Granite Bay Jiu-Jitsu - Granite Bay, California

Ariel Waite

My son has had the best experience! We tried a few other gyms before GBJJ and were not impressed. Ryan and his staff are top notch. Absolutely love that they don’t treat the kids like babies, but as humans. Instruction is clear and concise. If students aren’t understanding, the class is pulled back together for instruction and demonstration. Fridays are sparring days, and my son’s absolute favorite! Not only is it a good workout, but a practical practice day. Cannot say enough good things about GBJJ.

Verena Vea

My daughter has been attending this academy for the past three years, and I can’t speak highly enough about the incredible experience we’ve had. Coach Ryan and his team are truly exceptional when it comes to working with kids. They go above and beyond to create a positive, supportive, and welcoming environment for every student. What stands out the most is how much they genuinely care about the kids’ well-being—not just on the mat, but in their lives as a whole.

The coaches consistently check in with me and other parents to see how the kids are doing, which shows a level of dedication and attentiveness you rarely find. They know how to connect with the children, making them laugh, feel at ease, and build confidence in a setting that can sometimes be intimidating for beginners.

Beyond the techniques of jiu-jitsu, they teach valuable lessons about safety, respect, and how to carry themselves with integrity both on and off the mat. These lessons go far beyond physical training; they’re instilling life skills that will stick with these kids forever.

Over the years, I’ve captured countless photos and videos of my daughter and my nieces and nephews training and thriving here, and the staff has always been incredibly supportive. The encouragement they give each child is truly remarkable—helping them grow not just as athletes but as individuals.

It’s been such a rewarding experience to watch my daughter progress and enjoy every step of the journey, and I can’t wait for the day when I live closer and can take part in the adults’ class myself. This academy has been more than just a training facility; it’s a community where families feel valued, and kids are empowered to be their best selves.

Tim Tseng

We’ve been bringing our 8-year-old to Granite Bay Jiu-Jitsu for the past two years, and I can confidently say it’s been one of the best decisions we’ve made for him.

Initially, we just wanted to get him off his PS5 and into something more productive, but GBJJ has given him so much more than we expected. It’s been incredible to see how the program has helped him grow—not just physically, but emotionally and mentally as well. He’s gained discipline, confidence, and a real sense of character, all while staying active and learning the value of hard work.

The coaching staff is outstanding, and Ryan has an incredible ability to connect with kids, keeping them engaged while teaching valuable lessons. His approach makes it fun and productive, creating an environment where kids want to learn and improve.

Jiu-jitsu has become one of our son’s first true passions, something we never imagined when he started. To us, that’s absolutely priceless.

Nikki Edwards

My son has been training at Granite Bay Jiu-Jitsu Jitsu for over 4 years now, anywhere from 4-6 days/week- he started strictly for self defense because he was being bullied at school. This year he had to use what he learned to defend himself and was successful. Beyond that, he competes on the tournament team and has absolutely fallen in love with the sport. Quit soccer completely to focus on BJJ. I cannot say enough about all the coaches here. They are all incredible , but particularly Coach Ryan. He is constantly working toward improvement of his program, always evolving. I think this is important in any career, it shows the passion you have to not be afraid of change. I just can't even fully express what his program has done for my son. Forever grateful.

Lindsay Dilloway

My kids and I have been training with Ryan for a few years now and I cannot say enough good things about him, the academy, and all the staff/volunteer coaches. Not only have my kids gained skill, but they have also learned to better regulate their emotions through the ups and downs of training. It's also really cool to see the confidence boost that each kid has received after training for a while. I've seen the confidence grow not only on the mats, but in how they interact with other kids and even adults outside the academy.

From the very beginning, Ryan sets very clear expectations for both the kids that train as well as the parents that choose to watch classes. He's created a culture that is welcoming and fun, but also challenging for everyone so that they can continue to improve. As both a parent of three kids that train and being a woman that trains, the culture of the academy is not only what brought us here, but what has kept us here for years. It's truly a community and a safe space.

Nikkole Smith

GBJJ is an amazing gym for your kids to learn confidence, discipline, respect for others, as well as themselves, and much much more. My boys went in as shy timid boys and are now confident, strong, young men. I can see the difference in the way they carry themselves and how they interact with everyone. Ryan and all of the coaching staff welcomed them and made us all feel like we were part of a big family. They are all so encouraging and good with the kids. Ryan is firm, as well as fun in his classes. I can’t give a more positive review. If you are on the fence about you or your kids joining…. do it now. You won’t regret it.

C.Kronkright Rough House Sports (C.Kronkright)

The place, the people and the practice are all a different level. You walk through the front door and see pictures of all the members on a cork board. They are happy, excited and plentiful. There is a real sense of community. Literally people giving rides home or to practices. People getting together for birthdays and holidays. The facility is large. Lots of mat space for training, even the floor is raised to help eliminate injuries and wellbeing. It also boasts an ice bath, and infrared sauna for recovery. I noticed an AED machine. That alone, I have never seen at another Jiu-Jitsu location. If you look around the academy there are Rumba cleaning robots adding to cleanliness of the academy, as well as chess’s club, which I very much much like for the kids. They have an array of people training from police and firefighters to passionate Jiu-Jitsu competitors and even teachers. At this academy they practice both the traditional Gi style of Jiu-Jitsu and the more popular No-Gi styles. You are never obligated to wear a team uniform and the kids don’t break boards to get BS Black belts. They teach accountability and responsibility for kids, so that if a child misplaces, let’s say shoes or a water bottle, that child learns how to take care of issues themselves. This facility is a network of positive role models, truly viable martial arts techniques and its always clean with plenty of available parking.
Also, KNUCKLEHEADS DON’T SEEM TO LAST at this locations. The wannabes can’t handle the expectations it would seem.

Tetiana

We recommend Granite Bay Jiu-Jitsu!!!! The children really like it, they learn self-defense and self-discipline. Our boys are in the competition team, they have made even more friends. All the coaches are very good, they explain and teach the kids clearly. Individual approach to each child. Your kids can always try a free week but believe me, after the second day they will say sign me up!!!! Try, Try Granite Bay Jiu-Jitsu!!!!!
So a lot of time pased. We still have great experience!!!! My kids go to Granite Bay Jiu-Jitsu for 3.5 years.They really love this sport!!! There is a competition team and my kids are in it. We go to tournaments and the coaches really support all of the kids also one tournament he came to it after his surgery he treats all of the kids like he probably would treat his. I feel that my kids are always safe with him and trained. One of my kids forgets his phone but when we came to get it, it was still there. We were so glad no one stole it also there is a lost and found so if someone forgets something then they can get it in the lost and found when ever they lose something. So Granite Bay Jiu-Jitsu very nice school!!!!! All of the coaches are very kind and nice!!!