5.0 · 53 reviews and counting
Parents, Navy SEALs, Army Rangers, first-timers in their 40s and four-year-olds who can’t wait for class. Here’s what they say about training with Matt and Dione.
5.0
“Matt Becker is an excellent teacher and the Gracie Academy is proud to have him as a Level 4 Certified Instructor.”
— Rener Gracie
Featured · The West Family
We’ve known Matt and Dione for over 13 years, and I can say without hesitation that Gracie Jiu-Jitsu La Jolla is a truly rare and special place. It’s more than just a martial arts school — it’s a place where character, discipline, and confidence are taught with patience, care, and heart. Our three children, all different ages, have had the joy and privilege of learning from Matt over the years. He teaches not just techniques, but life lessons — how to stay calm, think clearly, and move with purpose. And he does it all with genuine kindness and a quiet strength that makes students feel seen, respected, and supported. Matt is one of those rare teachers who leads with humility, compassion, and deep expertise. His approach is thoughtful and intentional — he takes time to explain, to encourage, and to connect with every student. Combined with Dione’s warmth and professionalism, they’ve created an environment that feels like family. Watching our kids grow under their guidance has been one of the great joys of our lives. If you’re looking for a place where your child will not only learn how to defend themselves, but how to walk through life with confidence and respect — this is that place.
“Matt has taught my husband and ALL 8 of my children Jiu-Jitsu since a very young age.”
The Becker family have been wonderful to work with, especially with my family. Matt has taught my husband and ALL 8 of my children Jiu-Jitsu since a very young age and they still carry his words of wisdom with them. He is gifted in many areas and is a wonderful role model for my kids. My eldest son is now 20 and is coming back for more after being away for several years! I currently have two boys ages 6 and 7 taking class there and they are always eager to share their stories as soon as I pick them up. Matt’s experience is unmatched. Not only does he carry a wealth of knowledge about Jiu-Jitsu, he teaches young children practical life skills! He and his wife are very professional and have treated us like family from the get go. They are a wonderful example to the community and small businesses.
“I didn’t start training until my 40s. I made it from absolute beginner to Blue Belt and then some.”
I didn’t start training in jiu-jitsu until my 40s, and didn’t know if this was something I could do based on things I’ve heard from other BJJ gyms where new students are somewhat “fresh meat”. At Matt’s studio, the environment is one of mutual respect among instructor and students alike, a positive environment for learning and training, for all levels. Thanks to Matt, I made it all the way from absolute beginner with no martial arts experience to Blue Belt and then some. Matt and his gym have made a tremendous positive impact on me, as well as our local community. Thank you Matt!
“After a year of watching I signed myself up. I’ve been to four classes and I’m hooked!”
Matt runs a wonderful school. Teaching a great technical jiu-jitsu class with a heavy dose of life skills for the kids and humor for the adults watching. Both my boys love coming to class and hate when they miss. Their confidence and focus are improved and I think they could diffuse a situation with their peers. After a year of watching I signed myself up with their family discount. I’ve been to four classes and I’m hooked! Now I might be able to defend myself against my boys when we wrestle. Probably not! Thanks to both of you!
“You don’t need to be active to defend yourself.”
I came here with my sorority for a self defense class and we all had an amazing time. We got to learn a few self defense moves when we were there and they were all useful moves. There were about 40-50 of us in the room and it fit all of us well. There is street parking. Our instructor was Matt with the help of Sasha and others. Matt was a great teacher, he was patient with us and showed us the example many times so we would get the hang of it. He also was knowledgeable about jiu-jitsu, so it was interesting to hear him talk about it. I was iffy at first about this because I’m not a very active person, but you don’t need to be active to defend yourself. We all got to demonstrate the lessons he taught us and it is safe to say we definitely want to come back!
“He happily completes chores without being prompted — he’s so motivated to earn points for Gracie Game Day!”
