Adult Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Training in Fresno - Learn from 36 Black Belts
PMA is Fresno's Home of Jiu-Jitsu Since 1996
Adult Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Training in Fresno - Learn from 36 Black Belts
Traditional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with the gi is where most students begin their grappling journey. At Pacific Martial Arts, you're not learning from one instructor with one perspective - you're learning from 36 active black belts who specialize in different guard systems, submission chains, and strategies.
Sign up for a FREE class today. No gi needed.
Why Train in Gi Jiu-Jitsu at PMA
Build Jiu-Jitsu Skills That Work
Since 1996, PMA has trained hundreds of students in authentic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Our gi program produces World Champions, teaches practical self-defense, and builds skills that work under pressure.
Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced grappler looking for high-level instruction, our customized approach helps you develop your unique game.
Customized Curriculum for Your Body Type & Skill Level
We don't use a standardized belt system where everyone learns the same techniques. We personalize each student's curriculum based on your body type, age, weight, strengths, and goals. Two blue belts might have completely different games because we teach you to use jiu jitsu principles that work for your unique attributes.
Active Competitors Teaching
25% of our coaches actively competed in 2025 at IBJJF, ADCC, World League, and other tournaments. When they teach you a technique, they've used it successfully against opponents trying to win.
This isn't theoretical jiu jitsu - it's battle-tested.
4th Degree Black Belt Leadership
Matt Smith holds a 4th degree black belt under Professor David Camarillo, one of the highest-ranking active instructors in Fresno. He's also an 8th degree black belt in Karate, 8th degree equivalent in Eskrima, and 4th degree in Taekwondo. His depth of martial arts knowledge creates a unique learning environment.
Complete Grappling System Included
Your gi membership includes Gi, No-Gi, Wrestling, and Judo. Other schools make you choose one discipline or charge extra. At PMA, it's all included under one membership.
Join Today to Gain Confidence Through Competence
We teach Confidence Through Competence. At PMA we promote when you're genuinely ready. Every student progresses differently, depending on your capacity to learn, performance under pressure, and training frequency.
Some students progress faster, others slower. We watch you train daily. We see your progress in live rounds. We know exactly where you are in your development. There's no belt test - we simply promote you when you've earned it and when we know you’re ready.
Book your FREE Adult Gi Class today start your journey.
The Benefits of Training in Gi Jiu-Jitsu
The gi fundamentally changes how jiu jitsu is practiced. The added grips from collar, sleeves, and lapels create more defensive options, slower pace, and emphasis on technique over athleticism.Here's why the gi matters:
Technical Precision
With gi grips available, you can't rely on speed and strength alone. You must execute techniques with proper timing, angles, and leverage. This builds a technical foundation that translates to all grappling.
More Submission Options
Collar chokes, baseball chokes, loop chokes, bow and arrow chokes, ezekiel chokes - the gi opens an entire category of submissions unavailable in no-gi. At PMA, we have specialists in each submission system teaching their expertise.
Better Defense Development
The gi slows down scrambles and gives you more time to think. You develop better defensive habits and learn to escape bad positions methodically. This patience transfers to no-gi and real-world situations.
Self-Defense Applications
Street altercations typically involve clothing. A gi simulates jacket grabs, shirt pulls, and collar control you'd encounter in real self-defense scenarios. The techniques work when someone grabs you.
Level the Playing Field
In gi jiu jitsu, a smaller, older, or less athletic person can control a larger, younger, stronger opponent using grips and leverage. The gi is the great equalizer.
Who Teaches Adult Gi Classes?
PMA Has More Gi Instructors Than Any School in Fresno
Black Belt Instructors for Men's Gi Jiu Jitsu
- Matt Smith - 4th degree black belt (David Camarillo lineage)
- Jason Hannon – 4th degree black belt
- Eduardo Crema - 2nd degree black belt, North American Brown Belt Champion
- Tiago Scalco - Black belt
- Rob Akerman - Black belt
- Ryan Collins - Black belt
- Joe Flentye - Black belt
- Garret Lambert - Black belt
- Cory Eicher - Black belt
Black Belt Instructors for Women's Gi Jiu Jitsu
- Erica Grosjean - Black belt
- Krystal Alexander - Black belt, Master Worlds gold medalist
- Brandy Ross - Black belt
These coaches are high-level competitors who have competed at the highest levels. Their experience transfers to students through superior technique, faster learning, and higher confidence.
Meet Our Instructors
Matt Smith
Founder & Head Instructor, 4th Degree Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt
Matt Smith brings over five decades of martial arts experience and educational leadership to Pacific Martial Arts, which he founded on June 1, 1996. His lifelong dedication to personal development, disciplined training, and sharing martial traditions has earned him recognition across multiple disciplines.
