Simi Valley's premier martial arts academy — Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai & MMA for all ages. The first jiu-jitsu school in Simi Valley, training adults and kids since 2007.
From first-timers to competitors and kids — there's a class built for exactly where you are.
Control and submit opponents using leverage, technique, and strategy. Our adult gi program builds a complete jiu-jitsu game on a structured, progressive curriculum — for beginners and competitors alike.
Faster, more athletic submission grappling without the gi. No-Gi removes the grips, so movement becomes quicker and more scramble-heavy — many adults love it for conditioning and a very practical style.
The Art of Eight Limbs — punches, elbows, knees, and kicks. Build striking technique, conditioning, and confidence with experienced coaches in a supportive room.
World-class mixed martial arts for all levels. Blend striking, clinch, takedowns, and ground fighting into one complete, practical skill set.
Youth Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for ages 4 and up. We teach children and teens the fundamentals in a fun, structured environment that builds confidence, focus, and discipline.
Paragon Simi Valley was originally founded in 2007 by 3rd-degree black belt Dion Watts, whose lineage includes Relson Gracie and Jean Jacques Machado. Known then as Watts Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai Academy, we were the first jiu-jitsu school in Simi Valley and the largest training facility in the area. In 2015 we joined the world-famous Paragon team and are now run by Dion Watts' oldest student and Paragon black belt, Edgar Gallegos. At Paragon Simi Valley Martial Arts Academy, we are dedicated to helping you reach your goals through expert training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and MMA. Whether you're training for competition, looking to improve your fitness, or learning self-defense, our programs are designed to meet your needs in a supportive and motivating environment. Our instructors don't just teach techniques — they help you understand the principles behind them, with a structured, progressive curriculum that meets every student where they are, from the complete beginner to the seasoned competitor.
A coach who invests in how you learn
At Paragon Simi Valley, our coaches are serious about being the best they can be — so they've joined a community of forward-thinking coaches, led by Greg Souders, who train with the constraints-led approach: a modern, games-based method grounded in motor-learning science. You learn by solving real problems on the mat — and build skill faster.
Head coach. A Paragon black belt and Dion Watts' oldest student, Edgar has led Paragon Simi Valley since the academy joined the Paragon team. He is the lead Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai instructor, with lineage tracing back through Relson Gracie and Jean Jacques Machado.
Youth Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai instructor.
Jiu-Jitsu and self-defense instructor.
Youth Jiu-Jitsu instructor.
Advanced No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu instructor.
Wrestling instructor.
Find a class that fits your week. New students and drop-ins always welcome.
Schedule coming soon — reach out and we'll get you booked into your first class.
Real training, real people. Tap any photo to take a closer look.
Questions before your first class? Reach out — we're happy to help.
No contract. No commitment. Just come train with us for a week and see what modern grappling instruction feels like. If it's not for you, no hard feelings.
We'll reach out shortly to get you booked for your first free class. See you on the mats.
