Best Martial Arts
South Bay Jiu Jitsu
Former Mira Costa High wrestler Bob Bass with his instructors at South Bay Jiu Jitsu. Photo
Recognized as one of Southern California’s premiere fight studios, South Bay Jiu Jitsu has built a solid reputation by creating a unique methodology that focuses on developing technique and athleticism from Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competitors to professional MMA fighters to the recreational athlete.
Head Instructor Bob Bass is former Mira Costa High School wrestler who became a Pan-American Champion in jiu jitsu and the first American Black Belt under the Machado Brothers. Bass is one of the members of the “Dirty Dozen” — the first 12 non-Brazilian recipients of the Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
“Even though I grew up in Manhattan Beach, I was not a rich kid,” Bass said. “The Machado brothers trained me for free and I want to make learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu affordable for kids in the South Bay. I realize jiu jitsu is not for everybody but many that give it a try become hooked. No matter what age, it’s a great discipline for people to learn in order to protect themselves. Most fights start standing up but finish on the ground.”
Hermosa Beach native Sean “The Destroyer” Loeffler, a professional MMA fighter and KOTC veteran, is the head Mixed Martial Arts trainer and joins Rick Williams, Tony Hua, Kristian Riegler, Rosaldo Abastillas, Sonny Michaels, Jason LeSage and Eddie Martinez on the instructional staff at South Bay Jiu Jitsu.
South Bay Jiu Jitsu: 325 Pacific Coast Hwy., Hermosa Beach. (310) 318-8960. southbayjiujitsu.wordpress.com
Runner-up: Manhattan Beach Karate and Yoga, 350 N. Sepulveda Blvd. #3, Manhattan Beach; 3207 Manhattan Ave. @ Longfellow, Hermosa Beach. (310) 467-4723.