September News
Our Community Partnerships
This year, we’re thrilled to spotlight one of our standout partnerships with The Collective. For the first time, students at OB Elementary will have the opportunity to train in a professional martial arts gym, thanks to The Collective’s generosity in welcoming our instructors and students into their state-of-the-art facility! In past years, Mai Tera classes have been held on school grounds, with our instructors bringing mats to the school. This year, however, the new collaboration bridges the gap between traditional after-school care and a real martial arts gym experience. By training at The Collective, our students get a special, hands-on introduction to what a true martial arts environment is like; something many of them might never have the chance to experience otherwise.
This partnership not only provides a safe, professional space for students to develop their skills, but it also strengthens the connection between Mai Tera and the wider martial arts community. We’re beyond grateful to The Collective for supporting our mission and making this opportunity possible for our young athletes.
Meet the Collective
Just off Newport Ave, nestled in the heart of OB, The Jiu Jitsu Collective opened its doors on March 31st, and it’s already becoming something special. The gym is the brainchild of Alina Grayeske and Andres Cervantes, both lifelong jiu jitsu practitioners and proud Ocean Beach locals. Their motto? “Never Leave OB for Jiu Jitsu.” And they mean it.
Andres, a black belt under the legendary Andre Galvão, brings a fresh and modern take to the mats. He leads both Gi and No-Gi classes using what's called the ecological approach, which is a newer, more interactive way of teaching martial arts that focuses on movement, problem-solving, and real-world scenarios rather than memorizing techniques. It’s engaging, it’s challenging, and it’s catching on quickly. The Collective came together in just a few short weeks with a lot of hustle and a lot of love from the OB community. Inside, the space feels more like an art studio than a typical gym. The walls are lined with work from local artists, and sunlight pours onto clean green mats, giving the whole place a calm, focused vibe. It’s welcoming, it’s peaceful, and it feels like Ocean Beach.
Classes run six days a week, with offerings for both adults and kids. In addition to jiu jitsu, they’ve recently added Muay Thai on Tuesday and Thursday nights, and once a month, they host a free Women’s Self-Defense class that’s open to the community (check Eventbrite for dates). Whether you're a seasoned martial artist or just curious about trying something new, The Collective is the kind of place that makes you feel like you belong. If you’re local, or just love the idea of training steps from the beach, come check it out. The doors are open.
