Business Details
Premier Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Training in Auburn, CA
Gold Country Jiu Jitsu has dedicated itself to delivering the highest quality Brazilian Jiu Jitsu instruction in the foothill community. Our program emphasizes leverage, efficiency, and timing to empower individuals of all sizes, ages, and backgrounds with effective self-defense skills. We serve Grass Valley, Auburn, Nevada City, Colfax, Penn Valley, Lincoln, and Granite Bay, combining technical precision with a strong focus on safety, respect, and self-control. Our founder, Michael Quaintance, earned his black belt in 2012 under world champion Cassio Werneck after 15 years of rigorous training. With extensive competitive experience in BJJ tournaments and professional MMA, along with real-world application in security roles, we bring unparalleled expertise to every class.Our curriculum caters to adults and children aged 6 and above, offering structured programs for all skill levels. We prioritize creating a respectful, disciplined environment where students learn to apply techniques responsibly. Our community-driven approach ensures personalized attention while maintaining the highest standards of martial arts education. Whether pursuing fitness, self-defense, or competitive excellence, our students benefit from proven methodologies trusted by MMA fighters and law enforcement professionals worldwide.
Services
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Classes
Adult Jiu Jitsu
Kids Jiu Jitsu (6-8)
Youth Jiu Jitsu (8-12)
MMA Training
Highlights and features
- We offer 15+ years of combined instructor experience with black belt credentials from Cassio Werneck.
- Our curriculum serves the foothill community across seven locations including Grass Valley and Granite Bay.
- We specialize in BJJ techniques proven by MMA fighters and law enforcement professionals.
- Our program emphasizes safety with structured classes for ages 6+ and all skill levels.
- Our founder has real-world security experience applying martial arts in high-pressure environments.
Services
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Our Brazilian Jiu Jitsu program teaches leverage-based self-defense techniques applicable to real-world scenarios. Students develop physical fitness, mental discipline, and practical combat skills through structured drills and sparring. The curriculum accommodates all experience levels from beginners to advanced practitioners seeking competitive excellence.
Adult Jiu Jitsu
Adult classes focus on technical mastery and physical conditioning for self-defense and personal growth. Participants learn efficient movement patterns, submission holds, and positional control while building strength and cardiovascular endurance. Sessions include both gi and no-gi training formats to prepare students for diverse combat situations.
Kids Jiu Jitsu (6-8)
Our 6-8 year old program develops coordination, focus, and confidence through age-appropriate BJJ techniques. Instructors emphasize safety and sportsmanship while teaching fundamental movement patterns and basic self-defense concepts. Classes incorporate games and partner drills to maintain engagement and reinforce learning.
Youth Jiu Jitsu (8-12)
This program builds technical proficiency and physical fitness for 8-12 year olds through structured BJJ instruction. Students progress through belt ranks while learning advanced grappling techniques and situational awareness. The curriculum emphasizes discipline, respect, and applying leverage principles to overcome larger opponents.
MMA Training
Our MMA program integrates BJJ with striking fundamentals for comprehensive fight preparation. Athletes develop skills in takedowns, ground control, and transitional movements while learning injury prevention techniques. The training environment simulates real combat scenarios to prepare competitors for professional and amateur circuits.
People
Michael Quaintance
Black Belt Instructor
Michael 'Q' Quaintance earned his BJJ black belt in 2012 after 15 years of training under Cassio Werneck. A decorated competitor with wins at US Opens and Worlds tournaments, he brings professional MMA experience from IFC and King of the Cage events. His real-world security background enhances practical application of techniques.
Questions
What is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a martial art focusing on leverage-based grappling and ground fighting techniques to enable smaller individuals to defend against larger opponents effectively.
Who can learn BJJ at your academy?
Our program accepts students aged 6+ with classes structured for beginners through advanced practitioners, including specialized adult and youth divisions.
What areas do you serve?
We serve the foothill communities of Grass Valley, Auburn, Nevada City, Colfax, Penn Valley, Lincoln, and Granite Bay.
What qualifications do your instructors have?
Our head instructor holds a black belt from Cassio Werneck with 15+ years of training experience, multiple tournament championships, and professional MMA competition background.
Is BJJ safe for children?
Yes, our youth programs emphasize controlled techniques and sportsmanship with age-appropriate drills designed to build confidence while maintaining strict safety protocols.
What should I wear to my first class?
Beginners should wear athletic compression clothing without zippers or buttons. Bring a water bottle, hair tie if needed, and ensure nails are trimmed for safety.