Shimeru Judo & Jiu Jitsu Club
Jiu Jitsu and Judo for Kids, Teens, and Adults in Lake Elsinore, CA
Shimeru Judo & Jiu Jitsu Club is a family-run martial arts academy in Lake Elsinore offering Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Judo, no-gi grappling, and wrestling for every age and every experience level. We serve students from Lake Elsinore, Menifee, Canyon Lake, Wildomar, and Murrieta — from four-year-olds taking their first steps on the mat to adults returning to training after decades away.
Whether you are a parent looking for a program that builds confidence and discipline, an adult looking to get in shape and learn real self-defense, or a competitor chasing your next belt, our three-level structured curriculum will meet you where you are and take you as far as you want to go.
Our Programs
We run six distinct programs grouped by age and discipline. Every program is structured around a clear curriculum, open to total beginners, and available to trial for a full week at no cost.
Young Kids Development Class (Ages 4–6)
Our youngest students build focus, coordination, and confidence through age-appropriate games, drills, and foundational jiu jitsu movements. No experience needed.
Kids Jiu Jitsu (Ages 7–13)
A structured three-level jiu jitsu program that teaches kids real grappling skills, self-defense, and the resilience that comes from training a combat sport in a safe, supportive environment.
Kids Judo
Olympic-style judo for kids — throws, takedowns, balance, and the time-honored etiquette of the dojo. A great complement to jiu jitsu or a standalone path.
Teen & Adult Jiu Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for teenagers and adults — gi, no-gi, and competition classes daily. Beginner-friendly fundamentals alongside advanced technique for experienced grapplers.
Teen & Adult Judo
Judo training for teens and adults led by instructors rooted in the Dooley judo family — one of the most respected judo lineages in the United States.
Teen & Adult Wrestling
A dedicated wrestling class on Friday evenings led by Coach Luis Robles, the award-winning head wrestling coach at Paloma Valley High School. Open to teens and adults of every level.
Adult Jiu Jitsu Basics: Our Cornerstone Beginner Program
New to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and wondering where to start? Our Adult Jiu Jitsu Basics program is the most structured beginner course in the Lake Elsinore area — built specifically for adults learning jiu jitsu for the first time or returning to the mat after years away.
The program runs in two 10-week cycles. One cycle takes you through the foundational positions of jiu jitsu; the other takes you through the specialized guards that define the modern game. One topic per week, every week, taught in a logical progression.
Every class goes beyond mat time. We break down the principles, goals, and strategies behind each position, hand out printed study guides, and include flowcharts that show exactly how each technique connects to the next. You do not just learn what to do — you understand why it works and when to apply it.
It is the single best entry point into jiu jitsu at Shimeru, and the reason so many of our longest-tenured adult members started here.
Why Shimeru
A Carlson Gracie Jiu Jitsu Team in Lake Elsinore
Shimeru is a proud member of the Carlson Gracie Jiu Jitsu Team, one of the most storied lineages in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Our head instructor trained directly under this lineage, and every jiu jitsu technique we teach — from a four-year-old's first day on the mat to the highest-level adult class — traces back to the same source. When you train at Shimeru, you are training authentic Carlson Gracie jiu jitsu, taught the way it was meant to be taught.
A Judo Family, Rooted in Tradition
Judo has been in the Dooley family for more than 60 years, beginning with the family patriarch, Jerry Dooley. He shared his love of the sport with his four children, who in turn shared it with theirs. Shimeru head coach Patrick Dooley is a third-generation judoka who began practicing at age nine when his father, Brian, introduced him to the mat. Today Patrick's son William has earned his yellow belt, solidifying the fourth generation of Dooley judokas — and the living judo lineage Patrick brings to every class he teaches at Shimeru.
What we offer at Shimeru is rare. Few academies anywhere can claim a single roof where kids and adults train Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Judo, no-gi grappling, and wrestling from authentic lineages — and fewer still pair that variety with a structured curriculum that carries students steadily from white belt to black belt. That combination is the reason families across Lake Elsinore and the surrounding cities have made Shimeru their home.
Meet Our Coaches
Six instructors lead the floor at Shimeru, with backgrounds spanning competitive jiu jitsu, national-level judo, no-gi grappling, women's self-defense, and high school wrestling. Every coach on our mat is here because they love the art and love teaching it.
Patrick Dooley — Head Instructor
Patrick founded Shimeru in September 2021, carrying forward a martial arts tradition that began three generations back in his own family. He holds a first-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and a second-degree black belt in Judo, with more than 30 years of training and 10 years of dedicated teaching experience. As a Carlson Gracie lineage jiu jitsu practitioner and a third-generation judoka rooted in the Dooley judo family, Patrick teaches both arts from their authentic sources.
Sammy Solis — Assistant Coach
Sammy brings five years of teaching experience to Shimeru as a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu brown belt and a Judo black belt. His dual background makes him a go-to instructor for students who want to understand how groundwork and throws fit together as a single grappling game.
Jose Jimenez — Assistant Coach & Head No-Gi Instructor
Jose holds the rare dual credential of a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt and a Judo black belt — a combination that shapes how he teaches no-gi grappling. As Shimeru's primary no-gi instructor, he brings a throws-aware, technically deep approach that gives students real tools for MMA-style training, submission grappling competition, or rounding out their standup game.
Bree Dooley — Assistant Coach
Bree has taught at Shimeru for five years and receives her Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt this December after a full decade of dedicated training. She leads our Friday women's class — a supportive, women-only environment where students at any level can learn jiu jitsu at their own pace.
Avie Barron — Assistant Coach
Avie brings seven years of teaching experience to Shimeru as a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu brown belt, with a particular talent for coaching kids. Patient, clear, and energetic on the mat, Avie is a favorite of both students and parents.
