Nino Schembri Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

My BJJ home away from home. I met Prof. Schembri (Nino) 26 or so years ago when he came up to teach at Ralph Gracie's iconic Mountain View studio. There were lots of really skilled BJJ folks there, real tough guys. Nino had a different vibe even then. He was so skilled that when you rolled with him he let you try stuff. At some point, you'd screw up your base, leave an arm, etc. and he'd sweep you, submit you, whatever, but in the most chill way possible. He's laugh, you'd laugh, and he'd let you try again.

I could only go once a week (new baby) and that ended up being not enough to maintain, so I stopped for 25 years. Started up again a couple of years ago and when I was doing a "where are they now" search on google, found out he was back in the US, teaching in LA. I get down there every few months, so I contacted his school, came in and trained with some of his folks. I'm not there much so if I can get there I try to line up a private with Nino.

I expected that Nino's school would take its character/vibe/etc. from Nino, and that has panned out amazingly. His friendly vibe carries to all the students I've trained with there. Folks are there to get better, not to make themselves feel better by womping on each other (or the visiting old guy). It's like that "most interesting guy in the world" commercial: I don't get to train in LA very often, but when I do, it's with Nino's school. I know there's plenty of great schools in LA, but if I lived down there, this is where I would train.

I highly recommend training here if you want an authentic Brazilian Jujitsu Training experience. I came back to train here after a long time off. People I used to train with welcome me back. This place has a really positive vibe. I don't want to brag... However Nino is a 6th Degree black belt and is one of the best. Many people that train here have been with Nino for years. This is a good place for beginners and advanced as well. There are families that train here with multiple family members. The training here is challenging but definitely a friendly and respectful environment.

The best gym around the Southbay I trained here for over 7 years and it was the best decision I ever made. Learning from an actual Jiu Jitsu Legend Nino Schembri is a blessing. There are plenty of higher belts as well to go around so there's no shortage of good training. Give it a shot and you won't regret it.

Absolutely an amazing Jujitsu Studio. My daughter loves couch Jason. He is great with the kids gives each and everyone of them direction and attention. It's amazing watching him teach. I recommend this studio

I live between Miami and LA and when I am in Cali I take their classes.
I am into jiu-jitsu and yoga and I don't really like those huge chain like gym's, so this family owned studio is a must try, specially if you are into martial arts, as the teacher/owner Nino Schembri is one of the best Brazilian mixed martial artist and is known worldwide. (google it)
But if you feel more to the zen side (as I do more then often) take a Yoga class with their teacher, I love it. ps: Ask her tips about her yummy Brazilian/vegetarian homemade meals! ;)

I've been going to Nino's for about 7 months now. This place is incredible. From my first day, everyone was very nice and welcoming. After a couple weeks I felt like I was part of the family. There's a real sense of family and team at this gym. Everyone really wants each other to succeed.

Great instructors, great staff, great students. If you want to learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu from one of the best ever, in a friendly, relaxed environment, this place is for you.

All of the staff and students were nice and it's a lot of fun. Killer work out for someone who hasn't been physically active in a while. Lifting weights was getting really boring and I needed something to keep me active

My daughter has always been into lighter sports, ballet, tap, gymnastics, swimming etc. The amount of passion she has for jiu jitsu is impressive. Her coach is so skilled and patient, he creates a confidence in kids that is unique and valuable!

I had been looking for dojos closer to home for my son, and of all the places I checked out -Nino's place was the best for its focus on teaching the art from the bottom up, without the flashiness of mma. I came here looking for muay thai and ended up enrolling my son for the bjj. My son wasn't too keen on trying jiujitsu because he had his preference but once he tried it he said I like it mom I sign me up. It worked out perfectly. Now he gets to learn bjj and practice more muay thai... the hours are convenient because they aren't too early after school nor too late, 6:30 pm afternoons, and there is plenty of individual attention, guidance and encouragement from the instructors. Totally worth the investment in yourself or your children.

This review is long overdue! I started training at this establishment in early 2017. I have tried many JJ schools through out the years and can say there are good ones out there, but coming to this academy was the best choice I ever made. On day one at this school, I immediately felt welcome by the staff and other students. Professor Schembri is an amazing instructor and extremely humble for his level of success not only in JJ, but in MMA as well. All the instructors here are great and very qualified. Also, they offer a lot of classes through out the day. There is even a JJ class at 6:30 in the morning! Imagine that! Training JJ at 6:30 AM with Professor Joe Bergman is a great way to start the day! This school has been a great place to improve my JJ technique, but most importantly it is a solid investment in my health! Give this place a try, you will be glad you did!