Experience Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai kickboxing, and self-defense training in Riverside — designed to help kids, adults, and families grow stronger, safer, and more confident. Start your martial arts journey with a free trial.
Above all else the training is extremely safe. Students are taught how to keep themselves and others in the class safe. The classes are taught to minimize the risk of injury and Sam does a great job of educating the dangers of each position which carries over in the students (all ages) looking out for each other.
Sam Marcellini's dedication to martial arts is evident. His array of black belts, detailed instruction, and decades of training with the very best in the world reflects his commitment to provide the very best for his students. Despite his impressive background, Sam is humble, friendly, and respectful, qualities that endear him to everyone.
Marcellini's Martial Arts Academy is a genuinely special place. The lead instructor, Sam Marcellini, is an incredibly skilled martial artist as well as a gifted teacher (the two don't always go hand in hand!). Furthermore, the facilities are always clean, and the atmosphere is very friendly and welcoming.
Our kids’ martial arts program builds focus, discipline, and respect through structured BJJ training and fun, age-appropriate drills. Help your child develop confidence and life skills that extend beyond the mat.
Train in authentic Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for fitness, self-defense, and mental resilience. Our classes are open to all experience levels, from complete beginners to advanced practitioners.
Get in shape, build endurance, and sharpen your striking techniques. Our Muay Thai Kickboxing program offers a safe, structured way to train like a fighter while improving strength and coordination.
Empower yourself with techniques designed for real-world safety. Learn situational awareness, boundary setting, and proven BJJ-based self-defense skills. Seminars available for local businesses and organizations.
35+ Years of Experience | 5 Black Belts | Jiu-Jitsu & Muay Thai Specialist
Sam Marcellini is a world class self-defense instructor with extensive knowledge and passion for martial arts, providing an enriching experience for all our students. He is among the most respected BJJ instructors in Riverside, directly trained by the legendary, Hélio Gracie and Royce Gracie. Sam was Royce’s sparring partner and one of the first black belts certified by him in California.
He combines decades of training with legends in MMA, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai Kickboxing, and Wrestling — bringing a well-rounded, practical approach to self-defense and martial arts instruction.
At our school, we teach a self-defense style of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, which our instructor Sam Marcellini had the privilege to learn directly from the co-founder of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, Grandmaster Helio Gracie and his sons. Sam spent decades regularly training with Royce Gracie, legendary figure in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and mixed martial arts. Sam was the second person ever to receive a Black Belt from Royce Gracie in CA and was Royce's sparring partner for some of his legendary fights. We are the only facility in the area offering this self-defense focused style of Jiu-Jitsu, with many people commuting for hours to train with us.
Sam Marcellini holds five black belts and has dedicated his life to developing and teaching the best self-defense techniques by training with some of the best in the world in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai Kickboxing and wrestling. His commitment extends beyond physical training, as he emphasizes the mental and personal development of each student. Sam's extensive background enables him to instruct safe methods to individuals of all ages and fitness levels, instilling confidence and empowerment. Don't miss the chance to learn from a true martial arts expert.
Sam Marcellini is a dedicated student of the Mejiro Gym style of kickboxing. The Mejiro Gym has a remarkable history, being the first non-Thai school to achieve success in the brutal and realistic Muay-Thai competitions held in Thailand. This gym is well-renowned for producing legendary fighters, including Toshio Fujiwara, the first-ever non-Thai stadium champion in Thailand, and Rob Kaman, a nine-time World Muay-Thai Kickboxing Champion. Many martial art experts consider Rob Kaman one of the greatest kickboxers of all time. Sam Marcellini spent decades training with Rob Kaman. Sam was the first certified instructor under Rob Kaman in the US.
Mejiro Gym training approach, particularly back-and-forth drilling, which enhances reflexes and defensive capabilities, is one of the safest methods to learn real kickboxing. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards in our teaching methods both in safety and effectiveness. Sam's passion for teaching beginners ensures that you will gain the skills and confidence needed to defend yourself effectively.
At Marcellini's Martial Arts Academy, we pride ourselves on the quality of our Coaches.
Our school stands out for our dedication to teaching martial arts while fostering responsibility in using these skills. We emphasize values like patience, perseverance, respect, and humility, creating not just a learning environment, but a positive community.
Download Your Free Starter Kit
Start by downloading our free Starter Kit, which includes our class schedule & current program offerings, special online-only promotions, and a tour of our Riverside martial arts facility
Once you sign up, our friendly staff will reach out via text to help you take the next step.
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Schedule Your Free Assessment & Trial Class
You’ll be personally connected with Sam Marcellini, our chief instructor, who will help match you with the best program — whether that’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai Kickboxing, or Women’s Self-Defense.
Come in for your free trial class to experience our training firsthand. We’ll even provide a new uniform for your session — if you decide not to continue, simply return it, no questions asked.
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Join the Program That Fits You Best
If you love the experience (and we’re confident you will), we’ll help you enroll in the program that fits your goals — whether that’s self-defense, fitness, or family bonding.
After your trial, we’ll waive both the uniform and registration fees to make getting started even easier.
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Experience the difference of expert Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and martial arts training for all ages and skill levels. Download your free starter kit for current details on our programs, schedules, a tour of our campus, and exclusive online promotions.
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Phone: 951-742-5733
Email: info@mmaa.us
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