Certified Gracie Jiu-Jitsu® Training Center · La Jolla, CA
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Self-defense-first jiu-jitsu for adults, kids and whole families — taught by Level 4 Certified Black Belt Matt Becker in a place that feels like home.
Why Gracie La Jolla
Jiu-jitsu for the street, not the scoreboard. No macho attitude. No fresh-meat rolls. Just proven self-defense, taught with patience by a family that genuinely cares.
Essential self-defense techniques
Stand-alone Combatives lessons
Day free trial — not one class
Stars from our families
Gracie Combatives® · The method
600+
techniques in jiu-jitsu.
Most academies throw beginners into all of them at once — and most beginners quit.
Training programs
From three-year-old Mat Munchkins to black belts — a clearly defined curriculum, so you always know your next step.
01Adults · No experience neededGracie Combatives®
The official beginner program. 36 essential self-defense techniques, 23 stand-alone lessons, taught in a safe, cooperative environment.
02Blue belt and beyondThe Master Cycle®
Hundreds of advanced techniques organized into seven positional chapters — the systematic road to black belt.
03Kids · Ages 3–13Gracie Bullyproof®
Unshakable confidence without violence. Verbal assertiveness, leverage-based control, and real character development.
04Any level · Any schedulePrivate Lessons
Personalized instruction at the academy or in your home, sequenced to build reflexes fast and find your unique game.
A clear path
White to black.One stripe at a time.
White belt
Gracie Combatives®
Take each of the 23 lessons. Take them twice and you unlock Reflex Development classes, where techniques combine into real fight scenarios.
Owner & Head Instructor
For more than three decades Matt has taught martial arts to everyone from preschoolers to Navy SEALs. With his wife Dione, he’s built a school where discipline, confidence and practical skill are taught with genuine kindness.
With Rener & Ryron Gracie, Gracie Academy
“Matt Becker is an excellent teacher and the Gracie Academy is proud to have him as a Level 4 Certified Instructor.”
— Rener Gracie
3–13
Gracie Bullyproof® for kids
Featured by CNN, ABC, NBC and Oprah, Bullyproof teaches kids to defuse conflict with words first — and to neutralize a physical threat with leverage-based control, never punches or kicks.
- Rule 1Avoid the fight at all costs.
- Rule 2If physically attacked, defend yourself.
- Rule 3If verbally attacked, talk, tell, tackle.
- Rule 4Never punch or kick. Control and negotiate.
- Rule 5Use minimal force. Negotiate.
Clean mats, fresh gis, and training partners whose goal is to help you — not submit you.
“A place where character, discipline, and confidence are taught with patience, care, and heart.”
“Matt has taught my husband and ALL 8 of my children Jiu-Jitsu since a very young age.”
“He will never forget how to defend himself.”
“My daughter has gained confidence and leadership.”
“I didn’t start training until my 40s. I made it from absolute beginner to Blue Belt and then some.”
“I went to literally 6 different jiu-jitsu schools looking for one that focused on self-defense.”
“His ability to break down lessons and techniques is outstanding.”
“After a year of watching I signed myself up. I’ve been to four classes and I’m hooked!”
“The place has literally changed my life. This stuff really works!”
“This place is not a shark tank. GJJ La Jolla is a community of self confidence.”
“You don’t need to be active to defend yourself.”
“Even early on, he began to carry himself with the self-confidence that deters bullies.”
“Matt created an incredible program for my father-in-law who suffers from Parkinson’s.”
“He happily completes chores without being prompted — he’s so motivated to earn points for Gracie Game Day!”
“As a former U.S. Army Ranger, I have never experienced a higher level of instruction.”
“As a former Navy SEAL and 28-year striker, I realized there was something lacking.”
“Best instructor ever because he always knows what a student needs to know to become better.”
“Discipline. Respect. Responsibility. Accountability. He walks the walk.”
“If you want to learn how to defend yourself on the street it’s definitely the right academy.”
“It was the only camp my girls wanted to do this summer.”
“He is to this day the best teacher I ever had. Not just martial arts.”
“Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is the only style I would use in an actual fight.”
“Ideal for women who may have to protect themselves against a bigger or stronger aggressor.”
“I have found this curriculum to be worth its weight in gold for “street” situations.”
“It’s serious, but it’s fun. It’s necessary, but it comes with integrity.”
“He also teaches life skills — that’s what propels it from excellent to FANTASTIC.”
“You come in as a student but walk out as a family member.”
“Try it out! What’s the worst that can happen?”
“I trained with Matt fifteen years ago. The choice was clear.”
“Marines, Navy SEALs and all ages and genders have benefitted from his style.”
“Expert, diligent and serious — but the kids also have a great deal of fun.”
“The place simply cannot be improved. GO!”
“I really like the bamboo garden, woodwork and jade plants.”
“Expertise combined with a supportive atmosphere.”
“I have been training since 1973 and have known Matt since 1989.”
“It has enhanced my family’s respect level and my children’s manners and focus.”
“My son said, “that was an awesome bday.””
“This place is for EVERYONE!”
“The best way to reach street readiness against the bigger/stronger kind.”
“Takes a lot of time to teach techniques properly in the Gracie system.”
“Visiting on vacation, Matt and Dione welcomed me with open arms.”
“Great program, superb instruction, solid environment.”
“A great place to get your feet wet with Jiu-Jitsu.”
“Unequivocally the best school in San Diego to learn the art of self defense.”
“I can tell they really care about all their students.”
“Our 4 year old gets so excited before each class.”
“They feel empowered and have learned how to stand up to bullies.”
“100% the best place for learning and practicing this gentle art.”
“It doesn’t get any better than this.”
“Great place to begin Jiu-Jitsu or to continue your development.”
“Friendly, fun and a great place to learn how to roll in a safe environment.”
“Matt and the program have made a tremendous difference in our son’s life.”
“This is the real deal. And the best part? He makes it fun for the kids!”
Your first step
Most jiu-jitsu schools limit new students to one free class. We give you ten days of unlimited beginner classes — for adults and kids. If it isn’t for you, you’ll never pay a thing.