Ages 3.5–6
Little Champions I
Kids start at 3.5. Fun, structured classes that build coordination, focus and confidence.
Little Champions I classes
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu · Santa Monica, CA
Caveirinha Jiu Jitsu: The Home of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Santa Monica
A martial arts academy for adults and kids, led by IBJJF Master 1 No-Gi World Champion Professor Maycon Carvalho. Classes for adults, women, teens and kids from age 3.5 at 320 Wilshire Blvd. Your first class is free.
- 5.0 on Google · 81 reviews
- IBJJF Master 1 No-Gi World Champion head coach
- Kids from 3.5, teens and adults
- Classes Monday to Saturday
Welcome to CJJF Santa Monica
Martial Arts in Santa Monica, Rooted in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Discover Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at Caveirinha Jiu Jitsu Family Santa Monica. Professor Maycon Carvalho, a black belt with direct Gracie lineage, leads an academy that is safe and respectful for students of every age and level. Whether you want fitness, self-defense, competition or a new hobby, you will find a home here.
Find us at 320 Wilshire Blvd #101, in downtown Santa Monica, a short trip from Venice, Brentwood, Pacific Palisades, Marina del Rey and West LA.
Find your class
Explore Our BJJ Programs in Santa Monica
A program for every age and goal, from your child’s first class to advanced no-gi.
Ages 7–12
Little Champions II
Discipline, focus and confidence in a fun, supportive class, grouped by age and experience.
Kids jiu jitsu, ages 7–12
Ages 13–17
Teen Jiu Jitsu
From 13, teens train in our Fundamentals, All Levels and Advanced classes.
Teen jiu jitsuBeginners to advanced
Adult BJJ
Fundamentals for beginners plus all-levels and advanced classes. Train at your level and progress at your pace.
Adult jiu jitsu classes
Rashguard and shorts
No-Gi Jiu Jitsu
Submission grappling coached by a Master 1 No-Gi World Champion. Beginners welcome.
No-gi jiu jitsuWomen welcome
Women’s Jiu Jitsu
Women train in all our adult classes and pair with other women when they can.
Women’s jiu jitsu
Adults, women and teens
Self-Defense
Escapes, control and staying calm under pressure, built on jiu jitsu.
Self-defense classes
Why us
Why Train BJJ at CJJF Santa Monica
Our academy is more than a place to train; it is a home on the mats where respect, patience and real technique come first. Classes follow a clear path with drilling, situational training and paced live rounds, so you learn safely and see steady progress.
Our lineage
- Carlos Gracie
- Carlos Gracie Jr.
- Master Aldo Caveirinha
- Professor Maycon Carvalho
World-class instruction
Led by an IBJJF Master 1 No-Gi World Champion with direct Gracie lineage.
Structured curriculum
Fundamentals first: posture, distance, escapes and control before submissions.
Supportive community
Partners who want to see you grow. All backgrounds and levels welcome.
Clean, safe mats
Daily cleaning, coach supervision and clear tapping rules.
Meet Your Jiu Jitsu Coaches
Professor Maycon Carvalho
Head instructor
IBJJF Master 1 No-Gi World Champion, 5th-degree black belt. Teaches kids and adult classes, including no-gi.
Read Maycon’s bio
Professor Kevin Melendrez
Coach
2nd degree black belt. Training since 2013, with medals at SJJIF Worlds and IBJJF events, and a natural with kids. Teaches kids and adult classes.
Read Kevin’s bio
Professor Jacob Goode
Coach
Black belt since December 2024 and Knockout Fight League amateur MMA titleholder, with jiu jitsu titles from white to purple belt. Teaches kids and adult classes.
Read Jacob’s bioWhat students say
What Students and Parents Say
Rated 5.0 on Google by students and parents. Here is what they say about training at CJJF Santa Monica.
5.0
81 Google reviews
“Best gym ever. The three professors (Maycon, Kevin, and Jacob) are very knowledgeable teachers with many years of experience under their belts. All classes from the kids to adults are professionally handled. It’s so great seeing people of all ages come here and train hard.”
