Inspirit: More than just a name. It's a promise. ​

At our Jiu Jitsu academy, we believe in breathing inspiration into every session.
Our goal is to inspire, motivate, and encourage you to be your best self, both on and off the mat.

WHAT IS BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU?

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, or BJJ, is a martial art focusing on grappling and submission techniques. Originating from Japanese Jiu-Jitsu, it was brought to Brazil by Mitsuyo Maeda and further developed by the Gracie family. The Gracie family's success in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in the 1990s helped popularize BJJ worldwide. Today, it's a widely practiced martial art known for its effectiveness and benefits, including improved fitness, self-defense skills, and mental discipline.

MENTAL BENEFITS

Improved Focus and Concentration: BJJ requires mental focus and concentration to execute techniques effectively. 
Increased Self-Confidence: Mastering BJJ techniques can boost your self-confidence and belief in your abilities.
Stress Reduction: Engaging in BJJ can be a great way to relieve stress and improve your overall mental well-being.
Discipline and Self-Control: BJJ training teaches discipline, self-control, and patience.
Mental Toughness: BJJ involves overcoming challenges, which helps develop mental toughness and resilience.

PHYSICAL BENEFITS

Improved Strength and Flexibility: BJJ involves a variety of movements that target different muscle groups, leading to increased strength and flexibility.
Enhanced Cardiovascular Health: The nature of BJJ workouts helps improve cardiovascular health, leading to better endurance and stamina.
Weight Loss and Body Composition: Regular BJJ training can help you burn calories and improve body composition.
Injury Prevention: BJJ emphasizes proper technique and body mechanics, which can help reduce the risk of injuries.
Improved Coordination and Balance: BJJ requires coordination and balance, which can help enhance these physical skills.
Increased Power and Explosiveness: BJJ training can help develop power and explosiveness, which are essential for many athletic activities.

SOCIAL BENEFITS

Community and Camaraderie: BJJ training involves a strong sense of community and camaraderie among practitioners.
Opportunities for Socialization: BJJ provides opportunities to meet new people and make friends.
Shared Experiences and Bonds: Training together can create shared experiences and bonds that last a lifetime. Supportive Environment: Our community is often supportive and encouraging, providing a positive environment for growth and development.
Sense of Belonging: Being part of a our community can give you a sense of belonging and connection to others.

OUR HISTORY​

Rodrigo Freitas was born on the November 29, 1983 in Belo Horizonte, capital of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil’s second most populous state.

While in his early teens (1997), Rodrigo was signed on to a jiu jitsu academy in an attempt to vent off some of Freitas’ hyperactivity. Although he had tried other martial arts activities prior to BJJ (namely karate and judo), Rodrigo took a shine to jiu jitsu and quickly became committed to the sport.

Throughout his formative jiu jitsu years, Freitas only had one coach, the illustrious Aldo Januário – also known as “Caveirinha”. Januário graded Rodrigo in all his belts, including his black belt in 2007. Coach Caveirinha was affiliated to the Gracie Barra Academy, a team that started expanding to the USA in the late 2000’s. Januário spoke of Rodrigo Freitas’ potential as a competitor and coach to the leaders of GB who decided to bring him over to the US on March 2009 to help develop the brand name in the Northern Hemisphere.

Freitas became a highly successful coach and competitor as predicted by Aldo Januário. After years developing his own jiu jitsu team, Rodrigo Freitas decided to leave Gracie Barra to develop his own academy, a move that took place on July 2015.

​Now, the Academy has expanded and moved its roots to Redondo Beach where they strive to be the best Jiu Jitsu that the South Bay has to offer.