Serao Academy

I’ve been training here for a little over a year now and it’s one of the best gyms I’ve been to. The people are all very encouraging and will meet you at your level. There is a great mix of high level and low level jiu-​jitsu players, and everybody is genuinely trying to get better and to help others get better. So whether you’re just starting out or are a black belt looking for a good workout you’ll fit right in. Highly recommended gym.

I’ve been training at Serao Academy for 3 months now. It’s a really great place to train. The level is high and everybody is very friendly. Whether you want to get back in shape or are a competitor, this is definitely the place to be.

My 5-​year old has been attending their youth class for two months now. We’re thrilled with the blend of fun and discipline from the teachers. The class is a great combination of fitness, instruction, games, and «rolling» (guided practice wrestling). It also always impresses me how well students of different ages and skill levels are able to work together.
My son is having a blast, he’s proud of the skills he’s building (he shows off his moves to everyone he meets), and he’s learning the value of hard work. What could be better?

Serao Academy. Where to start.
How bout this place is far far more than the bees knees. I’d go with the «kitties titties». I never thought, first of all that I’d find myself here doing jiu jitsu, but also that I’d be driving at least 25 minutes north of my home to get there. Yes Unilocal reader, why. On earth! So many other gyms left and right! Cheaper gyms, bigger gyms, flashy gyms, gyms with advertisements, gyms on shirts on boobs, pokemon gyms. But I can say with most certainty the same car would be driven from SF if it needed to.
I’ll let you in on a secret few have heard. We have our own gi’s now. Just kidding, actually though they’re dope, anyway if you’re truly lucky enough to stumble on this page you fucking know it’s for a reason. This place is remarkable, beautiful, incredible, and what Leo has achieved is something only done by greats. The respect I have for Leo and his journey is titanic. He is in his own league.
Leo is from Brazil, and luckily you’ll be training Brazlian Jiu Jitsu. Check… Number one. He has been crowned not once but motherfucking twice the best grappler in his weight class in the entire fucking country of Brazil. Yes, that is no typo, Brazil, the big ass country home to hundreds of millions of people. You could only imagine how far those roots go. The fighting world is so vast, but do a google on «Leopoldo Serao» and you’ll know. He is the man. Check number two… Whats even funnier is how people like that seem to attract more fantastic people. Every single person I met at Serao was cool as fuck, every single person including women! and the more I rolled the more I learned. They all know what’s up. Infinite checks!
I was highly recommended by a good friend of mine to come train and check out what the Academy has to offer and what I ended up taking home were skills for life. Talk to anybody at Serao, I triple doggy dare you. Don’t ever let fear of people, their size, or any of that shit including fear of injury prevent you from taking the plunge and trying something new. If anything, people will start to feel YOUR power. That should be in the fucking brochure! Show everyone love and you’ll get it right back. With oomph. People are here to help you! Ya YOU! Reading this! Additionally, I greatly greeted the cornucopia of personal help I received and I’m glad I did. Criticism here is constructive and friendly. I have grown into a much, much stronger person. I’d like to thank Leo and friends with all my heart. I for sure would not be the same. Or just a wussy. Everyone here knows what’s good the instant they walk through that glass door. And as all the beautiful reviews below me stated, egos are left outside and magic happens inside. It’s pretty sweet dude.
If you come here expect to learn, grow, and succeed, of course only if you put the work in.
Another secret at the Academy is that if you’re caught slacking, a little birdie nests itself in your phone and reminds you to hop up your fat butt. I won’t tell you how though!
After I train I don’t even have to try to sleep. Sleep becomes synonymous with a wild berry pop tart going in the toaster. And I hate to be that guy, but if you still can’t sleep after trying BJJ, don’t go asking Leo for refunds cause it will personally be me returning your green. Haha! I started making people sammiches so I could pay for my classes and gi. Clearly, dear reader, I found a glorious calling. You might too. Probably actually.
I only really had the pleasure of attending night classes, but Leo caters to all no matter what kind of schedule you have, and being the Godfather of the Academy, don’t even think of being folgado at this place. Don’t be fucking lazy! You’re reading this because you’re thinking of trying this gym. Or you love surfing Unilocal.Go and try any of the world class group sessions he offers. I cannot recommend it enough. For free! If you don’t like it you don’t have to join. It’s a good thing you have a whole week to decide. One final point for my precious short time at Serao, I never met a single quitter. Nobody tramples on anybody and everyone gets back up better than the last time. One of the many best parts of being done with training for the day is being able to do it not only all over again the next, but even better. And then sharing what you learned with the world. People looked past my silly bullshit and really helped me, in fact showed me how to become a better fighter. In every sense. Leo is the man, the head honcho, but his patience, wisdom, and talent passes on to those he teaches. You’ll see what I mean. The people I met at Serao are hands down the greatest people I’ve had the luck of encountering. Incredibly blessed to meet every person. Seriously I’d keep going but Unilocal gave me a limit.
I cannot fuck wait to drop in whenever I return home to the beautiful bay. If you live there go. I approve. And Leo I owe you a roll!
Train hard and you can. Also Unilocal doesn’t give six stars… Obviously I give 82.

