BAZA Jiu-Jitsu is a modern Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy in North Hollywood, founded by 9x World Champion Mateus Rodrigues — a home for kids and adults to build skill, resilience, and confidence.
BAZA was founded on a simple belief: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu builds far more than technique. It builds people.
Under founder and head instructor Mateus Rodrigues, BAZA blends the tradition of the art with a modern, structured approach to training. Every class is purposeful — designed to push you to your best, whether it's your very first day on the mat or you're preparing for your next podium.
Our members come from every walk of life: executives, first responders, artists, parents, and young athletes. They train side by side, united by discipline, mutual respect, and a relentless pursuit of growth. That culture is what has made BAZA one of the most respected jiu-jitsu academies in the San Fernando Valley.
"Whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned competitor, we meet you where you are — and push you to where you want to be."
Mateus Rodrigues is the founder and driving force behind BAZA Jiu-Jitsu. Originally from Curitiba, Brazil, he grew up inside the gym — the son of former fighter Silvio Rodrigues — training boxing, Muay Thai, and jiu-jitsu alongside his older brother Lucas from a young age.
A tournament loss at age nine lit the competitive fire that would define his career. He went on to collect world and Pan American titles through the ranks before earning his black belt under world champion Guilherme Mendes in December 2021. Today he competes among the very best in the world, including claiming the 2024 IBJJF Pan Championship medium-heavyweight black belt title.
On the mat at BAZA, he brings that same elite precision — and a genuine commitment to every single student who walks through the door.
Growing up in a fight-gym family in Curitiba, Mateus trained striking and grappling from childhood.
World and Pan American titles through the ranks made him one of the sport's most recognizable rising stars.
Promoted to black belt by world champion Guilherme Mendes, and straight into elite black belt competition.
Building a world-class training home in North Hollywood while still competing at the highest level.
The mat doesn't lie. Every session demands focus, effort, and accountability. Discipline built here becomes discipline everywhere — at work, at school, and at home.
Respect for your training partners, your instructors, and yourself. It's the foundation of everything we do, and the reason our room feels safe for a four-year-old and a seasoned competitor alike.
We show up for each other — on the mat and off it. BAZA is a place where people from every background train together, push each other, and celebrate each other's wins.
From a child's first roll to a competitor's championship run, every BAZA program is structured, progressive, and taught with the same attention to detail.
Fundamental technique, live drilling, positional sparring, and open rolling — real self-defense, real conditioning.
Age-appropriate instruction that builds focus, discipline, confidence, and anti-bullying skills in a safe, fun environment.
Dedicated technical sessions for adults and kids who want to test themselves on the tournament stage.
Classes run six days a week, with sessions spread from early morning to evening so professionals, parents, and students can all keep a consistent rhythm on the mat.
7:00 AM sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays for those who train before work.
Noon all-levels Gi classes plus afternoon submission and competition technical sessions.
Weekday youth classes split by age group, followed by an advanced track for developing competitors.
The heart of the week — evening Gi and No-Gi classes Monday through Friday.
Morning kids classes, kids competition training, and an adult No-Gi session to close the week.
"This is a high-end training facility with an incredibly professional and welcoming environment. The instruction is top-tier and the community here genuinely cares about your progress."Caroline Oganesyan · Google Review
"Professor Mateus Rodrigues is a 9x world champion and it shows in every single class. The attention to detail and genuine care for every student sets this place apart."Brittany Bergren · Google Review
"From day one you feel the dedication the instructors have. The culture of respect and constant improvement makes this the best academy in the area, hands down."Robert Fadkyan · Google Review
Our North Hollywood academy on Burbank Blvd is a clean, high-end training space built for focused, serious jiu-jitsu — and a welcoming home for families across the Valley.
