Humboldt Jiu Jitsu Review: Training in Arcata, California
While staying in Trinidad to explore Redwood National and State Parks, our girls trained at Humboldt Jiu Jitsu in Arcata, California, throughout the week.
Eli also joined an adult class, so we were able to get a feel for both the kids’ and adult programs.
Overall, we had a really positive experience.
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Kids’ Classes
Our girls were nine and eleven when we visited, so they trained in different youth groups.
The younger class was roughly ages 5–9, while the older group was around 10–14. On Fridays, the groups trained together.
They offered both gi and no-gi classes.
Professor Jack Baird was great with the kids, and both girls enjoyed training there.
Competition Level
Humboldt wasn’t one of the most competition-heavy youth rooms we’ve visited while traveling. They did have some competitive kids but it didn’t seem like it was something the gym as a whole prioritized.
If you’re specifically searching for a room packed with high-level competition, this probably wouldn’t rank among our most competitive stops.
But the instruction was good, the kids got quality training and the atmosphere was very welcoming.
For a traveling family dropping into an unfamiliar gym, it worked really well for us.
Adult Training
Eli also joined an adult no-gi class while we were there.
He got some really good rounds in and enjoyed the training, which gave us a positive impression of the adult program as well.
Gym Atmosphere
The gym was smaller, clean and friendly.
Everyone we interacted with was welcoming, which always makes a big difference when you’re walking into a gym as a visitor.
There was a marijuana dispensary nearby, and we could sometimes smell marijuana while walking into practice. We personally didn’t like that, especially with the kids, but it had nothing to do with Humboldt Jiu Jitsu itself.
Once inside the gym, we had no concerns.
More Than Just Training
One of the best parts of our experience came from the people we met there.
We became friends with another family whose kids trained at the gym, and we got to meet up at a park outside of training. It is so nice getting to spend time with local families.
That’s one of my favorite things about training while traveling.
Sometimes we walk into a gym just looking for a place for the kids to practice and leave having made friends we end up seeing again.
Would We Train Here Again?
Yes.
Humboldt Jiu Jitsu gave our girls a good place to continue training while we were on the Redwood Coast. Professor Jack Baird was great with the kids, Eli enjoyed the adult class and the gym was clean and welcoming.
It wasn’t the most competitive room we’ve visited, but it was a good training environment and a very positive stop for our family.
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