About
Ralph Gracie Sacramento offers Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes, including Kids BJJ, Juniors BJJ, Adult BJJ, and Women's BJJ. Classes include Gi and No-Gi options such as Kids Gi, Juniors Gi, Juniors No-Gi, Adults Gi, and Adults No Gi.
• Ages: 5–18 years old
• Schedule: Class options Monday–Friday from early morning to evening, plus Saturday morning classes
Head instructor Manny Gonzales is a 3rd Degree Black Belt under Ricardo Guimaraes, started training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2003, began teaching at age 16, received his black belt in July 2012, and his training lineage includes Royler Gracie, Carlos Gracie Jr., and Roberto “Gordo” Correia. Black belt Katie Dees, who has over 10 years of grappling experience and is a black belt under Manny Gonzales, leads the women’s program. Black belt Fernando Cacal, an Army and Marine Corps veteran who started training jiu-jitsu in 2011 and received his black belt in December 2020 under Manny Gonzales, leads the 6 AM morning classes. The instructors are affiliated with the Ralph Gracie Association.
Ralph Gracie Sacramento offers the only dedicated women-only Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class in Sacramento, led by black belt Katie Dees, and the first class is free. The program states that it is not a competition factory or a tough-guy gym, but a school where students come to learn, challenge themselves, get stronger, and be part of something real. Its mission is to bring world-class jiu-jitsu instruction to the Natomas community and to welcome anyone, regardless of background or experience, with a focus on technique before strength, patience before pressure, and respect for every person on the mat.
Parent and student reviews describe the academy as having friendly faces from the moment someone walks in, a place that has become a “second family,” and “the most welcoming place” some reviewers have trained. Testimonials also describe the instructors as extremely professional, the environment as stress free for learning jiu-jitsu, and note that the schedule meets the needs of families who have been attending for years.
Last updated July 10, 2026.
• Ages: 5–18 years old
• Schedule: Class options Monday–Friday from early morning to evening, plus Saturday morning classes
Head instructor Manny Gonzales is a 3rd Degree Black Belt under Ricardo Guimaraes, started training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2003, began teaching at age 16, received his black belt in July 2012, and his training lineage includes Royler Gracie, Carlos Gracie Jr., and Roberto “Gordo” Correia. Black belt Katie Dees, who has over 10 years of grappling experience and is a black belt under Manny Gonzales, leads the women’s program. Black belt Fernando Cacal, an Army and Marine Corps veteran who started training jiu-jitsu in 2011 and received his black belt in December 2020 under Manny Gonzales, leads the 6 AM morning classes. The instructors are affiliated with the Ralph Gracie Association.
Ralph Gracie Sacramento offers the only dedicated women-only Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class in Sacramento, led by black belt Katie Dees, and the first class is free. The program states that it is not a competition factory or a tough-guy gym, but a school where students come to learn, challenge themselves, get stronger, and be part of something real. Its mission is to bring world-class jiu-jitsu instruction to the Natomas community and to welcome anyone, regardless of background or experience, with a focus on technique before strength, patience before pressure, and respect for every person on the mat.
Parent and student reviews describe the academy as having friendly faces from the moment someone walks in, a place that has become a “second family,” and “the most welcoming place” some reviewers have trained. Testimonials also describe the instructors as extremely professional, the environment as stress free for learning jiu-jitsu, and note that the schedule meets the needs of families who have been attending for years.
Last updated July 10, 2026.
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