About Level Up Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Learn more about our mission, journey, values, and the team
Level Up Brazilian Jiu Jitsu over 40 years in the making.
With the first location in West Los Angeles, on Santa Monica Blvd, the Level Up Brazilian Jiu Jitsu movement was born. A movement based on discovering martial arts and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in a safe, authentic, enjoyable, and traditional environment, Level Up offers world class Jiu Jitsu classes for Kids and Adults. Students and parents are treated to an unparalleled experience in Jiu Jitsu classes and environment at each academy location.
We now have three locations in Los Angeles, Level Up Studio City Jiu Jitsu, Level Up Woodland Hills Jiu Jitsu, and Level Up Culver City Jiu Jitsu, and dozens of locations around the world. Serving the San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles community, we are excited to know that there is a Level Up school near you.
Level Up Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is meant to be a place of learning, improvement, and enjoyment for students, parents, and friends. We are now open in Las Vegas, Nevada with Level Up Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Las Vegas and Houston, Texas as well with Level Up Cypress Jiu Jitsu which started in 2018. Our international affiliates in Brazil, Central America, Europe, and other areas of the world also adhere to the Level Up philosophy and traditions.
Certified Instructors
Active Students
Classes Per Month
Years of Excellence
Join us today!
What began in Los Angeles has grown into a global network of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu academies and outreach programs. Through nonprofit initiatives in countries like Brazil and Guatemala, Level Up provides underprivileged children with free training, mentorship, and opportunities to build confidence, discipline, and self-defense skills. Partnering with organizations like the International Jiu Jitsu Education Fund (IJEF), Level Up continues to expand its impact worldwide through a shared commitment to service and positive change.
Our core principles
Our shared values keep us connected and guide us as one team.
Great teaching
We are committed to delivering world-class instruction. Every class is structured, intentional, and designed to help students of all levels grow with confidence and clarity.
Great service
How we treat people matters. We strive to create an exceptional experience for every student and family through professionalism, care, and attention to detail.
People first
Our academy is more than a gym—it’s a community. We foster a supportive, ego-free environment where everyone feels welcome, respected, and valued.
Growth through Jiu-Jitsu
Jiu-Jitsu is a vehicle for personal development. We help our students build confidence, discipline, resilience, and leadership skills that extend far beyond the mat.
Safe & authentic training
We honor the traditions of Jiu-Jitsu while prioritizing safety and longevity. Our goal is to create an environment where students can train hard, progress consistently, and stay healthy.
Service to others
We believe in using Jiu-Jitsu to make a difference. Whether in our local community or around the world, we are committed to giving back and creating positive change. Through great teaching and great service, we believe we can help change lives—and ultimately, the world.
Meet the team behind
Level Up Jiu Jitsu
We’re a small team that loves to create great experiences for our community
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about Level Up Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and our programs.
What is the difference between Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and other martial arts?
In Brazilian Jiu Jitsu you learn to use leverage, intelligence, and body mechanics to be able to defend yourself against a larger attacker. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu does not rely on punches and kicks to fend off an aggressor but instead on positioning, joint locks, chokes and strangle holds, and more.
Can women or girls do Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?
Women are becoming more and more attracted to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu because of its reliance on leverage and body positioning, as opposed to other martial arts which may rely on strength or athletic ability. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is designed to rely on technique, not power. Because of this it can be practiced by anyone, especially women and girls.
Do you need to be in shape to start Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?
You do NOT need to be in shape! This is a common myth that keeps many people from doing many of the things they’ve always wanted to do, especially Brazilian Jiu Jitsu! Starting classes today is a great way for you to get into shape! Once you start you’ll see the weight shed, the body tone up and you’ll find yourself happy you started and glad you didn’t wait another day. Don’t wait, get out there and begin your new journey.
How much do Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or Martial arts classes costs and what's the schedule?
We are open 7 days a week for classes. Our tuition ranges and can be paid monthly, by year, per class, etc. There are so many different ways to invest in yourself and our program director or an instructor can help you find the right program and tuition that fits you best.
Why choose Level Up Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?
We are dedicated to teaching you at your level and bringing you to your highest potential. We are specialists in age-appropriate classes for children as young as three years old and adults as old as you can imagine. Our classes take you through the steps important to securing a detailed, safe, and fun experience. Conveniently located across the greater Los Angeles area (Level Up Studio City, Level Up Culver City, and Level Up Woodland Hills), Level Up is a great academy for learning self-defense, finding a fun way to stay in shape, improving your focus, and gaining confidence that you might not have imagined you could have. In short, Level Up Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has the right class for you.
Can kids really do Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?
Hundreds of kids have experienced the teachings of Professor Erik Klinger, the founder of our Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for Kids program. Most parents think Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is just for those UFC and MMA guys or for adults and people looking to kick butt. But the truth is that Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a great way for kids to learn how to protect themselves without having to punch and kick. Kids learn to use leverage, positioning, and their own body weight to control larger children and bullies. They learn how to immobilize someone without having to strike them or hurt them physically. While this is a huge part of our Kids and Teens Brazilian Jiu Jitsu programs, we also specialize in teaching children to be more confident, focused, and disciplined. This often reflects not just on the mat during their training but also at home, with friends, and at school. Parents begin to realize that Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a great complement to school, other sports, and home life.
Am I too old to start Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?
You are never too old to start! There are thousands of stories of people starting in their late 50’s, 60’s or even 70’s. In fact one of Professor Erik Klinger’s good friends and former students started in his early 70’s training in Brazilian JiuJitsu and he continues to this day training up North and has even reached the brown belt level! It is definitely never too late to start training! He is proof!