Why Jaco Jiu Jitsu?

world class Jiu Jitsu, Muy Thai, and mma in Jacó, Costa Rica:

Welcome to Jaco Jiu-Jitsu,  the top destination for Jiu Jitsu in Jacó, Costa Rica, and a complete training experience offering Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), Muy Thai, MMA instruction, group classes, and private coaching in one of the most unique gyms in the world.

This is jiu jitsu in paradise. Train on our private rooftop academy overlooking Jacó Beach, where a cool coastal breeze rolls across the mats and the Pacific delivers unmatched sunrise and sunset views. Whether you’re searching for jiu-jitsu near me in Jacó, BJJ Costa Rica, Muy Thai Jacó, or MMA training in Costa Rica, this is where serious training meets an unforgettable environment.

Black Belt Level INSTRUCTION IN JIU-JITSU, MUAY THAI & MMA

Founded by Professor J.P. Donahue, the team of coaches at Jaco Jiu-Jitsu deliver elite-level training with 60+ years of experience coaching across multiple disciplines:

  • Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Gi & No-Gi)

  • Muy Thai striking & conditioning

  • MMA training & fight strategy

  • Private lessons & competition prep

  • Ashtanga Yoga for recovery, balance, breathing, flexibility, and mental conditioning

  • Group classes for all levels

  • Open mat sessions

J.P. Donahue is a 3rd-degree black belt and 4x Pan American Champion, offering some of the highest-level jiu-jitsu instruction in Costa Rica.

His lineage traces directly to one of the most dominant roots in the sport:
Carlson Gracie → Murilo Bustamante → Marcelo Perdomo → J.P. Donahue

This is as close to the source as it gets in Costa Rica.

TRAIN YOUR WAY: PRIVATE COACHING + GROUP CLASSES

Jaco Jiu-Jitsu is built for serious learning and real progression:

  • Private training by appointment for maximum focus, safety, and accelerated improvement

  • Group classes for community, live rounds, and shared progression

  • Muay Thai and MMA sessions to round out your striking, conditioning, and fight IQ

  • Open mat for drilling, sparring, and flow

Whether you're a complete beginner, a traveling athlete, or a competitive fighter, you’ll find the right structure to level up.

FUNDAMENTALS FIRST. COMPETITION READY.

Professor Donahue brings a rare combination:

  • High-level competition experience

  • Advanced game planning & strategy

  • Deep emphasis on fundamentals

From your first class to black belt, the philosophy is simple:
Master the basics. Build a system. Execute under pressure.

JIU JITSU IN JACÓ BEACH IS UNLIKE ANYWHERE ELSE

There are plenty of places to train. There is only one place like this.

  • Steps from Jacó Beach, Costa Rica

  • Private rooftop training space

  • Ocean views in every direction

  • Surf, yoga, and recovery all within minutes

You don’t just train here — you live the lifestyle.

LIVE AND TRAIN AT JACO JIU JITSU

Jaco Jiu Jitsu’s rooftop raining facility on Calle Morales is also one Jaco’s best Airbnb locations. With 7 beautiful units available available, live where you train, steps from the sand and Jaco Central. Hit us up on WhatsApp and we’ll send the Airbnb link for booking. And if our location is booked, we can hook you up with everything from a beachfront mansion on South Jaco Beach to a beautiful room at Hotel Ibiza, in the heart of Jaco’s thriving nightlife. If you’re on budget, don’t sweat it. Jaco also has a bunch of cool hostels with authentic Costa Riucan flavor, so Jaco Jiu Jitsu can accommodate travelers on any budget.

JACO JIU JITSU: THE BEST JIU JITSU ACADEMY IN JACÓ

If you’re searching for:

  • Jiu-jitsu Jacó Costa Rica

  • BJJ Jacó Beach

  • Muy Thai Jacó

  • MMA gym Costa Rica

  • Private jiu-jitsu lessons Jacó

You’ve found it.

Jaco Jiu Jitsu is jiu-jitsu in paradise. The ultimate Jiu Jitsu Vacation.

Book your private session or group class today and experience why this is the #1 destination for Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and MMA in Jacó, Costa Rica.


Two male Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitors in black gis walking off the mat, one with a yellow belt, accompanied by a referee in a suit raising the hand of the competitor with the longer beard, indicating he is the winner. The audience is seated in the background at an indoor sports arena.
Train With Us!
Two muscular men standing barefoot on a mat on a balcony, wearing boxing gloves and shorts. One man is shirtless with black shorts, holding up fists, the other man is wearing a black t-shirt and shorts, holding his boxing gloves near his chest. The background shows a blue sky, green trees, and some residential buildings.

About Molly The Red Heeler:

A tan dog with white markings on its face, lying on black sand with a relaxed expression and tongue slightly out. In the background, there are green palm trees and clear blue sky.

Professor Molly’s has a 4th-degree black belt in happiness, and teaches everyone she meets that every day is the best day.

But that’s not the only reason she’s the real star of Jaco Jiu Jitsu.

We’ve all seen so many Jiu-Jitsu logos with snarling pit bulls, but is that really the spirit of Jiu Jitsu?

The Cattle Dog weighs 50 pounds and faces down 2,000-pound bulls. The Cattle Dog does it with courage, strategy, and technique. 

The Cattle Dog proves it’s not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog.

That’s the real spirit of Jiu Jitsu, and that’s why Molly’s the star of the show.

Four men in boxing gear and shorts posing on a balcony with a city view at sunset.
A martial arts scene with two men involved in a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu match on a blue mat. One man is kneeling on the ground, looking down, while the other man is standing, pointing in a specific direction. The background shows a sign with the logo 'IBJJF' and several spectators and officials observing the match.
Three people sitting on a gym mat outdoors, smiling and showing muscle poses, with a blue sky and house in the background.
Two martial artists practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu on blue mats in a gym, with a person in black gi executing a submission move on a person in a blue gi, while others watch and smile in the background.