Members with a tournament coming up
Train with the team on Saturday mornings, and add Advanced (with coach approval) and Live Training during the week.
Saturdays 10–11:30 am
BJJ Competition Training in Santa Monica
Get ready for IBJJF and local tournaments with the CJJF Santa Monica competition team. The team trains together on Saturday mornings, and our coaches are black belts with IBJJF titles and medals. Competing is always optional.
- 5.0 on Google · 81 reviews
- Black belt coaches
- First class free
WhenSaturdays, 10–11:30 am90 minutes
WhoThe competition teamStudents preparing for tournaments
CoachesBlack beltsIBJJF titles and medals
PriceCall or emailFor current rates · first class free
Where320 Wilshire Blvd #101, Santa MonicaBetween the Third Street Promenade and 4th Street · $1 parking for 90 minutes right behind the building · Get directions
The basics
What Is Competition Training?
Competition Training is our Saturday class for students preparing for tournaments. The competition team trains together for 90 minutes, from 10 to 11:30 am, and kids can join the kids’ competition team once they’re ready.
During the week, Advanced classes cover complex technique, guard systems, pressure passing and competition strategy, and Live Training adds short live rounds right after class. Competing is always optional, and nobody is pushed to compete.
Who it’s for
Who Trains With the Competition Team
Kids ready for more
Kids can join the kids’ competition team once they’re ready, with guidance from our black belt coaches. Some enter local tournaments for fun, and nobody is pushed to compete.
Visiting competitors
In town for a tournament? You’re welcome to drop in and train, and your first visit is free. Call or email us before you come.
Your coaches
Coached by IBJJF Champions and Medalists
Professor Maycon is an IBJJF Master 1 No-Gi World Champion, and Professor Kevin and Professor Jacob still compete in gi and no-gi.
Professor Maycon Carvalho
Founder and head instructor
Black belt · 5th degree
IBJJF Master 1 No-Gi World Champion in 2009, in the black belt medium heavy division. See the official result.
Professor Kevin Melendrez
Coach
Black belt · 2nd degree
Bronze at the IBJJF American Nationals No-Gi in 2021 and medals at the SJJIF World Championship in 2016. He still competes in gi and no-gi. See the 2021 result.
Professor Jacob Goode
Coach
Black belt
Gold at the IBJJF Foley International Open in 2020 at blue belt, silver at the IBJJF Los Angeles Open No-Gi in 2022 at purple belt, and bronze at the IBJJF Dublin Open at brown belt. He also holds the Knockout Fight League amateur MMA title. See the Los Angeles result.
Tournaments
Entering a Tournament With the CJJF Team
Ask your coach which event fits you, then follow the IBJJF’s steps for a first championship. Upcoming events are on the IBJJF calendar, and our guide to your first BJJ tournament covers the rest, from the rules for white belts to handling nerves.
Steps from the IBJJF’s My First Championship guide and weigh-in rules, checked October 2026.
- 1
Get your IBJJF membership
You need an active membership under your current belt and academy, signed by an instructor listed at your academy. Approval can take up to five business days after your documents arrive, so apply early.
- 2
Register for one division
Your division is set by belt, age and weight. Age groups go by birth year, and masters divisions start at 30. You can register in only one division per event.
- 3
Make weight in your gi
Weight limits include your uniform: here are the IBJJF weight classes. You weigh in once, right before your first match, and if you’re over the limit you’re disqualified. Your gi also has to pass the uniform check: see our gi size chart.
- 4
Know how points are scored
Matches are won by submission or, if time runs out, on points: 2 for a takedown, sweep or knee on belly, 3 for a guard pass, and 4 for mount or back control.
- 5
Arrive an hour early with a photo ID
Be at the venue ready to compete one hour before your division’s start time. There’s no check-in: staff call you to weigh in when your division begins. Bring a government-issued photo ID; you don’t need your membership card.
What students say
What Students Say About Training Here
“They have a good mix of top competitors who go out and win all the tournaments, and those just there on a more recreational level.”
“Great gym. Professor Maycon is honest, generous and knowledgeable. He’s definitely an OG and provides the gym with the training structure that’s necessary to make great athletes.”
“The rolls with Academy members were top-notch — everyone was technical, tough, and welcoming to a visitor.”
Do you have a BJJ competition team in Santa Monica?
Yes. The competition team trains together in Competition Training on Saturdays, 10–11:30 am, at 320 Wilshire Blvd #101. Kids can join the kids’ competition team once they’re ready.
Do I have to compete to train here?
No. Competing is always optional, and nobody is pushed to compete. Plenty of members train just for fitness, self-defense and fun.
When am I ready for my first tournament?
Ask your coach. IBJJF tournaments have divisions for every belt, white belt included, grouped by age and weight, so you don’t need years of training to enter.
What do I need to enter an IBJJF tournament?
An active IBJJF membership under your current belt and academy, a registration in one division, and a photo ID on the day. You weigh in right before your first match, in the uniform you compete in.
Can I drop in to train before a tournament?
Yes. If you’re in town for a tournament, you’re welcome to drop in and train. Call (714) 872-1604 or email us before you come.
How much does competition training cost?
Call (714) 872-1604 or email us for current rates. Your first class is free. See membership options.
Keep exploring
Related Programs
Train With the Team
Your first class is free. New to jiu jitsu? Start with Fundamentals; competing can come later.