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Island City Jiu Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 36 Google reviews · Muay thai gym in Alameda, California
Authentic Thai — reviews and the gym's own info point to coaching rooted in Thailand's muay thai tradition. If lineage matters to you, ask where the coaches trained and about their kru.
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 — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Fight team a competition team for members who want to test themselves as amateur fighters
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule islandcityjiujitsu.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 510-224-5245
Hours
| Monday | 4–8:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 10:30 am–12:30 pm, 4–8:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 4–8:30 pm |
| Thursday | 10:30 am–12:30 pm, 4–8:30 pm |
| Friday | 4–8:30 pm |
| Saturday | 9 am–12:30 pm |
| Sunday | 9 am–12 pm |
The classes they run
“The coaches are highly knowledgeable and do a great job supporting everyone—from complete beginners to those training at a competitive level.”
“Our kids (ages 5 & 7) have been attending Island City Jiu Jitsu since they opened, and our experience has been wonderful!”
“Thanks to the coaching and support here, I even stepped way outside my comfort zone and competed in my first tournament—coming home with a gold medal.”
Other martial arts here
“Overall, a great place to train grappling, kickboxing or MMA (or all three) in Alameda.”
“Our kids (ages 5 & 7) have been attending Island City Jiu Jitsu since they opened, and our experience has been wonderful!”
“Coach Zach is a BJJ black belt as well as a former MMA fighter, so he has a lot of experience and depth of knowledge.”
What members say
“All the teachers are extremely skilled and the head coach Zach and the Muay Thai coach Uche are some of the best coaches i have every trained under in the Bay Area.”
“The coaches are highly knowledgeable and do a great job supporting everyone—from complete beginners to those training at a competitive level.”
“Great coaches, beautiful space, welcoming and supportive community…amazing addition to alameda and the overall jujitsu community!”
“Coach Zach is a BJJ black belt as well as a former MMA fighter, so he has a lot of experience and depth of knowledge.”
“Their Muay Thai classes are a great balance of technique and conditioning.”
“My son absolutely loves it and always looks forward to going to class.”
From the reviews
I can't say enough great things about Coach/Owner Zach and the amazing team at Island City Jiu Jitsu. Coach Zach is a BJJ black belt as well as a former MMA fighter, so he has a lot of experience and depth of knowledge.
My 8-year-old son and I have been training here since the gym opened in 2024, and it’s been an incredible experience. The coaches are highly knowledgeable and do a great job supporting everyone—from complete beginners to those training at a competitive level.
Our kids (ages 5 & 7) have been attending Island City Jiu Jitsu since they opened, and our experience has been wonderful! The space has been beautifully refreshed with thoughtful touches throughout (including a large TV so you can watch the class live!).
My 7 year old son started at Island City Jiu Jitsu soon after they opened and we've had a fantastic experience so far! Coach Zach and Coach Margie strike a great balance of making the classes fun and engaging, while also providing structure and discipline to keep all students safe and appropriately challenged.
New to muay thai? Start at Island City Jiu Jitsu
Island City Jiu Jitsu 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.
Your first muay thai class at Island City Jiu Jitsu
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.
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