“My kids love training here! The environment is fun, safe, and perfect for everyone in the family to get involved. Also a great way to build community. We love our jiu jitsu family! Nowhere else compares!”
“Excellent gym with skilled coaches and great training partners. Perfect place to learn jiu jitsu or get in shape. Highly recommend!”
Plan your first week
Class Times and Membership
Classes run Monday to Saturday, with kids classes after school and adult classes in the evening. Your first class is free.
Weekly schedule
Kids classes after school, All Levels in the morning and at lunchtime, Fundamentals and Advanced in the evening, plus no-gi on Fridays and competition training on Saturdays. Kids classes start at 4:15 pm Monday to Thursday, and evening classes run Monday to Friday from 6 pm.
See the full BJJ class scheduleMembership
Adult, kids and private lesson options. Call or email for current rates. Your first class is free, with no commitment.
Membership and pricesFAQ
Jiu Jitsu in Santa Monica: Your Questions
Quick answers about training at CJJF Santa Monica. Still unsure? Call (714) 872-1604.
I’m new to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Can I still learn?
Absolutely. Our fundamentals classes are designed for beginners, and you’ll learn step by step in a safe, patient environment. Your first class is free.
Is 40 too old to start jiu jitsu?
No. Fundamentals classes are built for beginners of any age: you learn step by step, choose your training partners and keep rounds light until you’re ready. See adult BJJ classes.
Is training jiu jitsu twice a week enough?
Yes. Two or three classes a week is plenty for beginners and enough for steady progress. Experienced students and competitors often train four or more times a week. See the weekly timetable.
How much does jiu jitsu cost at CJJF Santa Monica?
Call (714) 872-1604 or email us for current rates, and your first class is free. See membership options.
What age can kids start?
At 3.5. Little Champions I is for ages 3.5–6 and Little Champions II for 7–12, so every child trains with kids their own age. From 13, teens join the Fundamentals, All Levels and Advanced classes, with training suited to their experience and skill level.
What should I wear to my first class?
A comfortable T-shirt and athletic pants with no zippers. For no-gi, a rashguard and shorts. We’ll help you choose a gi for later classes.
Are classes safe?
Safety comes first: clean mats, coach supervision, clear tapping rules, partner choice and optional light rounds.
Is CJJF Santa Monica the same as MC Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Club?
Yes. Caveirinha Jiu Jitsu Family Santa Monica (CJJF Santa Monica) and MC Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Club are the same academy, at 320 Wilshire Blvd #101, Santa Monica.
Guides and articles
Learn Jiu Jitsu Before You Step on the Mat
Plain answers to the questions new students and parents ask most. New guides and articles are added through the year.
Guide · Competition
Your First BJJ Tournament: What to Expect as a White Belt
Divisions, weigh-in, match length, rules for white belts, and how to prepare.
9 min read
Plan your first tournamentArticle · Self-defenseSelf-Defense Moves That Work: What to Learn First
What comes before any move, the grappling skills to learn first, and how to practice them.
6 min read
Learn the first self-defense movesArticle · CompetitionIBJJF Weight Classes and Age Divisions, Gi and No-Gi
Every division in pounds and kilograms, gi and no-gi, plus age divisions and weigh-ins.
6 min read
Find your weight classVisit us
Find Us in Downtown Santa Monica
-
Address
320 Wilshire Blvd #101, Santa Monica, CA 90401 · Get directions
-
Phone and email
-
Classes
Monday to Saturday · See the weekly timetable
-
Getting here
Parking is $1 for 90 minutes in Public Parking Structure 1, right behind the building. A short walk from the Downtown Santa Monica E Line station.
Coming from Venice, Brentwood, Pacific Palisades, Marina del Rey or West LA? Directions and parking from the Westside.
Your First Class Is Free
Book a free class, meet the coaches and see if CJJF Santa Monica is right for you or your child.