Charles Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy - San Mateo - San Mateo, California

nicole ayala

My son has been coming here for two years and we love the coaches and team so much. Coach Chris and Coach Daniel teach the kids skills that will carry on for a lifetime. They are both amazing mentors. I recommend this academy for any adult or child, you will not be disappointed.

JS NYC

This is a long overdue review. Hopefully Coach (and Owner) Chris has changed since receiving my feedback (pasted below to which he never responded). That same week, I withdrew my child from Charles Gracie and never received an apology. When I called the studio to share this incident, his wife and office manager said "you know that's his style." No, this is NOT OK!

The incident in class Tuesday night was very unfortunate. As you know, you used the palm of your hand and smacked [Johnny] in the forehead, twice, and the other kids who saw laughed. I understand this is your “style” and perhaps you’ve done this a few times before but I sincerely hope you can take a few minutes to see from my perspective why this specific time it was NOT OK:

1) Imagine this was you and your daughter. Imagine a coach used his palm to smack her in the forehead because he thought “she wasn’t paying attention”. How would you feel? Maybe not much different from how I felt.

2) Seeing it another way, would you have done this to your daughter if you felt she “wasn’t paying attention” in class? I don’t think you would so please help me understand what makes you think it’s OK to do that to any child?

3) Please remember these kids look up to their head coach. I get what you did can be funny to the kids (by the way, no parents were laughing) but it also shows you can be physical, excessive, and angry when you don't like something or someone's doing something that displeases you. Moreover, this is unprofessional. Please know parents hold you to a higher standard, as we should.

4) What you did would not be unacceptable if this happened to a child in a classroom (in fact it would be reported). Your studio doesn't get exceptions to this just because it's not a true "classroom". You are the teacher (even a role model to many) and the kids are your students.

Please know I am pointing these out not to attack or upset you (or imply you are a bad guy because I know you're not) but to share my view hopefully in a relatable way (you don't need to agree with me but I hope you are open to hearing others' feedback). I hope you can understand how I felt and why I reacted instinctively by placing yourself in my shoes for a moment where you are the parent seeing this happen to your own child.

Thank you for your time and understanding.

Jorge Roman

We are extremely happy and satisfied with this academy. The ratio of child to coach is beyond ideal. There is little room for kids to get lost and missed during class. Attention and support is given evenly to all students seems like. This makes for huge difference on the progression of the students and increases the rate of learning. You can tell that they have years of experience and everyone is reaping the rewards. My kids enjoy and look forward to every single class.

Omar Qaddoumi

Fantastic instructor. Professor Cris really knows what he is talking about not to mention he is great with kids and everyone were very friendly and welcoming! No one will try to smash you in here, it's about learning with many high belts and to learn from, simply a Great place! the place I'll miss the most in San Mateo.

Beñat Arejita

Amazing gym to train BJJ!!

I was just staying in the Bay Area for a month and I asked them if I could join the BJJ class. They accepted me as one of them and treated me really well! The people there are super friendly and the technique level is really high! I specially enjoyed the no-Gi class. High level athletes there!

Coach Christiano is a really good BJJ professor, he teaches well, he adapts to each student, and not only he teaches BJJ but also discipline and self-confidence. It is amazing to see how coach Christiano and his team teach BJJ to the kids. The kids have a really good time while they exercise, learn the techniques, make friends and learn how to be better persons.

If you live in San Mateo or are staying in the area for a while and you are interested in BJJ, I would strongly recommend you to at least make a visit to the gym, say hello and try a class. You will definitely not regret it.

Thank you Christiano and the guys at the gym for accepting me and treating me so well. 🙂

Adam Blackwell

I don't normally write reviews, but when I do, the experience was amazing!
I travel 48 weeks out of the year, which makes training Jui-Jitsu difficult, it can be hit or miss if I'll find a good school. I really felt lucky to find such a friendly gym. The entire class welcomed me, each on their own and really tried to learn my name. Everyone was very respectful to each other and their school.
The training was properly rigorous and structured (I have a wrestling background and will say I got a good workout), with clear and concise technique. Practices went as follows: a good warm up for 15-30 min, technique and drilling for 30-45, and live sparring for 30-45 min. (Total 1.5 hours)
The instructors were charismatic and focused on high percentage techniques, that is successful through all belts. When they were teaching they did a good job of holding your attention without wasting time, answering all questions. A brown belt offered to drill with me all week, answering any questions I may have had.
When I left the school, I asked if I owed anything for the week. The Instructor said," No charge, your a guest...I don't want to be rich or poor, I want just teach jui-jitsu. This is how we do it in Brazil!"
An excellent experience, I left feeling that improved my game. It really felt like I was in someones home!

Collin West

When I come in town for work I always visit this gym - the teaching is great, the community is welcoming, and I always have a good time.

Donna Lee

This is a wonderful place to train. Professor Cris is amazing and instruction is top notch. Also a great core group of people train here and are very respectful. Highly recommend!!