Praia Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Praia Kids & Camps)

Praia Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Praia Kids & Camps) offers Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, NoGi, kickboxing, strength and conditioning, martial arts, fitness, and games for kids. The program includes kids martial arts classes that teach Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo through engaging, age-appropriate techniques, with students ranging from 3-year-olds in the Baby Sharks program to experienced competitors training for IBJJF Worlds. Praia Kids & Camps also offers private one-on-one Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, kickboxing, and strength and conditioning classes for kids and adults.

• Ages: 3–18 years old
• Schedule: Summer camp sessions run Monday–Friday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM in week-long blocks

Praia Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was founded in 2019 and describes itself as Costa Mesa’s premier Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy and Costa Mesa’s home for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, and martial arts. The academy states that “Praia” captures the essence of the Orange County lifestyle and its connection to the Costa Mesa community, and that Praia BJJ was built on the belief that martial arts should be for everyone. The program lists its values as loyalty, discipline, respect, and self-confidence, and describes itself as more than a gym, calling Praia a family.

The leadership team includes Founder and Head Coach Professor Thiago, Professor Junior, Professor Andy, Judo Head Coach Sensei Gabriel, and Coach Chase. Professor Thiago is a Checkmat Black Belt under Leo Vieira with over 20 years of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu experience, is a Certified Athletic Coach, Personal Trainer, and Strength & Conditioning Specialist, and has achievements that include American Nationals No-Gi Champion, No-Gi Worlds medalist, UAEJJ LA Grand Slam Silver Medalist, and multiple IBJJF Open medals. Professor Junior began his martial arts journey at age 7 and is a 3x IBJJF World Champion, with achievements that include 2x IBJJF World Champion, IBJJF NoGi World Champion, and IBJJF Pan American Champion. Professor Andy is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt under Mario Reis. Sensei Gabriel is the Judo Head Coach, an assistant coach for the kids’ jiu-jitsu program, and a dedicated CrossFit athlete and coach. Coach Chase is a brown belt under Professor Thiago Pierre.

Praia Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu offers more than 30 classes per week and states that expert coaching is available for kids (ages 3+) and adults (14+) in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, and NoGi. The kids’ martial arts programs are described as being designed to build confidence, discipline, and essential life skills in a fun, safe environment that promotes growth and resilience. The summer camp combines martial arts, fitness, and games in a safe and supportive environment where kids build confidence, discipline, and teamwork, and spots are limited with early registration recommended.

The program notes that the first class is free and that no experience is needed for the first class. For a free trial class, families are instructed that kids should wear workout clothes and bring water, that loaner gis are available, and that they should arrive 10 minutes early. Praia reports a 5.0-star Google rating based on 90+ Google reviews and mentions 90+ five-star families who train at Praia.

Parent and student testimonials describe Praia as having caring and dedicated coaches, a strong culture, and a community that some families refer to as a second family. Testimonials mention kids who love coming to Jiu-Jitsu, training with world champions and Judo with Sensei Gabriel, and adults who appreciate the level of knowledge, teaching skills, and high-level seminars brought in by Professor Thiago and his coaching staff. Visitors and students describe the coaches as friendly, knowledgeable, and often active competitors, and note that high-level talent is brought in regularly for seminars that expose students to different styles.

Last updated July 4, 2026.