• 760-212-9011

WELCOME TO FREEDOM JIU-JITSU CARLSBAD

At Freedom Jiu-Jitsu Academy, we are dedicated to cultivating a vibrant and welcoming community through the art of Gracie Jiu Jitsu.

Our mission is to create an inclusive and welcoming environment where individuals and families of all ages can come together to learn, grow, and experience the freedom and empowerment that martial arts offers. We believe in nurturing a sense of family on and off the mat, fostering connections beyond physical training and mental growth.

Our gym is not just a place to learn self-defense and get in shape; it is a haven where freedom, respect, and camaraderie thrive. Join us in our journey to build strength, character, and community – one roll at a time!

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Logo of Freedom Jiu-Jitsu Academy featuring a black circle with a silhouette of an eagle in flight. The words Freedom and Jiu-Jitsu Academy are written in blue and red, respectively, with red stars surrounding the text. Perfectly symbolizes self-defense classes near here.
A woman in a black martial arts gi smiles as she instructs two young girls dressed in pink gis and white belts, showcasing the fundamentals of self-defense classes near here on a mat against a white wall.
A woman smiling with two young girls at a jiu-jitsu event. The girls, proudly wearing medals and martial arts uniforms, illustrate the empowerment gained from self-defense classes near here. In the background, people mingle and celebrate the achievements of all participants.
Two women in jiu-jitsu uniforms stand smiling proudly. The woman on the left holds a Student of the Month certificate, celebrating her dedication to self-defense classes near here. They exude happiness, posed against a plain indoor background.

meet the owner,
Staci stefan

WOMAN-OWNED, BJJ black belt

As a woman-owned studio, Staci’s journey of competing and overcoming in the Jiu Jitsu world for over a decade is a testament to her unwavering dedication to the sport and her students. Her passion infuses our studio with a unique energy, inspiring individuals to discover their strength both on and off the mat. 

Learn more about Staci and our other black belt instructors here.

A group of people in martial arts uniforms are seated or kneeling on a mat, observing a demonstration of a grappling technique. Flags of Brazil and the United States hang in the background, hinting at the rich cultural roots behind local Jiu Jitsu classes near me.
A smiling man wearing a white martial arts gi with a red belt, standing against a plain background, embodies the skill and dedication you'd find with jiu jitsu instructors near here.

Professor
David ruiz,
5th degree
black belt

Professor David Ruiz is our head black belt instructor here at Freedom Jiu Jitsu Academy. Dave has been training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for over 30 years, has owned his own academies, and teaches authentic Gracie Jiu Jitsu straight from the sources of Helio Gracie and Rorion Gracie.

 Learn more about Professor David and our other black belt instructors here.

OUR JIU JITSU PHILOSOPHY:

BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS, STRENGTH,
AND character

At Freedom Jiu-Jitsu Carlsbad, we go beyond the techniques; we foster relationships, strength, character, and a commitment to the art. Our highly qualified black belt instructors are dedicated to imparting their full spectrum of Jiu Jitsu knowledge – from the fundamental principles of self-defense to the intricate nuances of sport Jiu Jitsu.

JOIN US ON THIS transformative JOURNEY!

Whether you call Carlsbad, Vista, Oceanside, San Marcos, Encinitas, or San Diego home, our doors are open for you. We invite you to try the “gentle art” for yourself with a free trial at our academy. Experience the transformative power of Jiu Jitsu, where technique meets heart, and every roll is a step towards empowerment. Your journey begins at Freedom Jiu-Jitsu Carlsbad, where you’ll discover that passion and proficiency come together for an unparalleled martial arts experience.

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black belt instructors

toddlers, Kids & Teens

brazilian Jiu jitsu

Women's jiu jitsu

Class schedule

Homeschool Program

Muay thai

Upcoming Events

online store


Member testimonials

Been going here for over a year. We use the homeschool program and are so so happy!! Great communication with the owner and teachers. They have helped my kiddo thrive!!
Eda S.
Carlsbad
Staci is amazing! She is so patient with our 4 year old in little ninjas and really has an amazing way of keeping the kids engaged! All the coaches are great! Our 8 year old has come to love jiu jitsu because of her coaches and they other awesome family that attend! Thank you Freedom for providing such a wonderful environment for our girls to learn and grow!
Jessica T
Escondido
We have been attending this gym for the last three years. Our kids have made their best friends here. I have seen their confidence grow immeasurably! We love the class options, the Muay Thai, and especially the homeschool program! This gym really has been the center of our family's growth over the years. So grateful for the beautiful space, great location, and knowledgeable instructors. What a fun place to begin your jiu jitsu training!
Amanda J.
Carlsbad

Get a 2-week pass for only $25

Join us for a 2-week Unlimited Class Pass! Just click the button below, enter your name and email, and we will send you instructions on how to claim. 

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Member testimonials

We have been with Staci for over two years now. My oldest does jiu-jitsu and muay thai. She absolutely loves the sport, the community, and lifestyle. My youngest starts this month. Both of my girls have created a loving and motivating community with not only the coaches, but with the families. As a mother, I am truly blessed to have a strong, nurturing, black belt female owner and coach for my girls to look up to. We are beyond grateful for finding this gym.
Karah K.
Oceanside
We love Freedom! My 9 years started here 2 years ago and absolutely loves all the coaches! She looks forward to her Jiu Jitsu days! She has made so many great friends through this amazing very family oriented gym.
Safoura G.
Oceanside
Our family has been attending since September 2023. Our son does the Homeschool Enrichment program. Mrs Judy and her daughter Ms Jasmine are amazing Montessori teachers. My son loves "Jiu Jitsu school" and is thriving. He also participates in the Little Ninjas class and the instructors are phenomenal. Coach Dave, Coach Staci, and Coach Steve make the class fun and educational (for the kids) and entertaining (for the parents). I am so grateful for this community. My child is learning, getting stronger, developing friendships, and gaining confidence.
Mindy
Carlsbad
Logo of Freedom Jiu-Jitsu Academy featuring a black circle with a silhouette of an eagle in flight. The words Freedom and Jiu-Jitsu Academy are written in blue and red, respectively, with red stars surrounding the text. Perfectly symbolizes self-defense classes near here.