South Redondo Beach, California
Coast Academy of Jiu-Jitsu is a new Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu school in South Redondo Beach, serving the entire South Bay. Our foundation is built on proven self-defense techniques and structured Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu programs — for adults and kids alike.
What we teach
Our flagship kids program helps children grow into confident, capable individuals through structured, engaging Jiu-Jitsu lessons in an encouraging environment. Kids learn to recognize bullying, set boundaries, and stand up for themselves through verbal assertiveness and practical self-defense. They build the skills to protect themselves when necessary while developing character and self-control.
Our structured Jiu-Jitsu curriculum prioritizes the essential techniques needed to defend against the most common street attacks, especially when facing a larger, stronger opponent. Learn to protect yourself from punches and headlocks, escape dangerous positions, control an opponent, and apply submissions with minimal force. Develop practical self-defense skills and real-world readiness in the shortest time possible through progressive training that is fun, engaging, challenging, and safe. You’ll always know what you’re learning and why it matters.
Women Rise empowers women with the confidence, awareness, and practical skills to protect themselves in threatening situations women may encounter in everyday life. Through structured training in a fun, encouraging environment, they’ll be equipped to recognize potential threats, set boundaries, and defend against various punches, grabs, and chokes from a larger, stronger subject. Additionally, they’ll learn to survive and escape dangerous positions while applying effective Jiu-Jitsu submissions when necessary.
Jiu-Jitsu is a lifelong journey toward mastery. Dive deeper into the art through advanced techniques, strategic problem-solving, and live rolling. Refine your ability to anticipate reactions, connect techniques, and adapt under pressure while continuing to develop punch awareness and practical self-defense skills in a safe training environment.
Your first class is free — no experience or gi required. Book your free trial →
Class times
Classes start Monday, November 2 — Opening Night. Regular schedule begins Tuesday, November 3: Tuesday–Friday evenings, Tuesday & Thursday mornings, and Saturday mornings. Closed Sunday & Monday.
Membership
One price list for every program: Coast Kids, Coast Foundations, Women Rise and Grapple Mastery. Your first class is always free.
Family and military/first responder discounts available. Ask us about them when you visit.
Women Rise members can also train in Coast Foundations.
New here?
No. Coast Foundations is built for people who've never trained — every class starts with the basics and builds from there. Most members walk in with zero background.
Yes. New students train at a controlled, beginner-friendly pace with instructors close by — you're never rushed into anything you're not ready for.
Athletic clothes (a t-shirt and shorts or leggings) are fine for your first class. If you decide to stick with it, we'll walk you through getting a gi or rash guard.
Sparring (live rolling) starts once you've graduated from Coast Foundations and shown you can train safely — it's not part of the Coast Foundations curriculum itself.
Coast Kids is open to kids ages 5–13. Anyone 14 and up joins our adult programs.
Yes — your first class is on us, no obligation and no credit card required. Book it here.
Welcome! Please sign our waiver before you step on the mat. Sign the waiver →
Find us
The full story
With more than two decades dedicated to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as a practitioner and professional instructor, Sam Fernandez brings a depth of experience and a passion for teaching that has shaped thousands of students throughout his career.
A 3rd-degree Gracie Jiu-Jitsu black belt, Sam trained from white belt to black belt at the original Gracie headquarters in Torrance, California. He spent a combined 16 years as head instructor there and at Gracie University HQ, leading every program — from kids and adult beginners to women’s-only self-defense and the advanced curriculum.
His teaching has taken him around the world, where he has taught seminars and worked with students and instructors internationally. His experience also extends beyond the academy, including leadership in law enforcement survival tactics training, bringing the principles of Jiu-Jitsu into practical, real-world applications.
Today, Sam serves as Head Instructor at Coast Academy, bringing careful attention to detail, infectious enthusiasm, and his unmistakable smile to every lesson. Whether he is working with a child taking their first steps onto the mat, a parent beginning their own Jiu-Jitsu journey, or an experienced practitioner refining their technique, Sam strives to make every student feel welcomed, supported, and part of the family.
Sam believes great instruction is about more than showing techniques. Every student should know what they’re learning and why it matters, in a room that’s welcoming, challenging, and fun enough that they want to come back. His goal is to give every student what Jiu-Jitsu has given him: confidence, resilience, and humility, along with real skills they can use on the mat and in everyday life.
Coast Academy of Jiu-Jitsu is built on a simple philosophy: exceptional instruction, a welcoming community, and Jiu-Jitsu practiced as a lifelong journey.
Coast Gear
Our first run of Coast Academy Tees is here — soft, breathable, and built for the mat or the Strand. Available in limited sizes while supplies last.
Limited spots
A limited number of founding members get $200/month unlimited for their first 12 months, discounted from the $275 regular rate. Hold your spot for $1 before doors open.