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is the best after-school activity I’ve ever found for my six-year-old son. The Bullyproof Program is teaching him to stand up for himself and also to respect others. Since he started the program, I’ve noticed a change in his overall attitude and an increase in his confidence. He also happily completes chores around the house without even being prompted because he’s so motivated to earn points for Gracie Game Day! Matt and Dione are both amazing instructors and absolutely wonderful people. My son even insisted on cutting his hair short so he could be as cool as Matt! Gracie Jiu-Jitsu feels like home and we are always greeted with smiles and sometimes doggie kisses from Dione’s chihuahua. My only complaint is that they don’t have a class for my son on Friday because he wants to go every single day of the week!! My son handles conflicts with others by first using his WORDS...but I know that he can physically defend himself if he has to. I love that the goal is to not only stop the bullying, but to try to become friends with the person doing the bullying. It’s an amazing program and I cannot say enough positive things about it!
“Best instructor ever because he always knows what a student needs to know to become better.”
We most definitely recommend Gracie Jiu-Jitsu La Jolla. It’s a wonderful school run by Dione & Matt who always make you welcome. There are different age level classes and vacation time camps. Our son has been attending classes with instructor Master Becker for 7 years from grade 3 to Sophomore now. Master Becker is a great role model for the children. Our son has learned how to be Bullyproof and we cannot stress enough how much this has helped our son at school and his overall self-confidence. This is what our son says about Master Becker: “Best instructor ever because he always knows what a student needs to know to become better.”
“It was the only camp my girls wanted to do this summer.”
My daughters just completed their first summer camp and they loved it! Coincidentally it turned into an all girls camp and each day they couldn’t wait to go!! Each of my girls earned a stripe towards their belts and I’m very proud of them! Professor Becker and the Becker family are really an awesome crew!! The man inspires my girls and he inspires me about my girls... love it when another adult teacher inspires and enhances my children’s lives and Mr. Becker does just that!! It was the only camp my girls wanted to do this summer too, and I’m so very happy they loved it so much!!
“Ideal for women who may have to protect themselves against a bigger or stronger aggressor.”
As a woman that has always been concerned about safety, there is no other school or instructor in San Diego that I would recommend. Gracie JJ is ideal for women, who may have to protect themselves against a bigger or stronger aggressor. Matt Becker is a fabulous person and wonderful instructor. As soon as my son is old enough, he will be attending classes with Matt as well.
“He also teaches life skills — that’s what propels it from excellent to FANTASTIC.”
My 9 year old son Alex attends class here Tuesday and Thursday evenings, and I try to come too and watch. Matt is excellent teaching these kids. He teaches the fighting techniques, which is good. It’s important. But he also teaches life skills, and this is what propels Matt Becker and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu La Jolla from being excellent to FANTASTIC! He explains to the children how to handle situations, and why they should be handled this way. From respect, to cleanliness, to healthy eating and any other topic that arises, Matt takes the time to teach children how they should live. He has a lot of patience listening too. Hopefully Alex never needs the fighting techniques, but I know he’ll use all of the other skills throughout his life.
“I trained with Matt fifteen years ago. The choice was clear.”
I can not begin to tell you how happy I am with this studio. I trained with Matt fifteen years ago. I opened a business and just did not have the time to train any longer. Finally my business is at a point where I can break away for a few hours a week. I took some intro classes at a few studios and noticed that they were simply not the same level of training that I had received so many years earlier. I then googled Matt Becker and was happy to see that he had his own studio. The choice was clear. It is a great place to get some exercise, learn a skill, and just break out of the everyday grind of life. I could not imagine training anywhere else.
“The place simply cannot be improved. GO!”
Black belt instructor Matt Becker and the school are absolutely top-notch. He is clear, patient, extremely detail oriented, funny and friendly. The place simply cannot be improved. Caters to young, old, male, female, those interested in self-defense and those interested in sport. Everyone is welcome there. Great camaraderie among students. GO!
