The Flow Institute · San Pedro, CA
World-class jiu-jitsu in San Pedro. No experience necessary — beginners welcome. Your first evaluation class is completely free.
Someone from TFI San Pedro will call you within a few hours to confirm your class and answer any questions. We look forward to meeting you.
The TFI standard
Most people walk in for confidence, fitness, or self-defense. They stay for who they become on the mat.
World-class jiu-jitsu in San Pedro, welcoming members with anywhere from 0 to 10+ years of experience.
"I love the community and the gym. Sensei Brian is an amazing instructor, along with the many black belts who teach here. Highly recommend — especially for women. The community is very welcoming, and white belts are more than welcome."
"I can't say enough about The Flow Institute in San Pedro. Sensei Brian has built something truly special. As a veteran-owned academy, the values of discipline, respect, integrity, and community are held to a high standard. Jiu-jitsu brought me peace when I was looking for an outlet, and what started as an escape became a journey of personal growth. The support, encouragement, and friendships here are things I'll always cherish. Regardless of age or experience, come give it a shot."
"Veteran-owned and operated, with a warm welcome to anyone interested in self-defense and combat sports. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a jiu-jitsu gym to call home or drop in. Just check your ego at the door — because you'll be treated like family. As an active-duty service member, dropping in had the camaraderie of being with my platoon. A truly family-oriented spot."
Why The Flow Institute
Month to month. We keep members because they want to be here — not because they signed something.
Total beginners learn fast in a structured room. Experienced grapplers find high-level coaching and strong partners.
World-class instruction and a genuine, close-knit community in San Pedro.
Every class follows Xande Ribeiro's proven curriculum — taught to one standard on every mat so you always know what to work on.
Led by Professor Brian Mendez, 3rd-degree black belt under Xande Ribeiro. A world-class instructor who has built a tight-knit academy grounded in discipline, respect, and community.
You will know names by your second week. Most members say the room is the reason they stayed.
What jiu-jitsu gives you
Adults rarely come to jiu jitsu for exercise alone. They come for something that asks all of them — and gives back more than they expected.
Practical skill built on leverage and technique — not size or strength.
The calm of knowing you can handle yourself follows you off the mat.
Strength, conditioning and mobility — without it ever feeling like a chore.
Chess-like problem solving that quiets everything else going on in your life.
All ages and sizes — sustainable for decades. Start exactly where you are.
An hour where you are fully present. People leave lighter every time.
Who you will train with
Our instructors are part of the Xande Ribeiro lineage — one of the most decorated in the history of jiu-jitsu.
Head instructor at TFI San Pedro. 3rd-degree black belt under Xande Ribeiro. A world-class instructor who leads with discipline, respect, and community.
1st-degree black belt under Brian Mendez. A dedicated instructor who brings precision and patience to every class.
Brown belt under Brian Mendez. Known for breaking down technique in a way anyone can absorb, and for making new students feel at home.
Find us
Brazilian jiu jitsu serving San Pedro, Long Beach, Wilmington, Rancho Palos Verdes, and the South Bay.
Class schedule
Full weekly schedule. Book your free evaluation above — walk-ins welcome based on availability.
Questions, answered
No experience, no contract, no pressure. Book it in 30 seconds and come see what you are capable of.
Book a free evaluation class →