If you’re looking for jiujitsu instruction in North San Diego County, look no further than Gracie Jiujutsu Vista. I joined another studio in the Oceanside area, but felt completely lost as the classes had no structure or logic to them. It was really no more than demonstrate the technique and then get smashed by a higher belt with no explanation of how the technique fits into the larger game.Gracie CTC Vista is completely different. Each lesson follows a logical sequence, and the online Gracie University is a game changer in being able to prep for classes and revisit something you learned. I also like how the Gracie system focuses on self defense and real world situations rather than sport jiujitsu.In terms of instructors, Locksley is simply the best. Welcoming, patient, and humble, all while being super knowledgeable, he epitomizes the Gracie philosophy of instruction. All of my fellow students are the same way, and are truly invested in making me better.As a retired military vet who dabbled in Army combatives years ago, I have always wanted to get more serious in my jiujitsu journey. In Gracie Vista, I have found my forever home.
My 9 yr old son attends the anti-bullying group class and enjoys a private class for learning the different techniques by repetition. The instructor is kid-savvy and is able to keep the kids attention, all while having fun! My son not only enjoys the classes, he is learning to create healthy habits outside this class. Thank you so much! The Fleming Family.
Locksley is a fantastic instructor. Fun, energetic, and passionate. Just what Im looking for, for my children!
This place is the best! Everyone here is super nice, friendly and helpful. The environment always consists of helping each other, building each other up, and learning. The head instructor is super knowledgeable, friendly and engaging when he teaches. He makes sure to answer any and all questions and takes time to explain and shows you to make sure you understand. You can feel the community and sense of comradery as soon as you walk in the door. I wouldnt want to train anywhere else. This place is the best!
I have nothing but great things to say about this training center . I have been going here for about a month with my 14 year old and we love every class.We really like that you can go online to see the schedule for the month and the lesson assigned for each day. There is also a website for Gracie University where you can watch each lesson and get additional practice before or after class. The instructor Locklsley is a great instructor with a great attitude . The environment and vibe at this facility is great. I live in San Diego and the drive is well worth it.
Love everything about Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Vista! I started Jiu Jitsu a few months back and I’m so stoked I found this gym. The instructor, Locksley, does an excellent job with ensuring every student in class is on the same page and learning the techniques. Also, being Active-Duty Military, the times of each period of instruction are almost perfect for me. Highly recommend this place to anyone looking to get into Jiu-Jitsu!!
Gracie Jiu Jitsu Vista was recommended to me by one of my training partners and I must say I was NOT disappointed. Locksley is an awesome teacher and his students were welcoming and a blast to train with.I will certainly come back again and have already shared how great this school is with the crew at Gracie Phoenix as a perfect training spot in the San Diego area.
We did a lot of research to find the right Jui-Jitsu studio for our boys. The owner, Locksley, is amazing with the kids. He has the ability to command the room while having fun. The BullyProof program is something all kids should experience.
If you are looking for Jui Jitsu in the Vista area I cannot recommend this gym enough. I have been training for a few months now with limited prior martial arts experience and have learned so much in a short period of time.The instruction we receive in each class is always clear and intuitive. It includes verbal descriptions of each technique, demonstrations from a variety of angles and positions, and dialogue surrounding its usefulness. The coaches often anticipate your questions and are well equipped to work with beginners and more advanced athletes alike. Additionally, as part of our membership we have access to hours of additional training content and technique videos that I use to enhance my training time and better reinforce what was learned in class.I’ve had very positive experiences with the other athletes in attendance. The ability level of the group always varies and the more advanced athletes are eager to help the newer athletes. If you don’t know anyone upon your arrival the staff is always great about pairing you with an appropriate partner to train with.The curriculum itself is incredibly thoughtful and structured. The organization has boiled down the broad skill set of Jui Jitsu into its most fundamental elements. As a beginner, I like that the expectations of what I need to learn at this stage of development are clear which contributes to faster learning.Because I am required to demonstrate competency in the basics prior to rolling with more intensity, it gives me the appropriate focus on developing technique. As a bigger guy who is reasonably athletic, I know the likelihood that I would get injured or unintentionally hurt someone else would be far higher if left to my own devices and rolled right out of the gate. At this gym, I know that I can look forward to years of progress with very low injury concern and have a damn good time doing it.
My 5 year old son is attending the bulletproof program. He is learning how to react when being bullied. He is also learning about healthy habits and respect. I am super happy with the training he gets at Gracie Jiu-jitsu Vista. Thanks Loxlie!
Forgoes the extra warmup and calisthenics of some other programs to zero in on learning techniques, performing clean repetitions, and then applying those techniques in reflex development. In short, the best part.