“I have been training since 1973 and have known Matt since 1989.”
I am very happy training at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu La Jolla. It’s family owned and operated. The atmosphere is amazing when you walk through the doors. Matt is an outstanding teacher, and he has an easy going approach to teaching his students. This makes all his students comfortable and creates this wonderful atmosphere. I have been training since 1973 and have known Matt since 1989, so I highly recommend him and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu La Jolla.
“This place is for EVERYONE!”
This place is for EVERYONE! Great for kids from toddlers to tweens, also great programs for women’s defense. I’ve been attending classes since last year, and I honestly feel as if I’m part of the family. A great student comes from a great teacher... Everyone has helped to sharpen each other, and the teachers work with you at your own pace.
“Visiting on vacation, Matt and Dione welcomed me with open arms.”
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu La Jolla is a Gracie Certified Training Center in La Jolla, CA. It is a wonderful family owned place to train. I was in San Diego for vacation and wanted to train while I was visiting and Matt and Dione welcomed me with open arms. They were super friendly and so helpful, as well as the students I met in my short time there.
“Unequivocally the best school in San Diego to learn the art of self defense.”
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu La Jolla is unequivocally the best school in San Diego to learn the art of self defense. Matt and Dione Becker are amazing instructors, and whatever your reasons are to learn Jiu-Jitsu, the school offers a comprehensive program and welcoming environment for adults and kids.
“They feel empowered and have learned how to stand up to bullies.”
We love Gracie Jiu-Jitsu La Jolla! Both of our boys attend their classes and they feel empowered and have learned how to stand up to bullies. Thank you Gracie Jiu-Jitsu La Jolla!
“Great place to begin Jiu-Jitsu or to continue your development.”
Welcoming environment, safe and friendly, with fabulous instruction/teaching. Great place to begin Jiu-Jitsu or to continue your Jiu-Jitsu development.
“This is the real deal. And the best part? He makes it fun for the kids!”
This is the real deal — the La Jolla Academy of Martial Arts provides professional training in Soo Bahk Do and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. Matthew Becker is an expert in his field, and is diligent about passing on his high standards to his pupils. And the best part? He makes it fun for the kids!
“He will never forget how to defend himself.”
Fantastic family owned martial arts training center. Matt and Dione are amazing people, who have a gift for training kids the art and science of Brazilian jiu-jitsu. My son started there at seven years old... I wasn’t sure if it was the right thing for him, but I sat through many of his classes... When I saw how Matt first focused on avoiding conflict with verbal skills and psychology, I knew we were on the right track. Of course, the physical defensive skills were taught, but I love that emphasis was on avoiding violence first and foremost. My son studied for four or five years and the basics of Brazilian jiu-jitsu are hardwired with him, he will never forget how to defend himself. He did end up defending himself a few years ago from a larger, older attacker and did a beautiful job ending the fight with the skills Matt and Dione taught him. If you’re thinking about this for your kids, Matt and Dione’s studio is a great place to make it happen. You will never regret it.
“I went to literally 6 different jiu-jitsu schools looking for one that focused on self-defense.”
This is a fantastic place to train Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. Let me take a few minutes to describe what sort of training to expect (it may or may not be what you are looking for), and why I think this place is so good. The jiu-jitsu taught here is geared towards self-defense first, as opposed to competition. I went to literally 6 different jiu-jitsu schools, looking for one that focused on self-defense. And none did. They will all TELL YOU that what they teach is useful for self-defense, but that’s because they want you to sign up. Almost every place really cares about competitions. This is important, because the sort of jiu-jitsu techniques and training that work well for competitions don’t work well for street self-defense, and vice versa. If your goal is to train for competitions, then this may not be the best place for you. But if your goal is to train for self-defense, then it is an excellent choice. Aside from the fact that the training is geared towards self-defense, this place is great for several other reasons. First, the training is structured. There is a clear curriculum for the first belt (blue), and all the classes for that belt follow a rotating sequence. Each class is stand-alone, meaning that no matter when you start, your first class will make sense. At Gracie Jiu-Jitsu La Jolla all the beginning classes make sense, are stand alone, and are doable by anyone, regardless of athletic ability. Also, the people here are really friendly and supportive and cool. There is zero macho attitude. The training is serious, but everyone is supportive and friendly. This also means that the training is safe. The goal of people who have been here a while is to help the people who are new, not to submit them or overpower them or use them as fodder for tournament preparation. And it all starts with Matt, the head instructor. He’s very clear, very supportive, and has no arrogance or attitude. And he’s got a great sense of humor as well. The attitude of everyone at the school is great, and it’s because of the tone and example he sets. [FWIW, I’ve studied a number of martial arts, beginning in the early 1980s, and am currently an instructor in a different martial art.]
