One JiuJitsu and Fitness

Giva let me drop in for open mat a few times while I was in town for worlds. I also was lucky enough to share a private lesson with my buddy that trains here. The instruction is world class and the set up is legit. I loves the open garage door letting in fresh air during rolls and the chill music that was playing. I would train here for sure if I lived in the area.

This is my first time trying BJJ, so I can’t compare with other schools. But I love everything about this place. It’s been two weeks since I started and I got addicted from the day one. Everyone’s super nice and welcoming and encouraging. It’s like a big family here. Whether you’re a first timer or a vetran, I highly recommend this place.

I was searching for self defense schools on Unilocal and tried out a few schools in Tustin and Irvine. I got a weird vibe in the first two schools. It was a little chaotic with all the kickboxing and fighting happening in the other rooms. It made it difficult to understand the instructor. I came and checked out One Jiu Jitsu and immediately dug the vibe. It’s a small school with focused instruction. The head teacher Giva Santana is a bjj black belt and has done a bunch of mma fights. Giva is very cool as are the people that train there. The higher belts are quick to help you out if you aren’t sure how to do a move. That made a big difference for me because the other places seemed kind of clique like with the members. Giva rolls with everyone which is really cool! I think Ive been tapped out a bunch of times by now but I got a couple people as well! Awesome instruction, friendly environment… definitely 5star!

I’ve been lifting at 24hour fitness for over a decade. I had a couple friends who’ve been nagging me to try brazilian jiu-​jitsu and I finally went in as a new year’s resolution. My friends have been training with the instructor Giva for years. I’ve watched him fight MMA and was a bit scared when I went in. I thought everyone would try to kill me because of my size. I was wrong. He was unbelievably cool! I’ll admit that I had a tough time keeping up with the warm-​ups at first but everyone in there was helpful. Other students would help me along with the exercises. This was a total different experience for me, because at most gyms, you try not to interact with anyone you don’t know.
I’ve been training pretty consistently and I love it. It can be a shock to your ego, because guys half your size will submit you like it’s nothing. But Ive never been hurt and Ive never seen anyone get hurt since I started training here. I find myself thinking about all the moves at night lol. Again, I have to say the biggest thing for me is how cool everyone is. For whatever reason I thought everyone would try to be a «tough guy» but it’s not like that at all. There are guys who have been training a decade who help first day guys. There’s no egos in here at all. I definitely recommend this to anyone who’s on the fence about trying bjj out.

I trained with Giva and the one jiu jitsu team in the past before moving out of state. When I came back for an extended visit, I was pleasantly surprised to find that he and some of the other higher ranking belts had opened their own academy. All teachers and the other members welcomed me back and treated me like I had never left. Giva is has very high level jiu jitsu and is one of the kindest people you’ll ever meet. His bjj instruction is very technical but he’s also very patient, willing to explain each technique until everyone understands. Jiu Jitsu classes run all day into the evening –evening classes are bigger but I’ve dropped in for several noon classes and there is never a shortage of training partners.
The facility is constantly being cleaned which is nice because I’ve had problems in the past with other gyms where I’m rolling on someones sweat from the previous class. They’ve got 2 private bathrooms/​changing rooms as well as a shower room so I can train, clean up and go on with my day.
Also as an added bonus, they’ve got a cold water machine which I really like since I’m too lazy and always forget to bring my own water… I appreciate the fact that they don’t sell me bottled water.

Let me take a moment to start off by saying how Jiu-​Jitsu has changed my life, along with the life of my family in many positive ways. We have been training with Giva Santana since ²⁰⁰⁶⁄₂₀₀₇ (Almost 10 years now) and the benefits of Jiu-​Jitsu have been life altering. When I first began training with Giva, I weighed 250 pounds and was far from healthy. In a matter of months, with proper dieting, I was able to lose over 100 pounds by surrounding myself with a strong team and a teacher who believed in and motivated me to become a healthier human being.
One Jiu-​Jitsu is an amazing gym where you will be sure to find highly motivated (and friendly) individuals who are inspired to train, compete and simply want to study the beautiful art of Jiu-​Jitsu. Giva Santana, Mo Khayat, and Evan Cathey are experienced Black Belt Instructors that will take you to the next level in your Jiu-​Jitsu game. For solid training, visit One Jiu-​Jitsu and prepare for an experience like no other.
One Family, One Jiu-​Jitsu, Oss…

