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No Gi Jiu Jitsu Training Thousand Oaks Submission Grappling | Phone Number: +1 805-721-6776

Jiu Jitsu Training Thousand Oaks Submission Grappling, you are looking into a training scene that is slightly different from the “pure” BJJ culture of Northridge. Thousand Oaks (TO) has a rich history of MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) and Wrestling, meaning the No-Gi training here is often grittier, wrestling-heavy, and highly focused on practical submission grappling.

Here is a detailed breakdown of the No-Gi and Submission Grappling landscape in Thousand Oaks, CA.

The Heavyweight: Morumbi Jiu Jitsu Academy

If there is one name synonymous with BJJ in Thousand Oaks, it is Morumbi. Led by Professor Fabio Leopoldo (a World Champion and MMA veteran), this academy is a massive facility that treats No-Gi with the same respect as Gi training.

The “Morumbi” Style:

Wrestling Integration: Fabio Leopoldo fought in the glory days of MMA (IFL, Gracie heritage). His No-Gi style relies heavily on takedowns and top control. You will learn to wrestle, not just pull guard.

Old School Pressure: Unlike the “floppy” modern styles, Morumbi teaches a heavy, crushing pressure game that works well in No-Gi where opponents are slippery.

Fitness Focus: Morumbi is famous for its Kettlebell and Conditioning classes. Their No-Gi classes are fast-paced and athletic, often serving as the primary workout for many students.

The Schedule: They typically dedicate specific days (often Tuesday/Thursday evenings or specific morning slots) entirely to No-Gi to ensure students are well-rounded.

The MMA Influence: Bas Rutten’s Elite MMA (Westlake/TO Border)

Located on the border of Westlake Village and Thousand Oaks, this gym is legendary. While known for striking, the grappling here is pure Submission Wrestling.

The Style: This is not “gentle” Jiu-Jitsu. This is Catch Wrestling and MMA Grappling.

Neck Cranks & Leg Locks: Influenced by the chaotic style of Bas Rutten and modern MMA, the grappling here is aggressive. You learn to snatch necks in scrambles (Guillotines, D’Arces) rather than waiting for perfect positioning.

No-Gi Purity: Many students here only train No-Gi, meaning they have specialized games (rubber guard, lockdowns) that traditional Gi players often struggle to handle.

Gracie Barra Thousand Oaks

Part of the global network, GB Thousand Oaks offers the standardized, high-level No-Gi curriculum found in Agoura and Northridge.

The Curriculum:

Self-Defense Focus: In the GB1 (Fundamentals) No-Gi classes, the focus is on escaping headlocks and bear hugs—scenarios relevant to street fights where attackers don’t wear gis.

Sport Focus: In advanced classes, the focus shifts to the IBJJF No-Gi rule set (no heel hooks for lower belts, points for sweeping and passing).

Connection: Being part of the GB network means you get the same “Romulo Barral” influence found in Northridge, as the schools in this region are closely connected.

Key Technical Differences in TO Training

Training No-Gi in Thousand Oaks feels different than training in the Gi:

The “Slippery” Factor: Without cotton handles to grab, friction disappears once the sweat starts (usually 5 minutes in). TO academies focus on Underhooks and Head Control—handles that cannot slip away.

Leg Locks: The Thousand Oaks/Westlake area has embraced the modern leg lock game (Heel Hooks/Toe Holds). Expect to see students dropping back for legs much more frequently than in traditional Gi classes.

Pace: The rounds are faster. Scrambles are encouraged. If you slip off a submission, you immediately transition to a wrestling scramble to get back on top.

Gear Requirements

Rash Guards: In Thousand Oaks, hygiene is strict. You must wear a rash guard (compression shirt). T-shirts are discouraged because fingers get caught in the loose fabric.

Spats/Shorts: Most academies require board shorts (no zippers/pockets) or “Spats” (compression leggings) to prevent mat burn and skin infections.

Mouthguards: Highly recommended. No-Gi is faster and more explosive, meaning accidental knees and elbows happen more often than in the slow-paced Gi game.

No-Gi Training in Thousand Oaks offers a perfect blend of styles. You can find the polished, athletic BJJ game at Morumbi, the aggressive MMA grappling at Elite, or the structured self-defense curriculum at Gracie Barra. Regardless of where you go, expect to wrestle hard, sweat profusely, and learn a style of grappling that works regardless of what your opponent is wearing.

Next Step:

Would you like to know which of these academies offers a free trial week specifically for their No-Gi classes?

Gracie Barra Jiu Jitsu & Martial Arts Academy Thousand Oaks CA

1011 Rancho Conejo Blvd, Thousand Oaks, California 91320, United States

Phone Number: +1 805-721-6776

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