Claudio Franca Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
BJJ San Jose

Self-Defense, MMA, Group Fitness

GET YOUR first class free!

Come join us for your first step. New students can claim your FIRST CLASS FOR FREE.

Welcome To

Claudio França BJJ
San Jose

Welcome to Claudio França Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu — San Jose’s premier BJJ academy! Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, we offer world-class Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes in San Jose for kids, teens, and adults of all experience levels. Our programs include beginner-friendly fundamentals, advanced BJJ training, kickboxing, and strength and conditioning classes designed to build confidence, discipline, and fitness.
As a family-friendly martial arts school, we proudly serve the San Jose, Los Gatos, Campbell, Willow Glen, and South Bay communities with expert instruction and a welcoming environment. Whether you’re looking for self-defense training, competitive BJJ in San Jose, or a fun and supportive way to get in shape, our experienced instructors are here to help you reach your goals.
Join us today and experience why Claudio França Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is recognized as one of the best martial arts academies in the Bay Area.
Claudio Franco BJJ youth students in gi grappling on the mat with an instructor demonstrating next to them

Programs

Claudio França BJJ San Jose Schedule image

Schedule

Claudio Franco BJJ youth students in gi grappling on the mat

Memberships

Learn More

About Us

leg sweep bjj

Our School

At Claudio França Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu San Jose, we believe in training hard, having fun, and building confidence. As a family-friendly BJJ academy, we offer Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes for kids, teens, and adults of all levels—from beginners learning the fundamentals to advanced students preparing for sparring and competition.
Our programs focus on developing technique, discipline, and strength through expert instruction and a supportive community. Whether you’re looking to learn self-defense, get fit, or join San Jose’s leading BJJ community, we have the perfect program for you.

Our History

For more than 20 years, Claudio França Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu San Jose has been a leading name in the South Bay martial arts community. Our owner, Erik Benaquisto, began his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey in 1999 under the guidance of Master Claudio França at the Santa Cruz academy. Driven by a passion for BJJ, self-defense, and fitness, Erik took over the San Jose academy in 2004, continuing the legacy of excellence and community that Claudio França built.
Today, our 18,000-square-foot San Jose BJJ facility offers a welcoming environment for students of all ages and skill levels to train, grow, and connect. From beginners learning the fundamentals to experienced practitioners preparing for competition, our school provides world-class instruction focused on discipline, confidence, and lifelong growth.

Class Schedule

Explore our class schedule to find the perfect time to train at Claudio França BJJ – San Jose.

View Schedule

Meet The Team At

Claudio França BJJ
San Jose

Owner and Professor Erik Benaquisto
Erik Benaquisto
Owner and Professor
Erik Benaquisto, a native of Santa Cruz, began his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey in 1999 under the mentorship of Master Claudio França, one of the most respected figures in the sport. In 2009, Erik expanded his passion for teaching by partnering with Claudio to grow the Claudio França Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy in San Jose, now one of the most established BJJ schools in the Bay Area.
Known for his aggressive pressure game, Erik’s style of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is evident in his utilization of the lapel for chokes and opponent control. His relentless, no-quit mentality has led to the achievement of multiple gold medals in the competitive Black Belt division.
Beyond BJJ, Erik’s experience in Kickboxing and MMA showcases his well-rounded martial arts expertise. For him, Jiu-Jitsu is more than a sport—it’s a lifestyle that builds strength, resilience, and balance. Guided by his philosophy, “Prepare for war, fight for peace,” Erik invites students to train with purpose, challenge themselves, and discover personal growth through the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in San Jose.
Jiu Jitsu Professor Anaue Pavanello
Anaue Pavanello
Jiu Jitsu Professor
MMA BJJ & Kick Boxing coach Sam Romero
Sam Romero
MMA BJJ & Kick Boxing coach
Jiu Jitsu Professor Steven Wong
Steven Wong
Jiu Jitsu Professor
Jiu Jitsu Professor Erik Matlin
Erik Matlin
Jiu Jitsu Professor
Jiu Jitsu Professor Akrura Gordillo
Akrura Gordillo
Jiu Jitsu Professor
Jiu Jitsu Coach Anthony Liu
Anthony Liu
Jiu Jitsu Coach
Kickboxing Coach Bryan Mclaggan
Bryan Mclaggan
Kickboxing Coach
Train Hard Circuit Training Instructor Ahmed Moussa
Ahmed Moussa
Train Hard Circuit Training Instructor

Special Discount Offers!