I’m not a current student here. I attended this gym on a free week-​trial basis so I can only provide a review based on first impressions.
With that said, I can’t say enough great things about my experience at One Jiu-​Jitsu. The instructors Giva and Mo were very nice and welcoming. The course I attended — BJJ Fundamentals — began with a 10 – 15 minute warm up, followed by ~30−40 minutes of practicing fundamental techniques (rotating partners), and ending with live sparring rounds between students of the instructor’s choosing. Since I was a new guy, he partnered me with someone and taught one or two basic moves. My rolling partner and the instructor really took the time to explain the technical details behind these moves. In the end, I left with a newfound appreciation of BJJ.
Some misc. info:
* You’ll have to wear a Gi for the BJJ Fundamentals course. If you don’t have one, they have loaners for you to borrow;
* The BJJ Fundamentals class has a good mix of beginning and advanced students, so don’t feel intimidated if you don’t have any experience (like me);
* Parking is easy, in a private lot, and readily available. Just know that One Jiu Jitsu is located in a business center and can be easy to miss, so give yourself plenty of time to locate it and park;
* I did NOT feel pressured in any way, shape, or form to sign up immediately, sign contracts, etc. So if you’re a newbie like me, feel free to check them out.
So why didn’t I sign up? Unfortunately, I can only afford one in-​depth extracurricular activity without derailing our plans to save/​buy a house. And boxing (which I love and have done in the past) came out on top. But I hope to return to One as a student in the near future. 5 stars all the way.

If you’re looking for a place that teaches the true art of Brazilian Jiu-​Jitsu, then this is the place to be. Great people, nice location, and a real family feel. No matter the age or experience level, there is a class for you for Gi or NoGi BJJ. From the time you walk in, they make you feel apart of the team.
I’ve been to quite a few gyms over the past 18 years, and One Jiu-​Jitsu is by far the best one. Just give them a shot and they’ll help you reach your dreams like they’ve helped me reach mine.

I’ve been training with this team since 2010.
Giva is an exceptional teacher and an overall great human being to be around. His love of BJJ is infectious. He pays close attention to each and everyone of his students. He has been to every one of my tournaments. From small in-​house competitions to big ibjjf ones, he is there all day coaching everyone… and all he asks is a coffee refill. :)
Mo is an amazing teacher. He inspires with his wealth of knowledge and personal attention to each student. His no-​gi classes have a loyal following (the «Mo-​Gi guys» haha).
This team is very close knit, friendly, and positive. They make you want to keep coming back every day. Most people come to train here 4 – 6 days a week and some are doing multiple classes a day. All of the students have full time jobs but their love of this place and BJJ makes them carve out the time to come. During the work week, the best part of my day is when I get to leave work and go hangout and roll with these guys/​girls. :)

Giva Santana is an exceptional instructor! His understanding of jiu-​jitsu is top notch, and he knows how to break it down for every skill level. He is a patient instructor, and his attention to detail leaves you understanding exactly why the techniques are the way they are.
Mo is another exceptional jiu jitsu instructor, and your training partners here are going to be the best you can find anywhere, no matter what your skill level.
You will not regret training here!

If you’re looking for great instructors, friendly training partners, clean facilities and a fantastic workout One Jiu Jitsu is for you. Mo and Giva have created a very welcoming environment. Come check it out!

One Jiu Jistu and Fitness is a great, clean facility. I really enjoy the instruction from Giva and Mo that I ultimately followed them to this location when they decided to branch off. Each instructor is very patient and will take the time to demonstrate and explain the details of each move to the class. This is especially good for me as it usually takes a few minutes of demonstrating a new move before I begin to understand how to complete it. Overall, the training atmosphere is very relaxed and all the members are friendly and always willing to help when I have questions.
Whether your goal is to compete in BJJ tournaments or just to improve your overall fitness, I would highly recommend One Jiu Jitsu and Fitness.