Jason Hannon
4th Degree Black Belt
[Team Member Name] is a skilled professional with extensive experience in [industry/field]. Passionate about [specific aspect of the job or industry], [he/she/they] deliver(s) exceptional results and drive(s) success for our clients.
Eduardo Crema
2nd Degree Black Belt
Originally from Venezuela, Eduardo Crema is a 2nd degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt with over a decade of teaching experience, having earned his black belt in 2017. With a foundational background in high school wrestling, Eduardo brings a dynamic and technical approach to both Gi and No-Gi training and competition.
He is a decorated competitor, holding the title of North American Brown Belt Champion, with multiple podium finishes at IBJJF Opens and ADCC Opens
Tiago Scalco
Black Belt
[Team Member Name] is a skilled professional with extensive experience in [industry/field]. Passionate about [specific aspect of the job or industry], [he/she/they] deliver(s) exceptional results and drive(s) success for our clients.
Rob Ackerman
Black Belt
Rob began his Jiu-Jitsu training in 2008 and achieved Black Belt in 2024. His signature move is Half Butterfly and Sub Bow and Arrow.
Rob's training philosophy is, "You can sit on the wall and watch upper belts roll or you can get out there and become one of the upper belts."
Rob's favorite quote is from Les Brown, "If you do what is easy, your life will be hard. But if you do what is hard, your life will be easy."
He has competed in JJWL, Fight2Win, IBJJF Masters, Grapple for the Cure, America's Cup, and multiple Grappling X.tournaments.
Ryan Collins
Black Belt
[Team Member Name] is a skilled professional with extensive experience in [industry/field]. Passionate about [specific aspect of the job or industry], [he/she/they] deliver(s) exceptional results and drive(s) success for our clients.
Joe Flentye
Black Belt
[Team Member Name] is a skilled professional with extensive experience in [industry/field]. Passionate about [specific aspect of the job or industry], [he/she/they] deliver(s) exceptional results and drive(s) success for our clients.
Garret Lambert-Martinez
Black Belt
Garrett Lambert-Martinez started his martial arts career in 2006 by joining Pacific Martial Arts. After training and fighting in Muay Thai, Garrett devoted his training to BJJ in 2012 and received his Black Belt from PMA in 2023.
Garrett is an active law enforcement officer and has trained both domestic and foreign law enforcement personnel in defensive tactics.
His favorite move is the D'arce Choke. Garrett's training philosophy is, "Just keep showing up. The mat doesn't lie."
Cory Eicher
Black Belt
Cory started wrestling in 1990 and has trained consistently in various martial arts and combat sports since, including western boxing, muay thai, kali/eskrima, Brazilian jiu jitsu, and mixed martial arts. He has competed in wrestling, kickboxing, gi and no-gi BJJ, and amateur mixed martial arts
He first began coaching in 1994, as an assistant coach for the youth wrestling program Red Rock Wrestling in St. George, Utah. Later, Cory went on to tutor and teach academic subjects and standardized test preparation to high school, college, and graduate students. Since then he has taught and coached wrestling, boxing, kickboxing, Brazilian jiu jitsu, and mixed martial arts, to a wide range of students, from people who have never grappled to professional MMA fighters.
Erica Grosjean
Black Belt
Erica is a seasoned BJJ competitor. Her many accomplishments include the following Gold Medals:
- JJWL The Worlds Gi 2024
- JJWL Pacific Cup V No-Gi 2024
- IBJJF Los Angeles Open Gi 2023
- IBJJF World Masters Gi 2022
- IBJJF San Jose Open Gi 2020
- IBJJF Fresno Open Gi 2019
- IBJJF Pan Americans Gi 2019
- Big Apple Open Gi 2014
- IBJJF New York Summer International Open Gi 2014
- USFBJJ Western Championships Gi 2012
Krystal Alexander
Black Belt
Krystal began her Jiu-Jitsu training in 2018, and earned the rank of Black Belt in June 2025. She has competed in in-house and IBJJF tournaments. Her signature moves are knee cut passing and guillotine.
Krystal sums up her training phylosophy as, "Jiu Jitsu should be a constant learning experience, enjoyable, and inclusive. Focus on smart training that keeps you on the mats for as long as possible and meeting some of the best people. What a blessing it is to be tired in the pursuit of a challenge of your own choosing."
