Ribeiro Jiu-Jitsu Los Angeles | LA Jiu Jitsu Academy at 7901 Melrose Avenue Suite #205, Los Angeles, California.

Starting off at a new gym, no less a martial arts gym, can be extremely intimidating and I was pleasantly surprised by the welcoming vibe from everyone at LA Jiu Jitsu Academy. Professor Ricardo is very approachable and is genuinely interested in helping students learn and understand concepts. His knowledge and history with brazilian jiu jitsu is quite impressive too, starting bjj back in the early 90s with Jean Jacque Machado and most recently training and receiving his 1st degree with Xande Ribeiro. The other students, especially the brown and purple upper belts, are really helpful too and take time during class to work through positions and share pointers.

The location is pretty convenient for Hollywood/West Hollywood-ers, right at the intersection of Melrose Ave and Fairfax Ave, but I was surprised that some of the students travel from as far downtown LA and South LA to train here despite crazy LA traffic. The academy itself is very clean (shocking for a gym), has separate changing rooms for men and women, and the building has a parking lot too.

Pros: Great place to train > friendly teammates and great location.
Cons: Parking lot can get full from the yoga next door