Praia Kids
Fallbrook Community Center, 3010 Harbor Blvd, Suite A, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
About
Praia Kids is a martial arts program that includes Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, NoGi, Kickboxing, Strength & Conditioning, and general fitness. Kids in the program take part in warm-ups, learn fundamentals, and practice kids martial arts and self-defense through structured activities and games. Praia SUMMER CAMP combines martial arts, fitness, and games in a safe and supportive environment where kids build confidence, discipline, and teamwork.
• Ages: 3–18 years old
• Schedule: Each PRAIA SUMMER CAMP 2026 week runs Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–1:00 PM
Praia BJJ was founded in 2019 and describes itself as Costa Mesa's home for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, and martial arts, with the name “Praia” reflecting its connection to the Costa Mesa community and Orange County lifestyle. The program states that Praia BJJ was built on the belief that martial arts should be for everyone and that it is more than a gym, describing Praia as a family. It offers expert coaching for kids (ages 3+) and adults (14+) in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, and NoGi, with over 30 classes per week, and the first class is free. Private one-on-one Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Kickboxing, and Strength & Conditioning classes are available for both kids and adults, and students range from 3-year-olds in the Baby Sharks program to experienced competitors training for IBJJF Worlds. Spots are limited for summer camp and early registration is recommended, and Praia has also hosted a New Location Open House event with tours, exclusive membership deals, and raffle prizes.
The leadership team includes Founder and Head Coach Professor Thiago Pierre, Professor Junior, Professor Andy Meneghetti, Judo Head Coach and kids’ jiu-jitsu assistant coach Sensei Gabriel, and Coach Chase Duquette. Professor Thiago Pierre is a Checkmat Black Belt under Leo Vieira with over 20 years of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu experience, is a decorated competitor, and emphasizes fundamentals, strategy, and individual attention for students of all ages. Thiago’s achievements include American Nationals No-Gi Champion, No-Gi Worlds medalist, UAEJJ LA Grand Slam Silver Medalist, and multiple IBJJF Open medals, and he holds certifications as a Certified Athletic Coach, Personal Trainer, and Strength & Conditioning Specialist. Professor Junior is a 3x IBJJF World Champion whose achievements include 2x IBJJF World Champion, IBJJF NoGi World Champion, and IBJJF Pan American Champion. Professor Andy Meneghetti is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt under Mario Reis. Sensei Gabriel is Judo Head Coach, an assistant coach for the kids’ jiu-jitsu program, and a dedicated CrossFit athlete and coach. Coach Chase Duquette is a Brown belt under Professor Thiago Pierre.
Praia BJJ reports a 5.0 stars Google rating with over 90 Google reviews. Parent and student testimonials describe coaches as caring, kind, dedicated, friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about the program, and mention discipline, respect, patience, and a positive gym atmosphere. Families report kids enjoying Jiu-Jitsu at Praia, including siblings training together, parents joining after their children start, and students practicing Jiu-Jitsu with world champions and Judo with Sensei Gabriel. Reviewers also mention high-level seminars, exposure to different styles, and describe Praia as a second family and a favorite gym experience.
Last updated July 4, 2026.
• Ages: 3–18 years old
• Schedule: Each PRAIA SUMMER CAMP 2026 week runs Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–1:00 PM
Praia BJJ was founded in 2019 and describes itself as Costa Mesa's home for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, and martial arts, with the name “Praia” reflecting its connection to the Costa Mesa community and Orange County lifestyle. The program states that Praia BJJ was built on the belief that martial arts should be for everyone and that it is more than a gym, describing Praia as a family. It offers expert coaching for kids (ages 3+) and adults (14+) in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, and NoGi, with over 30 classes per week, and the first class is free. Private one-on-one Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Kickboxing, and Strength & Conditioning classes are available for both kids and adults, and students range from 3-year-olds in the Baby Sharks program to experienced competitors training for IBJJF Worlds. Spots are limited for summer camp and early registration is recommended, and Praia has also hosted a New Location Open House event with tours, exclusive membership deals, and raffle prizes.
The leadership team includes Founder and Head Coach Professor Thiago Pierre, Professor Junior, Professor Andy Meneghetti, Judo Head Coach and kids’ jiu-jitsu assistant coach Sensei Gabriel, and Coach Chase Duquette. Professor Thiago Pierre is a Checkmat Black Belt under Leo Vieira with over 20 years of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu experience, is a decorated competitor, and emphasizes fundamentals, strategy, and individual attention for students of all ages. Thiago’s achievements include American Nationals No-Gi Champion, No-Gi Worlds medalist, UAEJJ LA Grand Slam Silver Medalist, and multiple IBJJF Open medals, and he holds certifications as a Certified Athletic Coach, Personal Trainer, and Strength & Conditioning Specialist. Professor Junior is a 3x IBJJF World Champion whose achievements include 2x IBJJF World Champion, IBJJF NoGi World Champion, and IBJJF Pan American Champion. Professor Andy Meneghetti is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt under Mario Reis. Sensei Gabriel is Judo Head Coach, an assistant coach for the kids’ jiu-jitsu program, and a dedicated CrossFit athlete and coach. Coach Chase Duquette is a Brown belt under Professor Thiago Pierre.
Praia BJJ reports a 5.0 stars Google rating with over 90 Google reviews. Parent and student testimonials describe coaches as caring, kind, dedicated, friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about the program, and mention discipline, respect, patience, and a positive gym atmosphere. Families report kids enjoying Jiu-Jitsu at Praia, including siblings training together, parents joining after their children start, and students practicing Jiu-Jitsu with world champions and Judo with Sensei Gabriel. Reviewers also mention high-level seminars, exposure to different styles, and describe Praia as a second family and a favorite gym experience.
Last updated July 4, 2026.
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