By Any Means Jiu-Jitsu
Jiu-Jitsu in Manteca – Discipline, Growth, Community
Welcome To Our
BJJ Academy
Welcome to By Any Means Jiu-Jitsu, a BJJ academy in Manteca to push boundaries and work on yourself! We provide hands-on experience to help build better people and a wholesome community. Every day students practice live rounds through our guidance each step of the way. We allow students to find where they can thrive and their game within the game. Still, we are more than just some gym. Our goal is to help transform lives through the life lessons Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has to offer. Students will improve physically, mentally, and emotionally by the work they do on the mat and during our group-bonding events. Come join us to learn from black belts at an IBJJF-Certified Academy in Manteca!
Get our 3-Day Trial!
You can join us with our 3-day trial.
It’s a great way to see what we are all about at no cost!
Who We Are at
By Any Means Jiu-Jitsu
What is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art built around leverage, technique, and strategy.
It teaches you how to control another person, defend yourself, and stay calm under pressure – no matter your size or strength.
Unlike striking arts, Jiu-Jitsu focuses on grappling, takedowns, pins, chokes, and joint locks.
The goal isn’t to hurt someone – it’s to control the situation, use efficiency over force, and solve problems under stress.
BJJ is often called “human chess” because every move creates a reaction, and every reaction opens the next opportunity.
Kids, teens, and adults all learn how to move better, think clearer, and become more confident on and off the mats.
Our School
Welcome to By Any Means Jiu-Jitsu, located at 125 W Louise Ave in Manteca, CA. Founded by Al Lagura, a USBJJF (United States Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation) Certified Black Belt, our academy is more than just a gym – it’s a community dedicated to growth, resilience, and transformation through the art of Jiu-Jitsu.
We are proud to be an IBJJF-Certified Academy, recognized by the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation, the leading organization for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu worldwide. This prestigious certification ensures that our academy meets the highest standards of instruction, safety, and professionalism. It also provides our students with access to compete in official IBJJF-sanctioned events and championships.
At By Any Means Jiu-Jitsu, we believe in empowering individuals of all ages and backgrounds to push past their limits – both physically and mentally. Our safe, inclusive, and supportive environment is designed to help everyone, from complete beginners to seasoned competitors, thrive.
We take pride in delivering:
- High-quality instruction from experienced coaches
- Innovative programs tailored to meet diverse goals
- A community-first mindset where everyone feels valued
Whether your goals are fitness, self-defense, competition, or personal development, we are committed to helping you succeed on and off the mats. Join us and discover how Jiu-Jitsu can be a powerful tool to unlock your potential.
Let’s grow together – By Any Means.
History
Al Lagura didn’t start on the mats — he started on the track.
For two decades, he competed as a racecar driver, chasing speed and learning what it means to perform under pressure. Then Jiu-Jitsu found him. After 15+ years of training, he earned his black belt under the IBJJF and never looked back.
But what makes BY ANY MEANS different isn’t just Al’s background — it’s his philosophy. In 2024, he rebuilt the academy from the ground up around one idea: let people find their own game.
He tested it first with his own daughter. For a full year, he trained her using the Constraint-Led Approach — no new moves, just problem-solving through live rounds. She found her own way to win. That experience became the name. That experience became the gym.
By Any Means. However you need to get there — we’ll help you find the way.
What Sets Us Apart
By Any Means Jiu-Jitsu is a place where you can push personal boundaries and find yourself. Everything we do – from our hands-on approach to community investment – is about helping students become better athletes, and more importantly, better people. Take a look below to see what we pride ourselves on!
There is more than Jiu-Jitsu in Manteca at By Any Means Jiu-Jitsu – we are highly involved in the community. This includes supporting local businesses with small pop up events with entrepreneur parents and students. We are committed to helping everyone in Manteca and boosting the economy!
Our teaching style avoids anything robotic. Students learn through hands-on training with live rounds. Through the Constraint-Led Approach, we serve as the navigator and game designer for you as you work with other students. We play Jiu-Jitsu as much as possible to allow you to find your game.
We want to provide a Third Space for students to feel free and work on themselves. By Any Means Jiu-Jitsu can be your place away from work or home to belong!
We are proud to be an IBJJF-Certified Academy. IBJJF is a distinguished organization that has made a big impact on Jiu-Jitsu. We are happy to be a part of it!
We have multiple fun, cost-free events to participate in at By Any Means Jiu-Jitsu. We have a fun July 4th event, our Summer Bash camping trip, and other holiday gatherings. This is a place where we train and enjoy each other’s company.
Every day in our academy, you can take a break from life’s stressors and dive into the best part of your day. Our team lifts students up in each class with smiles on their faces. You can join us knowing you’ll feel better after a day of training.
Our Academy Schedule!
Make sure to go take a look at our schedule.
With 35+ Jiu-Jitsu classes a week, everyone can find time to get in the game!
See the Fun in our
Manteca Jiu-Jitsu Classes!
Words from Our Community
By Any Means Jiu-Jitsu is more than just an academy to learn martial arts. This is a home for Jiu-Jitsu in Manteca that focuses on the transformation of people more than the athlete. Everyone who walks in our doors can change their lives through hard work and support guidance. And this isn’t just our opinion – you can read our student testimonials to see what they’ve said about their experiences with us!
“Al and Janice are awesome, as well as the coaches Joe and Isaiah. They do a great job teaching and being patient with the kids while getting them to advance to the next level.”
“The team is welcoming and easygoing, creating a relaxed vibe while still taking training seriously. “
“We absolutely love By Any Means! The coaches are incredible with kids. They’re patient, encouraging, and truly invested in helping each child grow both on and off the mats.”
“The supportive environment extends to the parents and families, fostering a strong sense of community. By Any Means has truly become more than just a gym for us.”
“Shout out to Al and his family for running a great gym! The environment is very friendly and welcoming.”
Get our 3-Day Trial!
You can join us with our 3-day trial.
It’s a great way to see what we are all about at no cost!
Contact Us!
Everyone in Lathrop, Ripon, Stockton, Modesto, and Tracy can join us for Jiu-Jitsu in Manteca! We look forward to meeting you and showing you what we have to offer.