Ralph Gracie Jiu Jitsu

Ralph Gracie Jiu Jitsu in San Francisco is built on the foundation laid by Ralph Gracie himself, a direct descendant of the legendary Gracie family. Trained by his uncles Carlos and Helio Gracie, Ralph has spent more than three decades living and teaching Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. His approach blends the family’s unique fighting style—rooted in leverage, positioning, and ground techniques—with elements of judo, wrestling, and boxing. Ralph’s own career spans competitive successes in Vale Tudo and MMA, but his lasting influence comes from the network of California academies he oversees, each led by black belts who trained directly under his guidance. The San Francisco headquarters carries forward this lineage through a structured program that covers the full arc of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu development. Beginners start with fundamentals and white belt introduction classes, while higher belts can move into advanced fundamentals, all-levels sessions, and focused sparring. Both gi and no-gi jiu-jitsu are offered, with no-gi classes available at all levels and an advanced session for experienced grapplers. Women’s classes and sparring are led by instructors such as Luana Magalhães, and competition training is a regular part of the adult curriculum. Ralph Gracie Jiu Jitsu also maintains a strong commitment to youth development. The kids’ program begins with Gracie Cubs for ages 4–6 and continues with jiu-jitsu and Muay Thai for ages 7–12, led by instructors like Daniel Peng and Steven Lomeli. Special education students are welcomed through the Need to Believe Foundation class. Rounding out the schedule are striking disciplines—Muay Thai and boxing—for adults and kids, reflecting the academy’s roots in the broader Gracie fighting tradition. Drop-ins are welcome, and the facility is wheelchair accessible.

Amenities