I’ve been training at Serao Academy and for 18 months so far and I think this is really a great place for anyone who wants to learn Jiu-​Jitsu at any level. The gym is a great mixture of MMA fighters, high level jiu jitsu athletes and bay area workers with a passion for jiu jitsu.
Leopoldo Serao, the instructor, is a world class Jiu-​Jitsu competitor and pro MMA fighter. Classes, both Gi and No-​Gi are scheduled every day, many times a day, to fit everybody’s needs.
Highly recommended: fun, friendly and badass environment!

Its hard to describe how great this place is without copying previous reviews but I’ll do my best. I trained with Serao Academy over the summer and despite being a beginner the instructors and other classmates were friendly and always made sure to challenge me. Unlike many other big name bjj gyms in the area the owner (Leo) was at nearly every training session that I attended. I look forward to attending when I come back to the area.

Leo is the man. He keeps his classes positive and tough at the same time. He is a true master of grappling and submissions and a fine instructor who can teach through instruction, adjusting technique, and rolling with students. Whether you are a beginner like me or a seasoned grappler, you will always improve at Serao Academy

There is so much about Serao Academy that has already been said: from the world-​class training, to the clean and professional facilities, and the friendly, inviting atmosphere. Yet, still, I feel compelled to try and emphasize the high level of quality that Leopoldo Serao has instilled in his school. It is a place where children can grow to have more confidence, a place where students can learn to defend themselves, a place where fighters can hone their craft, and most importantly– a place for everyone to discover something more about themselves every day. Yes, Serao Academy will get you in shape, and yes, it is fun every time you go into class, but the things I’ve taken from Serao Academy are visceral: self-​discipline, humility, calmness in the face of adversity, and indelible friendships.

I have been with Serao Academy a little over two years. This is one of the finest places to train in the Peninsula. Everyone who trains here checks their egos at the door and will help you progress your game. Leo makes you feel like family.
There is a wide range of students from business men, law enforcement, moms and students. Leo has always made me feel welcome and apart of the team since day one! I can’t see myself training anywhere else.
«DON’T BE LAZY» or else you’ll get a personal text from Leo himself to show up to class!

Serao is not just a gym, but it’s a family. Leo is vested in every single one of his students’ success and happiness. It’s a supportive community where you’ll learn training techniques, self defense and BJJ competition skills!

Great BJJ school. Great people, friendly atmosphere. All the instructors made me and my 7 and 9 year olds feel welcome and included right away.
I have started BJJ relatively late in life (48) but instructors provide a very good balance of challenge with respect to your current knowledge and giving you more where you need it. Most classes is generally in thirds (Warm ups/​techniques/​rolling). Everyone helps beginners (White belts) from Blue belts all the way up to the head instructor/​proprietor Leo.
Leo is a conscientious and highly skilled head instructor. He is mindful and attentive to all students and instructors. I missed a day my second week and he asked me where I was the next class. Leo’s positive attitude trickles down to the other instructors.
I have tried many sports in my life and the people at Serao Academy by far has been the most accommodating and welcoming group. It is never a chore to go and work out, I look forward to being there and seeing the instructors and students and getting fit and learning BJJ. And keep in mind if you choose to attend this is a serious workout.
My kids are happy the whole time they are in class and their dispositions could not be more different (They are Jay and Silent Bob). Teachers provide structure and games and keep it appropriatly challenging regardless of skill level.
Be prepared for an utterly exhausting workout that will leave you soaked in sweat; BJJ is not a jog with iTunes (although there is music). But the commitment is most certainly worth it.
My only regret is not starting 10 years ago.

Great place to learn BJJ whether its to compete or just to get a workout in. Everyone is welcoming, helpful and wants you to return. Also its one of the few places that does nogi as well as gi. Leo is a legit 2^nd degree black belt in BJJ and 3^rd degree in luta livre (nogi) so you know you’re learning from the best when you go here.

