Rocha Jiu Jitsu

I trained here for about 2.5 years, with occasional travel/​injury breaks. It costs a typical amount for quality bjj. I believe that the level of instruction here is first rate. Regardless of your level, you will learn proper technique from world-​class bjj instructors and competitors. I feel very fortunate that I learned bjj fundamentals from Eduardo Rocha.
I would strongly recommend this gym for anyone who is serious about learning bjj, improving their game, or if you want to compete in tournaments.
My only criticism is that it costs money to earn a stripe/​belt. I only tested for 2 stripes because I didn’t want to pay so much on top of the monthly cost. However I understand that this is a business and must make money.
If I still lived in Oakland I would still be training at Rocha Jiu Jitsu.

My experience with Eduardo is great, and it keeps getting better the more I progress. I’ve been with this academy for some time now and really appreciate how Eduardo’s instruction is dynamic based on student level and reflective of the evolving techniques within the Jiu Jitsu community. This is not a school just for the hardened advance players, nor is it a school just for the softest of beginners; this is a school for everyone at any point in their Jiu Jitsu journey. Eduardo makes sure all of his students have an excellent foundation to build on, and he challenges his advanced students to never stop learning and continue to get better.
Eduardo’s academy has been in Oakland for a long time for a reason, and consequently he has built an army of respectable students across the Bay Area. I’ve visited other academies where the instructor is always late/​unprepared, or is a little too much of a goofy bro, and the students end up losing out in the long run in those situations. Those kinds of schools might be a better place to hang out and goof off at, but they are not the type of place anyone should train at if they desire authentic technique. Eduardo is serious about his Jiu Jitsu. However, he is never cold or intimidating (on purpose). He has a sense of humor and it is apparent that he loves what he does for a living.
The students benefit from all of these characteristics in an instructor. We are a great mix of intelligent and fierce martial artists eager to learn without the ego. I highly recommend joining us and training at this school.

Started training again after taking a few years off and have been here for 2 months Very happy I decided to sign up with Eduardo after the 1^st class. Top notch instructor that is always happy to teach and starts you off with learning the fundamentals and breaks down every move for better understanding. The students here are great, willing to help/​teach and everyone leaves their ego at the door. Great experience so far and highly recommend checking it out.

If you’re reading this, you’re probably trying to decide on a BJJ school, and there are lots of options. I’ve been with Eduardo Rocha for almost 5 years now. So obviously I like it a lot, in fact it changed my life ever since I mustered up the courage to walk in to this school and finally satisfy my curiosity of BJJ. So I will give any curious readers my impressions of the school after years of experience here.
1. This school is the real deal. There are a bunch of BS, half assed BJJ schools. I visited one academy where as a mature white belt (and not particularly good) I was giving their brown belts a run for the money. They said they got their brown belts in three years! People stay here a long time and I can say personally, I could go to other schools much closer to me, but I take a lot of pride knowing my school is legit.
2. Instruction: Eduardo’s knowledge of current bjj is top notch. He’s not a hold your hand type of guy. If you’re doing something stupid, he’ll tell you in a way that assumes you can handle it and don’t need to be pampered. Because of this, his rare ’ good job’ carries a lot of weight. In this way, pushes you to push through your limits. He’s a serious man, but has a sense of humor and is approachable as well. The high rank students that he entrusts with teaching some classes are also great and very helpful.
There is also an emphasis put on fitness. Every class starts with a workout that varies: bodyweight circuits, jump rope, kettlebells, etc., but expect burpees often.
3. Atmosphere: when working out or being instructed there’s not a lot of chitchat, people are focused. When we are sparring, its a bit more relaxed. Nice people, not a single D-​bag. There are serious competitors here, but there are also ‘hobbyists’ like myself. People for whom a life with modern conveniences, kids and a wife, a comfortable air conditioned job with no physical aggression, has grown just a bit too soft. All walks of life are represented: doctors, teachers, lawyers, contractors, students, you name it. Men and women, wide age range as well. I started at 38 and am now hitting 43, so dont worry about age. If you decide to try it (whatever school you choose) commit to at least a year, because in the beginning you’ll get your ass kicked like clockwork (which is a great way of getting perspective). But if you keep it up you’ll get to be a the hammer instead of the nail more often. Unless you’re already a machine, you’ll get a lot fitter as well. It’s a challenge, no doubt. But what do you want, more ways make your life softer?