Locksley is an amazing instructor. Utilizes time extremely well to clearly demonstrate techniques with clarity. Ensures that all the students present are conducting the techniques properly before moving on to the next slides and gives good feedback on what needs to be worked on. As a new student to any type of martial art, I was impressed with his professionalism, communication, demonstration, and overall welcoming to the dojo. Definitely set a high standard for instruction.
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Vista has established a family friendly beginner environment. The students and instructors do not hold judgement towards new students. They are there to help you learn in a motivating, positive environment. The classes are flexible and set up to fit a busy schedule. Would definitely recommend if you are looking into classes for any age.
The Jiu-Jitsu instruction and environment Ive been looking for! I recently moved from Central CA, where there wasnt a CTC near me, so Ive mostly trained online through Gracie University. Although the online training modules offered me more of what I wanted to learn versus local sport Jiu-Jitsu places, nothing can quite compare to being able to train with others. Im so thankful that Locksley and his family were able to weather the storm of the pandemic and remain open, allowing me and others to train the Gracie way. And honestly, Its just like taking classes at Gracie Headquarters in Torrance (Ive taken a few over the years). Locksley is an excellent instructor, and Im glad I found Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Vista!
The classes here are taught completely or primarily by Locksley, the head instructor/owner. The Gracie Combatives curriculum is fun, practical, and rewarding. However, it is really Locksleys kind, patient, and clear instruction that makes this a 5 star experience. I leave every class having learned something and with the feeling of having had a great workout.
Tried a few free trial jj gyms, and didnt really like them, but when I came Locksleys JJ gym, I was hooked! Hes a great instructor. 10/10 would recommend to anyone!
Locksley has a gift. Great teacher and instructor. Dropped in for a free class and signed up right after. Glad to be a part of a certified gracie gym as I begin my bjj journey.
The Gracie Vista studio provides a fun and motivating atmosphere to learn. Techniques are taught in a clear concise manner. I look forward to every training session and what the future may hold!
Only thing I can say is Locksley is literally the most patient person ever. We visited a different place before and didnt care for the instructors attitude or style. After coming from there to Gracies it was night and day difference. Locksley is kind, friendly, knowledgeable and great with kids. Highly recommend.
The Bully prevention program is awesome. My son is now confident and sure of himself. Highly recommend it.
This has been a game changer for my son thank you!The attention to detail the refreshing support and how they teach is a blessingIf you want your child to do jujitsu then here is where you want to be
If you’re a beginner but also want to be challenged this is the place for you! I knew nothing coming in and was made super comfortable and knowledgeable very fast. Not only is the instructor super welcoming, but so are all of the class members! You’ll learn so many moves and holds that have realistic application to a real fight if one were to ever happen to you! Safety is also really emphasized in every single class which makes learning great. This place is truly inclusive of all levels, genders, and abilities and you are missing out if you don’t try it!
Locksley is a very dedicated and professional instructor for adults and kids! The facility is top-notch and well maintained. So thankful to have this CTC in Vista. Check out AMAZING GRACIE (TV Pilot Episode) on YouTube if you are not familiar with the Gracie family or Jiu-jitsu.
Highly structured and technical training in a friendly cooperative environment.
I’ve been going for 2 months straight and I enjoy the classes every time. The instructor teaches the techniques very well and is clear on the instruction on how to do the move. He also goes into detail on why the move is done the way it is. The students at the gym are patient and cooperative so you really get to learn the technique easily. I would highly recommend it to anyone who what’s to try jujitsu for the first time or even if you’ve done jujitsu before
At Gracie Jiu Jitsu Vista there is the highest level of excellence in the instruction given. It is a welcoming and very upbeat and positive atmosphere. You learn self defense starting on day one, easily applicable in real world scenarios. Best Martial Arts Dojo in the region!!
The Gracie CTC in Vista is a great place to learn Jujitsu! The atmosphere is awesome & so are the people who train here. Highly recommended!
The instructor Lockley is so patient and soooo knowledgeable. As a female taking the class I feel confident that I’m able to defend myself with all that I’m being taught. The environment is fun and friendly and would recommend it to anyone wanting to learn self defense in a fun and easy way.
So great with our young kids and helpful lessons to take home for furthering the teachings of Master Gracie. Beyond patient and great techniques, not just in jujitsu, but a way of life!
Definitely learning alot of stuff that i never knew or could be done. Locksley is a great instructor takes time to answer questions if you’re feeling lost. Very comfortable and safe environment, highly recommend to join!
The communication and enthusiasm is superb. I have no negatives here at Gracie vista. Great quality techniques and encouragement is present everyday and recommend to anyone wanting to learn jiu jitsu.
