Jiu Jitsu Academy Serving Thousand Oaks & Newbury Park
The primary martial arts academies serving both Thousand Oaks and Newbury Park, CA specialize in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), offering structured programs for fitness, self-defense, and competition. Both communities benefit from academies led by highly successful black belt instructors.
Here is a detailed look at the top BJJ schools serving this area:
- Gracie Barra Thousand Oaks (GBTO)
Gracie Barra Thousand Oaks is an official member of the global Gracie Barra network, known for its standardized, high-quality curriculum and emphasis on consistency.
Location: 1011 Rancho Conejo Blvd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320 (conveniently located right off the 101 Freeway, near Newbury Park).
Elite Instruction: The school’s instruction is often associated with the lineage of Professor Romulo Barral (BJJ Hall of Famer) and features instructors like Professor Gabriel Arges (multiple-time World Champion). This guarantees students learn techniques refined at the highest competitive level.
Structured Programs:
GB1 (Fundamentals): A mandatory 16-week rotating curriculum for beginners, focusing on core self-defense and fundamental positions. Live sparring is delayed until students are ready.
Advanced (GB2/GB3): Programs for experienced students focusing on complex submissions, strategy, and competition training.
Kids and Teens: The Future Champions Program uses BJJ to instill discipline, respect, and confidence, with a strong anti-bullying component.
Added Amenities: GBTO may offer unique add-ons through its facility, such as Cryotherapy or Recovery Monthly Unlimited services, integrating BJJ with modern sports recovery science.
- Morumbi Jiu Jitsu & Fitness Academy
Morumbi Jiu Jitsu & Fitness Academy is another top-rated martial arts school in the region, highly regarded for its championship lineage and comprehensive hybrid programs.
Location: 1182 Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362.
Elite Instruction: The academy is led by Founder and Head Instructor Professor Fabio Leopoldo, a fourth-degree black belt and multiple-time World Champion (including 7 World, 6 Pan American, and 2 Brazilian National titles). His expertise ensures a result-oriented and inclusive curriculum.
Hybrid Program Focus: Morumbi distinguishes itself by offering a wider range of fitness and martial arts programs:
BJJ (Gi and No-Gi): Tiered programs for beginners (Fundamentals) to advanced.
Adult Muay Thai Kickboxing: High-intensity striking classes for fitness and effective stand-up self-defense.
Kettlebells & Functional Fitness: Dedicated fitness programs that complement the demands of BJJ training.
Family Environment: Morumbi promotes a mission to build “champions for life” and encourages parents to train alongside their children. The youth program starts as early as age 3, focusing on physical fitness, coordination, and anti-bullying.
Key Benefits for Residents
Benefit Gracie Barra Thousand Oaks (GBTO) Morumbi Jiu Jitsu & Fitness Academy
Self-Defense Non-striking control and ground survival (strict BJJ focus). Grappling (BJJ) + Striking (Muay Thai) for a complete combat skillset.
Curriculum Highly standardized and globally consistent (GB Method). Results-oriented, locally tailored, and includes a wider hybrid fitness component.
New Student Entry Structured GB1 Fundamentals classes. Fundamentals Program for beginners.
Trial Class Both academies typically offer a free trial class for newcomers. Free Trial Class available for BJJ, Kids’ Bullyproofing, and Kettlebells.
Both Gracie Barra Thousand Oaks and Morumbi Jiu Jitsu & Fitness Academy provide high-quality BJJ instruction, making them the premier choices for residents of Thousand Oaks and Newbury Park seeking serious martial arts training.
Gracie Barra Jiu Jitsu & Martial Arts Academy Thousand Oaks CA
1011 Rancho Conejo Blvd, Thousand Oaks, California 91320, United States
Office Hours
Mon. 09:00 am – 07:30 pm
Tue. 09:00 am – 07:30 pm
Wed. 09:00 am – 07:30 pm
Thu. 09:00 am – 07:30 pm
Fri. 09:00 am – 07:30 pm
Sat. 09:00 am – 07:30 pm
Sun. Closed
Route
Gracie Barra Jiu Jitsu & Martial Arts Academy Thousand Oaks CA