“The place has literally changed my life. This stuff really works!”
I’ve trained at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu La Jolla for over 7 years and the place has literally changed my life. My professional life is pretty sedentary, and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Combatives balances out my health and fitness, provides me with an incredible jiu-jitsu family to train with and the self-defense is totally legit. This stuff really works! The studio owner is a master mixed-martial arts instructor who teaches real self defense to everyone, from kids to adults, in a friendly and safe environment. I’ve recommended this studio to many of my friends, and I recommend it to you too!
“Even early on, he began to carry himself with the self-confidence that deters bullies.”
My son attended sessions with Matt Becker for several years. Even early on, he began to carry himself with the self-confidence that usually deters bullies looking for easy victims. In the dreadful halls of middle-school, he could generally “avoid the fight”, but was easily able to break a hold or pin a bigger guy on his back, as one occasion called for, without injuries or escalation. As my son advanced, he enjoyed sparring at Gracie with older guys who were happy to share their experiences and knowledge with him, too. Matt surrounds himself with quality people because he cares. Dione Becker also spent several weeks coaching me in the basics of self-defense, which I found helpful. Just the physics alone of jiu-jitsu is fascinating, and inspiring!
“As a former U.S. Army Ranger, I have never experienced a higher level of instruction.”
If you want to learn Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, this is the place to go, regardless of your sex, age, or experience! I have been training at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in La Jolla for the past three years. As a former U.S. Army Ranger and Special Forces medical sgt. I spent years training with numerous instructors. However, I have never experienced a higher level of instruction than I have with Matt Becker! He is by far the best Gracie Jiu-Jitsu instructor in San Diego County, hands down. I was introduced to Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in 1995 while in the Army, and found it was the most practical, realistic, and fundamentally sound fighting technique I had ever experienced. Upon leaving the military in 1998 I was disappointed I could not find a Gracie Jiu-Jitsu certified instructor in San Diego. Finding Matt Becker has fulfilled my desire to continue training in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu with a certified instructor of the highest quality under the umbrella of the Gracie family in Torrance, CA.
“Discipline. Respect. Responsibility. Accountability. He walks the walk.”
I could not be a bigger fan of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. Our 10-year-old son has been attending classes there for a few years. In addition to developing very good jiu-jitsu and self defense skills, his overall confidence and general fitness has skyrocketed. I’ve become a big advocate of jiu-jitsu as the martial art of choice for kids (boys and girls). In particular, it’s the one martial art that doesn’t really focus on aggressive actions like punching and kicking. Rather, it’s more about grappling and control, leading to your opponent’s (or a potential bully’s) relatively peaceful “submission.” Most importantly, Master Becker is a fantastic influence. I most appreciate the positive and appropriate messages he continually imparts to the kids throughout each class. Discipline. Respect. Responsibility. Accountability. He walks the walk, and is a great role model for the kids. Finally, Matt and Dione run a well-organized operation. It’s nice that they make it easy for the parents in terms of schedule flexibility, communication, customer support, etc. 5 stars all around!
“He is to this day the best teacher I ever had. Not just martial arts.”