I have been going to Gracie Jiu jitsu Vista for over a month and I am very satisfied with my experience. First of Locksley the instructor is very professional and he emphasize on safety and attention to detail. One of my concerns other than I had absolutely no experience before joining Gracie Jiu jitsu was injury, since an injury could make my job unsafe. At Gracie Locksley makes sure that everything is safe so you dont have to worry about that. The environment is very friendly and everyone there is welcoming and helpful. The material is great and easy to learn regardless of your level of experience. All of the techniques are applicable to real life scenarios. Overall Gracie Jiu jitsu Vista is a great place to learn Jiu jitsu I couldnt recommend enough.
If you’re looking to learn Jiu-Jitsu I highly recommend checking out this gym. The instructor, Locksley takes his time to answer any and all questions so I can feel like I 100% understand the technique. The fact he offers different time slots for classes works great with my busy schedule. and the atmosphere of the place is always upbeat and fun :)
Locksley is a professional instructor. He goes into detail on why the move is done the way it is. He’ll also take time to teach u one on one, if u really don’t understand the technique. Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Vista has a positive environment, that makes you inspired to learn more. Highly recommended to try it at less once.
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Vista is an extremely positive environment for jiu-jitsu health, spiritual growth, confidence booster and will push you to know yourself in a way you did not know. I have been training with the instructor and owner Locksley for over a month. Locksley is a top notch instructor that is very professional, very positive no matter your starting skill level, emphasizes attention to details and he wants every student to become a better practitioner of jiu-jitsu. Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Vista has the best schedule for training times in the area with both morning and evening classes almost everyday for those who need a flexible schedule to meet their busy personal and work life. If you are thinking about starting jiu-jitsu, I highly recommended joining Locksley at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Vista.
Great Jiu-Jitsu center! The staff at Gracie Vista are very responsive and accommodating to questions. Everyone is respectful and patient, especially with beginners like me.Locksley is a great instructor and presents information to the students in a clear and concise manner. I never paid attention in school but this place engages me in a way no one ever has! Looking forward to learning more and recruiting friends to join...
I’m really enjoying the experience at this Gracie CTC. The instruction is thorough. You get ample time to do practice reps of whatever technique is being taught. Everyone there is super friendly and cooperative. I’ve trained in many forms of martial arts, on and off, over the past 20 years, to include Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. This place is definitely one of my favorite spaces. It’s an overall great training environment!
My son cried before his first day because he did not want to do Jiu-Jitsu. He didn’t think he would like it. He thought the instructor would be mean, old, bald, and smelly (I have no idea why he would think that). He changed his mind after the first day and wanted to sign up for the unlimited classes. This was because the instructor was very professional and energetic. If you’re a parent who wants your child to learn patience, discipline, responsibility, and self defense, then I’d highly recommend this program.
Signed up recently, teacher is extremely friendly and excited to teach. If you are ever interested in Jiu-Jitsu. This is the place to start
I’ve been going for about a month now, and I really enjoy the classes. Locksley is very thorough in his instruction. If there’s a part you don’t quite don’t understand, he has no problem redoing the technique, so you have a better understanding of it.Anyone who’s willing to learn Jiu-Jitsu, I’d recommend going to Gracie’s in Vista.
My 9 year old son absolutely loves his classes! He’s been wanting to do some sort of training (Karate or Taekwondo) and we weren’t sure how to pick the right one. We found out about Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and did sample class. We immediately knew this was the ideal program for him. He’s learning responsibility, sportsmanship, and how to protect himself with practical training. I highly recommend!
The best place to learn if you are just looking for self-defense technique n just having fun
I am learning so much here at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Vista! It’s a very professional environment. I recommend this program to anyone looking to get into Jiu Jitsu or self defense.
Ive been waiting for a CTC to open up closer to my home. I was hooked after one class and so was my son. Locksley (head instructor/owner) has this energy about him that comes across even over the phone. Were signed up and looking forward to our Jiu-Jitsu journey as GJJ students! The other students are welcoming and so helpful ... absolute perfect fit for our needs as were not really looking to compete, but rather to understand this gentle art and be able to take care of ourselves. Thumbs up from this guy!
This Gracie CTC is finally what Ive been looking for in a Jiu Jitsu gym. There is a defined structure of progression and I know what is expected of me for advancement. The instructor does a great job of explaining each self defense technique and making sure you learn each move in a safe and controlled environment. You also have full access to the Gracie online curriculum to practice each technique from home at your own pace and review the next technique before you come to your next class. If you want to learn Jiu Jitsu, this is the best gym I have found in San Diego to do it at.
The staff is very professional. They are very kind and know how to teach juijitsu.
Outstanding instruction for adults and kids!
Good fun classes! Safe teaching,