Coachella Valley Judo and BJJ
A trusted martial arts school in Palm Desert since 1987, offering judo and BJJ for all ages and levels.
Coachella Valley Judo and BJJ is located at 75150 Sheryl Ave, Palm Desert, CA 92211, United States of America. Coachella Valley Judo and BJJ has provided high-quality martial arts instruction since 1987. Glen Heggstad founded the club with a vision of creating a safe, family-friendly environment for learning.
Over the decades, the club has grown into a respected center for both judo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in the Palm Desert community.
Its legacy is built on strong leadership and deep martial arts roots.
Today, the club is led by Anthony Mantanona, a 3rd degree black belt in both Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Judo.
He shares instructional duties with Daniel McCown, who also holds a 3rd degree black belt in both disciplines.
Both instructors trained under Glen Heggstad and Cleber Luciano, ensuring a direct lineage to respected martial arts traditions.
Their expertise shapes a curriculum that emphasizes technical precision, safety, and personal growth.
The club offers structured training for practitioners of all levels.
Beginners receive a welcoming introduction through a complimentary first class, allowing new students to experience the program risk-free.
This approach lowers barriers to entry and encourages community engagement.
Whether participants seek self-defense skills, physical fitness, or competitive development, the club supports diverse goals.
A dedicated Women only jiu-jitsu class takes place on Fridays from 4:30 pm to 5:45 pm.
This program provides a supportive space for female judoka to train, build confidence, and develop technical proficiency.
The class reflects the club’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility across different demographics.
Training at Coachella Valley Judo and BJJ emphasizes discipline, respect, and continuous improvement.
Members progress through the traditional belt system, guided by experienced black belt instructors.
The club fosters a close-knit community where members support one another in both training and personal development.
Its long-standing presence and consistent leadership make it a cornerstone of martial arts in the region.
Coachella Valley Judo and BJJ in Palm Desert has earned a 4.9/5 rating from 48 reviewers, who consistently praise its welcoming atmosphere and high-level instruction.
The gym is led by instructors Dan and Anthony, who are described as knowledgeable, caring, and skilled in both judo and BJJ, with many noting their effective teaching methods and deep grappling expertise.
Families and adult students alike highlight the strong sense of community, with multiple reviewers calling it a second home and emphasizing the respect, discipline, and support fostered on and off the mat.
Visiting grapplers report warm welcomes during drop-ins, with several noting the presence of numerous black belts and high-caliber rolling, while class structure is praised for its balance of warmups, technique, and live drilling.
Though one reviewer mentioned a $30 drop-in fee as higher than typical, others were not charged, and many emphasized they would return without hesitation when visiting the area.
The gym is highly recommended for all levels, from beginners to competitors, and is frequently called the best training environment in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Photo sourced from the club's public listing.
Drag or zoom to explore the area.
Address
75150 Sheryl Ave, Palm Desert, CA 92211
United States of America
Phone
Website
