Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in San Francisco
No-Gi Fundamentals for Real-World Training
Learn no-gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu fundamentals under a black belt from our partners at Romulo Melo BJJ—built for control, confidence, and real-world application.
Our Approach to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program emphasizes strong fundamentals. It’s a no-gi program, led by our partners at Romulo Melo BJJ, and grounded in thoughtful, experienced, technical instruction.
At its core, this is sport Jiu-Jitsu. You’ll learn positions, escapes, and submissions the right way.
But we don’t stop there.
We consistently connect what you’re learning to self-defense:
• When staying on the ground makes sense
• When it doesn’t
• How to get up safely
• How to manage strikes and real-world variables
And we integrate those concepts into our broader Krav Maga self-defense system. So you’re not just learning Jiu-Jitsu. You’re learning how to use it.
What You’ll Learn
Fundamental Positions
Understand guard, mount, side control, and back control from day one.
Escapes & Survival
Get out of bad positions and stay calm under pressure.
Submissions
Learn chokes and joint locks with control and precision.
Stand Up & Get Up
Know when to disengage and how to safely return to your feet.
Led by Romulo Melo BJJ
Our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program is led day-to-day by Coach Evandro Bomba, a black belt at our official BJJ partners at Romulo Melo BJJ.
Evandro runs the fundamentals program with a focus on technique, strong foundations, pressure and real progress over time.
Romulo Melo himself visits regularly to provide guidance, support, and oversight—helping ensure the quality and direction of the program stays aligned with one of the Bay Area’s most respected BJJ teams.
You’re not just learning moves. You’re learning within a system.
Where BJJ Fits in Real Self-Defense
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (and grappling, more generally) is one piece of the broader self-defense problem.
It’s incredibly effective for control, positional dominance, and surviving on the ground.
But real-world situations aren’t one-dimensional.
At Forge, we connect BJJ with our broader self-defense program:
• Krav Maga (threat response and decision-making)
• Striking (what happens before the clinch)
• Clinch work (how fights actually transition)
So you understand not just how to grapple—but when it makes sense to.
Who This Is For
Whether you’re brand new or already training, this program meets you where you are.
• Complete beginners learning Jiu-Jitsu for the first time
• Strikers adding ground skills to their game
• Experienced grapplers looking to sharpen fundamentals
• Anyone training for real-world self-defense
Different backgrounds. Different experience levels. Same focus on clean technique and real progress.
Start today
Try two classes. No commitment. See if it’s for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need experience?
No. Most people start with zero experience. The program is built around fundamentals.
Is this gi or no-gi?
This is a no-gi program. You can start with standard workout clothes, though we strongly prefer a rashguard and spats.
Is this sport BJJ or self-defense?
The foundation is sport Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. But we consistently connect it to real-world self-defense and integrate it into our broader Krav Maga system.
Who teaches the classes?
Classes are led by Coach Evandro Bomba, a black belt under Romulo Melo.
Romulo visits regularly to provide guidance and oversight.
Do I need to be in shape?
No. You’ll build that over time. Just show up and start.
What should I wear?
Workout clothes to start, though we strongly prefer a rashguard and spats). We’ll guide you from there.