Romulo Melo Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

This gym is great. The schedule is a full one so you can train every day, every morning, most afternoons, and every night. Which is great for busy folks that need the options.
There are a range and variety of belts represented so people at all levels will have a place to test and develop their skill.
It’s a super chill, family-​type vibe. Romulo keeps a watchful eye on everyone’s progress and maintains a fun and friendly place to learn.

Everything about this academy is great. Professor Melo is an excellent instructor, you can find all his accomplishments online pretty easily rather than me rattle all them off. On top of it, he has a great encouraging personality. Amanda helps run the place and she has a great personality as well.
The students in the class are great too, from the purple and blue belts helping out the white belts. No one here has an ego. It makes for a great atmosphere and you don’t feel intimidated as a white belt; you feel encouraged to learn more.
I’d highly recommend this academy to anyone. Once you come the first time, you’ll be addicted to coming back everyday!

I concur with all other 5 star reviewers; and I’ll add something else I find notable.
Romulo places a lot of emphasis on getting your fundamentals tight, which not only will serve you well througout your medal-​chasing career, but also in self defense situations. Moreover, not only does Romulo preserve and regularly teach the self-​defense curriculum of Gracie Jiu Jitsu, but he actively trains with MMA competitors and has himself fought.
Romulo’s is a modern jiu jitsu academy featuring light artichoke-​green mats as well as a healthy contigent of active competitors, all while managing to retain the spirit and techniques of the art’s vale-​tudo-​oriented roots.

Romulo Melo is an absolutely world-​class Brazilian Jiu-​Jitsu instructor and he runs an amazing, world-​class academy: it has been my enormous privilege to learn from him and train at his school. I have visited lots of BJJ schools across the country and I have to say: this school has an extremely unique atmosphere that is collegial, welcoming, energetic and friendly. I’ve never experienced anything like it. The academy itself is absolutely immaculate: Romulo’s students are lucky enough to train on brand-​new, immaculately-​maintained mats, with fresh air and natural light streaming in from massive windows on both sides of the space. But it is the people that make the paradise at Romulo’s: this gym is populated by the friendliest, nicest group of jiu-​jitsu practitioners you could imagine, and I felt instantly welcomed into this special group. Although the training is intense (with two world champions, and professional MMA fighters frequenting the mat), the atmosphere that Romulo has cultivated is one that emphasizes the utmost care and collegiality during sparring and drilling: your training partners here are extremely careful to look after your health and well-​being to make sure that you get in shape and learn the art, while taking the utmost care to avoid injury. This is my kind of gym and I love it! Thank you Romulo and Amanda!

I’m a Blue belt that moved to San Francisco two years ago. I tried out several academies in San Francisco and knew after one class with Romulo that I found the right school for me. Romulo and Amanda (and now Max) are very friendly and provide a clean, safe and no ego environment to train. Romulo places a lot of emphasis on fundamentals and I’ve seen significant improvements in my game while training with him. Romulo is also really open to learning new techniques and he also teaches more modern positions like De La Riva and deep half guard. He certainly keeps classes fun.
I recently trained with Romulo and 13 other students at the Gracie Tejuca academy in Rio. This is where Romulo trained before moving to the US. What an amazing experience! Everyone at Gracie Tejuca was really nice as they choked and submitted me… and I loved it! The training there was incredible and it was also great to make deep friendships with the other students on the trip.
When you think about the time you spend training, you quickly realize that you spend more time with your training partners than your family. The students at Romulo Melo BJJ have become my family and I’m proud to be a student there.
When you train at Romulo Melo Brazilian Jiu Jitsu you gain access to original Gracie Jiu Jitsu taught by a legitimate Gracie BJJ Black belt.
Drop in for a class and see for yourself how awesome the environment is!

I’ve been training BJJ for close to 7 years and joined Romulo’s 2 years ago when I moved into the neighborhood. I am currently a purple belt. I’ve trained at a lot of gyms in the bay area and can happily say that I’ve found my BJJ home.
As an instructor, Romulo is incredible. He is always smiling and sharing his knowledge openly. He welcomes questions and gets excited to think through difficult scenarios together. He has a genuine passion for jiujitsu and it’s infectious.
The vibe here is simply described. We are a group of people with very little ego that love to train jiujitsu. We are very welcoming to new and visiting students. We are a big family.
Please feel free to drop in and train with us anytime.