Can we talk about kids martial arts for a minute?
If you, like me, have seen some youTube videos on the subject, you’ve probably seen little kids with blackbelts screaming and kicking at air. As a dad, I thought, «that’s cool, right?».
But then I read someone make the comment about validity of belts across different martial arts. They said, in effect, «you shouldn’t be able to abduct a blackbelt», and he mentioned how jiu jitsu teaches children a real martial art, versus katas. That one stung as a guy who grew up in Aikido. Moreover, any striking art creates the potential for head-​trauma and then there’s the old saw, «every fight ends up on the ground».
Determined to neither waste money, nor give my kids an unrealistic impression of their skill, I can honestly say the kid’s program at Serao Academy is the real deal.
It’s three days a week with the first (Tuesday), being Lute Livre aka no-​gi Jiu Jitsu. This is most like conventional wrestling, but with submissions. On Thursday, it’s Judo with Hector. The kids are in gi and learning the standing fighting style. On Saturday, the kids are doing Jiu Jitsu, aka newaza Judo. Thus, the kids touch the trifecta of non-​striking arts every week.
I am unaware of a single program that will teach kids functional martial arts in the context of playing/​fun with so much variety.
My son is exhausted when he’s done, loves it, and is learning confidence in ways nothing else can teach.

Absolutely top notch! The instruction is flawless. The atmosphere is safe and fun. The facilities are pristine. And, the training is appropriately competitive, whether you are just starting or continuing your journey. You owe it to yourself to check it out.

Serao Academy is a wonderful place. I have been to two other gyms including bay area boxing and academy of self defense. Neither compare to the wonderful atmosphere at Serao Academy. Leopoldo is a fabulous instructor and a wonderful guy. After arriving at Serao Academy I quickly felt at home and watched my bjj improve tremendously. If you are looking to compete competitively or simply learn techniques Serao Academy is the perfect place. You will get a great work out and have a blast. The Academy is a safe inclusive environment full of comedians and serious practitioners. If you are debating on whether or not to try it out you should definitely stop by and try it out!

Serão Academy has a coach and team who show the perfect balance between keeping a professional training atmosphere and having pure fun. It’s unlike any gym I have ever seen anywhere. These guys down to earth and a cross-​section of the Bay Area. I honestly get an adrenaline rush whenever I touch the door handle to the gym. I know there will be antics, pranks, new world class technique knowledge, TOUGH conditioning and drilling, and intense sparring sessions!!!
Leopoldo Serão as you will understand through his biography has a rich and honored career in submission wrestling and MMA.
HANDS ON. While there are other famous name gyms in the Bay Area who’s legends are either rarely seen or rarely train with their students Serão is hands on. I learn more from rolling with Serão than can possibly be described in words. Grappling is understanding pressure, balance, and control in the physical sense. Grappling can be taught thru books, in seminars, in classes or DVDs, but it can only be UNDERSTOOD and EMULATED thru sparring with the very best. You will learn at his academy.

Great place to train highly recommended. .I’ve been with professor Leopoldo Serao for 5 years. Great environment everyone is friendly and competitive. I also have my 2 sons training with me one is 12 and the other is 9. Great for anti bullying and also we teach discipline for kids too. Great to keep kids active and off the street come by and you won’t be disappointed.

I search this academy browsing the Web and looking for bjj gyms around Sunnyvale and Mountain View. The first thing I find interesting — that Leo is a bjj black belt, mma fighter and has many wins in both jiu-​jitsu and mma. When I arrive at the gym I see second interesting thing — a little space in the warehouse (I guess that originally it’s warehouse, but who knows) with good looking mats. equipment for muay thai and mma trainings. The third great thing in this gym is the people. Really, the atmosphere is great. They show respect to each other, but jokes isn’t restricted. Also, all guys if friendly for foreigners.
It was a little hard for me to find gym location — in place where I from we don’t have

I used to train in Seattle. Came here a couple months ago. I checked out a couple gyms around the area and decided this was my best fit because it had a good mix of people with little/​a lot of experience. There are people of all ages and sizes so it’s awesome to roll with people a lot smaller/​a lot bigger than yourself and try new things in the process.
Leo is awesome and welcomed me from the beginning. He’s friendly and funny, but will also kick your ass if it needs to be kicked (I’ve been dragged to train more when I say I’m done and he says otherwise…) He gets to know your limits and he pushes them pretty firmly, you’re there to, learn jiu jitsu, get in excellent shape, and/​or compete. Y
ou do exactly that in Leo’s gym. I HIGHLY recommend it. Though Leo needs a new spot because the place is catching on and we’re quickly outgrowing the gym.

Whether your looking to just get in shape, a devout martial artist, or a competitive athlete, Serao Academy has something to offer. Though at its heart, this is a Jiu-​Jitsu gym with an excellent coaching staff.
But take advantage of some of the other classes offered: Muay Thai, Luta Livre, strength & conditioning…
And regardless of your athletic ability or skill, Serao Academy is a great place to start of in your pursuit of your physical fitness goals.