Photo by Octavio Villanueva
Photo by Octavio Villanueva

Philosophy & Curriculum

Adult Program

Our Brazilian Jiu Jitsu adult program is open to all ages and skill levels. The Gentle Art, as it is often described, is a non-striking martial art that utilizes grips and leverage to unbalance your opponent and ultimately achieve a submission, or "the tap". A typical class is divided into two parts: technique and drilling, followed up with live sparring. Both are invaluable to learn and retain proper technique, while developing sensitivity and timing through live sparring.

We have a diverse student body of all skill levels and hailing from all walks of life. We are unified, however, on core values and edicts.

Classes are taught on a rotating schedule between Master Jean Jacques Machado and Professor Jay Zeballos.

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Kids & Teen Youth Program

The Jean Jacques Machado Kid's/Youth Program provides a structured, safe and supportive learning environment for children (*Kids 7-12) (*Teens 13-16) who want to learn the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Classes are high energy and fast paced to ensure students remain focused and most of all have fun.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is especially well-suited as a youth martial art. Every child is unique in their stature, learning ability and physical characteristics. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) provides such a broad scope of techniques and movements that each child adopts only that which is effective for him/her without diminishing the effectiveness of their training. And with any martial arts discipline, common benefits of consistent training include:

  • Increased concentration and focus
  • Increased balance and coordination
  • Increased flexibility
  • Increased conditioning, better health

Training also provides mental and emotional empowerment. Some of our kids challenge themselves in the arena of competition, tackling head-on the fear and anxiety leading up to the challenge and the challenge itself, making not only parents and coaches proud but also themselves. This is also true in today's society where bullying has become pandemic. Some of these added benefits also include:

  • Self-awareness
  • Self-confidence
  • Respect
  • Teamwork
  • Camaraderie

Our goal is to empower your children with the attributes and technical abilities of a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioner, while at the same time instilling the respect and responsibility that comes with acquiring such skills.

We take great pride in providing not one, but two experienced 4th degree Black Belt instructors for our Youth Program. All classes are conducted under the direct supervision of Professors Jay Zeballos  and Mark Armstrong , assisted by Professor Manny Saenz and Coach Stephen Posner.

* Please note:
Ages are only to be used as a guide. Instructors and Master Jean Jacques Machado make final decisions as to individual student levels. Please contact us for more information.

Private lessons available by request and are based on instructor availability.