Claudio França Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu – San Jose

Claudio França Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu – San Jose offers Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes that include beginner-friendly fundamentals, advanced BJJ training, kids’ Jiu Jitsu, sparring, and competition training. The program also offers kickboxing, strength and conditioning classes, self-defense training, and Train Hard Circuit Training. For children and teens, specific options include Little Jags: Beginners BJJ for children ages 4–7, Junior BJJ for beginner-advanced BJJ for ages 7–10, Youth BJJ for beginner-advanced BJJ for ages 11–15, and Youth Striking for ages 8–15.

• Ages: 4–18 years old
• Schedule: Class and facility hours Monday–Thursday midday and late afternoon to evening, Friday midday and evening, and Saturday mornings; birthday party packages are 2 hours
• Price: Birthday Packages: Basic – $449 Weekend Pricing; Standard – $699 Weekend Pricing; Premium – $799 Weekend Pricing; Basic: Up to 15 children, $20 per each additional child; Standard: $25 per each additional child; Premium: $30 per each additional child.

Adult options at Claudio França Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu – San Jose include Adult BJJ Technique for beginning adults 16+, Adult BJJ for all other levels, No Gi BJJ for adults, Adult Striking focused on self defense, strength and stamina through striking, and Train Hard Circuit Training. The program also offers birthday party packages (Basic, Standard, Premium) that include private parties with open mat space, a rock wall, games, and, in the Premium option, a Jiu Jitsu lesson; food and beverage are not included.

Owner and Professor Erik Benaquisto began his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey in 1999 under the mentorship of Master Claudio França, took over the San Jose academy in 2004, and has achieved multiple gold medals in the competitive Black Belt division. The leadership and coaching team includes Erik Benaquisto (Owner and Professor), Anaue Pavanello (Jiu Jitsu Professor), Sam Romero (MMA BJJ & Kick Boxing coach), Erik Matlin (Jiu Jitsu Professor), Akrura Gordillo (Jiu Jitsu Professor), Anthony Liu (Jiu Jitsu Professor), Ahmed Moussa (Train Hard Circuit Training Instructor), Savina Moio (Instructor Assistant), Alex Bustos (Instructor Assistant), Jerome Turcan (Kickboxing Instructor), and Jimmy Zimmerman (role not specified). For more than 20 years, Claudio França Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu – San Jose has been a leading name in the South Bay martial arts community and is recognized as one of the best martial arts academies in the Bay Area.

The program states that it believes in training hard, having fun, and building confidence, with a focus on developing technique, discipline, and strength through expert instruction and a supportive community. It describes Jiu-Jitsu as a lifestyle that builds strength, resilience, and balance and is guided by the philosophy, “Prepare for war, fight for peace.” Claudio França Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu – San Jose offers first class free for new students, flexible memberships for the whole family, family memberships, and programs for kids, teens, and adults of all experience levels, along with special 10% discounts for Military, First Responders, and Students.

Claudio França Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu – San Jose serves families from San Jose and surrounding areas including Los Gatos, Campbell, Willow Glen, Almaden, and the broader South Bay communities. One parent testimonial mentions really affordable family prices and the ability for adults to get a workout at the same time as their kids, while another notes being very happy to have found the gym, and a third describes it as an awesome place to learn and practice BJJ for kids and adults with a friendly atmosphere and a fundamentals class for those just starting out.

Last updated April 25, 2026.