Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Schools in Santa Cruz, CA

7 of the 22 martial arts schools we list in Santa Cruz have a dedicated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program. "Martial arts" on a map search lumps BJJ mats in with karate dojos, taekwondo studios, and kickboxing gyms, so grappling-specific searches drown in strikers that never teach a guard pass. Every school tagged here has BJJ confirmed as an actual class on its own schedule or program page, not just a mention in a general "martial arts offered" list.

Claudio Franca Free trial classBJJ / grapplingMuay thai / kickboxing

1658 Soquel Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95065-1706

+18314767650 Website Directions

Garth Taylor Jiu-Jitsu and Martial Arts Kids classesBJJ / grapplingMuay thai / kickboxing

403 Swift St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060-5862

+18316212339 Website Directions

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Santa Cruz Kids classesBJJ / grappling

1345 Capitola Rd, Santa Cruz, CA 95062-2931

+18316337141 Website Directions

High Caliber Jiu Jitsu BJJ / grappling

2929 Mission St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060-5709

+18315669944 Directions

Niji Dojo Free trial classBJJ / grapplingMuay thai / kickboxingKarate / taekwondo

920 41st Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062-4457

+18312951461 Website Directions

San Soo Santa Cruz BJJ / grapplingMuay thai / kickboxingKarate / taekwondo

509 Swift St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060-5823

+18315881399 Website Directions

Sandro Batata BJJ Kids classesFree trial classBJJ / grapplingMMA

1703 Mission St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060-4763

+14083778255 Website Directions

Ask about gi vs. no-gi before you show up. Most academies run separate gi and no-gi classes on different nights, and some require your own gi by the second week — a decent Gameness or Fuji starter runs $60-90. Also check the school's competition lineage (who's the black belt under, and which federation they compete in); it tells you more about instruction quality than the website ever will.

Also in Santa Cruz

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Schools near Santa Cruz

Good to know

How much do BJJ classes cost per month?
Most U.S. academies charge $150-200/month for unlimited BJJ classes, with some bundling in no-gi or open mat for the same price. Drop-in classes typically run $20-30, and many gyms waive the enrollment fee if you sign up during a trial week.

Do BJJ gyms offer a free trial class?
Yes — the large majority of U.S. BJJ academies, including chains like Gracie Barra and 10th Planet affiliates, offer one free trial class or a discounted first week (often $19-49) so new students can try a roll before committing to a monthly membership.