I was a student of Mr. Becker’s for only two years, and then we moved out of state. I almost never return to the San Diego area without stopping by to see him. He is to this day the best teacher I ever had. Not just martial arts. I have worked with kids my entire professional life, I have my Masters Degree in Education and I have worked for amazing teachers like Tony Robbins. Matt has had the greatest impact on me. The environment he creates is amazing for children, and for the inner children in all of us. His wife Dione and himself are people with incredible integrity and a real sense of community and togetherness. If you are reading this, be grateful to have crossed paths with such a great teacher, business and community.
“I have found this curriculum to be worth its weight in gold for “street” situations.”
Those interested in training Jiu-Jitsu need look no further. I have been training with Matt Becker for two years now. The first year was dedicated primarily to the Gracie Combatives course. This course deals with situations that may arise in public with aggressive or intoxicated people. I have found this curriculum to be worth its weight in gold for dealing with “street” situations. After demonstrating my proficiency in the Combatives techniques I was awarded a blue belt. The second year I was promoted into the Master Cycle curriculum. The techniques in this course are the natural expansion of the Combatives course. In the Master Cycle we are able to focus on a much deeper understanding of the techniques while we continue to get a balanced workout through spirited, but controlled sparring. Cleanliness is paramount in the studio and all students are required to wear a freshly laundered Gi to every class. Many thanks to Matt for his dedication as an instructor. He is fully committed to the art of Jiu-Jitsu.
“You come in as a student but walk out as a family member.”
WOW!! What an amazing experience it’s been taking classes here at Gracie La Jolla. Not just for me but for my kids as well. It was only just the other day looking back to when they started out as little ninjas... from Game Nights to those fun obstacle courses, and engaging classes. The whole time they were having fun they didn’t even realize they were learning Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. Matthew Becker’s school is by far one of those places where you come in as a student but walk out as a family member of a great community of Jiu-Jitsu practitioners.
“Marines, Navy SEALs and all ages and genders have benefitted from his style.”
Matt is an expert and a true professional. As someone who trains there and also has a kid trained by Matt, I am impressed by his technique, speed, strength, teaching ability. Matt is excellent with kids also and relates very well with them. All the kids at school love him. As for adults, Marines, Navy SEALs and all ages and genders have benefitted and are impressed by his style. After almost 2 years there I consider many of the students my friends. The studio environment is always respectful, clean and safe.
“I really like the bamboo garden, woodwork and jade plants.”
Matt Becker and his BJJ studio in La Jolla have made a positive impact on my health and well-being. Matt’s patience, attention to detail and teaching style are to be emulated. He has a really cool and extensive library of martial arts knowledge both in book form as well as his personal expertise. I really like the bamboo garden, woodwork and jade plants. Also like the extensive training weapons (my favorite is the bo staff). Thank you to the Becker Family and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu La Jolla.
“It has enhanced my family’s respect level and my children’s manners and focus.”
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu La Jolla is the best thing to happen to my family in a long time. Matt and Dione make it such a welcoming environment for everyone involved, from children to adults it is a great program! Growing up in martial arts studios and working with different instructors, it has been a refreshing change. It has enhanced my family’s respect level and my children’s manners and focus. Matt has a way with children and teaching that is very well received.
“The best way to reach street readiness against the bigger/stronger kind.”
Great people, great instructors, respectful and fun atmosphere, good learning pace, the best way to reach street readiness for any up close and personal encounter with the bigger/stronger kind. I highly recommend this studio for all your Gracie JJ needs and to get prepared to defend yourself and your family/friends in a worst case scenario.
“Great program, superb instruction, solid environment.”
Matt Becker is an incredibly experienced and talented instructor. I have spent over a year here, and have felt my learning and progress be prioritized and pushed forward. Great program, superb instruction, solid environment.
“I can tell they really care about all their students.”
