Business Details
Your Premier Martial Arts Academy in San Luis Obispo
Paragon Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has been dedicated to providing high-quality martial arts instruction since its founding. Our academy offers Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai training for individuals of all ages and skill levels across five locations in San Luis Obispo County. With a focus on discipline, fitness, and self-defense, we cultivate a family-friendly environment that emphasizes technical proficiency and personal growth. Our team of experienced instructors includes world-champion competitors and certified professionals with decades of combined expertise in grappling and striking disciplines. We maintain strong affiliations with martial arts organizations across California, Arizona, and Texas, supporting a network of schools committed to excellence.Our curriculum is structured to accommodate beginners through advanced students, incorporating both gi and no-gi training methodologies. The academy's competition team has consistently produced champions at national and international levels, reflecting our commitment to competitive excellence. We prioritize safety and proper technique in all training sessions, ensuring students develop both physical and mental resilience. Our facilities are designed to accommodate diverse training needs, with multiple locations serving communities across the Central Coast region.
Services
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Muay Thai Training
Kids Martial Arts
Competition Team
Self-Defense Programs
Highlights and features
- We offer championship-level instruction from internationally recognized martial artists
- Our curriculum accommodates all skill levels from beginner to competitive athlete
- We maintain five conveniently located training facilities across the Central Coast
- Our instructors hold multiple world and Pan American championship titles
- We provide free trial classes for new students to experience our training environment
Services
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Our Brazilian Jiu Jitsu program develops technical proficiency in grappling and ground fighting techniques. Students learn to control opponents through leverage-based techniques that minimize reliance on strength. The curriculum progresses from fundamental escapes and submissions to advanced competition strategies, with separate tracks for gi and no-gi training.
Muay Thai Training
Elite Muay Thai Academy provides comprehensive instruction in Thailand's national martial art. Training includes stand-up striking techniques, clinch work, and conditioning drills. Students develop cardiovascular endurance while mastering punches, kicks, elbows, and knee strikes in a structured environment with professional coaching.
Kids Martial Arts
Our youth programs focus on character development through martial arts instruction. Children learn self-defense techniques while building confidence, discipline, and teamwork skills. Age-appropriate curricula emphasize safety and proper technique, with separate tracks for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai starting at age 4.
Competition Team
The competition team prepares athletes for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, and MMA tournaments. Training includes advanced technique refinement, sparring drills, and strategic preparation for competitive environments. Our athletes have achieved multiple world and Pan American championship titles through this specialized program.
Self-Defense Programs
Self-defense instruction focuses on practical applications of martial arts techniques for real-world scenarios. Training emphasizes situational awareness, de-escalation tactics, and effective countermeasures against larger opponents. Both armed and unarmed defense strategies are taught in context-specific training modules.
People
Chris Lovato
Head Instructor
Fourth-degree BJJ black belt with over 18 years of competition experience. Former collegiate wrestler and judo black belt. Holds multiple world championship titles and serves as head instructor for San Luis Obispo and Atascadero locations.
Kru Albert Malatamban
Muay Thai Instructor
Second-degree black belt in Shotokan Karate with over 38 years of martial arts experience. Former Marine Corps drill instructor and certified Muay Thai coach. Specializes in traditional Thai boxing techniques and conditioning methods.
Mallory Lovato
BJJ Instructor
First-degree BJJ black belt with competitive success at world championship levels. Manages five academy locations while teaching both adult and children's classes. Holds a master's degree in mechanical engineering and law enforcement instructor certification.
Jeremy Dawson
BJJ Black Belt
Black belt instructor with competitive achievements at blue and brown belt levels. Former Coast Guard officer with additional certifications in Krav Maga and Muay Thai. Combines military discipline with technical BJJ instruction.
Brent Dugan
Black Belt Instructor
Black belt with extensive competition experience at IBJJF World Championships and BJJ Tour US Open. Former Marine Corps Martial Arts Program instructor. Serves as lead instructor at the Paso Robles location with over a decade of teaching experience.
Questions
Can I try a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class before committing?
Yes, we offer free trial classes for all new students to experience our training environment and instruction quality.
What should I wear for my first class?
Wear comfortable athletic clothing like t-shirts and shorts. We provide loaner gis for trial students and require no special equipment initially.
Are martial arts beneficial for women and children?
Yes, our programs emphasize technique over strength, making them ideal for women's self-defense and children's character development.
What's the difference between gi and no-gi training?
Gi training uses traditional uniforms for technical grappling, while no-gi focuses on body control without fabric grips, emphasizing different aspects of technique.
Do you offer competitive training opportunities?
Our competition team trains for BJJ, Muay Thai, and MMA events with professional coaching for students pursuing tournament success.
Can older adults participate in martial arts training?
Yes, our classes accommodate all ages with technical focus over physical intensity, allowing mature students to train safely and effectively.
