Caveirinha Jiu Jitsu Family Santa Monica

Caveirinha Jiu Jitsu Family Santa Monica offers Toddler BJJ with playful, structured classes that use fun games and age-appropriate exercises to introduce movement, coordination, and basic jiu jitsu. It also offers Youth BJJ with real BJJ techniques, positional awareness, controlled sparring, discipline, respect, anti-bullying strategies, and physical fitness, along with Teen BJJ, Adult Jiu Jitsu, Women’s BJJ, No Gi, and Competition Training.

Programs

• Toddler BJJ — Ages 3½–6 · Playful, structured classes that introduce movement, coordination, and basic jiu jitsu through fun games and age-appropriate exercises.
• Youth BJJ — Ages 7–12 · Structured martial arts program with real BJJ techniques, positional awareness, controlled sparring, discipline, respect, anti-bullying strategies, and physical fitness.
• Teen BJJ — Ages 13–17 · Focused program preparing teens for adult-level training, with technique refinement, physical conditioning, and competition preparation.
• Adult Jiu Jitsu — Adults · Adult classes for complete beginners through advanced competitors; includes technique instruction, drilling, and controlled live training.
• Women’s BJJ — Women · Women’s sessions focus on leverage-based self defense and a supportive training environment.
• No Gi
• Competition Training — Sat 10:00 am – 11:30 am

At a glance

• Ages: 3–18 years old
• General schedule: Classes are offered Monday to Saturday. Kids classes are grouped by age. The schedule shown includes Little Champions I and II, Fundamentals, Advanced, Live Training, No Gi, and Competition Training.

About the provider

The academy opened in January 2016. Its leadership team includes Professor Maycon Carvalho and Kevin Melendrez. Maycon Carvalho is a 5th Degree Black Belt, an IBJJF No-Gi World Champion, and has direct lineage from Master Aldo Caveirinha and Master Carlos Gracie Jr. Kevin Melendrez is a 1st Degree Black Belt. The academy describes itself as a community and family on the mats, and its mission is to share authentic, competition-tested Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in a positive and family-friendly atmosphere.

Free trial class offered. Safety and respectful training environment emphasized. Kids are taught with age-appropriate drills and close supervision. Women’s sessions offer partner choice and clear boundaries.

What families say

“Excellent gym with skilled coaches and great training partners. Perfect place to learn jiu jitsu or get in shape. Highly recommend!” — Sam S.

“Best gym ever. The three professors (Maycon, Kevin, and Jacob) are very knowledgeable teachers with many years of experience under their belts. All classes from the kids to adults are professionally handled. It’s so great seeing people of all ages come here and train hard.” — Ana A.

“My kids love training here! The environment is fun, safe, and perfect for everyone in the family to get involved. Also a great way to build community. We love our jiu jitsu family! Nowhere else compares!” — Tionna G.

Last updated October 31, 2026.