Misfit Combat
About
Misfit Combat offers comprehensive mixed martial arts training in San Francisco with a focus on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, kickboxing, wrestling, judo, and MMA. The gym features an experienced coaching team led by Head Instructor Cha Apostol, a BJJ Black Belt and IBJJF World No-Gi Champion, alongside specialized instructors including Raii for kickboxing, Xica for wrestling, Melisa for judo and eskrima, and Andy for MMA. The diverse coaching staff holds credentials across multiple disciplines, creating a well-rounded training environment. As a non-profit gym, Misfit Combat prioritizes community over commercial interests, fostering an inclusive atmosphere where practitioners of all levels can develop their skills.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Members consistently praise the gym's exceptionally welcoming and supportive atmosphere, describing it as relaxed, friendly, and free of ego. They highlight Coach Cha's excellent instruction and personalized feedback after training sessions as particularly valuable for their development. Reviewers specifically note the gym's rare majority of female and non-binary practitioners, creating a comfortable space for underrepresented groups. The community feel, safe training environment, and technical yet creative jiu-jitsu instruction are repeatedly mentioned as standout qualities that keep members returning.
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (5)
Duy Tran
3 months ago
MisFit Combat is a very welcoming BJJ academy. I attended their open mat and had a great experience. The environment is friendly, the gym is run as a non-profit, and the community feel is clear as soon as you walk in. They have a high level of practitioners, but everyone trains safely and respectfully. Good rounds, good people, and no ego. If you’re looking for a solid place to train with a strong community, I recommend MisFit Combat.
Quanina Quan
2 years ago
A very relaxed, friendly and welcoming atmosphere to learn jiu jitsu. Coach Cha often gives people direct and personal feedback after rolling with them which I find extremely helpful in my development.
Lotus Fung
a year ago
This gym has a very supportive and welcoming environment, teaches technical and creative jiu jitsu, and is overall just a wonderful place to be. Cha, the founder and head coach, is very approachable and cares deeply about creating a safe space for everyone to learn martial arts. This is the type of gym where people come and stay because of the great community.
Janet Kenmotsu
a year ago
I’ve been going to Misfit for half a year now and really love it here! They are very welcoming and have a rare majority of female/non-binary people here which is very unique! Coach Cha has excellent instruction, the techniques are current and I’ve learned so much from the details she gives. I’ve been doing jiu jitsu for several years and this gym stands out as one of the most friendly for women.
Meriem Boudjarane
2 years ago
I've only taken a few BJJ classes so I was pretty new. It was so much fun! The instructor is excellent and so knowledgeable. Great atmosphere, and everyone is nice.
Contact
1001A 46th St, Emeryville, CA 94608, USA
scheduleHours
Monday: 8:00 – 9:00 AM, 5:30 – 8:30 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 – 10:30 AM, 5:00 – 7:30 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 – 9:00 AM, 5:00 – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 7:30 – 9:00 AM, 5:00 – 8:30 PM
Friday: 8:00 – 9:00 AM, 6:00 – 8:30 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM
groupCoaches & Instructors
Cha Apostol
Head Instructor / BJJ Instructor
BJJ Black Belt (Jean Jacques Machado Association), IBJJF World No-Gi Champion (brown belt)
Started martial arts in 2007, BJJ in 2011. Earned black belt in 2023. Executive Director of Misfit Combat. Also trained boxing and took amateur bouts.
Raii
Kickboxing Instructor
Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do and Dong Soo Do
Background as professional dancer and gymnastics instructor. Teaches fun kickboxing classes with plenty of kicking.
Sarah
Assistant Instructor / BJJ & Kids Instructor
BJJ Black Belt (awarded Oct 2025), IBJJF Master World Champion (2023, 2025), IBJJF No-Gi World Champion (2024) at brown belt
Assists with BJJ and teaches kids classes. Avid competitor at Master 3 light feather weight.
Jenn
Assistant Coach
BJJ Brown Belt (Sabre affiliation)
Trained with Professor Cha since 2011. Volunteers professional expertise and substitutes to teach classes as needed.
Lee
Assistant Coach
BJJ Blue Belt under Professor Cha
Teaches No-Gi fundamentals and helps with Queer Combat program. Known for detailed technical explanations.
Melisa
Judo Instructor / Inayan Eskrima Study Group Leader
Ikkyu in Judo, Black Belt in Danzan Ryu Jujitsu, 2nd degree Black Belt in Toyama Ryu Battodo, BJJ Purple Belt under Professor Cha
Teaches Judo with 'Judo for All!' philosophy. Sergeant at Arms in Inayan Eskrima and facilitates weekly study group.
Xica
Wrestling Coach
Collegiate wrestler (scholarship), BJJ Blue Belt under Professor Mollii at FEF
Learned wrestling at Vallejo High School. Excels at takedowns. Known for culinary skills and community involvement.
Andy
MMA Instructor
BJJ Brown Belt (Carlson Gracie Jr. association)
School teacher, triathlete. Fought in regional MMA and kickboxing promotions. Training partner of Professor Cha since white belt.
Meredith
Manager
BJJ White Belt under Professor Cha
Handles administrative work, communications, fundraising, event scheduling. Has competed and won a match at first tournament.
Hayley
Manager
BJJ Blue Belt under Professor Mollii at FEF
Coordinates communications, event scheduling, Queer Combat program, and free-to-participant classes. Team legend for competition.