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Our Classes

In No Gi Jiu-Jitsu, you don't wear the traditional uniform. Instead, you wear shorts and a t-shirt or rash guard. In the No Gi form of BJJ, you can't grab your opponent's clothing to increase leverage. In No Gi, there are more wrestling-based grips such as collar ties, wrist grabs and joint controls. Not surprisingly, it is harder to control an opponent without the Gi as they can slip or power out of many controls, especially when slippery from sweat. As a result of having less ability to control your opponent with grips, No Gi Jiu-Jitsu is a faster-paced form of grappling.

2. No Gi

Ralph Gracie Pleasanton Classes
Ralph Gracie Pleasanton Classes

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a predominantly ground-based martial art, using the principals of leverage, angles, pressure and timing, as well as knowledge of the human anatomy, in order to achieve a submission of one's opponent. Unlike other martial arts that focus on strikes and/or kicks, jiu jitsu focuses on close-contact "grappling" holds and techniques, and the application of chokes and joint-manipulations.

1. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Our conditioning class offers an intense allover workout, that is intended to benefit you in all of our BJJ, No Gi and Muay Thai classes. You will use multiple different techniques to work on cardio and strength. Eventhough our conditioning class is designed around benefitting you in our other classes, it is also a great class for those who are just interested in getting into shape. This is why we also offer a slightly less intense version of our conditioning class during our 5:45pm kids class, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, so that parents who are waiting for their children are able to join in.

5. Conditioning

Ralph Gracie Pleasanton Classes
Ralph Gracie Pleasanton Classes
Ralph Gracie Pleasanton Classes

Other than variations of punches as seen in western boxing (e.g. jabs, crosses, hooks, uppercuts), kicks, elbows and knee strikes are used in Muay Thai. Clinching, sweeps and throws are also used strategically in modern Muay Thai to make it an all-rounded combat art. Due to the 8-point contact, the sport has proven to be one of the most effective stand-up striking art and is practised by many mixed martial artists.

3. Muay Thai

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7. Jiu Jitsu for Women Only

At Ralph Gracie Pleasanton, we’re proud to offer a Jiu Jitsu class created especially for women. This class provides a welcoming and supportive environment where women of all ages and skill levels can feel safe, empowered, and confident while learning the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

In these classes, you’ll build strength, flexibility, and essential self-defense skills while also connecting with a community of women who share your goals. Our instructors ensure every student gets the guidance they need, whether you’re brand new to Jiu Jitsu or looking to sharpen your techniques.

Some women may wish to compete, and we’re always ready to help prepare you for that journey. But we also understand that not everyone is interested in competitions, and that’s okay too. We make sure that every woman gets the attention and support she deserves, so she can thrive in her own way.

Join us and experience the power of Jiu Jitsu — exclusively for women!

Here at Ralph Gracie Pleasanton, we are proud to offer Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, MMA and Judo classes for all kids ages 3-16. Our 3-6 year olds get to have a fun experience learning their fundamentals throughout all classes, while they are also still learning how to listen, follow instructions, be respectful to others, and build confidence. These are lessons that follow through to our 7-10 year old classes, where they will be gaining a more in depth knowledge of the arts, and learn how to be able to stand up for themselves and others in a respectful manner. At this age, some students decide that they might want to participate in Jiu Jitsu competitions. We are always excited to give those who are interested in competing, an extra push to help get them ready and fully prepared. However, we also understand that not every child is interested in competing, and may not respond to that same type of "push". Therefore each student will get the same amount of attention, whether they are competitors or not, and will be helped to succeed in the way that makes them strive as an individual.

6. Our Kids Program

Ralph Gracie Pleasanton Classes
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