Business Details
15 Years
experience
Your Premier Destination for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in San Diego
Jiu Jitsu Foundation is a premier martial arts school dedicated to empowering individuals of all ages through Brazilian Jiu Jitsu instruction. Founded in 2011 by Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belts Cadu and Gabriela Francis, we emphasize self-defense, health, fitness, and life skills in a safe, family-oriented environment. Our mission is to inspire students to achieve their full potential, both on and off the mat, through personalized instruction and a structured curriculum.With programs tailored for children, teens, adults, and families, we foster confidence, discipline, and community contribution. Our experienced instructors, including world-recognized coaches, ensure a supportive atmosphere where students learn respect, mental focus, and physical resilience. We maintain a clean, professional facility in La Mesa, San Diego, and offer flexible class schedules to accommodate diverse lifestyles.
Services
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Instruction
Kids Martial Arts
Teen Programs
Adult Fitness
Family Classes
Self-Defense Training
Life Skills Development
Details
- Year established: 2011
Highlights and features
- We offer expert instruction led by Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belts with global competition experience.
- Our family-friendly environment encourages multi-generational participation and growth.
- Personalized attention ensures students progress at their own pace with low student-teacher ratios.
- Flexible class schedules accommodate busy lifestyles with early morning and evening options.
- We integrate life skills training to develop discipline, respect, and confidence in all students.
What people say
Amazing instructors
Loves it here
Positive environment
Highly recommended
Impressed with growth
Services
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Instruction
Our core program teaches Brazilian Jiu Jitsu techniques for self-defense, physical fitness, and mental discipline. Students learn from certified black belt instructors with competitive experience, focusing on practical skills adaptable to real-world scenarios. The curriculum balances technical instruction with live sparring to develop reflexes and strategic thinking.
Kids Martial Arts
Age-specific programs for children aged 5-12 build motor skills, social interaction, and mental focus. Classes incorporate life lessons like respect and discipline while improving physical coordination. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention and safe progression through belt ranks.
Teen Programs
Designed to enhance mental resilience and physical fitness for teenagers, this program emphasizes self-confidence and stress reduction. Students learn self-defense techniques while developing leadership skills through structured training and peer interaction in a supportive environment.
Adult Fitness
Adult classes combine cardiovascular exercise with technical skill development to improve overall fitness. Programs cater to all experience levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners, with specialized tracks for competitive training and casual participation in a non-intimidating atmosphere.
Family Classes
Family-oriented sessions promote bonding through shared learning experiences. These classes accommodate multiple skill levels simultaneously, encouraging collaborative growth while teaching conflict resolution and mutual support principles in a fun, engaging format.
People
Cadu Francis
Head Coach
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt from Sao Paulo with 20+ years of coaching experience. Trained under masters like Saulo Ribeiro and Xande Ribeiro. Founded Jiu Jitsu Foundation in 2011 after competing internationally.
Gabriela Francis
Head Coach
Black belt from Rio de Janeiro with expertise in children's instruction. Holds degrees in Physical Therapy and Education. Co-founded Jiu Jitsu Foundation to create a family-focused martial arts environment.
Brian Abella
Coach
Certified instructor with special education background. Transitioned from program director to on-mat coaching role in 2023. Specializes in adapting techniques for diverse learning needs.
Questions
What age requirements exist for enrollment?
We accept students starting at age 5. No upper age limit exists, with programs available for adults over 40.
Can beginners with no fitness background join?
Yes, our curriculum accommodates all fitness levels with progressive conditioning integrated into technical training.
Are women and girls welcome in classes?
Yes, we offer dedicated women's classes and maintain 40% female participation in youth programs.
Do you offer family enrollment discounts?
Yes, we provide discounts for multiple family members joining simultaneously to encourage group participation.
How do classes contribute to fitness goals?
Each session combines warm-up, technical drills, and sparring to improve cardiovascular health, flexibility, and strength.
Can I try a class before committing?
Yes, we offer free introductory classes with private evaluations to experience our training environment risk-free.