One Jiu Jitsu is located close to the 405fwy and Orange County Airport. It is lead by well respected Brazilian Jiu Jitsu champion/​MMA fighter, Giva Santana. Being in an area inundated with BJJ academies, this is one of the few that are run by an instructor that so well respected in both American and Brazilian jiu jitsu circles. I dropped in to check out his new spot.
Facilities: Walking in the front door there is a small lobby and changing room. It is really a no frills academy concentrating on jiu jitsu. 1000sqft of Dollamur flexiroll mats cover the floors and walls. Classes can get packed, but there is enough space to accommodate classes as much as 30 students. There are 2 bathrooms. Being that they are new, there is yet to be water sold on premises, so bring your own.
Impression: There are classes for both Gi and no-​gi/​advanced and beginners. ONE jiu jitsu has a variety of players and different levels and body types. The quality of instruction is top notch. Expect to roll with players from black to white. Expect to roll with Mo, Evan or Giva.(instructors) Yes you will roll with the instructors. This is not a school where the coach doesn’t roll with you.
Overall: I would recommend ONE Jiu Jitsu if you are looking for a top notch BJJ school to train at. If you are a little skeptical by the member posts, its because they do have a great culture there lead by an amazing coach. Go check it out!

I typically join the 6:30am morning class.
Great quality instruction and training partners.
It is a great way to start a way to clear my mind and no stress for rest of the day!
Thank you for the opportunity to train at One Jiu-​Jitsu and highly recommend to anyone.

If you are lucky enough to live in Orange County, the Mecca of BJJ outside of Brazil, you have several excellent options for training jiu-​jitsu. But, ONE Jiu-​Jitsu and Fitness is special.
Giva Santana and Mo Khayat are the best. Giva is a multiple world champion, former professional MMA fighter and one of the most genuinely caring and giving individuals you will ever meet. His instruction and technique are excellent. But more than that, he is one of those rare people who makes each person feel special because he sincerely cares about you and your progress. He knows each student’s name and each student’s game.
Mo is the same. His instruction (especially his no-​gi instruction) is super technical, effective and a total blast. He is also one of the most genuinely nice and caring guys you will ever meet.
Both instructors consistently roll with their students and personally teach each class. If you compete, they will be there to corner you at competition. You won’t always find that at other schools.
In addition to the instructors, the students are fantastic. We are a tight knit, friendly and welcoming group. There are no jerks or big egos. New students are encouraged and helped. The rest of the group is deep and talented. Several high level black belts regularly attend class. In any given class (even in fundamentals) you will find multiple colored belts (unlike some other schools that have a disproportionate number of white belts). Students come in all shapes, sizes, and ages and from a variety of backgrounds, but we bond through training. We all work together to make each other better. The school already has a few recent world champions. The school also has an excellent women’s team.
The schedule is extensive. 6:30 am classes allow professionals and students the ability to train early before work or school (there is a shower at the facility). There are mid-​day classes, kids classes in the afternoon and multiple classes at night. You can train as much and as often as you like.
I have trained at a couple of different schools over the years, but I have spent the last few years with Giva and Mo. I would follow them anywhere. This is by far the best school I have attended. I am very happy and proud to call this my second home. You should come check it out.

Started my jiujitsu journey with Giva Santana 2 years ago. I was given a few days as a free trial and feel in love with the team and jiujitsu day one. I followed Giva and Mo to their new facility dedicated to jiujitsu and fitness and I couldn’t be happier with the home and family I have to train with everyday. Learning and staying in shape with the greatest of people to be around. Not just people you see in the gym, we’re a family.
If you’re looking for a place to get in shape and learn and grow as a person. Then One Jiujitsu is surely the place to go and train.

This place is awesome! It’s a fun and great learning environment for Jiu-​Jitsu. The teachers are very helpful and friendly. The gym vibe is very positive and everyone here is super friendly. The gym even offers kids classes which I highly recommend.
Giva Santana is a great technician and offers a lot of experience & knowledge to his students. He teaches both advanced and fundamental classes for beginners. I enjoy both classes, the fundamentals with Giva are my favorite. Professor Mo Khayat is a great instructor and breaks down the technique so it’s easy to understand. Both coaches are phenomenal!
I highly recommend this gym if you are new or have experience in Jiu-​Jitsu. The classes are beginner friendly. This gym caters to all learners and everyone makes you feel like family.