My son loves going to Gracie Bullyproof. He is learning a lot in class and it is giving him a lot of self confidence. I really appreciate the effort and kindness both Matt and Dione show my son and I. I can tell they really care about all their students. I highly recommend it to everyone!
“100% the best place for learning and practicing this gentle art.”
My husband and daughter do Jiu-Jitsu at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu on Eads St. They are 100% the best place for learning and practicing this gentle art. Dione and Matt are super professional, kind and incredible with kids. We just love it!
“Friendly, fun and a great place to learn how to roll in a safe environment.”
Matt is a fantastic teacher and I love taking classes here. Friendly, fun and a great place to learn how to roll in a safe environment. I have and will continue to recommend Gracie Jiu-Jitsu La Jolla to my friends and family.
“My daughter has gained confidence and leadership.”
Highly recommend this gym for Jiu-Jitsu. Matt has been teaching my kids since they were 3 years old (they’re now 8 and 5) and they enjoy it so much! Matt is amazing with the kids and I have seen so many different kids grow and learn in this program. My daughter has gained confidence and leadership and my son is learning to behave and be a good role model. We love it here :)
“His ability to break down lessons and techniques is outstanding.”
Matt is an amazing instructor, who works hard to deliver jiu-jitsu in a great environment. He’s been around a long time and has always delivered. His ability to break down lessons and techniques is outstanding. I definitely recommend coming and checking out a free week of class. It doesn’t matter what age, size or whether you’re a male or female. You will learn the art of self-defense in a practical way with him as your instructor.
“This place is not a shark tank. GJJ La Jolla is a community of self confidence.”
I love training at GJJ La Jolla. I have been here for 8 years. Under the patriotic leadership of Matt Becker, I have developed a pretty good system of arm attacks that I have demonstrated against experienced practitioners. During private lessons, Matt is constantly tracking my progress and fine tuning the leg positions and variations of my juji-gatame. The business hours accommodate my varying shift work schedules. The black, brown, and purple belts we train with all have an interest in developing everyone’s skills as this is a system that primarily emphasizes bully-proofing and self defense survival for children, teens and adults. This place is not a shark tank. GJJ La Jolla is a community of self confidence.
“Matt created an incredible program for my father-in-law who suffers from Parkinson’s.”
I’ve practiced mixed martial arts at many studios over the years and none compare to Gracie Jiu-Jitsu La Jolla. The owners Matt and Dione are great family people and have created a wonderful environment of learning jiu-jitsu at a high level. I was so impressed with Matt’s ability to teach, I asked him to put a program together for my father-in-law who suffers from Parkinson’s. Matt did a lot of research and created an incredible program that’s safe and has helped improve his mental and motor skills. I highly recommend Gracie Jiu-Jitsu La Jolla.
“As a former Navy SEAL and 28-year striker, I realized there was something lacking.”
WOW... As a former NAVY SEAL and a 28 year practitioner of stand up Martial Arts, in Shotokan, Kempo, SCARS, as an expert striker and weapons practitioner I thought I was ready... well during a casual conversation with a friend, who was a student of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu La Jolla, we ended up on the ground and went for about 5 or 10 minutes and even though I managed to hold my own for the majority of the time I realized there was something lacking. I went and checked out the studio and was very impressed by both the size and the cleanliness. I have been training ever since, 1 and 1/2 years later still excited and still learning... If you ever thought about it, now is the time and Gracie La Jolla is the place!
“If you want to learn how to defend yourself on the street it’s definitely the right academy.”
My daughter and I both train here. It’s an amazing place with a family atmosphere. If you are looking for a place to learn how to win a tournament it’s probably not the right academy. If you want to learn how to defend yourself on the street it’s definitely the right academy. My daughter trains Bullyproof and we have seen positive growth in her attitude and body awareness. I definitely recommend this academy to any man, woman or child.
“Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is the only style I would use in an actual fight.”
