are very clear and I get a great work out. Everyone is really nice too.

Ralph Gracie Berkeley is unbelievable. It feels like family. I’ve been training there for 2 years, and can say that after 6 months, I felt completely welcomed. Everybody is encouraging, tough while training, and positive about increasing ability together. It welcomes every level (there are white belt classes for those starting out), and every age.
I came to Jiu Jitsu as a Judo player. I think having this background saved me from having a really tough time at first. And it is DEFINITELY a tough place to train. It is sink or swim, and it is not for the feint of heart.
For those who are doing other martial arts, I must say that it was a shock at first how informal Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is. You’re not going to be stuck with a lot of Asian formality, and it’s nice as an American not to have to put up with hierarchical BS. I’m not saying that Asian hierarchy has no value – I’ve trained Judo in Korea no less and learning another culture is valuable. It is a matter of taste. I want to make it clear that despite the informality, there is a clear hierarchy and it is based on ABILITY alone. Respect is earned by what you do, not the color of your belt. You are always expected to prove yourself.
That said, Jiu Jitsu is highly rewarding. It gives you confidence, health, positive energy, and very good self defense. You couldn’t ask for more in a club. Most importantly, you’ll love the person you become and the new friends you’ll make. You’ll love doing it! I promise: o)

I started Brazilian jiu-​jitsu here about 7 months ago and love it. Eduardo is a great instructor who really gets involved in helping you learn and motivating you.
The school was recently remodeled and is large, clean and full of friendly people. I highly recommend Berkeley Ralph Gracie Jiu-​Jitsu for anyone wanting to gain confidence, humility, discipline and get in the best physical and mental shape of their life.