Gracie Barra Kendall Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & Self Defense
About
Gracie Barra Kendall offers Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and self-defense training in Miami, Florida, with programs for both adults and children. The gym is led by experienced instructors including Head Professor Erik Darnott, a 3rd-degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, Head Professor Matheus D’Almeida, and Program Director Alan Alonso. Their coaching approach emphasizes foundational skills while creating a supportive environment where students can develop at their own pace.
Members consistently praise the gym's ability to balance technical instruction with an engaging, high-energy atmosphere. Parents note that children's programs effectively teach discipline, focus, and confidence while keeping young students excited to learn. Reviewers highlight how coaches like Erik, Alan, and Mateo create a welcoming community that helps students grow both on and off the mat, with many families reporting significant progress in their children's development over time.
The gym's culture reflects deep roots in the art, with quality instruction that emphasizes not only technique but also respect and structure. Members describe a patient, encouraging environment where coaches genuinely care about each student's improvement, making it an ideal choice for families seeking martial arts training that builds character alongside physical skills.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Members consistently praise the gym's exceptional coaching, with specific mentions of Erik, Alan, and Mateo creating a supportive environment that helps children develop confidence, discipline, and focus. Reviewers highlight how the program balances fun, high-energy instruction with foundational BJJ skills while teaching respect and structure. Parents report impressive progress in their children's development and appreciate the coaches' patience and genuine care for each student. The gym is described as having deep roots in the art with quality instruction that creates a welcoming community for families.
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (5)
Katerina Bryant
a month ago
Our 6 year old daughter attends this Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu school, and we’ve been impressed with how they balance a fun, high-energy program while teaching foundational BJJ skills from such a young age. The program does a great job reinforcing discipline, focus and confidence in ways that kids truly need while still keeping them engaged and excited to learn. Coaches Erik, Alan, and Mateo, and the others are fantastic with the children and create a supportive environment that helps them grow both on and off the mat.
Madelaine GUTIÉRREZ
a month ago
“Great environment for kids. The instructors are patient, supportive, and truly care about helping each child improve at their own pace. They focus not only on technique, but also on discipline and respect. Highly recommend this academy for families.”
Ricardo Rezende
a month ago
This academy is led by someone who has been trained from the very roots of the art, and it shows in the quality of instruction and the culture of the gym. Kendall is lucky to have an academy with this level of experience and leadership. Highly recommended.
spujol26
a month ago
The amount of progress my son in just a year is incredible, thanks to the coaches at GB Kendall. Coach Eric, Alan & Mateos have been great starting off my sons jiu jitsu journey.
The Metayer Family
a month ago
We absolutely love Gracie Barra Kendall! My son has been coming here since he was 4 years old, and the growth we’ve seen in his confidence, discipline, and focus in the last year has been incredible. The coaches are patient, encouraging, and truly care about the kids. They make learning jiu jitsu fun while still teaching structure and respect. We’re so grateful to be part of this community and highly recommend it to any parent looking to get their child started in jiu jitsu!
scheduleHours
Monday: 1:00 – 9:30 PM
Tuesday: 1:00 – 9:30 PM
Wednesday: 1:00 – 9:30 PM
Thursday: 1:00 – 9:30 PM
Friday: 1:00 – 9:30 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
groupCoaches & Instructors
Erik Darnott
Head Professor
3rd-degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt
3rd-degree black belt with over 25 years of BJJ training. Kendall native. 10+ years teaching, known for structured fundamentals.
Matheus D’Almeida
Head Professor
Alan Alonso
Program Director