Training at this gym has opened my eyes to how BJJ should be practiced. The instruction, culture, and community are one of a kind and I highly recommend checking it out if you’re interested.
Giva, the head instructor, is a true master of the art. His technique is very high level and can without a doubt help you improve your game. His classes are broken down into basics/​fundamentals, advanced, and combo, so that all skills levels have an opportunity to learn something. He also has a vision on what he plans to teach for the week. So instead of showing up and teaching whatever he feels that day, weeks are premeditated and usually focus on a theme (passing, guard, submission, sweep, etc). Technique aside, Giva is a really humble, friendly, and great example of a human being. He emphasizes living a healthy life and focuses on the big picture of why we should all train jiu jitsu. All of his students look up to him as more of a mentor than instructor and I feel extremely lucky to be able to train beneath him.
The community of people that train here are all different skill levels, ages, sizes, and personalities. There are IBJJF competitors, mothers and fathers looking to improve their health, young kids learning self defense, and people like me, who just love to practice the art with other passionate individuals. No matter your intention, you’ll surely be greeted and treated just like everyone else.
As far as the facility goes, everything is in top notch shape. The mats are brand new and always clean, restrooms are spotless, and parking is plentiful. Although this is an often overlooked aspect of a gym, it’s worth mentioning that there is a shower if you need to use it.
All in all, if you’re thinking about joining, you should come in and check it out. Talk to Mo or Giva, hop on the mats, and join the community.

Why are you waiting? Just come on over and be part of the family! I’ve only been here for about two days for two classes and never have I felt so accepted and respected anywhere else. I only had previous Jiujitsu class experience before coming here — so I’m a noob.
Here’s my experience —
Well, they weren’t easy to find but thanks to my great friend Marie I was able to get in contact with One Jiujitsu and Fitness. Mo, lets call him part time business manager/​full time he’ll roll your ass all over the mat. But he’s like the most chill charismatic guy I’ve ever met. Well we discussed the usual, where you from how did you hear us blah blah. I got a loaner GI for the Fundamentals class.
Make sure you stretch out before class, out of the 2 classes, in one class we stretched and the other one we didn’t. So Giva, the main instructor aka the Arm Collector (google him) — he’s legit. Well, he saw me from afar and knew i was new and said hi and introduced himself. Genuine guy, love the accent, and very approachable.
So the whole time I was with Giva the whole class going over some basic exercises. I learned — spider guard, kimura, arm lock, and something else (I remember how to do it, I don’t remember the name). Then he briefly went over the history of jiu-​jitsu.
There was no pressure to join, I think by the end of the class you’ll know if this place is for you. Oh, everyone was super nice, no egos, people are always saying hi, it’s so foreign to me haha. You can tell everyone is like a family. And that’s basically what sold me. I can learn jiujitsu anywhere, but something was quite different about this place. Even though this place has only been open for a month, it’s already grouped a solid amount of people. I guarantee you in a few years, this place is going to sky rocket and their business space is going to expand.
I feel that they are still trying to balance everything out but I’m sure the groove will come. So I signed up for a yearly contract which include a uniform that will come within the next few days. Until then they said I am more than welcome to use their loaners.
Here’s where One jiujitsu stands above the rest of it’s competition — speaking financially– they do not limit the amount of classes you come to a week. Schools like Gracie or other franchise schools limit you to two classes a week, BUT NOT THIS SCHOOL!
This is the perfect place for beginners and advanced people! Come give it a try, I posted a picture of their schedule — but call in or contact them via facebook to get an updated schedule because usually new schools open or close classes depending on demand. But seeing the growth of this school, I’m pretty sure when things solidify, it’s going to expand.
If you have any questions, please contact me via message and I’ll be sure to expand on anything else!

I’ve been training BJJ with Giva for almost 8 years and there’s a reason why, he is a great instructor and an even better human being. Mo is also a wealth of knowledge and truly cares about each one of the students.
The environment at ONE Jiujitsu and Fitness is very close knit and positive. There’s a mix of serious competitors, people looking to learn self-​defense, working professionals, college students, and children, so no matter what your background/​goals are, you are sure to find a home here.
The facility is also one of the cleanest that I have seen.
Some of the highest level of instruction and training for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, whether it be for sport BJJ, MMA, self-​defense, or just a good workout.