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Gracie Jiu Jitsu Indio Proudly empowering Coachella Valley families since 2019
Gracie Jiu Jitsu Indio has beginner to advanced jiu-jitsu classes in Indio for men, women, and children.
Who we Are And why You Should Train Here
At Gracie Jiu Jitsu Indio, we believe Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is for EVERYONE, regardless of age, gender, athleticism, or ability. We are proud to say we are continuing the legacy of Grandmaster Hélio Gracie who believed jiu-jitsu should empower the weak to be able to defend against the strong. This is why we offer structured martial arts curriculums specific to the self-defense needs for any demographic or skill level, with programs created for beginner adults, women, and children.
We take pride in creating a safe, comfortable, and welcoming learning environment for all students and family members in the Coachella Valley. We are passionate about what we do because, simply put, we believe confident humans make kinder humans.
Welcome To The Family
Whether it’s teaching you how to tie your first jiu-jitsu belt, or guiding you through your first technique, our team’s priority is to make you feel at home from the moment you walk into Gracie Jiu Jitsu Indio. Should you have any questions, call our number above to speak to one of our Student Experience representatives.
Get To Know Our World Class Instructors
Cameron Burbank
Interested in an activity for self-improvement, fitness, and self-defense, Cameron began learning Gracie Jiu Jitsu in the Summer of 2015. He was interested in being able to defend himself without relying on strength or weapons, but the integration of character development with Gracie Jiu Jitsu is what turned training into a lifelong endeavor. At the personal encouragement of Rener Gracie, Cameron and Josh opened the only Certified Training Center in the Coachella Valley in Cameron’s hometown of Indio. Cameron is proud to serve the community he grew up in with what he considers to be life changing skills!
Joseph Watford
After a coworker introduced JP to Jiu-Jitsu, he wanted to find a place to learn. He tried a few grappling classes at a local university, but JP found a home with Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in 2018. The emphasis on using leverage instead of strength made Jiu-Jitsu accessible, making what seemed impossible at first attainable with time and practice. JP earned his instructor certification in July 2023, and continues to study and teach Jiu-Jitsu with Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Indio.
Tonya Muehr
Encouraged by the transformative benefits that jiu-jitsu had on her two children, Tonya began her own jiu-jitsu journey in early 2015 and by October had earned her pink belt. Watching brave women walk through the doors for the first time and transition from seeing themselves as victims or weak into strong, courageous, and empowered survivors is what keeps her dedicated to the Women Empowered program. When the opportunity to become an instructor opened, Tonya jumped at the chance to help connect more women to jiu-jitsu through teaching. “I hope the privilege to be a part of this amazing program will continue for life.”
Nikki Royer
How do you know someone trains Jiu Jitsu? Don’t worry, they’ll tell you. Nikki was victim to this truth for long enough that she decided to see what the fuss was all about, finally attending her first class taught by a friend. Nikki quickly fell in love with the ability to be able to successfully leverage technique against a stronger opponent, and continued to devour curriculum at an exceptional pace. Training in multiple programs, schools, garages, and eventually helping to manage operations at Gracie Jiu Jitsu Indio, Nikki was a natural fit for teaching as someone who has proven nothing will stand in the way of determination.
Brandon Soto
Brandon became interested in jiu jitsu because he wanted to compete in MMA, beginning his career in Las Vegas in 2017. After moving to the Coachella Valley in 2019, he quickly learned that there is a more universally effective way to learn, and teach, Jiu-Jitsu. Brandon believes Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is a must have foundation for self defense, whether competing or not. “You don’t need to be a super-athlete to learn Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. Anyone can learn Combatives.” Brandon looks forward to continuing his own development, and sharing what he knows with his students.
Jacob Sigda
Jake started training at Gracie Jiu Jitsu Indio in 2020. The Covid pandemic made him realize that we don’t always have the chance to start something tomorrow. Being smaller than most in stature, Jiu-Jitsu was the perfect fit for Jake. The use of leverage and timing over strength was not only more efficient, but absolutely necessary for him while training. Jake became a certified instructor in 2024 and is excited to share the knowledge and benefits of Jiu-Jitsu with other students.
Brianna Friedman
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Julie Cowan
When you are a mom and a business owner it is sometimes hard to truly commit to something that is just for yourself. Not typically a “joiner” it took several years after enrolling her son in the Bullyproof program to dip her toes into the Women Empowered program. Once she did, Julie quickly fell in love. Not only was the curriculum transformative, but everyone at GJJ Indio made her feel welcome and safe. More of a tomboy with few women friends, Julie found not only amazing women to enrich her life, but an extended family. So inspired by what she has learned and continues to learn, Julie felt the need to share her love with as many women as possible and became a Women Empowered instructor. Julie remains excited by all the learning and growth to come. “Gracie Jiu-Jitsu was everything I never knew I needed in my life, and so much more.”
Brandon Soto
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Jacob Sigda
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse tristique risus at maximus rutrum. Donec ac odio commodo, fringilla urna sit amet, rhoncus velit.
Brianna Friedman
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse tristique risus at maximus rutrum. Donec ac odio commodo, fringilla urna sit amet, rhoncus velit.