Walking into Eidson Brazilian Jiu Jitsu feels different from your typical martial arts academy. Instead of intimidating fighters sizing you up, you’ll find friends greeting each other by name and kids high-fiving their instructors after class. Our Brazilian Jiu Jitsu academy in La Mesa has become a second home for families who train together, professionals decompressing after work, and students building confidence that extends far beyond self-defense skills. We’ve spent years creating an atmosphere where everyone from anxious beginners to seasoned practitioners feels genuinely welcome and supported.
Meet the Instructor
Andrew Eidson holds a 3rd-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and extensive credentials in both BJJ and Judo. He earned his Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt through formal testing in São Paulo, Brazil, and maintains registration with the Federação Paulista de Jiu-Jitsu. Training under 6th-degree black belt Paulo Fernando Agusto since 1999, Andrew progressed from student to assistant instructor before establishing his academy, where students can learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in La Mesa, CA. His teaching philosophy evolved from creating competitors to building community after witnessing the profound behavioral changes in young students. Today, he leads classes personally, develops individualized training approaches for different learning styles, and ensures every student receives direct feedback on their technique.
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Our Mission
At Eidson Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, we’re dedicated to helping people thrive through the gentle art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in La Mesa. Our process-oriented approach means you’ll never feel rushed or pressured to compete. Instead, you’ll progress at your own pace while building meaningful connections with fellow students who become your extended family. We measure success not by trophies on the wall, but by the positive transformations we witness in our students’ daily lives, from improved self-discipline to enhanced problem-solving skills that benefit them at school, work, and home.
WHAT IS BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art, combat sport, and a self-defense system that focuses on grappling and especially ground fighting…
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WHAT IS JUDO?
Judo is an Olympic sport and martial art that originated in Japan over 100 years ago. Today judo is the most widely practiced martial art…
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KIDS JUDO & BJJ
Building the champions of tomorrow today
At the EIDSON BJJ Academy, we believe that the training your child receives will last a lifetime! JUDO…
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Why Choose Us
Choosing the right Brazilian Jiu Jitsu academy in La Mesa can shape your entire martial arts journey. Here’s what sets us apart from other training facilities in the area.
OUR CLASSES at Jiu Jitsu San Diego
Jiu Jitsu
We teach Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in La Mesa as a practical martial art that empowers students of all sizes to defend themselves effectively. Our classes focus on leverage-based techniques that work in real-world situations, not just on the mat. At Eidson Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, we believe everyone can master this art through consistent practice and proper instruction.
We start with fundamental positions and movements, then gradually introduce more complex techniques as students develop. Each class combines technical instruction, controlled drilling, and supervised sparring to ensure safe and effective learning.
Judo
Our Judo program teaches the art of using an opponent’s force against them through precise throwing and grappling techniques. Students develop explosive power, timing, and balance while learning this martial art that perfectly complements Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training in La Mesa. We focus on practical self-defense applications alongside traditional Japanese martial arts values of respect and discipline.
Each Judo class begins with essential breakfall training to ensure safe practice throughout your journey. Our certified instructors at Eidson Brazilian Jiu Jitsu then guide students through throwing drills, grip fighting, and transition work. We incorporate both standing techniques and ground control methods, creating well-rounded martial artists who excel in all positions.
Martial Arts
Our martial arts academy offers a complete training system that develops self-defense skills, physical fitness, and mental discipline. Students learn practical techniques from multiple disciplines, with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in La Mesa forming the core of our ground-based combat training.
Each martial arts session builds progressively from warm-ups through technique instruction to live application and sparring. We emphasize proper form, safety protocols, and understanding the principles behind each movement rather than just memorizing techniques. Eidson Brazilian Jiu Jitsu maintains a welcoming atmosphere where beginners feel comfortable learning alongside experienced practitioners in our structured class format.
Self Defense
Learning self-defense empowers you with life-saving skills while building unshakeable confidence in your ability to protect yourself. We focus on simple, effective techniques that work regardless of your size or strength against larger attackers. Our proven system teaches you to stay calm under pressure and respond instinctively when faced with real threats.
Eidson Brazilian Jiu Jitsu specializes in close-range combat situations where most real attacks occur. Our self-defense training incorporates Brazilian Jiu Jitsu principles in La Mesa to help you escape holds, control aggressive individuals, and get to safety quickly. We practice realistic scenarios in a safe environment, ensuring you’re prepared mentally and physically for any confrontation that may arise.
Kids Program
We designed our kids’ program to help children develop confidence, discipline, and physical fitness through age-appropriate martial arts training. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in La Mesa teaches them how to defend themselves while emphasizing respect, teamwork, and anti-bullying strategies.
Eidson Brazilian Jiu Jitsu creates a safe space where children overcome challenges and build lasting friendships with their training partners. Our kids’ program focuses on life skills that extend beyond the mat, including goal-setting, emotional control, and problem-solving abilities.
