Start jiu-jitsu before you feel ready.
Your first class at Like Water is free. No experience, no commitment, and no sparring on day one. Taught by a 3rd-degree black belt with Pan American and Abu Dhabi Grand Slam titles.
No spam. We only contact you about your class.
5.0183 reviews on Google
The academy
A champion's record. A beginner's welcome.
Like Water opened on Melrose Ave in 2021. It isn't a franchise: Mauricio Antunes, a 3rd-degree black belt with more than 20 years on the mat, owns it and teaches here.
The beginner curriculum starts at the very first movement, so nobody has to arrive knowing anything.
What you're probably thinking
Don't drown in these thoughts.
- 01
“I'll be theworst oneon the mat.”
Everyone else will know what they're doing, and I'll be the one holding the class back.
01Everyone starts at zero.
Everyone here started as a white belt who didn't know where to put their hands. Fundamentals is built for zero experience.
- 02
“I'm not inshape.”
I should get fit first and start later. Right now I'd be out of breath in five minutes.
02Start where you are.
You don't get in shape for jiu-jitsu. Jiu-jitsu is how you get in shape. Start exactly where you are.
- 03
“I'll gethurt.”
Being thrown around by people who know what they're doing sounds like a good way to get injured.
03Safe from the first class.
No striking. No sparring in your first class. Tap, and everything stops.
- 04
“A champion teaching?That's not forbeginners.”
Someone with those titles must be coaching competitors, not people who have never trained.
04The basics, from the best.
It's the opposite. The basics are where technique matters most. Learn them from someone at this level and there are fewer bad habits to undo later.
Programs
Pick your starting point.
01 / 03
Fundamentals first
Class starts with a few basic movements, drilled with a partner. Nothing is skipped to look impressive.
02 / 03
Self-defense that doesn't need size
Jiu-jitsu works through leverage and control, not strength. A smaller person can control a bigger one. That's the point of the art.
03 / 03
A mat people stay on
Students describe the same things in their reviews: a welcoming mat, real friendships, and a coach who teaches well.
Mauricio Antunes
3rd Degree Black Belt
With over two decades of experience on the mat, Mauricio brings world-class technique and a passion for teaching to every class. His philosophy is simple: Jiu-Jitsu is for everyone, regardless of age or physical condition. He focuses on solid fundamentals and a healthy training environment.
World Class Achievements
World Ranked #1 Master
UAEJJF 2017–2018
Pan American Champion
IBJJF 2019
Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Champion
UAEJJF 2018
Africa Continental Pro Champion
UAEJJF 2018
Int. Master North American Champion
IBJJF 2021
London Grand Slam Champion
UAEJJF 2018
“Our goal is not just to create champions on the mat, but to help our students become the best versions of themselves in life.”
Kids program · ages 4–13
A kid who listens. A kid who can look after themselves.
Classes for ages 4 to 13. There's no striking in jiu-jitsu. And the first class is free, so your child can decide before you do.
Sound like your child?
- My child could use more confidence.
- I want an activity that teaches focus and listening.
- I want them moving instead of on a screen.
- I want them to make friends in a positive place.
- I want them to know how to look after themselves.
That's what the kids program is built for.
- Two groups by age: 4–7 and 8–13.
- No striking. Control, not punches.
- Many parents train alongside their kids.
Adaptive program
Same jiu-jitsu. A more inclusive world.
An inclusive jiu-jitsu program for everyone, including students with developmental differences.
A structured class built around each student’s own goals: social interaction, communication, self-regulation, physical fitness, confidence and independence.
A stronger, more inclusive tomorrow.
Fridays · 4–5 pm
More than jiu-jitsu
- Social interaction
- Communication
- Self-regulation
- Physical fitness
- Confidence
- Independence
Program information
- Schedule
- Fridays, 4:00 – 5:00 pm
- Price
- $120 per class
- Payment
- SDP (Self-Determination Program) accepted.
- Instructors
- Several instructors on the mat, for safety and individual support.
Enrollment
Join the priority waitlist.
We are accepting students for the priority waitlist now. The program launches once enough students enroll to build the right class structure and give each one individual support.
What students say
In their words.
Everyone is so nice, welcoming, and gentle with newcomers. Such a great community to get involved with.
Caleb BloomerStarted with no experience · 5 out of 5 stars · Google review I walked in one day and suddenly it's been over a year and I'm part of a community that not only supports your learning experience with expertise, but also fosters friendships.
Cherrie JinTraining for over a year · 5 out of 5 stars · Google review Mauricio is not just a highly decorated fighter. He and his coaches are extremely qualified and intentional teachers.
Caroline ChangLike Water student · 5 out of 5 stars · Google review Great professor, coaches and people train here and vibe's amazing too. You can also see the Hollywood sign through the window.
Brian KimLike Water student · 5 out of 5 stars · Google review I have been going for more than 2 years and it's always a good vibe, friendly environment and a very good Instructor.
Rodrigo RodTraining for 2+ years · 5 out of 5 stars · Google review True representatives of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Los Angeles. An excellent club with true professional coaches.
Armenia MMAFrom another club · 5 out of 5 stars · Google review
Four steps
Four steps. One white belt.
Book.
Tell us who's training (you or your child) and how to reach you.
Get it in writing.
Address, what to wear, what to bring, what the class looks like.
Show up and train.
Comfortable clothes are enough. We lend you a gi.
Stay.
Liked it? There's a place for you here, on the mat and in the family.
Book.
Tell us who's training (you or your child) and how to reach you.
Get it in writing.
Address, what to wear, what to bring, what the class looks like.
Show up and train.
Comfortable clothes are enough. We lend you a gi.
Stay.
Liked it? There's a place for you here, on the mat and in the family.
Your first day in the water
What your first class looks like.
Arrive a few minutes early. The team welcomes you.
−10:00before class
Someone shows you where to change and leave your things, and introduces you to the coach before class starts.
Warm up, then learn a few basic movements and positions.
00:00class starts
A light warm-up for the whole body, then the coach shows a few fundamentals step by step, at a beginner's pace.
Drill with a partner who guides you through each one.
20:00into class
You practise slowly, at your own pace. Your partner knows you're new and helps you get each detail right.
No sparring. You leave knowing your first moves.
55:00into class
There's no live rolling on your first day. You go home tired in a good way, with a few moves you can already do.
Afterwards, we talk about what's next. No hard sell.
White belt, four stripes
Schedule
Class schedule.
Free first class times, by day. Pick one when you book.
| Time | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:00 am | Closed | ||||||
| 9:15 am | |||||||
| 10:00 am | |||||||
| 11:00 am | |||||||
| 12:00 pm | |||||||
| 4:15 pm | |||||||
| 5:00 pm | |||||||
| 6:00 pm | |||||||
| 7:00 pm |
- 12:00 pm
- 4:15 pm
- 5:00 pm
- 6:00 pm
- 7:00 pm
NOGI. Days and times on request.
Times come live from our booking calendar.
Comfortable clothes you can move in, shorts with no pockets or zippers, and a water bottle. We lend you a gi for your first class.
No striking, no surprise rounds, and tap means stop.
No. Most students train for fitness, stress relief and community. Competing is an invitation, never an expectation.
There's no striking in jiu-jitsu. Kids learn to protect themselves with control instead of punches, and to stay calm so most situations never get that far.