Thrive Jiu Jitsu
About
Thrive Jiu Jitsu in San Francisco offers mixed martial arts and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training under experienced instructors. The coaching team includes Head Professor Odilon 'OJ' Domingues, a 5th degree BJJ black belt and judo black belt, Professor Debra Arana, a BJJ black belt and certified fitness instructor, Coach Felix Deydish for weightlifting and martial arts, and Instructor Claudia Pagnoncelli Stephens, a professional ballerina and Pilates instructor. This diverse expertise allows the gym to provide comprehensive martial arts instruction alongside complementary fitness programs like Pilates. Members consistently describe the atmosphere as calm, motivating, and deeply positive, creating an environment where students feel genuinely welcomed and supported from their first class. The space serves as a family friendly facility where children can learn jiu jitsu while adults participate in Pilates sessions, making it a destination for whole family wellness. Instructors are praised for their ability to read the room, adapt classes seamlessly, and demonstrate movements with clarity while challenging students appropriately. The creative use of equipment adds variety to workouts, and the consistent focus on technique, safety, and individualized progression ensures exercises respect each person's body, limitations, and personal goals. Many members report life changing improvements including better sleep, relief from chronic pain, enhanced strength and flexibility, and increased body awareness after consistent training. The gym's holistic approach addresses both physical fitness and mental wellbeing, with members noting transformations in both body and mind. Professor OJ receives particular praise for his ability to connect with children in kids' jiu jitsu classes, teaching focus, discipline, confidence, and respect alongside technique. Meanwhile, Claudia's Pilates instruction is repeatedly highlighted for its personalized nature, attention to proper form, and ability to help students with specific conditions like sciatic nerve pain or post injury recovery.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Members consistently praise the welcoming, supportive atmosphere where they feel seen and comfortable from their first visit. They highlight exceptional personalized instruction, particularly from Claudia for Pilates and Professor OJ for kids' classes, noting how instructors adapt sessions to individual needs, goals, and fitness levels. Reviewers report significant physical improvements including pain relief, better sleep, increased strength and flexibility, and enhanced body awareness, with many describing life changing results. The family friendly environment allows both children and adults to train simultaneously, creating a space where whole families can thrive together through martial arts and complementary fitness programs.
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (5)
Vanessa Darthy
a month ago
From the very first class, I felt genuinely welcomed, supported, and comfortable. Claudia is without a doubt an exceptional instructor. She has an incredible ability to read the room, adapt the class seamlessly, demonstrate each movement with clarity, and challenge students with care. Her corrections are always gentle yet precise, and you truly feel seen and supported in her classes. Honestly, I wish I could be permanently enrolled in her sessions. The overall atmosphere is calm, motivating, and deeply positive. Claudia, along with the students in each class, creates a peaceful and encouraging energy that makes the experience both grounding and uplifting. Her creative use of equipment adds variety and depth to every session, while her constant attention to posture and individual needs reinforces a strong sense of safety and personalization. What truly sets her classes apart is the consistent focus on technique, safety, and individualized progression. Each exercise is thoughtfully adapted to respect your body, limitations, and personal goals. The variety of equipment allows for dynamic, ever-evolving workouts that build strength, flexibility, and body awareness without feeling repetitive. After just a few Pilates sessions, I experienced noticeable, life-changing improvements: better sleep, significant relief from lower back and calf pain caused by long hours of driving, and an overall feeling of being lighter, stronger, and healthier. I used to wake up in the middle of the night thinking my mattress was the problem, only to realize that my body simply needed the right care and guidance. After some months my life really changed with Pilates Claudia has positively transformed both my body and mind. If you feel tired, heavy, or disconnected from your body, I cannot recommend her classes highly enough
Sebastiana P Melo
2 months ago
Hi my name is Sebastiana, and I had a great experience with Claudia's pilates class, it was amazing for me as I suffer from chronic sciatic nerve pain. The session was great and I felt really good I highly recommend others to try it and keep consistent with her sessions.
Quick Grooming
a month ago
I’ve been training with Claudia in Pacifica and I can honestly say she is one of the best Pilates instructors I’ve worked with. She is extremely knowledgeable, patient, and pays close attention to proper form and technique. What I really appreciate is how she personalizes each session based on your goals and fitness level. The workouts are challenging but safe, and I’ve seen significant improvements in my strength, posture, and flexibility. If you’re looking for high-quality Pilates instruction in Pacifica, I highly recommend Claudia. You’ll be in great hands!
Adriana Felix
a month ago
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I am a student of Claudia, and I can confidently say she is an exceptional Pilates instructor. She is knowledgeable, professional, and incredibly attentive to detail. From day one, I felt supported and challenged in the best way. What truly sets Claudia apart is her ability to adapt each session to your individual needs. Whether you are a beginner, returning after an injury, or looking to build strength and tone your body, she knows exactly how to tailor the workout safely and effectively. Since training with her, I’ve improved my posture, core strength, flexibility, and overall body awareness. I feel stronger and more confident in my daily life. If you’re looking for personalized, high-quality Pilates with real results and a caring instructor who truly invests in her clients, Claudia is the one. Highly recommend!
Deixa nóis Contá
11 months ago
I’m all about movement, wellness, and being in spaces that truly lift you up. That’s exactly what I found at Thrive Jiu Jitsu School, and I couldn’t be more grateful! My daughter takes the kids Jiu Jitsu classes and absolutely loves it. Professor OJ has such an incredible way of connecting with the kids, he teaches so much more than just technique. She’s learning focus, discipline, confidence, and respect in every class. And while she’s on the mat, I’m in the Pilates classes, taking care of my own body and mind. The atmosphere is amazing, and the instructors are super knowledgeable and supportive. It’s my moment to recharge, move with intention, and feel strong from the inside out. Thrive is more than just a school, it’s a space for growth, for all ages. If you’re looking for a place where your whole family can thrive together, this is it.
Contact
215, Thrive Jiu-jitsu, 215 Rockaway Beach Ave Second Floor, Pacifica, CA 94044, USA
scheduleHours
Monday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 3:00 – 9:00 PM
Tuesday: 3:00 – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 3:00 – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 12:00 – 1:30 PM, 3:00 – 9:00 PM
Friday: 4:30 – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Sunday: Closed
groupCoaches & Instructors
Odilon "OJ" Domingues
Head Professor / Owner
5th Degree BJJ Black Belt, Black Belt in Judo
Born in Brazil, began jiu-jitsu at age 12. Trained at Ralph Gracie's academy and under Stan Kendrick and Master Waldomiro Perez Jr.
Debra Arana
Professor
BJJ Black Belt, Certified Group Fitness Instructor, Personal Trainer
Started training BJJ in 1999 with the Gracie team. Professional dancer for over 30 years. Certified in pole dance and Pilates.
Claudia Pagnoncelli Stephens
Instructor
Professional Ballerina, Pilates Instructor
Born in São Paulo, Brazil. Studied dance and Pilates professionally. Co-founded a wellness and health center in São Paulo.
Felix Deydish
Coach
Weightlifting and Martial Arts Coach
From Siberia, Russia. Began weightlifting training at age 8, earned a spot on the state youth team. Renowned in weightlifting and martial arts.