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Essence Jiu Jitsu Walnut Creek

4.9 ★★★★★ 62 Google reviews · Muay thai gym in Walnut Creek, California

Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens Private lessons Fight team

Plan your first class

  • Free trial or intro class most gyms welcome new members with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
  • Beginner-friendly all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
  • Kids & youth classes kids and youth muay thai classes (ages 5) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • Private lessons private, one-on-one coaching available — a focused way to start or to work around a busy schedule; ask about availability and rates
  • Fight team a competition team for members who want to test themselves as amateur fighters
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule essencebjjwalnutcreek.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 925-404-9876

Hours

Monday 6 am–8 pm
Tuesday 6 am–8 pm
Wednesday 6 am–8 pm
Thursday 6 am–8 pm
Friday 6 am–8 pm
Saturday 6 am–8 pm
Sunday 6 am–8 pm

Hours shift for holidays, seminars, and open-gym times — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The classes they run

Muay thai classes on the schedule at Essence Jiu Jitsu Walnut Creek, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🌱 Beginner Muay Thai 5 mentions

“First time training Jiu Jitsu and teaching strength and conditioning classes at a Jiu Jitsu academy.”

All gyms that run beginner muay thai →

🧒 Kids Muay Thai 16 mentions

“My son started jujitsu classes at here when he was four and a half, and now, at nearly six, he's excited to move up to the next age group.”

All gyms that run kids muay thai →

👤 Private Lessons 6 mentions

“The staff was welcoming and friendly, and I took a few private classes with Vini.”

All gyms that run private lessons →

🛡️ Self-Defense

“They’re learning self defense techniques for sure, but I wasn’t aware they’re also being taught anti-bullying and personal improvement/responsibility lessons as well!”

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🔓 Open Gym 3 mentions

“I dropped in for the 12:15 PM open mat on Saturday.”

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Other martial arts here

Muay thai gyms are usually multi-discipline. Here's what else members mention training under the same roof at Essence Jiu Jitsu Walnut Creek — mined from their reviews and the gym's own info.

🥋 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) 37 mentions

“I was skeptical to put my boys in jiu jitsu because they didn’t take to karate very well and I’ll admit I also didn’t know much about jiu jitsu itself.”

Other gyms that also teach brazilian jiu-jitsu (bjj) →

🎽 Karate

“I was skeptical to put my boys in jiu jitsu because they didn’t take to karate very well and I’ll admit I also didn’t know much about jiu jitsu itself.”

Other gyms that also teach karate →

Disciplines are mined from reviews and the gym's own info — they show what members have trained, not a formal class guarantee. If you specifically want BJJ, boxing, or MMA alongside muay thai, confirm the current schedule with the gym.

What members say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 62 Google reviews — in their own words.

🌱 welcoming to beginners 13 mentions

“I really enjoy how family oriented the environment is and the outside events they hold really is a great way to get to know parents who already are welcoming.”

🤝 no-ego, friendly gym 20 mentions

“I really enjoy how family oriented the environment is and the outside events they hold really is a great way to get to know parents who already are welcoming.”

📘 real technique & fundamentals 4 mentions

“They’re learning self defense techniques for sure, but I wasn’t aware they’re also being taught anti-bullying and personal improvement/responsibility lessons as well!”

🔥 killer workout & conditioning 2 mentions

“I really enjoy how family oriented the environment is and the outside events they hold really is a great way to get to know parents who already are welcoming.”

🧼 clean, well-equipped gym 4 mentions

“The recent remodeling also really improved the facility — it’s a great space now, very clean and welcoming.”

🧠 builds confidence & discipline 4 mentions

“My son has shown remarkable improvement in both his physical abilities and confidence.”

From the reviews

I was skeptical to put my boys in jiu jitsu because they didn’t take to karate very well and I’ll admit I also didn’t know much about jiu jitsu itself. WHAT A GREAT DECISION WE MADE!!! First of all, jiu jitsu is perfect for my rough and tumble boys.

★★★★★ — Jeff, Dec 2022

My son started jujitsu classes at here when he was four and a half, and now, at nearly six, he's excited to move up to the next age group. We like everything here so far! The coaches and staffs are awesome—skilled, patient, and dedicated.

★★★★★ — Fanw, Jul 2024

This review is based on training for 6 months for myself and my kids on BJJ. Essence BJJ is a great place to train and learn BJJ. The instructors are very nice and approachable. The gym is kids friendly and their classes for kids are designed for the kids to have fun while learning.

★★★★★ — Tom, Mar 2024

I have been attending classes at Ralph Gracie Jiu Jitsu Academy for the past 6 months and I have been thoroughly impressed with my experience. The staff was welcoming and friendly, and I took a few private classes with Vini.

★★★★★ — Omar, Dec 2024

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 62 reviews →

New to muay thai? Start at Essence Jiu Jitsu Walnut Creek

Essence Jiu Jitsu Walnut Creek comes up as a beginner-friendly gym — noted on their own site. If you've never thrown a punch or a kick, that's exactly who a good beginners program is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and coaches scale the conditioning to you. Second, you won't be thrown into sparring — reputable gyms build fundamentals (stance, footwork, and the basic strikes of the "art of eight limbs") for weeks before any contact, and sparring stays optional. Third, all levels really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners or fundamentals class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out. Most gyms are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.

See their beginner class info

Your first muay thai class at Essence Jiu Jitsu Walnut Creek

Nervous about walking into a muay thai gym for the first time? Almost everyone is, and good coaches expect beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, then drilling the basics on pads and bags — not fighting. Rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: shorts or athletic wear and a t-shirt; you'll train barefoot on the mats. What to bring: water and hand wraps if you have them — many gyms lend gloves for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own gloves, wraps, a mouthguard, and shin guards. Sparring is optional and comes later, once your fundamentals are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the coach. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.

Muay thai is a contact sport. Ease in, listen to your coaches, and if you have any injuries or health concerns, mention them before class and check with a doctor if you're unsure.

Where to find Essence Jiu Jitsu Walnut Creek

1500 S Main St, Walnut Creek, CA94596

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and member reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this gym? Claim your listing — it's free.