Luis Robles — Wrestling Coach
Coach Luis is the award-winning head wrestling coach at Paloma Valley High School. He leads our Teen & Adult Wrestling program on Friday evenings — bringing the same competitive edge and technical precision that has built one of the strongest high school wrestling programs in the region.
Training is a family tradition at Shimeru. Patrick is a third-generation judoka, and his wife Bree earns her Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt this December after a decade on the mat. Coach Jose and his wife are both jiu jitsu black belts, and their family has trained alongside him for more than ten years. Our coaches are not just instructors — they are families who live the art they teach.
What Our Community Says
We have built Shimeru one family at a time. Here is what some of our members say about training with us.
★★★★★
“Best Jiu Jitsu/Judo training gym in Riverside county. There is no better option. Coaches are all amazing and everyone is respectful.”
— leopardmaus
★★★★★
“I was immediately impressed by the warm and welcoming atmosphere. The coach took the time to speak with my daughter and I, making sure we felt comfortable and answering all of our questions in great detail. It’s clear that the gym is not only focused on skill development but also on creating a positive, supportive environment for all students.”
— Christina Noquez
★★★★★
“After changing gyms I can see how much value I really got at Shimeru in terms of developing my knowledge and skill in the sport. Night and day difference. From the professionalism, to the quality of knowledge taught, to the thought process behind the curriculum for development, to the culture in general. Absolutely phenomenal gym and outstanding people here, no question.”
— William Gomez
★★★★★
“Shimeru has been a tremendous blessing to our family. All three of our kids love the classes and training. The coaches here are the best I’ve seen and go out of their way to make sure the kids are getting the best training possible at a level that suits them.”
— Jerrad Schmittle
Weekly Schedule at a Glance
Young Kids (Ages 4–6): Mon / Wed / Fri · 4:00–4:50 PM
Kids (Ages 7–13): Mon–Fri · 5:00–5:50 PM (Level 3 extended: Mon / Wed, 4:00–5:50 PM)
Adult Jiu Jitsu: Daily · 5:00 AM (T/Th), 9:00 AM (M/W/F), 6:00 PM & 6:45 PM (M–F), 7:30 PM (T/Th)
Adult Judo: Mon–Thu · 7:30 PM
Women's Class with Coach Bree: Fridays · 4:00 PM
Teen & Adult Wrestling with Coach Luis: Fridays · 5:00 PM
Our adult jiu jitsu schedule includes gi, no-gi, competition, basics, and standard classes — visit the full schedule for details on which class runs when.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you teach at Shimeru?
We teach Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (gi and no-gi), Olympic-style Judo, and wrestling. All three are grappling arts — meaning they focus on controlling an opponent through throws, takedowns, pins, and submissions rather than striking — and they reinforce one another. Students are welcome to train one art or combine them.
What is the difference between jiu jitsu and judo?
Broadly: judo focuses on throws and takedowns with some groundwork, while Brazilian Jiu Jitsu focuses on groundwork — positional control and submissions — with some standup. They share historical roots and reinforce each other. Many of our members train both and find the combination makes them more complete grapplers.
Do I need any experience or athletic background to start?
No. The large majority of our members started with zero martial arts experience. Our curriculum is designed specifically to take a complete beginner through a structured, progressive path. You do not need to be in shape, flexible, or young. You just need to show up.
What is the Adult Jiu Jitsu Basics program?
Our Adult Jiu Jitsu Basics program is a structured beginner course built specifically for adults learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for the first time (or returning after years away). It runs in two 10-week cycles — one focused on foundational positions, the other on specialized guards — with one topic per week, printed study guides, and flowcharts that map how each technique connects to the next. It is the cornerstone of our adult program. Learn more here.
How much do classes cost?
Our membership pricing is kept simple and transparent. Full pricing is available on our Memberships page. We do not do pressure sales or long-term contracts.
What is the free week trial?
Every new student — kid or adult — gets a full week of unlimited classes at no cost and no obligation. You can attend any class that fits your schedule during that week. If you decide Shimeru is not for you, you walk away with nothing owed.
Do you offer no-gi jiu jitsu?
Yes. Our no-gi classes are led by Coach Jose — a dual black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Judo — who brings a technical, throws-aware approach to no-gi grappling. No-gi is excellent for members interested in MMA-style training, submission grappling competition, or a faster-paced alternative to gi classes.
Is there a women's class?
Yes. Coach Bree leads a dedicated women's jiu jitsu class on Fridays at 4:00 PM — open to all levels, including complete beginners. It is a great starting point for women who want to learn jiu jitsu in a women-only setting before (or alongside) joining mixed classes.
Do you offer wrestling?
Yes. Our Teen & Adult Wrestling class runs Fridays at 5:00 PM and is led by Coach Luis Robles, head wrestling coach at Paloma Valley High School. It is open to everyone — current wrestlers looking for extra mat time, jiu jitsu students who want to sharpen their takedowns, and complete beginners to the sport.
Is Shimeru beginner-friendly?
Yes, by design. Every class includes drills and instruction appropriate for newer students, and our coaches are experienced at meeting people where they are. You will not walk into a class and be expected to spar on day one — we build you up.
Ready to Step on the Mat?
The hardest part of starting jiu jitsu or judo is walking through the door the first time. Book your free week, come meet the team, and see for yourself why families across Lake Elsinore, Menifee, Canyon Lake, Wildomar, and Murrieta have made Shimeru their home.
Shimeru Judo & Jiu Jitsu Club · 17600 Collier Ave, Suite A-111, Lake Elsinore, CA 92530 · (951) 400-5456
Interested in Shimeru?
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- The Shimeru Team