Brandy Ross
Black Belt
Brandi Ross got her Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt in June of 2024 from Matt Smith and Pacific Martial Arts. She also received her brown belt under Mr. Smith. Prior to moving to Fresno, Brandi trained at Paragon in Santa Barbara under Franjihna and received her purple belt under him. She has been in martial arts since 1996, obtaining her black belt in Kajukenbo and a purple belt in Ed Parker American Kenpo. She enjoys teaching anything having to do with chokes and knee-on-belly moves. Her philosophy is you need to make sure you are drilling the basics as they are the foundation of your journey.
Jiu-Jitsu Class Structure at PMA
Classes Run 90 Minutes
Our Fundamentals classes run 60 minutes for beginners who are building conditioning. We also have 90-minute adjult gi classes, giving you time for warm-ups, technique instruction, situational training, and live rounds.
Schedule Flexibility
Our Fundamentals classes run 60 minutes for beginners who are building conditioning. We also have 90-minute adjult gi classes, Classes start as early as 6am, five days per week. We're the only school in Fresno offering gi classes this early.
We're open 7 days a week with multiple sessions daily. Train at any of our 4 locations with one membership. you time for warm-ups, technique instruction, situational training, and live rounds.
All Skill Levels Train Together
Fundamentals classes are aimed at white belts, but all levels can attend. In most classes, beginners train alongside advanced students. Higher belts help lower belts improve. Everyone benefits from different training partners.
Typical Class Format
- 15 minutes: Warm-ups and conditioning
- 30 minutes: Technique instruction (2 techniques, 15 min each)
- 15 minutes: Situational training using those techniques
- 30 minutes: Live rounds (sparring)
Before tournaments, we adjust class structure to focus more on competition preparation.
Getting Started with Jiu-Jitsu at Pacific Martial Arts
Ready to begin your journey in Fresno? Contact us to schedule your first class and discover why Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has become one of the fastest-growing martial arts in the world. Our instructors and coaching staff will help you find the right program and class schedule to fit your goals.
Whether you’re looking for effective self-defense, a fun workout, or a way to build character and discipline, learning Gracie Jiu Jitsu at PMA provides the tools for success. Join our academy and become part of Fresno’s thriving martial arts community.
With locations in Fresno, Clovis, Madera, and Oakhurst, we serve adults and students throughout the Central Valley who are passionate about learning authentic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Contact us today to learn about current programs, special offers, Summer programs for kids, and family discount options at our school
PMA Fresno, CA
PMA Madera, CA (Tesoro Viejo)
PMA Clovis, CA
PMA Oakhurst, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Please see below for answers to questions that new students and parents ask about our BJJ programs.
How do I start learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
The best way is to book your free consultation. We'll answer any questions you have and help you get started with a free class so you can see how fun our BJJ program really is. Our curriculum is beginner-friendly, which is another great reason to choose PMA. We introduce you to fundamental techniques gradually, allowing you to build confidence as you learn more complex techniques.
What age can my child being training in BJJ at Pacific Martial Arts?
We offer programs starting at age 3, thought the fastest way to determine if your child is ready is to bring your child to a free class.
Can I get a free BJJ class to try it out?
Yes, of course! Click the "Book Your Free Consultation" button below or click here to book your free consultation and join us for a free class.
Do I need to be in shape to start training in BJJ?
Jiu-Jitsu training will improve your fitness level naturally, so you don't have to be in shape to start. All of our students are able to progress at their own pace.
How often should I train in BJJ?
Most students see significant benefits training 2-3 times per week, though even once weekly provides a certain amount of valuable skill development.
Get Started
Free Consult & Free Class
Book a Free Consultation to share your goals then join us for a Free Class to get a feel for our classes, community, and coaches.
Visit Us
Hours of Operation
Fresno Location
Mon, Wed, Fri: 6:00 am – 9:00 pm
Tues, Thurs: 9:00 am – 8:00 pm
Sat: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Sun: 12:30 pm – 4:00 pm
Clovis Location
Mon, Wed: 4:00 pm – 8:00pm
Tues, Thurs: 6am-7:30am, 9am-10:30am, 4pm-8pm
Sat: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Contact Us
4 Locations
Pacific Martial Arts Fresno
(inside Herndon Valley Fitness)
6735 N. First St., Fresno, CA 93710
Pacific Martial Arts Clovis
275 N Clovis Ave., Suite 147, Clovis. CA 93612
Pacific Martial Arts Madera (Tesoro Viejo)
14566 CA-41, Madera, CA 93636
Pacific Martial Arts Oakhurst
40278 Oak Park Way, Oakhurst, CA 93644
Phone: (559) 436-4641
Email: [email protected]
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