Gracie Barra Northridge Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Self Defense

A friend recommended this place, my son finally started, he loves it a lot. I would be highly recommended because of the good culture, the spirit of athletes, partnerships , respect, helping each others and also did your best. Professors are very nice, a teen class about 1 hour, 3 to 4 Professors are watching and coaching everyone, literally everyone. Highly recommend.

My family and I have been training at Gracie Barra Northridge for over two years now, and it has truly become a second home for us. The coaches, professors, and staff are nothing short of amazing. They don’t just teach jiu-jitsu as a form of self-defense, but as a way of life. The discipline, respect, and mindset they instill go far beyond the mats. My two sons have both put in a lot of hard work here, and the coaches have been incredible in guiding them. One of my sons is a competitive tournament golfer, and jiu-jitsu has played a huge role in building his confidence, focus, and mental toughness. My other son has competed in multiple jiu-jitsu tournaments and has earned medals while proudly representing Gracie Barra Northridge. As an adult, I’ve also been training for two years, and the impact has been profound. I’ve gained a deep respect for the art of jiu-jitsu, and the growth hasn’t just been physical. Mentally and emotionally, I’m stronger, more disciplined, and more grounded. What truly sets this academy apart is its leadership. Gracie Barra Northridge is owned and led by ten-time world champion Romulo Barral, and that level of excellence shows in every aspect of the academy. I highly recommend this school to families, kids, and adults alike. Come in and try the free class. I guarantee it’s worth it. OSS! 🥋

The Best Thing I have done for my kids over 10 years ago was make them part of the Team Romulo Gracie Barra School (and I joined after). Iron sharpens Iron and I am eternally grateful to professor Jason, Janaina and all the professors that were part of my kids training during the years . It made them grow with respect to others, discipline, focus, super fit and tough mentally and in body. BJJ has become of part of them for rest of their lives...

I love Gracie Barra .They truly care for your child’s development around self defense. In todays world bullying is everywhere and you need to protect your child from it. Gracie Barra is the place to prepare your child to learn self defense and interpersonal skills. Leadership, learning self-defense, increased strength and many more. BJJ transformed my son’s personality from shy to confident. I highly recommend them because it has been the best investment I ever done for my child’s education. Please ask for Janaina, she will make you feel like family. Also A special thank you to head instructor Jaeson Bianchi Gold Medal winner at the Novice World Championships and his team who personally continue to support my son Arjen in his BJJ skills every day. In less than two months my son learned how to take control and most importantly finish the fight without hurting the other person. I encourage parents to give this place an opportunity to help your child build confidence and self defense skills. I promise you won’t regret it!

I am no expert in jiujitsu but the teaching seems decent quality. However, the coaches do not foster enough of a culture of discipline and respect (kids ages 7-10). Kids talk while the coaches talk (and then the coaches have to raise their voices). Kids swing their belts around and the belts sometimes drag on the floor when the kids are holding them. Kids don't 'bow out' and in to the mat. They often don't pay attention to the coaches. They do not respond with strong 'sirs' and 'maams' to the coaches and helpers. I suspect a lot of this is due to how this gym is a business machine. Their classes are stuffed with kids. It is standing room only for the parents. It might be harder to have a culture of respect with so many students and possibly so much 'churn' in students. They also might not want to come down too hard on the kids for fear of upsetting the oarents and losing revenue, but that is speculation. Also, it is likely harder to command respect from kids in class if the parents don't command it at home. All this being said, most kids are respectful. But some most certainly are not. Not that they are outright defiant. But a little not listening here, a little swinging your belt around there, and you have to call it what it is. When I was in martial arts (albeit, slightly older. I started around age 11), disrespect was not an option. Am I too old school? Maybe.