Welcome To cave academy

We offer Gi and No-Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes in Pacifica, California. Our martial arts academy helps beginner to advanced kids and adults build useful skills, stronger character, fitter bodies, and lifelong friendships.

Find Your Community

Join a supportive and diverse family of grapplers where beginners feel welcome, parents feel confident, and everyone is dedicated to helping each other grow.

Find Your Community

Join a supportive and diverse family of grapplers where beginners feel welcome, parents feel confident, and everyone is dedicated to helping each other grow.

Find Your Community

Join a supportive and diverse family of grapplers where beginners feel welcome, parents feel confident, and everyone is dedicated to helping each other grow.

Find Your Community

Join a supportive and diverse family of grapplers where beginners feel welcome, parents feel confident, and everyone is dedicated to helping each other grow.

World-Class Instruction & Coaching

Mike Murrell is a 2nd degree BJJ & Judo black belt who has trained with the best of the best and "Papa" Frankie Nuñez is a 4th degree Ralph Gracie BJJ black belt.

World-Class Instruction & Coaching

Mike Murrell is a 2nd degree BJJ & Judo black belt who has trained with the best of the best and "Papa" Frankie Nuñez is a 4th degree Ralph Gracie BJJ black belt.

World-Class Instruction & Coaching

Mike Murrell is a 2nd degree BJJ & Judo black belt who has trained with the best of the best and "Papa" Frankie Nuñez is a 4th degree Ralph Gracie BJJ black belt.

World-Class Instruction & Coaching

Mike Murrell is a 2nd degree BJJ & Judo black belt who has trained with the best of the best and "Papa" Frankie Nuñez is a 4th degree Ralph Gracie BJJ black belt.

Unmatched, Premium Facilities

Train on over 2,400 sq. ft. of premium mat space, then accelerate your recovery in our infrared sauna, cold plunge, and full weight room.

Unmatched, Premium Facilities

Train on over 2,400 sq. ft. of premium mat space, then accelerate your recovery in our infrared sauna, cold plunge, and full weight room.

Unmatched, Premium Facilities

Train on over 2,400 sq. ft. of premium mat space, then accelerate your recovery in our infrared sauna, cold plunge, and full weight room.

Unmatched, Premium Facilities

Train on over 2,400 sq. ft. of premium mat space, then accelerate your recovery in our infrared sauna, cold plunge, and full weight room.

From Ages 4-8 & 8-13

Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Classes

At Cave Academy, your child learns directly from BJJ & Judo black belt Sensei Mike, who has over 20 years of experience teaching kids. Our classes blend self-defense, character development, and fun, game-based learning to ensure your child grows, has a great time, and goes home happy.

From beginner to advanced

Adults Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Classes

Whether your goal is fitness, self-defense, or competition, our programs led by renowned black belts Mike Murrell and "Papa" Frank Nuñez are designed for you. With daily Gi and No-Gi classes and premium recovery amenities like our sauna and ice bath, Cave Academy is where you evolve your game and find your family.

Our Instructors

Our world-class instruction is the foundation of our academy, led by a team dedicated to your growth.

Founder & Head Instructor

Michael "Mike" Murrell

A lifetime student of the art, Mike is known for his deep technical knowledge and his ability to teach modern, evolving Jiu-Jitsu systems in a way that's clear and effective for everyone.

2nd Degree BJJ Black Belt

judo Black Belt

Head Gi Instructor

Frank "Papa" Nuñez

A 4th Degree Black Belt under the legendary Ralph Gracie, "Papa" Frank is the heart of our academy. His passion and welcoming personality are central to our supportive, family-like community.

4th Degree BJJ Black Belt

Meet our members

We've grown into a thriving martial arts community thanks to the continued support of the amazing people who train with us.

Steve S.

Yelp

Even as a complete beginner (8 months of training), I am completely comfortable and confident when I step on the mat because of Mike. I've learned more in a single class at Cave than a month any other gyms.

No matter the stage you are in, you can come in and learn

I highly recommend Cave Academy. You won't regret it! Drop in or join an open mat session. You'll get your money's worth.

Ben Kovacs

Facebook

Extremely impressed with both the instruction and Facility at the Cave Academy after training there last night. I've trained BJJ for 11 years and seen a lot of gyms. If I lived in Pacifica this would be my home for sure.

Ben Longcor

Google

Cave is truly a phenomenal facility. There are many world class black belts teaching, it's friendly to the hobbyist or competitor, everyone is very welcoming, and it's CLEAN. The space is well laid out, and there are ample amenities: a dry sauna, showers, an ice bath, even laundry facilities. It's an absolute pleasure to train here.

Brandon Aubrey

Google

The cave is a hidden gem in Pacifica. Truly one of the best BJJ gyms in the bay area. Head instructors Mike and Papa Frank are extremely talented at not just BJJ but also teaching and explaining techniques. The owner has put a lot of hard work in to make sure the gym in a great environment for everyone to feel comfortable and welcomed, and encourages other gyms to come in for the free open mat every Friday. Mike is also a great mentor to the kids classes which happen right before the adult classes. Would highly recommend taking a trial class here so you can see for yourself.

Eric Wafer

Facebook

Mike is an outstanding teacher of BJJ. His lessons are built on top of each other, so if you don’t get the first one, you can pick up on the second go around. Top tier.

Christian C.

Yelp

I've been to many gyms MMA and BJJ ... this is definitely number one in my books for Brazilian jiu jitsu. Coach Mike and the team are the best. The guys and girls are very supportive and make training and learning fun. I wish I could've stayed, only had to leave due to moving out of the area. If you wanna learn no gi, gi, or even wrestling this is your spot !! 10/10 recommend . ossss

Chunyan Song

Google

I love the community of Cave Academy. It feels like a tight knit family. Absolutely warm and positive vibe here. The facility is spacious, clean and nice. I felt right at home as a beginner.

Ahline C.

Yelp

My 6yo son started Cave Academy last summer and it has been a challenging but also rewarding experience for him. Sensei Mike is a wonderful instructor. He is patient and supportive, always encouraging the students to be the best they can be. I feel comfortable knowing that Sensei Mike instills important attributes in his students such as respect, confidence and perseverance which are wonderful life skills to obtain. If you're looking for a family oriented, welcoming, safe and fun training environment then Cave Academy is definitely the place for you or your family.

Veronica Escareno

Facebook

My son was a little nervous and unsure about the idea in his first couple of classes but that quickly changed. He loves going and has fun at every class. It has definitely raised his confidence level, especially approaching other kids and making friends. Sensei Mike is awesome! The Cave is a great fit for us!