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Island City Jiu Jitsu
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Island City Jiu Jitsu

star5.0/5
(22 reviews)Excellent

About

Island City Jiu Jitsu offers comprehensive training in mixed martial arts and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for all ages and skill levels. The gym is led by owner and head coach Zach Costa, a first degree BJJ black belt under Diogo Gomes and former MMA fighter, supported by a team of experienced instructors including BJJ coaches Vasja Volin and Austin Glushenko, kids and flexibility instructor Margie Hunt, and Muay Thai kickboxing instructor Uche Mowete. With classes available seven days a week, the gym provides structured training that helps students improve efficiently while building real strength in a respectful, community focused environment.

reviewsWhat Members Say

Members consistently praise the excellent coaching, particularly highlighting owner Zach Costa and kids instructor Margie Hunt for their ability to work with both children and adults while maintaining a perfect balance of fun, discipline, and skill development. Reviewers emphasize the clean, well maintained facilities with convenient amenities like ample parking and a large TV for viewing classes, and appreciate the respectful, community focused atmosphere that makes martial arts accessible to all skill levels. Many note how the supportive environment helped them step outside their comfort zones, with some even competing successfully in tournaments. Parents specifically mention how the coaches cultivate positive, age appropriate environments that build both athletic and life skills for children.

rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (5)

A

Accounting Pursuit

a month ago

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They make me work hard with good instruction and great staff. Clean facilities (you don't want to get skin diseases from gyms that are not clean). Thank you Island City! Zach put together a great masterclass with a UFC Legend Josh Barnett. Awesome Gym!

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Karena Hoang

4 months ago

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My 8-year-old son and I have been training here since the gym opened in 2024, and it’s been an incredible experience. The coaches are highly knowledgeable and do a great job supporting everyone—from complete beginners to those training at a competitive level. The environment is respectful, encouraging, and truly community-focused. Training here is not only fun, it’s thoughtfully structured to help you improve efficiently and build real strength. The gym is always clean, well maintained, and full of positive energy. It makes martial arts feel accessible to anyone, no matter your starting point. They offer a wide variety of classes seven days a week, so there’s always an opportunity to train. Thanks to the coaching and support here, I even stepped way outside my comfort zone and competed in my first tournament—coming home with a gold medal. If you’re thinking about starting, this is the place to go. Come train!

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Erik Sun

3 months ago

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Coach Zach/Owner was excellent with both my children and kicking my old ass. This place is great for adults and children and it's a very convenient spot with ample parking and easy access. Great spot, you want a place that is safe, friendly, clean...this exceeded ALL expectations

J

Jenny Lowe

a year ago

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My 7 year old son started at Island City Jiu Jitsu soon after they opened and we've had a fantastic experience so far! Coach Zach and Coach Margie strike a great balance of making the classes fun and engaging, while also providing structure and discipline to keep all students safe and appropriately challenged. Island City is an excellent addition to the youth sports and activities options in Alameda!

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Brianna Martinez

11 months ago

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Our kids (ages 5 & 7) have been attending Island City Jiu Jitsu since they opened, and our experience has been wonderful! The space has been beautifully refreshed with thoughtful touches throughout (including a large TV so you can watch the class live!). Coach Zach and Coach Margie are absolutely incredible managing the kids classes. They are consistent with their approach of balancing discipline, respect, skill-building, and listening skills. They take their roles seriously and strive to cultivate a positive, age-appropriate environment, while building both athletic and life-skills. Thank you ICJJ!!

Contact

location_on

2318 Central Ave, Alameda, CA 94501, USA

scheduleHours

Monday: 4:00 – 8:30 PM

Tuesday: 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM, 4:00 – 8:30 PM

Wednesday: 4:00 – 8:30 PM

Thursday: 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM, 4:00 – 8:30 PM

Friday: 5:00 – 8:30 PM

Saturday: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Sunday: Closed

groupCoaches & Instructors

person

Zach Costa

Owner & Head Coach

1st degree BJJ black belt under Diogo Gomes, former MMA fighter (5-1-1 record)

18 years of martial arts training. BJJ black belt and former MMA fighter. Leads the dedicated coaching team.

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Vasja Volin

BJJ Instructor

Brown belt

A decade of BJJ experience under instructors like Zach Costa, Bruno Malfacine, and Ioannis Hronakis.

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Austin Glushenko

BJJ Instructor

Purple belt under Diogo Gomes

Dedicated purple belt starting his jiu-jitsu journey in 2019. An active competitor on the circuit.

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Margie Hunt

Kids BJJ & Flexibility Instructor

Blue belt

Background in gymnastics, dance, yoga, and fitness competitions. Brings a unique perspective to kids BJJ and flexibility.

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Uche Mowete

Muay Thai Kickboxing Instructor

Bay Area native with nearly 19 years of martial arts experience. Began with traditional arts and Taekwondo before mastering Muay Thai.