I moved to the city this summer after training at another academy in a nearby town for only 6 months. As a novice white belt, I was looking for an academy where my skills and understanding of the sport would grow tremendously, a place that had a strong tight knit community, and for an instructor and training partners that would push me to become a solid BJJ competitor.
I got all that and more at Romulo’s. After 4 months of training at RMBJJ I am starting to grasp broader concepts and strengthening my technique in many areas. Romulo is a master of empowerment and instruction. He cares about his students which is easy to see through his instruction and his coaching. Many of the higher belts have adopted his approach as they are always willing to help you improve (cycle of life: get tapped by a purple belt, then he/​she tells you how to not get tapped by that move next time :). I also love how Romulo’s instruction is structured but fluid at the same time. Each week seems to have a general theme that builds on itself each day — so when you learn one technique one day, you are learning an add-​on or a counter to that technique the next day. He’s fluid, in that he allows for a bit of exploration. He allows his students to find when’s right for them, and to try new things within a concept which I like.
On top of all this, the students at Romulo’s are some of the best people I have met in SF. Incredibly friendly, helpful, learned and really care about masting the art. There are also some super high quality BJJ/​MMA competitors at the gym. So if you’re looking to simple learn BJJ or want to compete — this gym is for you!

The other reviews pretty much say what I would say — focused training that’s really fun with instructors that create a family-​like vibe. I really love Romulo & Amanda Melo and all the other students I have the pleasure of hugging and choking as much as possible! Speaking of the other students, I believe the % of meatheads here is significantly lower than in other gyms. Actually, I haven’t met any here yet. Most of the others are more advanced than I am, and they give me pointers and are really positive. And each time we help another student improve it’s like we just did a mental drill for ourselves. Since it’s a mental sport, that might be why this school is the bomb diggity. I’m lucky to have found it.
If you’re a girl, come train or take a self-​defense class!

The atmosphere here is very positive and laid back. My desire to train and my skill in Jiu-​Jitsu have improved the most at this gym. Romulo is an amazing teacher.

I have been done several drop ins here. All I can really say is that this academy is top notch. Romulo is a great instructor, every engaging with his students, and very detailed. If your goal is to fully learn and understand Jiu Jitsu, then Romulo is the teacher for you.
I have also had the pleasure of working with really great partners. They all have been helpful and humble. By no means did they take it easy on me however I can tell how technical they all are. All this is a reflection of Romulo.

Romulo and Amanda are awesome! I’ve been training under Romulo Melo for three months. I’ve never done BJJ before and I checked out a few different gyms before deciding to commit. I ended up going with Romulo’s because the schedule is great and there’s a ton of fundamental classes and advanced classes that fit around my work schedule. I usually just stick to the fundamental classes and there’s classes in the morning and night, as well as Saturdays. I personally like the white belt class on Saturday the best because we go over the very, very basics to build solid foundations.
Also, a huge plus for this gym is that there’s no cap on the number of classes you can attend, so you can technically go to as many class as your body can handle.
Romulo is awesome at teaching and really takes the time to make sure that your details are on point. BJJ is so technique focused (rather than relying on muscle) so it’s important to get your fundamentals down, and Romulo makes sure that you’re doing things correctly from the beginning. Also, there’s be a ton of situations where Romulo would provide 1-​on-​1 attention to make sure that my form was right.
Everyone at the gym is egoless and friendly, but you can tell everyone is just working hard to improve their BJJ game. Although it’s not required, there’s a ton of guys/​girls here that have competed in local and major tournaments outside of the gym.
If you’ve never done BJJ, definitely check this place out! You won’t regret it!

I started training under Romulo Melo in January and let me tell you it’s life changing. I’ve trained at other fighting gyms both here and in Las Vegas and this one is by far the best I’ve ever trained at. It’s super clean and the people that train here are very respectful and accommodating to each other regardless of the skill level.
Like I said earlier I’ve been in other training environments throughout the years and have been turned off by egos or lack of cleanliness, but this is not the case here.
It all starts when you walk in the door. Amanda Melo (Romulo’s wife) runs the business and is super friendly, organized and extremely helpful in getting you set up.
Then there’s Romulo. Romulo Melo is a world class Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Practitioner and MMA fighter. He has dedicated his life to the sport and is one of the most amazing instructors I’ve ever met. For all that he has done there is no egotistical swagger that you might find with someone that has his accomplishments. He genuinely cares about all of his students and wants to see them do well with the sport no matter what their personal goals might be. He is constantly aware of his students level of progress and whether or not they are experiencing any injuries.
I look forward to training here and plan on making BJJ a part of my life. And 90% of that is because of Romulo and Amanda Melo. I’ll see you on the mats. OSS!!!

I’m a purple belt under Royce Gracie and Pat King from Los Angeles. I had the honor and pleasure to train with Romulo Melo and his students tonight, all of whom were more than happy to have me and welcomed me with open arms. I enjoyed back to back night classes and was impressed to say the least. I’ve been around a lot of Jiu Jitsu schools, students and instructors so I’d like to think I know what to look for in a great academy. It was immediately clear to me that Romulo Melo genuinely cares about his students, his responsibility to them and maintaining the integrity of Helio Gracie Jiu Jitsu, Romulo is dedicated to say the least! I always feel blessed when I have a chance to train with black belts who actually were around Helio before he passed and also intend to carry on his legacy. If you looked into his background, you’d find Romulo Melo is a legitimate Gracie Jiu Jitsu black belt from the original Gracie Jiu Jitsu Academy, Gracie Humaita in Rio. I would highly recommend Romulo Melo’s BJJ Academy on Mason St. to anyone (young or old, male or female). Whether you’re just beginning or have trained Jiu Jitsu before, you’d be missing out if you went anywhere else.
, respect!
Kareem — Purple Belt (Royce Gracie Jiu Jitsu)

