Rooted in the lineage of Rickson Gracie and led by black belt Erik Soderbergh, Originals is focused on practical jiu jitsu, self-defense, and developing people both on and off the mat.
This isn’t a sport-only academy. It’s a place to build confidence, discipline, and a deeper understanding of jiu jitsu.
At Originals, training is intentional. Classes are structured, technical, and grounded in fundamentals that actually work — whether you’re stepping on the mats for the first time or preparing for competition.
Self-defense is a core part of what we teach.
Everything we do is built around real situations, giving our students the confidence and ability to protect themselves when it matters most.
THE ENVIRONMENT
We’ve built a culture that values:
- Respect
- Consistency
- Growth over ego
From kids stepping into their first class to adults sharpening their skills, the goal is the same — to become more capable, more confident, and harder to break.
THE NEXT GENERATION
Our kids program is a core part of what we do.
We focus on building confident kids through structure, discipline, and real jiu jitsu — not just games or distractions.
The goal isn’t just to teach technique, but to give them tools they can carry for life.
THE MISSION
Practical jiu jitsu.
Built with purpose.
For people who want more from their training.
Erik Soderbergh was born and raised in Pacific Palisades, California. He was introduced to martial arts through the late great Rockson Gracie — a force in the early Los Angeles jiu-jitsu scene. Erik joined the Rickson Gracie Academy in 1999, earning his Blue, Purple and Brown Belt. In 2015 he was promoted to Black Belt by Kron Gracie. Erik launched Originals Jiu-Jitsu in 2020 in the spirit of the unique Vale Tudo style and jiu-jitsu self-defense.
Competition Record
2003 IBJJF Pan Ams (bronze)
2003 Copa Pacifica (gold)
2004 Paragon Tournament (silver)
2004 IBJJF Pan Ams (gold)
2004 American Nationals (gold)
2005 Joe Moreira Groundfighting Open (gold)
2005 Joe Moreira Groundfighting Open Absolute Division (gold)
2005 IBJJF Pan Ams (gold)
2005 Ceiqi South Bay Open (silver)
2005 Copa Pacifica (gold)
2007 IBJJF Pan Ams (bronze)
2007 Tapout Pan Ams (gold)
2007 Tapout Pan Ams Absolute (silver)
2007 Hawaiian Triple Crown (gold)
2007 Hawaiian Triple Crown Absolute (gold)
2008 IBJJF Worlds (bronze)