"Sam Marcellini is the 2nd person to receive a black belt from me in California and has been training with me since 1994. He’s very patient, great with kids, and an excellent instructor. I highly recommend him to anyone looking to learn my family’s style of Jiu-Jitsu."
"Sam was one of my first students in the U.S. He is one of my best students and the very first certified instructor under me."
“Sam is a complete Martial Artist who has always trained with the best guys, Sam is very open-minded and is a great teacher for all ages, Sam is one of the most well-rounded Martial Artists I know.”
"Sam never settled for less than the best. His unique style of Shorin Kung Fu and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu incorporates mind, body, and spirit."
"With over 25 years in Martial Arts and visiting many Jiu-Jitsu schools, I’ve never seen teaching done as effectively as Sam’s."
"Training under Professor Sam Marcellini has not only improved my children's focus and confidence but also elevated my family's respect and discipline. We would not train anywhere else."
"Legendary, extraordinary! I travel 3–4 hours round trip to train at Marcellini’s Martial Arts because it’s the best in Southern California."
"Marcellini’s Martial Arts offers a humble, welcoming environment. Training here has improved both my professional and personal life."
"After years in Karate and searching many Jiu-Jitsu schools, I found the professional, respectful atmosphere I was looking for at MMAA."
"As a young woman, learning Gracie Jiu-Jitsu from Sam has empowered me with confidence and self-defense skills that have positively changed my life."
"Sensei Sam Marcellini is the best instructor I've ever trained with. He teaches not just technique but also discipline, respect, and real-world self-defense skills."
Robert Rasha recommends Marcellini's Martial Arts Academy
via Google
It is extremely rare that I take the time to leave a review for anything online, but I feel like Marcellini’s Martial Arts is worthy of the time and effort, especially after they have dedicated so much time to my personal and professional growth. I have been training at this location for several years and can speak from experience about MMAA. Sam Marcellini is an amazing instructor with a tremendous amount of experience in the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He is one of just a handful of black belts under Royce Gracie in California, and his skill is second to none. The facility is always clean, and Sam promotes a friendly training atmosphere. If you are looking for an amazing training experience with a friendly group, I highly recommend you check out MMAA.
Sheila Sampson recommends Marcellini's Martial Arts Academy
via Google
Being an older woman, I wasn't sure about starting a martial arts practice, but Sam's emphasis on practicing safely set my mind at ease. He also teaches with lots of patience and precision. Now, almost 2 years later, my practice is going strong. Jiu Jitsu is so much fun at the same time keeps mind and body in top condition!
Sam has trained with some of the best and it's clear that he is fully committed to bringing the highest quality available to his students. The kids are not only taught the martial art skills, but Sam teaches them clarity of mind, kindness and respect for self and others, self control, and honesty. If you want your child to learn M A safely and learn some comprehensive life skills, by a teacher who truly cares about his students, or you are just someone who wants to get the best teaching around, then this is the place to come.
LJSJIUJITSU recommends Marcellini's Martial Arts Academy
via Google
I have been training jiu jitsu for over twenty years and let me say the following. I highly recommend the instruction of Sam Marcellini to anyone wanting to learn both the basic and advanced nuances of jiu jitsu. He has an expert understanding of both basic and advanced techniques that will benefit even the most experienced in jiu jitsu. His focus and attention to the most important details is excellent.
Luciano Savala recommends Marcellini's Martial Arts Academy
via Google
Having trained at MMAA since 2002 I can strongly attest to the authenticity and effectiveness of the instruction at this school. Sam Marcellini is an excellent instructor who is a black belt under Royce Gracie. His attention to detail and focus on technical proficiency is definitely top level. Furthermore his ability to instruct kids in detail while maintaining a fun learning environment has created an especially strong kids program. The bottom line is if you want to learn authentic Gracie Jiu-Jitsu with a strong focus on functional street self defense then this is where you want to train.
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