I walked by this place a few times and it seemed very interesting but i was VERY intimidated. Finally I got the guts to go inside and check it out.
Amanda is just awesome, she’s very nice and made me feel welcome the moment I walked through that door. She was really helpful explaining the details about the place and how things worked around here.
I did the one free introductory class and I got hooked right away. Romulo is my first BJJ instructor ever and just from my first class I knew he had a lot of passion about teaching BJJ. He’s patient and really tries to help everyone. He’s always there for you to ask questions, and clarify anything you need help on.
The biggest thing that got me hooked on this place was the atmosphere. You would think because it’s a martial arts place, everyone is out there to kick your ass or to prove they’re better than you, but this place DEFINITELY has none of that. Everyone is so friendly and welcoming, they aren’t afraid to teach you things or give you pointers.
You guys really need to try this place out. I never thought i would ever do anything like this until I gave Romulo’s BJJ a chance.

So to be truthful… brazilian jiu jitsu looks REALLY intimidating… especially if you’re a female. But once I started, I realized how crazy I was to think that. Females SHOULD and DO train BJJ.
I’ve been training with him for the last 4 months and have loved every minute of it. Everyone in class is super chill and really respectful.
We don’t tolerate egos in our dojo.
Romulo himself is a very patient teacher who really truly builds relationships with his students. He pays attention to you and is always very encouraging.
Do yourself a favor, and come roll.

I went here for a Free Intro Class. Romulo is a great instructor. And yes! this place has good friendly people training in his class. No egos. I like to train here because people who train here will share there knowledge and will make you feel always welcome to train with them. Since I am a friendly and respectful person.
I like this place because everyone is great to spar with a positive outlook. So if you wanna have great training this is the place and just for FYI. Romulo got his black belt under Royler Gracie. He is also a MMA fighter who has 4 – 0 in his record.
I am going to train here until I’ll be one of Romulo’s blackbelt… But yet its still a long procgress for me. OSSS!

I’ve been training under Romulo Melo since before I wore my first gi. Two years later, I am now proudly wearing a blue belt (yes, even as I type.)
As a BJJ practitioner, he is incredibly smooth. What he does just flows. Every time i watch him roll, i get a clearer understanding of how one can succeed on pure technique without the need for aggression. It’s a very articulate kind of jiujitsu, which I believe has the most longevity. I feel that the kind of jiujitsu Romulo teaches is one that will stick around even when strength and speed fade.
As a teacher, he’s as wise as he is skilled. He will pay attention to you on your first few sessions on the mat, taking time to make sure you get your foundations right. Even with the number of people that have come and gone, as long as you have a sincere desire to learn, he will talk to you with keen interest. The best part is this bond only grows as you progress in jiujitsu, Romulo will still take time and analyze your game, making sure you are learning correctly. Even after class, he’s approachable with questions.
The class environment is all positive. Romulo teaches with the perfect balance of being kind yet stern. It is mostly laid back but laziness will not be rewarded. There’s no ego to be found in the students. We all get along and are eager to learn, teach each other, and hang out outside the gym as well.
Whether you’re interested in trying BJJ for the first time or have just moved to SF and are looking to continue your practice, I believe this is the place to be.

Romulo was my first BJJ instructor. His classes are always a great workout and easy to follow. Romulo is very technical and his instruction is practical. It definitely helps to have people in the class with you that can support even a noob like me. They say an instructor is reflected by his students, and Romulo and his Team are an awesome group of people.
If you’re looking for a great BJJ class at any level, check out Romulo Melo BJJ.

I’ve trained with numerous world class Blackbelts and romulo is by far one of the best teachers I’ve ever had. Even though I haven’t been training with romulo long it doesn’t take much time to acknowledge his world class instruction. His focus is purely on his students and goes out of his way to make sure you are understanding the technique being taught by providing personal attention rarely seen in gyms these days. I’ve been to other gyms where the head instructor is too distracted by their cell phone or other people not on the mat. He truly does care for his students and student’s progress.
The gym has a family type atmosphere. It’s welcoming, friendly and relaxed but not too relaxed where you don’t get some tough training cause you do ;)
So if you’ve always wanted to train in Brazilian Jiu-​Jitsu don’t think about it act on it. come train with Romulo. You won’t regret it.

Romulo Melo jiu-​jitsu is the real deal. I started training under Romulo last summer and have been hooked on jiu-​jitsu ever since. He does a great job of explaining moves and building on techniques over the course of the week. The group of guys he trains are great, really welcoming and supportive. He’s a great teacher and competitor, it’s amazing to see him roll with such ease and athleticism.
If you’re considering trying jiu-​jitsu for the first time, or looking for somewhere new to roll, I’d highly recommend stopping by Romulo’s.