Sandro Batata BJJ

I can’t believe I didn’t think to leave a review sooner! My son has been training here for 3 years now. He started when he was 7. We absolutely love this place. I couldn’t ask for a better group of instructors to serve as role models for my son. Albert, Brandon and Bekah are incredible. They train hard themselves and lead by example. My son has learned so much over the past three years. Aside from the physical aspect of training and self defense, my son has learned discipline, the value of working towards a goal, that hard work pays off and the importance of leading an active, healthy lifestyle. He participated in his first competition this past weekend and had an amazing experience. Albert did a great job with him one on one to prepare him mentally & physically. And Brandon was there at the competition to guide and support him. I am so thankful that we found this place for my son to train. We love it & highly recommend!

I started training jiu-​jitsu many years ago and started my California journey at Ralph Gracie’s academy under Sandro Batata. I had some bad experiences with many other gyms in the area that had poor mentalities such as «their way or the highway», purely competition driven training or just poor instruction. Now that I have kids on my own and Batata has his own gym, it was a no brainer to start my eldest at Batata’s school. The head instructor, Albert, is amazing with his technique, his excellent communication and his demeanor which all show through his teaching ability. The kids have tons of fun and learn at an accelerated rate than what I’m used to. The combined experience of all the staff really show. Coupled with Brandon and Becca, the classes are organized and run very smoothly in a positive environment. My kids will be going here for a long time :) HIGHLY recommended.

I emailed ahead of time to straighten out a time when i could drop in and try out a class, as I’m looking for a place to train. I was welcomed to go down and try a free class at 7. I emailed back saying i would be by. Went by on a tuesday and before i even got thru the door, i was asked if i needed info, and i replied with «Not really. I emailed to try out a free cla…» and before i could finish, the instructor said, «oh yeah, today is not a good day for that. This is a more experienced class. Why don’t you come back tomorrow?» To which i replied, «Well, i have an appointment at another place tomorrow…» He came back with «Go to that other place tomorrow. Come back here another day.» He was totally polite by the way, not really nasty or short or anything, but i didn’t even make it thru the door on a day where I had scheduled in time to try out this gym. The person I emailed, and the person I talked to were 2 different people, but still, it kind of gave of the «we’ve got plenty of students, inquire elsewhere» vibe. I still might actually try out the gym, but i sort of doubt it.

These guys are great. I trained there for several years and would still be going if I lived in the area. They’re very friendly and knowledgeable in Jiujitsu, they train hard but still keep it fun and accessible for everyone.

My kids and nephew have been coming to Sandro Batata (Bjj) for several months, & they have learned allot from coming here, self defense, discipline, and self confidence!!! My son’s progress has been amazing. He has also been competing in a few competitions all over the bay. The instructors are all amazing, caring, and are there for them when needed!
I would definitely recommend this place to everyone!

I trained with Batata back in the Mountain View days, so I have known him for quite a while.
His Jiu Jitsu is very, very good, world class, to be honest. Some highlights:
* 2 x Brazilian National Champion (1995, 1998)
* 3 x State Champion — Rio de Janeiro — (1997, 1998, 1999)
* 2 x USA vs Brazil Challenge Champion (2003, 2004)
* 3 x Pan American Champion (1998, 2001, 2003)
* 3^rd Place World Championship (1999)
* Super Fight Champion at United Gracie Tournament (S.F)
* Super Fight Champion at Grapplers Quest (Las Vegas).
His classes are organized and disciplined, workouts are quite active. There is no time wasted sitting around. Darwin is alive and well in his gym, you will be pushed to be successful every minute you are training and if you are lazy you will find yourself submitted.
However, Batata is a warm, family-​friendly, nurturing person and this spirit is strong within the culture of his gym. He attracts serious, honorable, well-​motivated and kind students.
Training brutally and smashing your opponents is not tolerated, unlike many places I have trained before. Intelligent, solid, smart, and mutually-​beneficial training is Batata’s way.
When I had to quit, due to work, I had no problems with billing. I mention this because there are health clubs, martial arts studios, cable and internet companies that will keep billing you and who make it hard to quit. I have experienced Batata as a consistently honorable businessman.
He is one of the best coaches I have known and I have learned a lot from him for which I am grateful.
Update — I am back on the mat again, training with my wonderful coach again. This is pure happiness. Note that he also offers a good kids’ program.

I just started at Batata BJJ and I love it. The atmosphere is very friendly. I have received assistance in my training from classmates at all levels, from black belts to newer white belts, without the usual attitude you get at other schools. Batata is a current competitor and champion (Look him up in You Tube). Yet he still finds the time to be at every class. He is a true motivator. I really love it here and I truly recommend it to anyone. Come out and train with a great group of guys and gals. It feels like a family here. They also have kid classes. This is true Brazilian jiu-​jitsu.

great place to train, learn jujitsu, meet new people, and get in shape. even though i am new to jujitsu, everyone is there to help you learn. it is a nonthreatening environment. everyone is there helping one another to get better, practice technique, and better each other. also, Batata is very hands on, watching and guiding us all the way. couldn’t have asked for a better place to start and continue my training!

My daughter takes classes here twice a week and she really enjoys it. I appreciate how she is progressing in the sport and the lifelong skills she is learning. I must say I am really impressed with the friendliness of the staff, we recently went to a competition and they stayed with us, helped us and even watched our daughter’s match. If you’re interested in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) for yourself or a child I would highly recommend checking Sandro Batata BJJ out!!!

Started my BJJ training here in the gi.
You can join the gym for many reasons:
— Losing Weight
— Learning a Martial Art
— Getting out of the house and meeting some cool friends
Batata’s gym is good for all the above. Don’t expect special treatment here though. Train at your own pace but recognize that Batata gives as much as you are willing to put in! He has dedicated his life to this, so respect it!

I love this place. I started in April, but it feels like i have known the people here for far longer. The gym is clean and the classes are probably the best workout you are going to get. If you need help with anything, everyone is more then willing to help if they can. I started as a stranger and now i have a new jiu jitsu family.

Sandro Batata Santiago has really changed my life. I walked into his class when I was 44 years old; out of shape and overweight. Now, I am 25 pounds lighter and the most in shape I have ever been in my whole life. This is a testimony of Jiu Jitsu training, Sandro Batata Santiago as a coach, and that is it never too late in life to start something new.