Teens Program
Teenagers find their strength and identity through our specialized teens program that combines athletic training with life skills development. Our Brazilian Jiu Jitsu curriculum in La Mesa challenges teens physically while teaching them resilience, respect, and strategic thinking.
Each session focuses on advanced techniques, competitive sparring, and personal accountability in a judgment-free environment. Eidson Brazilian Jiu Jitsu instructors mentor teenagers through both martial arts mastery and the social pressures they face daily. We’ve seen countless teens transform from shy beginners into confident leaders who excel on the mats and in their communities.
Adults Program
Experience the transformative power of our adult program, where professionals, parents, and fitness enthusiasts discover their athletic potential at any age. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in La Mesa provides the perfect workout for adults seeking mental stimulation alongside physical conditioning in a welcoming environment.
Every session balances technical instruction with live sparring to develop real-world skills and competitive readiness. Our coaches at Eidson Brazilian Jiu Jitsu adapt their teaching to each student’s pace, ensuring safe progression whether you’re 25 or 65. Join a community of motivated adults who support each other’s journey while pursuing individual excellence on the mats.
Benefits of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Physical Fitness and Strength
Focusing on improving your physical fitness and building strength is at the heart of learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. The training sessions are designed to be rigorous, pushing you to your limits and ensuring that you build the muscular endurance and power needed for effective self-defense.
You’ll see a significant improvement in your overall fitness, as these classes incorporate various techniques that work out all muscle groups. Such intense workouts don’t just boost your ability to defend yourself, but also contribute positively to your health and well-being.
Self-Defense Skills
We emphasize adult Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as a core component of our curriculum because it’s proven to be one of the most effective martial arts for self-defense. This training not only equips you with the necessary skills to defend against larger or stronger attackers, but also instills in you a heightened sense of awareness about your surroundings.
Mental Discipline and Focus
Practicing martial arts does more than improve physical strength; it sharpens your mind, teaching you how to stay calm and focused when under pressure. We are committed to guiding our students through this transformative experience, ensuring they develop not only physically but mentally as well.
Stress Relief and Confidence Building
At this Brazilian Jiu Jitsu academy, you can find an excellent way to let go of the day’s stress. This deep focus during practice acts like a mental purge, pushing away all worries and bringing in a wave of calmness.
Practicing Jiu Jitsu doesn’t just lower stress but also greatly increases your confidence. Each training session brings challenges that, once conquered, make you feel stronger and more capable.
Why Clients Love Jiu Jitsu San Diego
How do I graduate to the next belt?
FAQs
What if I have anxiety about close physical contact?
Many students initially feel uncomfortable with the close contact required in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in La Mesa, but overcome this quickly in our respectful environment. Instructors understand these concerns and allow you to progress at your comfort level without pressure. Most anxious beginners report that focusing on technique details actually helps reduce their anxiety during training. The structured nature of drilling and clear rules during rolling create predictable interactions that feel safer than chaotic situations.
How do you keep the mats and equipment clean?
We maintain strict hygiene protocols, including daily mat disinfection before and after classes. Students must wear clean clothes to each session and shower before training if coming from work or other activities. Shoes are never allowed on the mats, and we provide hand sanitizer stations throughout the facility. Regular gear washing is mandatory, and we’ll address any hygiene concerns immediately to protect everyone’s health.
Can I practice Brazilian Jiu Jitsu techniques at home?
Solo drills like hip escapes, technical stand-ups, and bridging movements can definitely be practiced at home to improve your Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in La Mesa. However, avoid practicing submissions or throws without qualified supervision to prevent injuries. Many students find that mental training through visualization and studying competition footage accelerates their learning. Shadow grappling and movement drills in your living room supplement but never replace actual mat time with partners.
How do you handle aggressive or overly competitive students?
Our culture naturally filters out overly aggressive personalities who don’t align with our family-first values. New students displaying excessive aggression receive immediate coaching about appropriate training intensity and our expectations. Upper belts model proper behavior and won’t roll with anyone who endangers training partners. This strict enforcement protects the positive environment our Brazilian Jiu Jitsu students deserve and expect.
What's the difference between sport and self-defense Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?
While techniques overlap significantly, sport Brazilian Jiu Jitsu emphasizes point-scoring positions and submission hunting within competition rules. Self-defense focused training includes striking defense, multiple attacker scenarios, and techniques banned in tournaments. We blend both aspects because sport training develops timing through live sparring while self-defense applications ensure real-world effectiveness. Understanding both perspectives creates well-rounded practitioners who can compete successfully while maintaining street-applicable skills.
Unlock Your Potential Through Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in La Mesa
Tired of feeling vulnerable or wanting more confidence in your daily life? Eidson Brazilian Jiu Jitsu teaches practical self-defense skills while building the mental strength to handle any situation calmly and effectively. Check out our reviews on Google and Yelp to see how we’ve helped hundreds of people transform their lives through Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in La Mesa, CA. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for daily training tips, student success stories, and upcoming event announcements. Ready to start? Call 858-245-2107 today to schedule your first introductory class!
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