Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Muay Thai — Sunnyvale, CA
Our Programs
GI Jiu-Jitsu
Traditional BJJ
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (GI)
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is one of the most effective martial arts in the world — a ground-based grappling system that uses leverage, technique, and timing to control and submit opponents regardless of size or strength.
In GI training, you wear the traditional uniform — a heavy jacket, pants, and belt that indicates your rank. The GI opens up a rich world of collar chokes, sleeve grips, and lapel-based controls that make this the deepest and most technical version of the sport.
Our GI curriculum covers fundamental guard, passing, sweeps, submissions, and escapes — progressing through a structured belt system that honors your development honestly.
NoGI
Submission Grappling
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (NoGI)
No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu is commonly referred to as submission grappling — the same core techniques as BJJ but without the traditional uniform. Instead, practitioners wear shorts and a rash guard, relying on body locks, underhooks, and clinch positions rather than collar and sleeve grips.
The No-Gi game is often faster and more dynamic, drawing heavily from wrestling takedowns, leg attacks, heel hooks, and scrambles. It's the dominant format in modern MMA and has exploded in popularity at competitions worldwide.
Our No-Gi curriculum integrates seamlessly with our GI program and is taught by instructors who compete at the highest levels of submission wrestling.
Muay Thai
The Art of Eight Limbs
Muay Thai Kickboxing
Our Muay Thai program is built around the Western Muay Thai system developed and refined by Coach Dakota Smith — a technically precise, athletically demanding striking curriculum that covers punches, kicks, elbows, knees, and the clinch.
Classes progress through fundamentals — stance, footwork, and basic strikes — all the way to advanced combinations, pad work, clinch fighting, and controlled sparring. The program is designed for both fitness-focused students and serious competitors.
Whether you want to get in the best shape of your life or compete in Muay Thai events, our program will challenge and develop you every session.
Kids Program
Ages 5 & Up
Kids Jiu-Jitsu
Jiu-Jitsu is a fantastic sport for children of all ages. Beyond the physical benefits — coordination, strength, flexibility — it develops confidence, respect, focus, and resilience that carry directly into school and life.
Our Kids Program is age-appropriate and focuses on anti-bullying skills, body awareness, and self-defense in a safe, controlled, and FUN environment. Kids learn through games, drills, and structured technique while building lasting friendships on the mat.
Parents consistently tell us that Jiu-Jitsu has been a transformative experience for their children — not just on the mat, but at school, at home, and in their relationships.
Women's Program
For Every Woman
Women's BJJ
Kuleana is proud to offer dedicated Women's GI and Women's NoGI classes — spaces specifically designed to be welcoming, empowering, and judgment-free for women at all experience levels.
Led by Kyssa Star, our Women's BJJ Instructor, these classes provide a comfortable on-ramp for women who may feel intimidated by mixed-gender classes. You'll learn real, effective self-defense techniques in a supportive community environment.
Many of our women's students go on to join competitive teams, earn their belts, and mentor the next generation. The women's program is one of the most vibrant communities at Kuleana.