Professor Erik Klinger
Professor Erik Klinger, founder of Level Up Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, began his martial arts training over 40 years ago at age six. His first experience with martial arts was sitting on his mothers lap and crying through an entire class without even joining until the very end. Once he had gained enough courage to participate he fell in love with the art and has never stopped training since.
Even with his passion for martial arts, the young Erik began to gain interest in other things as he continued to grow but his parents constantly encouraged him to stick with the discipline he had found in martial arts. While growing up he played other sports but took to wrestling as it gave him a similar feeling to his martial arts training. Continuing his martial arts practice mainly in Shotokan Karate, Erik became a teacher at an early age helping his teacher teach classes to adults and children at the age of 13 years old. He took so much to teaching that after a while he was given his very own kids class at a local community center near his hometown of Palo Alto, California.
Today, Professor Erik is the first non-Brazilian promoted to black belt under Professor Fabio Leopoldo. Eventually Professor Erik began to train privately with Grand Master Joe Moreira, one of the most well respected Jiu Jitsu teachers outside of the Gracie family. Grand Master Moreira is an 9th degree Red Belt, UFC veteran, and leading authority in the world of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Master Moreira is a direct student of Grandmaster Francisco Mansor, 9th degree red belt student of the late Grandmaster Helio Gracie. To this day Professor Erik currently holds the rank of 4th degree black belt directly under Grand Master Moreira.
Although his passion for teaching has lead him away from the ring and competition, Professor Erik Klinger is also an accomplished competitor in several disciplines including becoming champion in the 2004 Okinawa Open Grappling Tournament, runner-up vice-champion in 2003 Okinawa Open Grappling Tournament, #1 ranked amateur Pancrase open weight competitor in 2004 (Okinawa, Japan Mugen league), 2-time gold medalist at the USA National Karate Championships, 2-time medalist at the Gracie Nationals (Ohio), silver medalist at the Brazilian National Team Championships in 2006 held in Rio De Janeiro, and earning a gold medal at the 2007 Sao Paulo State Jiu Jitsu Championships in Brazil. He has also earned black belts in Shotokan Karate, Shorin-ryu, and Okinawan Kobudo as well as competing in and studying Kyokushin Karate. In addition Professor Erik Klinger is a graduate of California State University, Chico with a bachelor’s degree in Asian Studies.
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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!