Listen — if you want a studio where your hand is being held and everyone smiles at you all the time and pats you on the back for your incredible rolling skills, go elsewhere. If you want to bring your game — and your life, for that matter — to another level, come to this academy.
I grew up boxing in Philly, boxed in college, and got into BJJ in Philly. The place I went was good, but a macho, somewhat psychotic attitude ruled the day there. I came here with a blue belt — but quickly saw that it wasn’t deserved. I had to deal with white belts tapping me out simply because they were better-​trained by Eduardo, who methodically took them through the required steps for being a better competitor. Endless arm bars, triangles, kimura locks, etc. While patience might not be Eduardo’s strong suit, his concern that you become a better fighter and competitor most certainly is. He sincerely cares — and this is different than other places I’ve experienced.
Lastly, the guys and gals who come here are not only stellar fighters, but exceptional people. Exceptional places attract exceptional people, that’s how things seem to roll, as it were. You get an interesting smattering of folks from all sorts of backgrounds, all sorts of interests. The mat, of course, is the great equalizer — and this is something that is valued and respected.
If all this is what you’re up for, you could not make a better move than to choose to start training with Eduardo and the folks on Grand Ave — truly one of the best spots in Cali, the States, and the world — or at least as much as I, grasshopper in the order of things, know about it.

I’ve been training at this academy for a little over a year and it has become a home away from home. The atmosphere at the studio and the quality of the instruction is as good as it gets (both for BJJ and for kickboxing).
I originally signed up for self defense purposes, and through the fundamentals course and the kickboxing class I have become much more confident on the streets. Now that I feel much more confident in the self-​defense aspect, I’ve very much enjoyed polishing up my Jiu-​jitsu through the beginner classes, where the breakdown of the techniques and the theory behind them is excellent.
As others have said before me, this school produces top-​notch students that have had enormous success at competitions. So if that is what you are looking for, I also highly recommend the school.

I’ve been training with Eduardo for just over a year. I originally came in looking for something to help me stay in shape. Jiujitsu has taken my fitness to another level. My flexibility, strength, and endurance has improved drastically in the short amount of time spent here. I’ve trained Taekwondo, Muay Thai, and Boxing… they all shine in their own way, but Jiujitsu is a different kind of animal. You really need to experience it in order to appreciate the mental and physical demand of the art.
The quality of instruction and attention to detail is top notch. Eduardo, Vernie, Nathan, and James do a great job of contextualizing each move. Not just going through the motions of «grab here and here then do this», but teaching the mechanics of each technique and how they can be applied in varies situations.
Egos are left at the door here. everyone is very humble and helpful. I’ve visited other gyms to train with friends and can’t see myself training anywhere else in the bay. If you’re interested in starting Jiujitsu, improving your game or getting into shape definitely stop by and check this place out.

Highly Recommended… Like many of you out there, I’ve visited several BJJ academies in the Bay Area and in my humble opinion, none are as comparable to this academy located in Piedmont, CA.
Prof. Rocha (who is a current World Champion and a former professional Vale Tudo fighter) is a humble individual who offers a progressive training program that ensures each student recieves quality instruction and up to date BJJ techniques. Prof. Rocha will teach in all levels of classes, from beginning to advanced, closely monitoring your progress to ensure you have the necessary skills and confidence to move up the next level. His curriculum is very structured and is focused on improving the students technique. Prof. Rocha is methodically detailed when explaining techniques, and provides in depth reasonings to why each transition and move is executed.
I’ve been going to the Rocha Academy for 8 months now and I’m very proud to be one of the students here. You can tell how good a teacher is by the students he produces. At this academy you will find many Pan-​Am medalist here, sharing both knowledge and experience with you on the mat. In my experience, the atmosphere here is positive and the egos are always left at the door. Whether you are looking for fitness, self defense, or sport you will definately find it here.
Prof. Rocha has always been accommodating and professional to me since I’ve begun my classes here. I am a recent Cancer Survivor and as you may imagine, my choice for this school was a carefully thought out decision. Needless to say, I can’t tell you enough how glad I am to have found this academy. The environment and quality instruction here have far exceeded my expectations. I’ve gained more than just a great teacher and friend but also a BJJ family both on and off the mat…

