Cal Poly grad-founded martial arts gym celebrates 15 years — and a brand new SLO location
2024 marked an important year for Paragon Brazilian Jiu Jitsu: Not only was the academy celebrating its 15-year anniversary, but it also celebrated the opening of a brand new San Luis Obispo location at 872 Foothill Blvd.
Owners Chris and Mallory Lovato said the expansion of Paragon allows them to make the martial art more available to a whole range of new potential trainees.
“We want to make jiu-jitsu more accessible to more people,” Mallory Lovato said. “We want more people training in jiu-jitsu.”
“It is great for people in all areas of life,” Chris Lovato added.
The new Foothill Boulevard location officially opened Jan. 1, making it the pair’s fifth location serving San Luis Obispo County. Its other locations are 235 Tank Farm Road in San Luis Obispo, 1420 E. Grand Ave. in Arroyo Grande, 8665 El Camino Real in Atascadero and 1171 Creston Road in Paso Robles.
For Chris Lovato, who graduated from Cal Poly with a degree in civil engineering, the desire to open local Brazilian jiu-jitsu academies came after noticing a lack of opportunities for training in the area.
Prior to opening the studios, Chris Lovato, who had years of martial arts and wrestling experience, spent a lot of his time traveling to Santa Cruz to train monthly.
“I thought it would be a great idea if I could open a school here in San Luis Obispo and avoid the travel,” Chris Lovato said.
‘Something for everyone.’ SLO County gym offers classes for everyone
According to Chris Lovato, Paragon’s jiu-jitsu classes are offered for adults of all ages and kids age 4 and up.
Classes are offered at a variety of skill levels with some students at beginner levels and some at advanced levels.
“We have young children and we even have members in their seventies as well,” Chris Lovato said. “We’re very family friendly and have something for everyone.”
In addition to jiu-jitsu classes, Paragon also offers classes and training in Muay Thai.
For people on the fence about becoming members, the academy welcomes everybody to do a free trial class. All they ask is that people show up in workout clothes 10 minutes early where they will be greeted at the gym by an instructor who will go over the rules, etiquette and procedures, the Lovatos said.
If people are happy with their experience, they are welcome to sign up for regular classes.
“The hardest thing for people to do is actually come through the door,” Chris Lovato said. “Once they come in the door, people will see that no one is there to beat them up, everyone is friendly and wants to help them. All of our members are really welcoming to new people.”
“Everyone at the gym was a beginner at some point,” Mallory Lovato added. “They understand how intimidating it can be and everyone wants our new members to succeed.”
For more information
Paragon Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is lovcated at 872 Foothil Blvd. in San Luis Obispo.
For more information on registration, hours and other San Luis Obispo County locations, visit paragonbjjslo.com or call 805-305-7512 or email paragonslo@sbcglobal.net
This story was originally published February 27, 2024 at 5:00 AM.
