About
Island City Jiu-Jitsu offers youth Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes, including kids BJJ, for children who train in grappling. The program is part of a broader martial arts academy that also offers Muay Thai, MMA, kickboxing, and flexibility and mobility training. No experience is necessary, and complete beginners are welcome.
• Ages: 4–12 years old
• Price: $25 intro class
The youth BJJ program at Island City Jiu-Jitsu starts at age 4 and continues until age 12, when kids move on to adult classes. The program is led by a team that includes Owner and Head Coach Zach Costa, BJJ Instructors Vasja Volin and Austin Glushenko, Kids BJJ and Flexibility Instructor Margie Hunt, and Muay Thai Kickboxing Instructor Uche Mowete. Coach Zach is a first degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Diogo Gomes with 18 years of martial arts training and a 5-1-1 MMA record, and he is described in a testimonial as knowledgeable, welcoming, and friendly to all experience levels. Vasja is a brown belt with a decade of BJJ experience under instructors including Zach Costa, Bruno Malfacine, and Ioannis Hronakis; Austin is a purple belt under Diogo Gomes and an active competitor; Margie holds a blue belt and has a background in gymnastics, dance, yoga, and fitness competitions; and Uche has nearly 19 years of martial arts experience, starting with traditional arts and Taekwondo before mastering Muay Thai.
The academy describes itself as Alameda’s premier martial arts academy and as more than a gym, with a community that supports and motivates each other every day. Its mission statement says Island City Jiu-Jitsu aims to guide students in becoming their best selves, with energetic and dedicated instructors and a focus on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and MMA. The mission statement also notes that the team is committed to teaching martial arts, keeping classes uplifting and fun, and focusing on confidence and technique, as well as building strength, flexibility, cardiovascular endurance, discipline, and mental toughness. The academy emphasizes self-defense skills that work in real-world situations through BJJ, Muay Thai, and MMA training, and it offers multiple class times for adults and youth to fit busy lifestyles.
Testimonials describe the facility as world-class and spotless, with top-notch, well-maintained equipment, a large and clean mat space, and a clean and professional environment. One testimonial notes a big screen TV, a full-size arcade game, and big chairs to lounge in at the front, and another mentions a good mix of students at different levels and personalized attention from highly skilled instructors. A reviewer who trains Muay Thai describes the Muay Thai classes as a balance of technique and conditioning and says that Coach Zach and Coach Uche tailor each class to beginners and more experienced individuals. Island City Jiu-Jitsu is now partnered with the We Defy Foundation, providing combat veterans a long-term way to overcome their challenges through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Last updated March 23, 2026.
• Ages: 4–12 years old
• Price: $25 intro class
The youth BJJ program at Island City Jiu-Jitsu starts at age 4 and continues until age 12, when kids move on to adult classes. The program is led by a team that includes Owner and Head Coach Zach Costa, BJJ Instructors Vasja Volin and Austin Glushenko, Kids BJJ and Flexibility Instructor Margie Hunt, and Muay Thai Kickboxing Instructor Uche Mowete. Coach Zach is a first degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Diogo Gomes with 18 years of martial arts training and a 5-1-1 MMA record, and he is described in a testimonial as knowledgeable, welcoming, and friendly to all experience levels. Vasja is a brown belt with a decade of BJJ experience under instructors including Zach Costa, Bruno Malfacine, and Ioannis Hronakis; Austin is a purple belt under Diogo Gomes and an active competitor; Margie holds a blue belt and has a background in gymnastics, dance, yoga, and fitness competitions; and Uche has nearly 19 years of martial arts experience, starting with traditional arts and Taekwondo before mastering Muay Thai.
The academy describes itself as Alameda’s premier martial arts academy and as more than a gym, with a community that supports and motivates each other every day. Its mission statement says Island City Jiu-Jitsu aims to guide students in becoming their best selves, with energetic and dedicated instructors and a focus on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and MMA. The mission statement also notes that the team is committed to teaching martial arts, keeping classes uplifting and fun, and focusing on confidence and technique, as well as building strength, flexibility, cardiovascular endurance, discipline, and mental toughness. The academy emphasizes self-defense skills that work in real-world situations through BJJ, Muay Thai, and MMA training, and it offers multiple class times for adults and youth to fit busy lifestyles.
Testimonials describe the facility as world-class and spotless, with top-notch, well-maintained equipment, a large and clean mat space, and a clean and professional environment. One testimonial notes a big screen TV, a full-size arcade game, and big chairs to lounge in at the front, and another mentions a good mix of students at different levels and personalized attention from highly skilled instructors. A reviewer who trains Muay Thai describes the Muay Thai classes as a balance of technique and conditioning and says that Coach Zach and Coach Uche tailor each class to beginners and more experienced individuals. Island City Jiu-Jitsu is now partnered with the We Defy Foundation, providing combat veterans a long-term way to overcome their challenges through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Last updated March 23, 2026.
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