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OUR STORY
WHY CHOOSE EDJ SCHOOL OF JIU-JITSU
EDJ School of Jiu-Jitsu is more than a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu school. It’s a thriving global community where passion meets purpose. Under the leadership of 4th-degree black belt Juan Pablo Garcia, our network of affiliate academies delivers elite-level instruction grounded in professionalism, discipline, and personal transformation.
Whether you're stepping onto the mat for the first time or you’re a dedicated competitor, EDJ School of Jiu-Jitsu in Hemet and Riverside offers a structured, supportive path for growth. Our curriculum blends world-class Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training with a focus on self-defense, fitness, and mental resilience—all within an inclusive and encouraging environment.
For those driven to compete, our Competition Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program equips athletes with the tools, mindset, and coaching needed to succeed at the highest levels. At EDJ School of Jiu-Jitsu, we train with purpose, and we rise together.
WHY SHOULD YOU TRAIN WITH US?
WORLD-CLASS COACHING
Learn from 3rd-degree black belt Juan Pablo Garcia and our expert coaching team, who deliver structured, top-tier Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training for everyone—from complete beginners to seasoned competitors.
EMPOWERING COMMUNITY
Step into a positive, inclusive space where students of all ages and backgrounds grow together, building skills, confidence, and lifelong friendships while staying driven and inspired.
REAL SKILLS, REAL RESULTS
Whether you're focused on self-defense or eyeing the competition podium, EDJ School of Jiu-Jitsu offers elite guidance, proven techniques, and full support to help you achieve your goals on and off the mat.
THE JOURNEY OF JUAN PABLO GARCIA: BUILT BY JIU-JITSU
Juan Pablo García’s path through martial arts is a powerful story of resilience, dedication, and an unshakable commitment to mastery.
Born on June 26, 1982, in La Spezia, Italy, where his father served with the Ecuadorian Navy, JP grew up in Ecuador and spent formative years in Colombia, navigating new cultures and constant change.
Facing bullying for his accent during his youth, he turned to self-defense early on, igniting a lifelong passion that would eventually shape him into a world-class Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu leader.
EARLY TRAINING AND FIRST STEPS INTO BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU
At age 14, JP began his martial arts journey through Judo, as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) had yet to reach his hometown. Inspired by Royce Gracie’s dominance in the early UFC, he joined an MMA academy linked to the Royce Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Network and earned his blue belt in 2003, personally awarded by Royce himself.
With no BJJ black belt instructors in Ecuador, JP carved his own path. Traveling between the U.S. and Brazil, he trained relentlessly, competed, and returned to share his knowledge. His pursuit of excellence led him to learn directly from icons like Helio Gracie, Fabio Gurgel, Cobrinha, Marcelo Garcia, and more.
BUILDING JIU-JITSU IN ECUADOR & ACHIEVING INTERNATIONAL SUCCESS
As Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gained momentum in Ecuador, JP became a driving force behind its expansion. He co-founded Gracie Barra Ecuador, introduced top Jiu-Jitsu teams to the country, and organized the nation’s first Gi and No-Gi competitions. His efforts also brought black belt instructors to Ecuador and helped launch numerous thriving academies.
Driven by a relentless pursuit of knowledge, JP has trained with martial arts legends like Grandmaster Helio Gracie, Fabio Gurgel, Marcio Simas, Cobrinha, Marcelo Garcia, and Daniel De Lima in both Brazil and the U.S. As a competitor, JP has secured multiple championships, including Florida State No-Gi Champion, IBJJF Long Beach Open Champion, NAGA Expert Division Champion, and several submission-only event titles.
A NEW BEGINNING: RELOCATING TO THE U.S.
In 2008, JP took a bold step that would change his life forever—he moved to the U.S. and officially joined Gracie Barra. By 2011, he had earned his purple, brown, and black belts under the guidance of Carlos Gracie Jr.
The early days were tough. JP slept in gyms, in his car, and scraped by with minimal resources—but his commitment to Jiu-Jitsu never faltered.
His relentless pursuit of excellence quickly earned him a reputation as a top-tier instructor. He played a key role in establishing Gracie Barra schools in Burbank, Woodland Hills, Hollywood, and even Chile. As his expertise grew, JP began teaching seminars across South America, Europe, Canada, and the U.S., further solidifying his standing as a world-class coach.
EDJ SCHOOL OF JIU-JITSU: THE REALIZATION OF A DREAM
In 2014, JP took a bold step forward, moving to Corona, CA, to open his very own academy, EDJ School of Jiu-Jitsu (formerly PTT Corona). This was more than just a new school—it was the realization of his lifelong vision to build a community dedicated to excellence in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
While continuing to compete and clinching multiple titles, including the prestigious IBJJF Long Beach Open, JP gradually shifted his focus to teaching full-time.
Today, JP leads the way at EDJ Academy in Corona and Rancho Cucamonga, with additional locations in Hemet and Riverside, known as EDJ School of Jiu-Jitsu. His academy network now spans internationally, with affiliates in Germany, Chile, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Colombia, and the U.S. JP’s growing presence reflects his dedication to spreading high-level Jiu-Jitsu and empowering students around the world.
Through his journey, JP has become not only a world-class competitor and instructor but also a mentor shaping the future of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
What Our Students Say About Us
"Professor Jason and his staff are great with children, and the atmosphere is amazing and everyone there is wanting to learn and help everyone."
John T.
"First night there for my daughter. she can't wait to go back!! I'm thinking of joining myself."
April M.
"My son trains here. One of the best places to learn about BJJ. HE loves it so much he now works there. 5 stars for sure!!!"
Scott B.
A MISSION TO INSPIRE, EMPOWER, AND TRANSFORM
Through his extensive global travels, competitions, and unwavering commitment to growth, JP has gained invaluable insights into diverse teaching methods and training philosophies.
For JP, Jiu-Jitsu isn’t just about mastering techniques. It’s about using the art to transform lives. He’s deeply passionate about helping others overcome obstacles and achieve personal growth through Jiu-Jitsu.
Having experienced the challenges of starting from scratch without mentorship, JP is now dedicated to guiding future instructors and academy owners.
Through seminars, business coaching, and hands-on mentorship, he provides the tools needed to build successful academies and turn Jiu-Jitsu passion into a thriving career.
To JP, Jiu-Jitsu is more than just a sport. It’s a way of life. It’s instilled discipline, focus, and confidence in him, and now he’s committed to passing on that powerful gift to students across the globe.
