CALL US: (951) 662-0162
OUR STORY
ABOUT EDJ ACADEMY
At EDJ Academy, we are more than just a training facility—we are a global community committed to excellence in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Led by 4th-degree black belt Juan Pablo Garcia, our academy and affiliate schools uphold the highest standards of professionalism, instruction, and personal growth.
Whether you're looking to learn self-defense, improve your fitness, or elevate your mindset, our doors are open to everyone from complete beginners to seasoned athletes. Our structured curriculum and welcoming environment ensure that every student receives world-class instruction tailored to their goals.
For those with a competitive drive, our Competition Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program provides the training and support needed to excel on the mat. While we emphasize personal development and realistic self-defense, we fully encourage and support students who choose to test their skills in competition.
JUAN PABLO GARCIA:
A LIFELONG JOURNEY IN JIU-JITSU
Juan Pablo García’s journey in martial arts is one of perseverance, passion, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Born on June 26, 1982, in La Spezia, Italy—while his father was stationed there for the Ecuadorian Navy—Juan Pablo (JP) was raised in Ecuador and spent two years in Colombia as a child.
Moving frequently exposed him to bullying due to his accent, which led him to seek self-defense at a young age.
WHY SHOULD YOU TRAIN WITH US?
ELITE COACHING
Train under 3rd-degree black belt Juan Pablo Garcia and expert instructors dedicated to helping you master Jiu-Jitsu with structured, high-quality training for beginners, hobbyists, and serious competitors alike.
SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY
Join a welcoming, inclusive environment where students of all backgrounds grow in confidence, discipline, and skill while building friendships, staying motivated, and pushing each other to new heights.
SELF-DEFENSE & COMPETITION
Whether you’re training for real-world self-defense or aiming to compete at the highest level, our academy provides expert coaching, proven techniques, and full support to help you succeed.
EARLY TRAINING & INTRODUCTION TO JIU-JITSU
At 14 years old, JP began training in Judo, as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) was not yet available in his hometown. A year later, inspired by Royce Gracie’s legendary performances in the early UFC events, he joined an MMA academy affiliated with the Royce Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Network. He trained intensely, competed in local Vale Tudo tournaments, and in 2003, earned his blue belt from Royce Gracie himself.
With no BJJ black belt instructors in Ecuador, JP took matters into his own hands. He traveled to the U.S. and Brazil to train, compete, and bring knowledge back home, teaching friends what he had learned. His hunger for growth led him to train with legendary figures such as Grandmaster Helio Gracie, Fabio Gurgel, Marcio Simas, Cobrinha, Marcelo Garcia, and Daniel De Lima.
A NEW CHAPTER: MOVING TO THE U.S.
In 2008, JP made a life-changing decision—he moved to the U.S. permanently and officially joined Gracie Barra, earning his purple, brown, and black belts under Carlos Gracie Jr. by 2011.
The early years were challenging—JP slept in gyms, in his car, and barely made enough to get by—but his dedication never wavered.
He soon became a sought-after instructor, helping establish Gracie Barra schools in Burbank, Woodland Hills, Hollywood, and Chile. His reputation as an elite coach grew, leading him to teach seminars across South America, Europe, Canada, and the U.S.
EDJ ACADEMY: FULFILLING A LIFELONG DREAM
In 2014, JP took another leap—he moved to Corona, CA, and opened his own school, EDJ Academy (formerly PTT Corona). This was more than just an academy; it was the culmination of his lifelong dream.
JP continued competing, winning multiple tournaments, including the IBJJF Long Beach Open, before shifting his focus to teaching full-time.
Today, JP personally teaches at EDJ Academy in Corona, and his school has expanded to Hemet, Riverside, and Rancho Cucamonga, CA, while he continues to oversee affiliated academies in Germany, Chile, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Colombia, and the U.S. His growing network of schools reflects his commitment to spreading high-level Jiu-Jitsu and empowering students worldwide.
His journey has shaped him into not only a world-class competitor and instructor but also a mentor for the next generation of Jiu-Jitsu leaders.
A MISSION TO INSPIRE & EMPOWER
JP’s global travels, competitions, and relentless pursuit of knowledge have given him unique insights into different teaching methodologies and styles.
His passion goes beyond just teaching techniques—he is dedicated to helping others transform their lives through Jiu-Jitsu.
Understanding the struggles of starting without guidance, JP is committed to mentoring future instructors and academy owners.
Through seminars, business courses, and hands-on coaching, he equips others with the tools to successfully run their own schools and turn their passion into a career.
For JP, Jiu-Jitsu is more than a sport—it’s a way of life. It has given him discipline, focus, and the confidence to overcome challenges, and now, he is dedicated to sharing that gift with students worldwide.
BUILDING JIU-JITSU IN ECUADOR & INTERNATIONAL SUCCESS
As Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu started gaining traction in Ecuador, JP played a pivotal role in its growth. He was instrumental in founding Gracie Barra Ecuador and bringing other top Jiu-Jitsu teams into the country. He organized Ecuador’s first Gi and No-Gi competitions, invited black belt instructors to teach, and helped launch several successful academies.
Always traveling in search of growth and knowledge, JP has had the opportunity to train with some great instructors and practitioners, including Grandmaster Helio Gracie, Fabio Gurgel, Marcio Simas, Cobrinha, Marcelo Garcia, and Daniel De Lima, among many others in Brazil and the USA. As a competitor, he has won multiple Jiu-Jitsu and MMA tournaments, earning titles such as Florida State No-Gi Champion, IBJJF Long Beach Open Champion, won Multiple submission only events, NAGA Expert Division Champion, to name a few.