Empire Jiu Jitsu

7.60
2356 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Perfect for:
Technical learnersSerious practitioners
Open now
Empire Jiu Jitsu interior

About

Empire Jiu Jitsu in San Francisco, California is known for its technical instruction and strong community atmosphere. The academy is led by head instructors Jake Scovel and Kurt Osiander, who bring world-class expertise and a focus on proper technique and body mechanics. The gym offers a variety of classes including gi, no-gi, and wrestling, catering to practitioners of all levels from complete beginners to advanced competitors.

Jiu Jitsu Near Me VerifiedJiu Jitsu Verified
7.60/10

Our weighted 10-point scoring system for martial arts academies prioritizes instruction quality, training environment, and overall student experience.

We consider factors like instructor expertise, class structure, and facility quality. Our assessment combines student feedback, expert reviews, and website information.

Scores above 9.00 denote world-class quality, signifying premier martial arts training experiences.

Instructor imageInstructors
9.50
Class Structure imageClass Structure
8.80
Safety and Hygiene imageSafety and Hygiene
6.50
Facility Quality imageFacility Quality
6.00
Value for Money imageValue for Money
7.50
Location and Accessibility imageLocation & Accessibility
7.50

Public Review Sentiment

Google
Based on 79 Google Reviews
Empire Jiu Jitsu has overwhelmingly positive reviews focusing on the quality of instruction, particularly from Jake Scovel who is praised for his technical approach and attention to detail. Students appreciate the welcoming community and the mix of training partners from beginners to advanced practitioners. A few reviews mention concerns about facility cleanliness and ventilation.
Last Updated 2 Mar 2025

Instructors

Jake Scovel and Kurt Osiander are highly respected instructors known for their technical expertise and passion for jiu-jitsu. Jake is particularly praised for his ability to break down complex concepts into understandable components, while Kurt brings his world champion experience and no-nonsense approach to teaching.

Facility

The facility at Empire Jiu Jitsu has received mixed reviews regarding its quality and maintenance. While the mat area is regularly cleaned before and after classes, some reviews mention issues with cleanliness in other areas, particularly the changing rooms, and note limited ventilation during training.

Pricing

Empire Jiu Jitsu offers tiered pricing based on training frequency, with options for 2x/week, 3x/week, and unlimited classes. While specific pricing information is limited on their website, reviews suggest the value is generally good considering the quality of instruction.

Facility

Needs ImprovementCrampedShowersAlkaline water dispenserChanging rooms

Gym

Mixed AtmosphereSupportive VibeGood Safety

Instructors

TechnicalDetail-orientedPassionateExperienced competitorsKnowledgeable

Classes

GiNo-GiCompetitionAdvancedOpen matAdult friendly

Pricing

Good ValueFree trial

Empire Jiu Jitsu offers a free trial class, though some reviewers mentioned confusion about class structure during their trial experience.

Location

Limited ParkingGood Accessibility

Opening Hours

Open now
Monday 7AM - 9PM
Tuesday 7AM - 9PM
Wednesday 7AM - 9PM
Thursday (Today)7AM - 9PM
Friday 7AM - 9PM
Saturday 10AM - 2PM
Sunday 10AM - 2PM

Location

Empire Jiu Jitsu is conveniently located in San Francisco, making it accessible to residents and visitors to the city.

Address

2356 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110

Website

https://www.empirebjj.com/

Phone

1 415-658-7520

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Empire Jiu Jitsu suitable for complete beginners?

Yes, Empire Jiu Jitsu is welcoming to complete beginners. They offer fundamentals classes with detailed instruction, and many reviews mention how helpful both instructors and fellow students are to newcomers.

What makes Empire Jiu Jitsu's teaching style unique?

Empire's teaching style is known for being highly technical with a focus on understanding concepts rather than just moves. Head instructor Jake Scovel is praised for breaking down techniques to their fundamental components and explaining the 'why' behind movements.

Does Empire Jiu Jitsu have a competitive focus?

While Empire welcomes recreational practitioners, they do have a strong competitive element. The gym has a mix of serious competitors and hobbyists, making it suitable for those with competition aspirations as well as those training for fitness and self-improvement.

What types of classes does Empire Jiu Jitsu offer?

Empire offers a variety of classes including gi (both fundamentals and advanced), no-gi, wrestling, and open mat sessions. Classes are available at different times throughout the week to accommodate various schedules.