Make no mistake, you’re going to know how to effectively defend yourself by the time you get your blue belt (which is right after white)! I have studied Kempo, Boxing, Kickboxing, Tae Kwon Do, and other martial arts, but Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is the only style I would use in an actual fight. Gracie Jiu-Jitsu La Jolla not only provides an excellent learning experience, but you’ll break a sweat too. I have been attending Matt Becker’s class for over 2 years, and he is hands down the best martial arts instructor I have ever had. One of the friendliest people I know, and has a profound respect and admiration for this type of combat. He is understanding but firm with beginners, humble and respectful with veterans, and holds all of his students in the highest regard.
“It’s serious, but it’s fun. It’s necessary, but it comes with integrity.”
This is so important for our kids. I worry parents are not aware what is going on out there. Once our kids get in middle school our involvement is less at school. The only way to help our kids is to give them the proper tools for handling conflict. We’ve had our son training with Matt Becker for 10 years! If you’d like to see a demo, just give them a call! It’s serious, but it’s fun. It’s necessary, but it comes with integrity and honesty of action. Gracie Jiu-Jitsu La Jolla is well-rounded and healthy!
“Try it out! What’s the worst that can happen?”
This is the best Gracie Jiu-Jitsu school you can find in all of San Diego!!! I have trained at other Gracie Jiu-Jitsu schools in Los Angeles and this school teaches all the technique, philosophy and mindset that the Gracie family prides themselves with. I am happy to say that this is definitely a school that takes pride in the quality that it teaches. Try it out! What’s the worst that can happen?
“Expert, diligent and serious — but the kids also have a great deal of fun.”
The Gracie Bullyproof program for kids is wonderful! While the children do learn how to physically defend themselves very well, they also learn how to first try to stop a bully before things progress by speaking directly and firmly to the bully and by telling adults about the situation. My child has progressed amazingly in a short time and feels good about his jiu-jitsu skills. Instructor and owner Matt Becker is expert, diligent and serious, but the kids also have a great deal of fun in class.
“Expertise combined with a supportive atmosphere.”
I had a fantastic experience with Matt. His extensive knowledge, patience, and passion for the art form truly stood out. His teaching style was exceptional, making it a welcoming environment for a beginner like myself. This is an academy where expertise combines with a supportive atmosphere.
“My son said, “that was an awesome bday.””
Love Matt & Dione! My son takes classes and just had his 7th bday party there. They were great with the kids & fun was had by all. Matt is a very patient and knowledgeable instructor. Really positive messages and a friendly down to earth vibe. My son said, “that was an awesome bday.” and we have thrown him some great parties in the past. Check this place out!
“Takes a lot of time to teach techniques properly in the Gracie system.”
I’ve been training here for about a year and love it. Matt’s a great instructor, easy to learn from, and takes a lot of time to teach techniques properly in the Gracie system. For what it’s worth, I’ve trained for years in krav maga, and find the two systems philosophically different but complementary nonetheless, particularly the Combatives program.
“A great place to get your feet wet with Jiu-Jitsu.”
I trained under Matt at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu La Jolla for roughly 3 years and they were some great years. The environment there is very welcoming and I would highly recommend it if you are a beginner like I was. It is a great place to get your feet wet with Jiu-Jitsu and learn from a great instructor and from great training partners.
“Our 4 year old gets so excited before each class.”
We love that our whole family has joined Gracie Jiu-Jitsu La Jolla and have learned lifelong skills to feel protected and safer. Our 4 year old son has enjoyed practicing the “gentle art” and gets so excited before each class to learn more.
“It doesn’t get any better than this.”
It doesn’t get any better than this. Matt is a fantastic instructor, and my experience at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu has been a phenomenal one. At this time, I have to step away from Gracie for a bit, however I am already chomping at the bit to make sure I am ready to pick right back up in the future! Thanks Matt for doing such a phenomenal job!
“Matt and the program have made a tremendous difference in our son’s life.”
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in La Jolla is amazing. Matt and the program have made a tremendous difference in our son’s life.
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.