Gracie Allegiance Rancho Palos Verdes - Phillips Jiu Jitsu

Gracie Allegiance Rancho Palos Verdes - Phillips Jiu Jitsu was founded in 2021 by Professor Brian Phillips, a second degree black belt awarded by Chris Haueter, and his wife Nicole, who brings her background in early childhood education to the kids’ curriculum. The academy operates as part of the Gracie Allegiance Team under Clark Gracie, aiming to connect traditional Gracie Jiu Jitsu with the demands of modern sport grappling. Brian’s lineage traces to both Gracie and Machado families, and his personal experience includes a rigorous competition history that shaped his “old school” approach to belt promotions. The school is based in a facility near Silver Spur Road, featuring two mat areas and full accessibility, designed to serve the Palos Verdes community. The class structure reflects a clear progression through age and skill levels, starting with Mini Groms for children as young as 3.5 years old, where foundational movements and games introduce the basics of the gentle art. Youth classes for ages 6 to 11 build on those fundamentals with more complex technique linkages, while Teens classes focus on performance, incorporating speed and precision under the instruction of Purple Belt Daisy Gonzalez, a competitor with multiple IBJJF podium finishes. Adults train in two distinct classes: Fundamentals, emphasizing traditional Gracie techniques with specific sparring and no open rolling, and Technics, which prioritizes modern guard systems and practical sparring led by Professor Menamy Mitanes, a second degree black belt under Rigan Machado with extensive experience in Judo and other martial arts. Private lessons are available with both Phillips and Mitanes, allowing tailored instruction. The academy also hosts workshops throughout the year, inviting guest instructors from the Gracie Allegiance network to provide specialized training opportunities. The school’s programming and staff reflect a balance between preserving classical Gracie principles and adapting to the evolving landscape of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, with a strong emphasis on family participation and long-term skill development.

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