Enjoy SPECIAL 10% Discounts for Military, First Responders, and Students!

Learn About Our

Programs

Claudio França BJJ – San Jose offers Jiu Jitsu classes for all ages.

Whether it’s kids BJJ or adult BJJ, we offer classes for beginners, competition, technique, and self-defense training. Don’t forget our adult Kickboxing and Striking class as well as our Train Hard Center. Find the right class for you and join something special at Claudio França BJJ- San Jose!

Claudio França BJJ San Jose

Kids

Our kids’ Jiu Jitsu program focuses on building confidence, discipline, and coordination in a fun and engaging environment. Designed for ages 4 and up, these classes teach essential self-defense skills while helping kids develop respect, focus, and teamwork. Our goal is to create a positive experience where young students can grow both on and off the mats.

  • Little Jags:
    Beginners BJJ for children ages 4-7

  • Junior BJJ:
    Beginner-Advanced BJJ for ages 7-10

  • Youth BJJ:
    Beginner-Advanced BJJ for ages 11-15

  • Youth Competition BJJ:
    A class geared specifically towards students training for competitions 8-15

  • Youth Striking (ages 8-15)

Claudio Franco BJJ class practices striking

Adults

Our adult Jiu Jitsu program is designed for all experience levels—from complete beginners to seasoned competitors. Learn fundamental techniques, develop self-defense skills, and challenge yourself with advanced training and sparring. Whether you’re training for fitness, personal growth, or competition, you’ll find a strong community and expert coaching to support your journey.

  • Adult BJJ Technique:
    For beginning adults 16+

  • Adult BJJ:
    For all other levels 

  • No Gi BJJ:
    Adults no Gi jiu jitsu

  • Adult Striking:
    Adult kickboxing focusing on self defense, strength and stamina through striking

free weight rack

Train Hard Center:

The Train hard center is a donation from the 2008 CrossFit Games Champion and 3x Team USA CrossFit member, Jason Khalipa.

Train Hard Center Circuit Training is a high-energy class designed for adults looking to build strength, endurance, and overall fitness. This class features a dynamic circuit of training stations, including weights, bikes, rowers, machines, and more, providing a full-body workout that challenges all fitness levels. Push your limits, improve conditioning, and train hard in a supportive and motivating environment!

Birthday Packages

Weekend Pricing

  • 100% private party
  • 2 hour coverage
  • 1 week free trial
  • Open mat space, rock wall, & games
  • Up to 15 children

$20 per ea. additional child

Food and beverage not included

Weekend Pricing

  • 100% private party
  • 2 hour coverage
  • 1 week free trial
  • Open mat space, rock wall, & games
  • Bouncer with slide

$25 per ea. additional child

Food and beverage not included

Weekend Pricing

  • 100% private party
  • 2 hour coverage
  • 1 week free trial
  • Open mat space, rock wall, & games
  • Bouncer with slide
  • Jiu Jitsu lesson

$30 per ea. additional child

Food and beverage not included

See What Our
Students Say

See why our community loves training at Claudio França BJJ – San Jose!

GET YOUR first class free!

Come join us for your first step. New students can claim your FIRST CLASS FOR FREE.

Claudio Franco BJJ participants in gi grappling on the mat

Contact Us!

Claudio França BJJ- San Jose welcomes those in San Jose and the surrounding areas, including but not limited to, Los Gatos, Campbell, Willow Glen and Almaden. We are located in the Cambrian Park Plaza near Camden and Union!

(408) 377-8577
14800 Camden Ave. San Jose, CA 95124