Business Details
32 Years
experience
Your Premier Martial Arts Academy in Riverside
Marcellini's Martial Arts Academy has been a cornerstone of martial arts education in Riverside, CA, since 1994. Founded by Sam Marcellini, a second-degree black belt under Royce Gracie and the first certified Muay Thai instructor under Rob Kaman in the U.S., our academy emphasizes authentic Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and practical self-defense. With over 35 years of combined teaching experience, Sam has trained thousands of students, including law enforcement, competitors, and everyday individuals, fostering confidence, discipline, and physical fitness.Our programs cater to all ages and skill levels, from children as young as three to advanced practitioners, ensuring a safe, inclusive environment. We prioritize mental and personal development alongside physical training, reflecting our commitment to holistic growth. Recognized for excellence, we offer structured curricula in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai Kickboxing, and Women's Self-Defense, serving the Inland Empire, Orange County, and San Diego communities.
Services
Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Adult Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Muay Thai Kickboxing
Women's Self-Defense
Self-Defense Seminars
Details
- Year established: 1994
Highlights and features
- We offer 35+ years of expertise in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai under a Royce Gracie black belt.
- Our curriculum emphasizes real-world self-defense techniques over sport-based training.
- Classes are taught in a safe, inclusive environment for all ages and fitness levels.
- We foster mental resilience, discipline, and character development alongside physical skills.
- Recognized by the Riverside community as a 5-star rated academy since 1994.
What people say
Expert instructors
Safe training atmosphere
Clean facilities
Life-changing confidence
Family-friendly environment
Services
Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Our Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program (ages 3+) builds confidence, discipline, and focus through age-appropriate drills and structured training. Students learn respect, teamwork, and self-control while developing physical strength and coordination. The curriculum emphasizes character development alongside martial arts skills, creating a fun yet educational environment for children to thrive both on and off the mats.
Adult Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Adult Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes focus on real-world self-defense, fitness, and mental resilience. Taught by Sam Marcellini, a black belt under Royce Gracie, our program accommodates all skill levels. Students master leverage-based techniques to neutralize larger opponents, improve physical conditioning, and develop strategic thinking in a supportive, community-driven atmosphere.
Muay Thai Kickboxing
Muay Thai Kickboxing classes combine high-energy workouts with practical self-defense training. Students learn punches, kicks, knees, and elbow techniques while improving endurance, coordination, and power. The program emphasizes safety and technical precision, drawing from Sam Marcellini's Mejiro Gym lineage to deliver effective striking methods for all fitness levels.
Women's Self-Defense
Our Women's Self-Defense program teaches situational awareness, boundary setting, and BJJ-based techniques to counter larger attackers. Classes focus on practical skills for real-world scenarios, building physical strength and mental confidence. The supportive environment encourages personal growth while equipping women with tools for safety and empowerment.
Self-Defense Seminars
Self-Defense Seminars provide tailored training for businesses and organizations. Participants learn de-escalation tactics, physical defense techniques, and situational awareness strategies. These sessions emphasize practical application in professional settings, fostering workplace safety and confidence through hands-on, scenario-based instruction.
People
Sam Marcellini
Head Instructor
Sam Marcellini, a second-degree black belt under Royce Gracie and first certified Muay Thai instructor under Rob Kaman in the U.S., has taught martial arts since 1994. With five black belts and decades of experience, he specializes in blending grappling and striking for practical self-defense. His students praise his patience, technical expertise, and ability to teach all ages and skill levels effectively.
Questions
What martial arts classes do you offer?
We offer Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai Kickboxing, and Self-Defense classes for all ages and skill levels, focusing on practical self-defense rather than sport-based training.
Who teaches the classes at Marcellini's Martial Arts Academy?
All classes are taught by Sam Marcellini, a black belt under Royce Gracie and certified instructor under Rob Kaman, with 35+ years of experience in martial arts.
Is your program suitable for beginners?
Absolutely! Our program welcomes all skill levels, including complete beginners, with a safe, supportive environment to learn at your own pace.
How does your self-defense training differ from sport Jiu-Jitsu?
Our training focuses on real-world applications for street safety, emphasizing de-escalation, situational awareness, and techniques to neutralize threats effectively.
Do you offer children's martial arts programs?
Yes! Our kids' program teaches martial arts skills alongside character development, discipline, and confidence-building in a fun, age-appropriate setting.
What makes Marcellini's Martial Arts Academy unique?
Our academy combines Sam Marcellini's direct lineage from Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and Rob Kaman's Muay Thai with a focus on self-defense, creating a holistic, community-driven training experience.
