Neutral Grounds Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy

We were told about this place from friends that have been bringing their kids here for years. The staff is great and the place is always clean. They have higher belt students helping out with the younger kids and they always watch out for the kids well being. Making sure they practice all of the moves correctly and safely.
I really don’t have one negative thing to say about the place. Evaldo and Betty run the Acadamy and they are always there, any questions just ask them.

I wanted to train here for awhile before I could give an honest and complete review. I’ve been here for a year now and I have to say, Neutral Grounds is an excellent school. Evaldo Lima is a great instructor. He is patient, focused, and takes the time to teach details on every technique. His students are highly skilled, and have been wiping the floor with me in the most respectful way possible since i arrived. They are all very friendly and helpful. They encourage me when I don’t do so well, and compliment me when I do. No egos, just skill.
The place is always clean and clutter free. I come during the morning classes, so I don’t have to deal with the parking situation in the evenings, but when I have come during busy times, it’s not an issue to take a little walk.
I’ve had the honor of meeting Royce Gracie several times, and trained with him (I even received a stripe from him). I’ve been a huge fan since UFC1.
I highly recommend Neutral Grounds. I’ve been studying martial arts for more than 20 years now. I’m certain I’ll train here for as long as I can.
Hope to see you on the mat!

Great atmosphere and great instructor. I trained with Evaldo many years ago when he was in Long Beach and now have my son at his Signal Hill location. Unlike many other studios were a purple belt will teach the kids classes. Here you have a high level black belt teaching the kids and giving top notch coaching. As a previous poster wrote, there are no ego’s here and a completely different vibe than somewhere like BTT around the corner. Obviously you have to choose what is best for you, however even if you are currently at a studio or considering BJJ, this should be your first stop.
JC

I’ve trained at a few BJJ academies over the last 14 years and can honestly say that Neutral Grounds is the best.
I’ve been training here for approximately 4 years and I can’t see myself training anywhere else. Head instructor Evaldo Lima has been trained from the source — by Royce Gracie himself, and it shows in the way he carries himself. Evaldo is a world class instructor (not to mention world class competitor) that will show techniques to the finest detail. He’s also always happy to answer any questions you might have about a technique.
Bottom line — if you want to join an ego-​packed BJJ or MMA gym where the teacher doesn’t even know your name, this is not the place to join. If you’re looking for a place to expand your mind and fill it with quality Brazilian Jiu Jitsu while simultaneously interacting with a family of fellow students, this is the place to be.

I started my training at Neutral Grounds Academy in January of 2013. I love it and recommend it to anyone that is considering starting training in a Martial Art. The Academy is owned and operated by Evaldo Lima and his wife Betty. Evaldo has been training Jiu-​Jitsu for 19 years and received his black belt from both Royce and Rodrigo Gracie. Evaldo is a not only a great black belt competitor but an excellent instructor of the art. I was looking for a Jiu-​Jitsu gym when I moved to Long Beach and I checked out a few before I found Neutral Grounds. What sold me instantly were the morning classes at 8am on both Tuesdays and Thursdays. I invite you to come in and talk to Evaldo or Betty, they at the academy everyday and are great people. The academy is located across the street from Costco and right next to the rock climbing gym. Come check out and watch a night class and pick up a schedule, there are classes every week night and at noon on saturday and sunday!

I’m addicted! I’ve always been curious about Jiu Jitsu and have been looking for a Muay Thai place. Never thought I’d find both in one place. Evaldo and Arun () are great instructors. They have students that have been with them for years. The facility is very clean and well maintained. Great customer service by Betty. I’m very happy to be practicing here. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!

Where to begin… This is an amazing martial arts family! My daughter has attended on and off their Muay Tai classes (shes’s8) and loves the instructors and kids. They teach with such reverence.
I would recommend this school to any parent or adult looking to learn Jiu Jitsu, Muay Tai, and Wrestling.

Top notch training for adults and children. I highly recommend training with the best of the best at Neutral Grounds.