I’ve been training at Rocha for about 3 years. I had tried a little bit of Judo earlier, and when I was looking for a place to pick it back up I stumbled upon this academy. It took me a couple of months to fully appreciate my good fortune. In looking for a place to dabble in a little grappling, I’d wound up training under a truly world-​class instructor. Imagine the endless variety of positions two people can end up in when fighting. Now imagine someone who can tell you, for each of those positions, the most advantageous, physically efficient response. That’s Eduardo.
«Dedicated» or «disciplined» are some of the last words I’d choose to describe myself. Sometimes, sitting at home before class, contemplating the work-​out and sparring sessions, it’s hard to get up and go. Yet I have never, not once, regretted going to a class. I don’t think 3 or 4 years ago, I would ever have guessed that I would voluntarily take up something as hard as training at this academy. But after a few classes, when you begin sparring with other students and all your instincts and struggling inevitably end with you getting tapped, you begin to realize: I’ve walked into a room full of people who are, at least in one way, undeniably superior to me. And these were the beginners! Being interested in truly effective martial arts, I felt compelled by this. I think anyone who is willing to sincerely think of themselves as a student will look at the quality of the training here and feel similarly compelled.
Growing up, going to school, getting a job, too much of life feels like jumping through hoops for people who’ve been placed in charge through no merit of their own. Now, several times a week I get to walk into a room full of men and women I admire and respect, down to the last individual. That’s a rare thing, and I can hardly believe my luck at having found it.
A word to new students: yes, as you may have heard, Eduardo’s demeanor can be intimidating. He’s an intense guy, at least when it comes to Jiu-​Jitsu, and passing on his knowledge is a duty he takes seriously. If you come to train with us, he will expect you to work hard (though nowhere near as hard as he works himself), not as punishment or some kind of «paying your dues,» but to maintain the very high caliber training environment that he has carved out for all of us. Just come in expecting this, and you’ll learn to be thankful for it, because what it means is that every single person there WANTS to be there.

All of the other high reviews tell the story. If I wasn’t laid off I’d still be going here. I hope to make it back. Great teacher, the fundamentals and beginners classes really give you a great understanding of the mechanics of BJJ and the body.
If you got ego, prepare to be humbled.

I have been training jiujitsu at Gracie Jiu-​Jiutsu for almost a year.
This is a very good school to take my jiujitsu to the next level since I am not a beginner anymore (I have been training jiujitsu for almost 4 years)
Eduardo is a very good instructor, and I really like his advance classes.
(Even though he does not seem like a super friendly guy when you first meet him, but I promise that he does smile!)
The guys at this school are super cool to train with too! So many cool people who are also advanced in their jiujitsu game and are willing to share with each other.
Also, the women’s team here is great! I have never had the luxury to train with so many advance women in one place in my jiujitsu career. When I first started training jiujitsu in Seattle, there were only less than 3 women in my school. Here we have almost 10! wow!
I am very lucky to have a great place like such to develop my jiujitsu game.

The other reviews on this site pretty much sum it up – I don’t know if I have much else to add.
I had never once practiced martial arts when I walked into Prof Rocha’s gym on a rainy evening a few years ago. I checked my ego at the door and tried to be as humble and open minded as possible. Fortunately, all the guys (and gals) here are welcoming and willing to take the time to show you everything you could ever want or need to know about BJJ.
Prof Rocha is awesome. He might intimidate you a little bit at the beginning, but you learn how much he cares about the school and all of the students when you begin to spend significant time on the mat. The other guys that teach some of the beginner and no-​gi classes are both black-​belts with incredible ability and – equally important – are great teachers. There is an awesome kids program as well.
There is a wide range of abilities that train here at the gym, and the environment is always friendly. There are «newbies» all the way up to world-​class competitors. That said, if you want to find a strip-​mall karate school where you can karate chop into the mirror a few times and get a new belt, this is probably not the place for you.
Give it a try. I believe the 1^st class is always free!

This is hands down the best Jiu Jitsu gym in Northern California, and certainly one of the top gyms in CA /​the USA.
Whether you are looking to compete at the highest levels of Jiu Jitsu or MMA, or you are just trying to learn some self defense and get in great shape, Rocha is perfect for you.
I moved to SF 1 ½ yrs ago to finish school at SF State, and began searching for a great gym. After trying several different gyms, I found my home at Rocha. I loved it so much that I was commuting daily to Oakland from SF to train rather than joining one of the gyms minutes from my house in the city. Now, I live in the East Bay and proximity to Rocha was one of the main reasons I opted to move out here.
There is ABSOLUTELY zero tolerance for egos at Rocha and I LOVE this. There is an unspoken code of respect that seems to be in the air there, and everyone whole heartedly embraces it. It truly is amazing. This feeling is what has kept me coming back for more.
I am an athlete, but had no Jiu Jitsu background when I started training at Rocha. In just 1 ½yrs I am already competing and winning at the international level.
Eduardo’s method of teaching the basics of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is vastly superior to any gym that I have ever visited (and I can proudly say that I’ve been to some of the best gyms in CA now). Eduardo Rocha was the first non member of the Gracie Family (the founders of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu) to be given permission to open up a Gracie Jiu Jitsu school in the USA.
If you want to learn REAL Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, meet some great people, and get in TREMENDOUS shape while doing it… Rocha is the place to be.