[photo credit: Eventbrite]
The academy at 75 West Walnut Street, Suite 110, in Pasadena, which was voted Best Martial Arts in Pasadena in 2024, has cultivated this diverse community through an intentionally welcoming approach.
“When I looked at the jiu-jitsu school landscape, it wasn’t always welcoming,” said Fred Joaquin, the academy’s owner and head instructor.
“The idea here was to show people there’s a place where they can learn to defend themselves. Although we’re learning how to fight, we don’t have to fight to learn.”
The academy’s student body is 46% female, according to recent data—an unusually high percentage that points out the school’s commitment to creating a supportive environment.
“It’s so rare to have a gym with such a high percentage of women, and we’re all ages,” said Aida Joaquin, who instructs the academy’s Women Empowered program.
“I love the community it fosters, and everyone is just so supportive.”
The academy recently marked its first year in operation with a special celebration that included a seminar led by Rener Gracie, CEO of Gracie University, who demonstrated the SafeWrap™ system—a restraint technique for professionals working with potentially aggressive individuals.
For Joaquin, the milestone represents fulfillment of a vision.
“Being the jiu-jitsu school that anybody can come to is so nice and so beautiful, that means a lot,” he reflected.
The academy holds regular classes on Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 11:30 a.m.
“Women Empowered: Free 10-Day Self-Defense Program” will run on Saturday, Aug. 23 at 11:30 a.m. Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Pasadena, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Pasadena, 75 West Walnut Street, Suite 110, Pasadena. For more call (626) 633-7503 or visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gracie-pasadena-best-of-2024-and-going-for-2025-try-us-free-and-see-why-tickets-1501697871759. Tickets: Free.