Great place to train. Friendly atmosphere, hard workouts, great instruction! I cannot say enough good things about this place. New gym is awesome! Huge mats and a special room in the back with heavy backs for Muay Thai. Evaldo is a very competent instructor with a great personality. If you want to train with the best this is the place to go… just ask the special guests stars that come in to teach and train regularly!

What can I say about neutral grounds except for I love it!!! Although I’m physically unable to do it yet my son has been training and learning this beautiful art for a year and a half already the instructor prof. evaldo Lima is so great with the kids and teaches them hands on and step by step so accurately that they catch on really fast and he also provides a Lil fun for them as well at the end of the training session so they can unwind and play :) neutral grounds is such a warm and friendly environment they become more than your friends they become your family too! I can’t wait til I’m able to start b.j.j!!!

I can’t say enough good things about this academy. I train (Muay Thai Kickboxing) and my 7 year old son has been training (Jiu Jitsu) for about a year. They are serious about teaching the arts, but they are warm and welcoming to all levels. The owners Evaldo & Betty treat you like family. What else can I say, the instructors are awesome. It’s the real deal. I have seen Royce & Rodrigo Gracie training & teaching there countless times… And if that is not a ringing endorsement for a BJJ Academy, nothing is.

My two kids (my son and daughter) attend this academy and let me start by saying that they love it there. The instructors are great with kids and adults alike and the fees are very reasonable. I have recomended a few friends here and they’ve loved it…

Neutral grounds Gracie Long Beach is the best Jiu Jitsu School in Long Beach. The instructors are great, friendly and very helpful. There are classes 7 days a week and often there are multiple classes a day, which makes it easier to make it to class and train. In the adult classes we spar after every class, which gives you the chance to try and implement the moves and techniques we’ve just learned. Neutral Grounds has a great team atmosphere and everyone is willing to help each other learn and improve their Jiu Jitsu. Neutral Grounds has all skill levels of students from beginners to advanced. Whether your goal in learning jiu jitsu is to learn self-​defense, work out, or to compete, Neutral Grounds has the capability, instructors and students to help you achieve your goal (s). Neutral Grounds also, offers Muay Thai and wrestling/​no-​gi jiu jitsu classes.
I have been training at Neutral Grounds Gracie Long Beach for almost 5 years now, since I was 16. In the past couple years have noticed that the jiu jitsu techniques I have learned From Evaldo Lima, (Neutral Grounds owner and jiu Jitsu Instructor) is just as good, if not better than other top schools in California, if not the world. When I step on to the mat I am confident that the training I have received from Evaldo and his Students have given me to tools I need to be a champion. If it’s your first time training or you’re a veteran to the sport and you’re looking for a new place to train I encourage you to come train at Neutral Grounds Gracie Long Beach.

Super Official!!!
If you want to learn BJJ, and you can’t stand meat heads and egos, then this is the place to be. I’ve been training BJJ for a little over a year and a half and originally initiated my training in the Valley. When I transferred jobs to LB I shopped for BJJ gyms in the area and came to Neutral Grounds and was welcomed with open arms by Professor Evaldo. In the last 6 months I have learned so much from Professor Evaldo and his students than I learned in one year of training where I initially trained at. Everyone at the academy is very nice and helpful to take the time to teach you and improve on techniques. Not only does Professor Evaldo teach BJJ, but he also incorporates BJJ for self defense in real life scenarios. The Academy has a fundamentals class which, incorporates basic techniques and the core of BJJ, which was very helpful for me and beginners. It also has intermediate and advanced classes which utilizes the basic BJJ moves into more extensive advanced techniques. The academy also provides Wresting classes, that incorporates with Jiu Jitsu to help with your take down game and lastly provides Muy Thai and boxing for the stand up game. Professor Evaldo, provides effective teaching methods and is always open to help individuals improve on their techniques. If your looking for a place to train BJJ, Neutral Grounds is the place to be.