Gilroy Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) stands as South Santa Clara County's premier school for self-defense, law enforcement training, and sport Jiu-Jitsu instruction. The Academy looks to continue the rich tradition of maintaining its position in the community.
The Foundation of Gilroy BJJ
Gilroy BJJ was founded in 2010 by Carlos “Wookie” Melo. He built the foundation of the school as a fledgling club with a handful of students and laid the groundwork for it to become the staple of South Santa Clara County California martial arts that it is known as today.
In 2016 Carlos Melo partnered with Morgan Chappell. In early 2022 Morgan Chappell moved to Nevada and Carlos Melo partnered with Anthony Rutherford. Carlos & Anthony make up the current leadership of Gilroy BJJ.
Why Do They Call BJJ The "Gentle" ART?
Meet the Leadership
Carlos Melo: Carlos Melo is a San Jose State University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a SJSU collegiate rugby team alumni. He captained the league’s All Star Team and played rugby at the club level. Carlos has spent the last 24 years in law enforcement as a San Jose police officer and has been training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since 2003. He achieved a World Championship title in 2009 as a brown belt, competing in the adult division at the age of 32. In 2010 Carlos founded & opened Gilroy Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Gilroy California which has become South Santa Clara County’s premier Jiu-Jitsu Academy.
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Affiliation with Caio Terra Association
Gilroy BJJ is a Caio Terra Association Affiliate. We are proud to be a part of the best team in Jiu-Jitsu, lead by 12 time world Champion Professor Caio Terra.
The Caio Terra Academy & Association Head Quarters is located in San Jose, California, 30 minutes north of the city of Gilroy & Gilroy Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Our Association with CTA provides our Students with special rates to drop in and attend classes at Caio Terra Association HQ, as well as special rates for CTA Online Courses. As an Association member Gilroy Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu will host seminars featuring CTA Jiu-Jitsu Professional Athletes like Caio Terra & Mason Fowler.
Mission and Values
Jiu Jitsu is a complex battle of strategy, which requires patience, communication, and dedication. We are here to provide guidance on the best approaches, movements, and techniques for mastering what has come to be known as “the gentle art”.
The values of the BJJ society include discipline, respect, humility, and perseverance. These values are instilled in students through rigorous training and a focus on personal development.
A Family-Oriented Facility
BJJ Society is a family-oriented facility that welcomes people of all ages. We specialize in helping children reach their highest potential, but our adult program also offers classes from beginner to advanced levels!
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Whether you already possess martial arts knowledge or if it is your first time stepping foot on the mats - join us at BJJ Society and be part of something special! Our top priority is to offer you a supportive atmosphere to prosper and advance in Jiu Jitsu, as well as the chance for you to achieve your desired objectives.
Professional Team
Train with a professional team of coaches and become a Jiu Jitsu expert. Our Membership offers top-notch training, self-defense skills, and a supportive community.
Meet the Coaches
- Coach Jerry: For more than a decade, Jerry Cazarez has devoted himself to the art of Jiu Jitsu. As one of few who have earned a black belt, he has created and mentored an esteemed children’s jiu jitsu program that focuses on instilling in his students confidence, integrity, and respect for others. His coaching abilities are without question - countless pupils have gone on to attain success at regional and national tournaments under his tutelage!
- Coach Val: With a wealth of knowledge and experience in wrestling, Taekwondo, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Coach Val DaRocha has been competing at the IBJJF PANS and Master Worlds from 2006 to 2018. A true master with an impressive list of medals under his belt each year as a 3rd-degree black belt, he looks forward to imparting both beginners and advanced practitioners techniques that will better their martial arts skills.
What Students and Instructors Say
Here's what students and instructors are saying about BJJ Society:
- Gary Stauble, Blue Belt: “I have trained with the instructors (and members) from this gym for almost 5 years and can say that they’re some of the best you’ll find. Their dedication to their students is apparent from day one. They go the extra mile to make you feel welcome and to ensure that you’re always making progress. Bottom line is that this place feels like a family, and that’s hard to find. If you’re on the fence about trying jiujitsu, I highly encourage you to come down and try a class. You’ll be glad you did!”
- Tobias Tenorio, Brown Belt: "Excellent place to train. Knowledgeable staff who make learning easy and fun."
- Mike Grace, Purple Belt: "Valdemar and Jerry are both Black Belt Jiu Jitsu instructors, but they are also personal friends of mine. They both bring different skill sets of jiu-jitsu to the mat when teaching a class, each unique, but more importantly, they can tailor their instruction to fit your game. If you're an aspiring competitor or a novice trying to get in shape, Val and Jerry can help you reach either the podium or your personal fitness goals. I would recommend to anyone BJJ Society as an excellent academy to continue your journey or to start it."
Traditional Technique, Modern Approach
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is an amazing martial art and combat sport that focuses on ground fighting and submission holds. It’s a great way to stay in shape, learn self-defense, and challenge yourself mentally and physically. Our Jiu-Jitsu program builds skills for real life and the cage
We are proud to offer Brazilian Jiu Jitsu right here in Gilroy! Our Adult classes are suitable for anyone looking to improve their fitness, self-defense skills, and mental toughness.
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Everyone can benefit from our Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class, no matter your age, fitness level, or experience!
Benefits of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Classes
Our Adult Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes provide a safe and supportive environment where you can learn new techniques, challenge yourself mentally and physically, and get in a great full-body workout. The techniques of BJJ focus on using leverage and technique over brute strength, making it an extremely effective form of self-defense for everyone. It also promotes a healthy lifestyle through regular physical activity.
Taught by professional coaches with real fight experience, our Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes will:
- Provide you with an amazing community of people who support and encourage you
- Help you increase your speed, strength, and overall physical and mental health
- Teach you important self-defense skills needed to protect yourself and others
- Give you the opportunity to get in full-body workouts on a regular basis
Get Started Today!
Transform Your Mind & Body with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience with Jiu Jitsu, our highly skilled, experienced, and professional instructors in Gilroy will effectively teach you the concepts of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in a safe and supportive environment.
If you’re interested in learning more about Adult BJJ, contact us or click the button below to sign up for a trial today!
Don’t miss out on this opportunity, join us for our BJJ classes today!