Pacific Martial Arts Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Pacific Martial Arts Fresno (inside Herndon Valley Fitness), 6735 N. First St., Fresno, CA 93710
About
Pacific Martial Arts Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu offers Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes, including both Kids Gi BJJ and Kids No-Gi BJJ. Classes are 60 minutes for kids and fundamentals, and 3–4 black belts teach kids classes. Within classes, kids are grouped by age and development, typically ages 5–10 together and ages 10–16 together.
• Ages: 3–16 years old
• Schedule: Kids can train up to 3.5 hours daily, six days per week, with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes running seven days a week across four locations; kids classes are 60 minutes.
• Price: Memberships start at $159/month on a 6-month autopay agreement.
Pacific Martial Arts was opened by Matt Smith in July 1996, and thirty years later it has 36 active black belts teaching under one roof and training over 700 students. The Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program is described as building “Confidence through Competence,” with kids gaining confidence by developing actual competence executing techniques against resisting opponents. The program does not hand out participation belts or give fake praise, and kids earn their next rank by actually getting better at jiu jitsu. Competition is optional, and about 10% of kids compete, with kids having competed and placed at Jiu-Jitsu Con, IBJJF Kids Pans, World League, and USA Wrestling Championships.
Pacific Martial Arts states its mission as striving to provide high quality martial arts instruction in a safe, family friendly environment to help students achieve their full potential. The leadership team is led by PMA founder and head instructor Matt Smith, who is an 8th degree black belt in karate and earned his 4th degree black belt under Professor David Camarillo. Other listed instructors and trainers include Aaron Thai, Billy Ramos, Cary Weigant, David Gaxiola, Dennis Abrego, Grand Master Ramiro Estallilia, Eduardo Crema, Greg Asbury, Jaime Visitation, Jason Hannen, Josh Dolarian, Nikko Reyes, Pete Sierra, Randy George, Ryan Wagoner, Sven Dobbs, Terry Schneider, Tracy Mello, and Trevor Turner. Staff credentials include multiple black belts in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, karate, Eskrima, and Aiki-Jujutsu, along with academic degrees such as a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Criminology, a Master’s in Education, and a B.S. in Kinesiology.
PMA reports that it has 36 active black belts teaching under one roof and that its founder’s 4th degree black belt under Professor David Camarillo connects the academy directly to the Gracie lineage. Instructor Eduardo Crema, a 2nd degree black belt, competes at ADCC Opens, which are described as the world championships of no-gi grappling. One testimonial describes the level of instruction as top notch and notes that the coaches are generous with their knowledge, passionate, and kind, and that students can train with seasoned BJJ competitors, many with wrestling backgrounds. Another testimonial states that PMA is the reviewer’s third academy and that over more than a decade, many students and instructors became close friends and excellent role models for kids. A separate testimonial describes an instructor, Ed, offering a free Jiu Jitsu course to an entire military unit, refusing payment, and running drills that pushed soldiers to their physical limits while they reported having fun.
Last updated June 21, 2026.
• Ages: 3–16 years old
• Schedule: Kids can train up to 3.5 hours daily, six days per week, with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes running seven days a week across four locations; kids classes are 60 minutes.
• Price: Memberships start at $159/month on a 6-month autopay agreement.
Pacific Martial Arts was opened by Matt Smith in July 1996, and thirty years later it has 36 active black belts teaching under one roof and training over 700 students. The Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program is described as building “Confidence through Competence,” with kids gaining confidence by developing actual competence executing techniques against resisting opponents. The program does not hand out participation belts or give fake praise, and kids earn their next rank by actually getting better at jiu jitsu. Competition is optional, and about 10% of kids compete, with kids having competed and placed at Jiu-Jitsu Con, IBJJF Kids Pans, World League, and USA Wrestling Championships.
Pacific Martial Arts states its mission as striving to provide high quality martial arts instruction in a safe, family friendly environment to help students achieve their full potential. The leadership team is led by PMA founder and head instructor Matt Smith, who is an 8th degree black belt in karate and earned his 4th degree black belt under Professor David Camarillo. Other listed instructors and trainers include Aaron Thai, Billy Ramos, Cary Weigant, David Gaxiola, Dennis Abrego, Grand Master Ramiro Estallilia, Eduardo Crema, Greg Asbury, Jaime Visitation, Jason Hannen, Josh Dolarian, Nikko Reyes, Pete Sierra, Randy George, Ryan Wagoner, Sven Dobbs, Terry Schneider, Tracy Mello, and Trevor Turner. Staff credentials include multiple black belts in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, karate, Eskrima, and Aiki-Jujutsu, along with academic degrees such as a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Criminology, a Master’s in Education, and a B.S. in Kinesiology.
PMA reports that it has 36 active black belts teaching under one roof and that its founder’s 4th degree black belt under Professor David Camarillo connects the academy directly to the Gracie lineage. Instructor Eduardo Crema, a 2nd degree black belt, competes at ADCC Opens, which are described as the world championships of no-gi grappling. One testimonial describes the level of instruction as top notch and notes that the coaches are generous with their knowledge, passionate, and kind, and that students can train with seasoned BJJ competitors, many with wrestling backgrounds. Another testimonial states that PMA is the reviewer’s third academy and that over more than a decade, many students and instructors became close friends and excellent role models for kids. A separate testimonial describes an instructor, Ed, offering a free Jiu Jitsu course to an entire military unit, refusing payment, and running drills that pushed soldiers to their physical limits while they reported having fun.
Last updated June 21, 2026.
Is this your business? There is no cost, but you will be asked to sign up or log in.