Claudio França BJJ
Claudio França BJJ Santa Cruz, 1658 Soquel Dr., Suite C, Santa Cruz, CA 95065
About
Claudio França BJJ offers Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and self-defense training. Classes use a community-based method of instruction that integrates beginners into ongoing classes with advanced students, where newcomers learn from the class instructor and more experienced students. The program offers a first class free, a free trial in Santa Cruz, and One Day Pass options for visitors from out of town.
• Ages: 5–18 years old
All classes are taught by qualified instructors who are chosen based on teaching ability, technical knowledge, personal integrity, patience, and dedication to the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The instructors include Claudio, Erik, and Tyson. The academies follow Dojo Etiquette guidelines for students, parents, and staff, including expectations about wearing a clean, dry gi, using rash guards or T-shirts for no-gi classes, keeping shoes off the mat, wearing footwear outside the mat, and wearing a gi, T-shirt, or tank top in public areas of the dojo. The program’s lineage is listed as Mitsuyo Maeda > Carlos Gracie > Helio Gracie > Francisco Mansor > Claudio França.
The stated mission is to teach the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and to guide, instruct, and motivate members to be the best they can be and impact local communities in a positive way. The academies focus on building positive role models in their communities and aim to inspire the next generation to lead with integrity and confidence on and off the mat. The mission also states that the program is here to help parents raise their children to be confident leaders, boost their self-esteem, feel healthy, and get in great physical shape, and that students improve their quality of life through developing focus, discipline, skill, self-confidence, and physical fitness. The instructors promise to be dedicated, be leaders of love, not fear, treat each child with respect, empower members, and help members reach their goals.
The program describes itself as offering high-quality Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instruction in a friendly, respectful, family environment, with options for discipline, fitness, sport, or self-defense training. It states that Jiu Jitsu can provide families with a lifetime of shared memories, personal growth, and common interest. The academies also state that they focus on building positive role models in their communities through training and mentorship, and that they help students develop strong values, leadership skills, and a spirit of respect.
Parent and student testimonials describe a positive atmosphere, knowledgeable instructors, and a new gym with a lot of space for rolling. Reviews mention tolerant, helpful, kind peers and mentors, a clean, safe environment, and a very friendly and professional environment. One parent notes that their son has trained there for roughly six years and that their daughters and wife have also taken classes. Other comments describe “good old school training,” a tough place to learn how to roll, no egos, constructive yet friendly criticism, and instructors Claudio, Erik, and Tyson as “top notch,” with members who are very helpful and friendly. One testimonial states there is a “HUGE difference” between the purple belts at Claudio França BJJ and purple belts at other BJJ schools.
Last updated March 26, 2026.
• Ages: 5–18 years old
All classes are taught by qualified instructors who are chosen based on teaching ability, technical knowledge, personal integrity, patience, and dedication to the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The instructors include Claudio, Erik, and Tyson. The academies follow Dojo Etiquette guidelines for students, parents, and staff, including expectations about wearing a clean, dry gi, using rash guards or T-shirts for no-gi classes, keeping shoes off the mat, wearing footwear outside the mat, and wearing a gi, T-shirt, or tank top in public areas of the dojo. The program’s lineage is listed as Mitsuyo Maeda > Carlos Gracie > Helio Gracie > Francisco Mansor > Claudio França.
The stated mission is to teach the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and to guide, instruct, and motivate members to be the best they can be and impact local communities in a positive way. The academies focus on building positive role models in their communities and aim to inspire the next generation to lead with integrity and confidence on and off the mat. The mission also states that the program is here to help parents raise their children to be confident leaders, boost their self-esteem, feel healthy, and get in great physical shape, and that students improve their quality of life through developing focus, discipline, skill, self-confidence, and physical fitness. The instructors promise to be dedicated, be leaders of love, not fear, treat each child with respect, empower members, and help members reach their goals.
The program describes itself as offering high-quality Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instruction in a friendly, respectful, family environment, with options for discipline, fitness, sport, or self-defense training. It states that Jiu Jitsu can provide families with a lifetime of shared memories, personal growth, and common interest. The academies also state that they focus on building positive role models in their communities through training and mentorship, and that they help students develop strong values, leadership skills, and a spirit of respect.
Parent and student testimonials describe a positive atmosphere, knowledgeable instructors, and a new gym with a lot of space for rolling. Reviews mention tolerant, helpful, kind peers and mentors, a clean, safe environment, and a very friendly and professional environment. One parent notes that their son has trained there for roughly six years and that their daughters and wife have also taken classes. Other comments describe “good old school training,” a tough place to learn how to roll, no egos, constructive yet friendly criticism, and instructors Claudio, Erik, and Tyson as “top notch,” with members who are very helpful and friendly. One testimonial states there is a “HUGE difference” between the purple belts at Claudio França BJJ and purple belts at other BJJ schools.
Last updated March 26, 2026.
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