Business Details
Your Premier Martial Arts Academy in Riverside
Marcellini's Martial Arts has dedicated over three decades to empowering individuals through authentic martial arts instruction. Founded by Sam Marcellini, a black belt under Royce Gracie and certified instructor under Rob Kaman, our academy combines 35+ years of expertise with direct training from martial arts legends. We specialize in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai Kickboxing, and practical self-defense techniques, emphasizing safety, character development, and real-world application.Our programs cater to all ages and skill levels, from children's classes fostering discipline to adult fitness-focused sessions. With a commitment to community impact, we've served over 9,000 members while maintaining a supportive environment that prioritizes technical proficiency and personal growth. Our unique lineage and focus on functional self-defense distinguish us as Riverside's premier martial arts training facility.
Services
Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Adult Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Muay Thai Kickboxing
Women's Self-Defense
Free Trial Classes
Highlights and features
- 35+ years of martial arts instruction from a Royce Gracie black belt
- Direct training lineage from Gracie Jiu-Jitsu co-founder Helio Gracie
- Proven safety record with structured, age-appropriate training programs
- Expert instruction in both grappling and striking disciplines
- Community-focused academy serving over 9,000 members since 1994
What people say
Highly skilled instructors
Safe and welcoming environment
Empowering for all ages
Expert training lineage
Positive community impact
Services
Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Structured martial arts training for children ages 3+. Develops focus, discipline, and respect through age-appropriate drills and technical instruction. Combines physical fitness with character development, teaching teamwork and confidence in a safe, supportive environment.
Adult Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Authentic Gracie Jiu-Jitsu instruction for self-defense and fitness. Covers ground fighting techniques, positional control, and escape strategies. Suitable for all experience levels with emphasis on practical application and technical proficiency.
Muay Thai Kickboxing
High-intensity striking program using punches, kicks, knees, and elbows. Focuses on cardiovascular conditioning, coordination, and practical self-defense applications. Incorporates traditional Mejiro Gym training methods developed by Muay Thai legends.
Women's Self-Defense
Practical self-defense program combining Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with situational awareness. Teaches boundary setting, escape techniques, and defense against larger attackers. Includes real-world scenario training and safety awareness education.
People
Sam Marcellini
Chief Instructor
35+ year martial arts expert with five black belts, including being the second Royce Gracie black belt in California. Trained directly with Gracie family and Muay Thai legend Rob Kaman. Specializes in practical self-defense instruction for all ages.
Questions
What martial arts classes do you offer?
We offer Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai Kickboxing, and Women's Self-Defense programs for all ages and skill levels, focusing on practical self-defense applications.
Who teaches the classes?
All classes are taught by Sam Marcellini, a black belt under Royce Gracie and certified instructor by Muay Thai legend Rob Kaman with 35+ years of experience.
Is this suitable for beginners?
Yes, our programs welcome all experience levels. Beginners receive personalized instruction in a supportive environment with structured progression paths.
How does your self-defense training differ from sport Jiu-Jitsu?
Our training focuses on real-world scenarios, de-escalation techniques, and practical applications rather than competition-specific moves.
Do you offer children's programs?
Yes, we have age-specific BJJ classes for children starting at age 3 that emphasize character development alongside martial arts skills.
What makes your academy unique?
Our direct lineage from Gracie Jiu-Jitsu founders combined with Muay Thai expertise creates a comprehensive self-defense system unavailable elsewhere in the region.
