Classes in San Francisco
Instructed by a
11× World Champion
No experience needed — just bring an eager kid!
My 7-year-old loves it! She gained so much confidence after just a few weeks.
Best decision we made. The instructors are amazing with kids — patient and fun!
Hundreds of students — from complete beginners to seasoned grapplers — trust AB MMA to level up their Jiu-Jitsu.
I walked in with zero experience and couldn't even do a proper shrimp. Six months later I tapped my first blue belt in sparring. The coaches at AB MMA are patient, technical, and genuinely invested in your growth. The community here is unlike any gym I've ever been part of.
As a woman training BJJ I was nervous about finding the right gym. AB MMA was immediately welcoming — no ego, no rough rolling, just solid instruction and a supportive team. I've lost 12 lbs, learned real self-defense, and made lifelong friends. I wish I had started sooner.
I've trained at several academies across the Bay Area. AB MMA is in a different league. The level of detail in every technique, the structured curriculum, and direct access to a world-champion instructor is something you simply can't get elsewhere. If you're serious about Jiu-Jitsu, this is your gym.
We guide kids ages 4–14 from their very first class to confident, disciplined martial artists — through a fun, structured journey designed specifically for young learners.
Fill out the form — no gear, no experience, no credit card needed. Just bring your child!
We call you within 2 hours to answer questions and schedule your child's first class.
Each class is designed for your child's age group — playful for the little ones, technical for teens.
Your child trains under an 11× World Champion who is passionate about developing young athletes.
Kids earn belts and stripes as they progress — building pride, motivation, and a sense of achievement.
Beyond the mat: better focus in school, anti-bullying awareness, and lasting friendships.
A free trial class with no commitment. Just bring an eager kid — we'll handle the rest.
Book My Child's Free Class Now →
Antônio Braga Neto started BJJ at just 4 years old in Manaus, Brazil. At 17, he moved to Rio de Janeiro to train at the legendary "Gordo" Gracie Barra academy, earning his black belt at age 18 from Roberto "Gordo" Correa — one of the most decorated coaches in the sport.
A relentless competitor, Braga Neto won 11 IBJJF World Championship titles, gold at the Pan American Championships, competed at the ADCC, and fought in the UFC. He is one of the most technically precise instructors ever to teach in San Francisco — and he is invested in every single student's growth.
Train With a World Champion →
I dedicated my life to this art since I was a child. Every title, every fight gave me something to share. I want to pass on not just technique, but the mindset that transforms you on and off the mat.
Everything parents want to know before enrolling their child in BJJ at AB MMA.
We welcome kids starting from age 4. Our Little Champs class (ages 4–6) is designed with games and movement to introduce BJJ concepts in a fun, age-appropriate way. Juniors (7–10) and Teens (11–14) each have their own dedicated classes with curriculum matched to their development stage.
Not at all — zero experience needed. All of our classes are beginner-friendly and every child starts from scratch. Our coaches are trained to work with kids of all athletic backgrounds. The most important thing your child needs is curiosity and a willingness to try.
Absolutely. BJJ is widely regarded as one of the safest martial arts for kids. At AB MMA, children are always paired by age and size, and all drills are supervised and controlled. We teach discipline and respect on the mat from day one — no rough play, no egos. Parents are always welcome to watch every class.
For the free trial class, comfortable athletic clothing — shorts and a t-shirt — is perfectly fine. No special gear is needed. If your child decides to continue, we'll walk you through getting their first gi (the BJJ uniform). We'll point you to affordable options so there's no guesswork.
The benefits go far beyond self-defense. Kids who train BJJ consistently show improved focus and behavior in school, greater self-confidence, and better resilience when facing challenges. They also develop anti-bullying awareness — both how to avoid conflict and how to handle it if it arises. Many parents tell us it's the best investment they've made in their child's development.
We recommend 2 sessions per week for kids just starting out. This gives them time to absorb the techniques and recover between classes. We offer after-school and weekend options so it's easy to fit around school schedules. As they progress and their enthusiasm grows, they can add more sessions.
Your child gets a full-length class with their age group, a personal introduction with one of our kids' coaches, and a tour of the academy. You're welcome to watch the entire class. There's zero commitment, no credit card, and absolutely no pressure. We just want your child to have a great first experience.
Come in for your child's free trial and ask us anything in person — no pressure, no commitment.
Book My Child's Free Class →Located in San Francisco — easy access from the whole Bay Area.