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Payback Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy
5 ★★★★★ 13 Google reviews · Muay thai gym in Pittsburg, California
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 5–11) — 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 paybackjiujitsu.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (925) 206-9228
Hours
| Monday | 6:30–8:30 AM, 4:30–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 6:30–8:30 AM, 4:30–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 6:30–8:30 AM, 4:30–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 6:30–8:30 AM, 4:30–8:30 PM |
| Friday | 6:30–8:30 AM, 4:30–8:30 PM |
| Saturday | 9:30 AM–1:30 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“What started as a sport my daughter and I could do together, soon turned into a passion inspired by Coach Antonio.”
“The kids spar/apply what they learn, so you can really see the progress and confidence building over time.”
“Fast forward two years and under Coach Antonio’s guidance my daughter have been able to compete at the same tournaments together.”
Other martial arts here
“If you want to try jiujitsu in a comfortable environment with a coach whose number one priority is your growth then I cannot recommend Payback jiujitsu enough.”
What members say
“Antonio is a great instructor, and I feel like I was able to learn a lot of things quickly, plus the other members are always kind and helpful.”
“Coach Antonio is welcoming, professional, and a stand up guy who brings a lot of knowledge and experience to his coaching.”
“Coach Antonio is welcoming, professional, and a stand up guy who brings a lot of knowledge and experience to his coaching.”
“The kids spar/apply what they learn, so you can really see the progress and confidence building over time.”
From the reviews
Came into Payback Jiu-Jitsu without any grappling/BJJ experience and only have been training Muay Thai all my life, thought it was time for a change. Coming in to a gym being new to BJJ at an older age can be unsettling since you may feel that you have "started" late BUT you definitely don't feel that vibe at Payback…
What started as a sport my daughter and I could do together, soon turned into a passion inspired by Coach Antonio. Fast forward two years and under Coach Antonio’s guidance my daughter have been able to compete at the same tournaments together. Memories that will last a life time.
I’ve trained under coach Antonio for almost two years and during that time his dedication to helping his students has been amazing. He always is looking to see how he can improve as a coach and how he can help his students improve.
Payback Jiu Jitsu has been great for our sons. No nonsense, solid instruction, small class size. Coach Antonio is calm, patient, and makes sure everyone is doing the techniques correctly instead of rushing through class.
New to muay thai? Start at Payback Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy
Payback Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy 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 Payback Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy
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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🥊 Free trial class — check their site