Gracie Barra Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

My son had some lessons from other schools but so far his classes here at Gracie Barra had been the best. Aside from the actual Jiujitsu lessons, the instructors instill good values in them and teaches them discipline that they can bring home. My son is getting stronger and has found something he is really invested in. The place is clean and has a little area for toddlers to play at. They also now installed a water station for the kids so we don’t have to bring our own water coz we sometimes forget. It’s easy to find parking as well since there’s a big lot just behind it.

Both my kids attend and I’m so happy! My younger is 3.5 and he’s loving it too. The facility is great, families are awesome and Professor Robert and his wife are great as are all the instructors. Very happy to be here.

My son has been coming here for over a year now, and he loves it! Professor Robert and the rest of his coaching staff (especially coach Cody and coach Luis) are awesome, and really good with the kids. They make sure he kids are learning the techniques and mastering them. I like the fact that it’s not about belts or promotions. I’ve seen other martial arts studios charge a hefty price for kids’ promotions and belts, but in Jiu-​Jitsu there are no additional charges for the belts, and getting promoted is not easy either. My son is very motivated and has participated in tournaments thanks to the coaches, and he wants to stay here until he gets his black belt hopefully someday. My daughter is also now interested in signing up. Also, if you have kids that might be interested in Jiu-​Jitsu, they allow the kids to attend a few classes for free, just to make sure it’s what they really want before having to commit.

Pretty satisfied that my little man is part of the group. He is very enthusiastic and always looking forward to being in the class. It’s a good exercise and learning for him. and hoping that he will learn more from it.
They are very accommodating with my schedule and my son is able to attend two different classes based on my schedule.

This review is long overdue. My son (7) has been going here, off and on, for nearly a year now and absolutely loves it. I have had him in T-​ball and AYSO and I can honestly say that this is the extracurricular activity he has enjoyed the most, by far.
Professor Robert and Coach Luis are truly nice people and are so patient with the kids. The other kids and parents are so welcoming to new students and parents. It’s like a little family. I find the saying «it takes a community to help raise a child» to be true, and feel that my son has learned discipline, empathy and respect here.

A friend of mine comes here and I came along for the ride to check it out for the first time. I think it’s so cool all of the quick fast close contact the two people make. It really looks like as if they really are hitting the other person. This is like seeing Teken the video game up close and live. I think it’s such a amazing sport that gives your body real intense cardio.

I no longer train BJJ, but this is where I started 4 – 5 years ago. If you are looking for a Dojo to feel right at home and part of a family, then look no further. GBG is your place.
The instructors are kind and warm-​hearted people. The drilling of techniques and overall structure of the class is professional and ensures you learn the technique quite well.
The sparring, or rolling, is absolutely fun and made not to be intense or light depending on your partner.
Professor Robert Hill is a superb mentor and instructor as he guided me to my first tournament which I placed 2^nd in. Not bad for a first timer.
This place has a soft spot in my heart, and I will be sure to return to it even after years of absence.

I am very new to Jiu Jitsu, really to any form of martial arts, and honestly I felt intimidated by it. But once I walked in the door to the academy I felt welcomed by the instructors and began to become more confident about learning more about this impressive martial arts discipline. The teachers are amazing, they are all very professional, informative, patient and supportive. They teach Jui Jitsu to all ages and I especially enjoy watching the young kids train and learn before my class begins. Their enthusiasm is contagious and I find it very motivational. Thank you Gracie Barra Glendale for making my jui jitsu experience a fun and rewarding one!

There kids classes are awsome… Coaches are patient and great with the kids. All kids have fun learning. Coach Holly and coach Cody are great.

I joined Gracie Barra Glendale about 1 year ago looking for a school I could call home and where I could train hard but safely and as a woman not be faced with barricades to progress as are unfortunately often the case in martial arts schools. Professor Robert and his coaches offer a class act. The physical location, ample parking, well lit and safe area as well as spotless facilities make this academy a gem in our beautiful city.
Professor Robert is always on the premises and teaching all of the adult classes, while his very highly trained coaches tend to the younger kids classes. His meticulous attention to details and careful monitoring of training partners gives us peace of mind that someone is watching and caring enough to make sure each student has opportunities to grow at their own pace and on their own path to practice and train as hard or as easy as they wish but still meeting the requirements of our curriculum.
Drop buy and see for yourself, better yet come borrow a clean GI and try a free class… you will understand!

I been training jiu jitsu over 10 years and i can say that Prof. Robert is one of the nicest and friendly Instructors that i have meet before. The environment in the gym is awesome i highly recommend GB Glendale to train BJJ and learn the GB system.
Prof. Juan P. Garcia

Amazing for kids 4 and up!

Great people and great instruction. I wish I could go everyday!

Brazilian Ji Jitsu is the best Martial Art for Self-​Defense and Gracie Barra Glendale is the best DoJo teaching it! I highly recommend Brazilian Ji Jitsu for self defense, particularly for females. This school is highly accommodating, teaches to one’s level, and operates at the utmost level of professionalism and skill. Check it out!

Whether you are looking to stay fit, focused, or just let off a little steam, I recommend trying Jiu Jitsu.
When you walk into Gracie Barra Glendale, first thing you notice is how clean it is, you literally smell the cleanliness of this school. The mats are properly sanitized and squeaky clean and the place is very well organized.
The class consist of people from all backgrounds and all ages. They have classes for kids up to adults and classes for Advanced Students as well. Jiu Jitsu people are one of the most friendliest people I have ever met, they are always giving pointers and greeting you with a smile. This is no exception to Gracie Barra Glendale.
The class is taught by Professor Robert, and right away I can tell that he is an excellent instructor. He is very detailed oriented, compassionate towards his students and very encouraging. He understands that the Jiu Jitsu Journey is different for everyone so there are no expectations for anyone in the class. So you cant ever fail Jiu Jitsu if there are no expectations, the only thing you need to do is attend and try it out!
I know many people were like me and would consider of joining whenever you drive by a BJJ school. It can be scary, just thinking about how scuffed and bruised up you can get doing a martial art. I can guarantee you that would not happen at Gracie Barra Glendale, the class sessions are properly supervised and taught by a great instructor and the team are not there to hurt anyone, they are all there to learn.
I recommend everyone to at least try Jiu Jitsu out, get in shape, and if you are looking for a place with a very positive vibe come to Gracie Barra Glendale and try it out.
I did, and the only regret I have is not doing it sooner!

My son attends Gracie Barra in Glendale and as someone that never wants to do anything physical, he actually loves jiu jitsu. He’s such a fan that he attends 6 to 7 times a week. (He’s been attending class since August 2012.)
I should also mention that my son is «special needs.» Professor Robert has been nothing but welcoming. His coaches are extremely positive and I’m sure being positive is a big reason why my son continues to go daily.
Next step for my son is sparring once he gets over the apprehension. Thanks Gracie Barra.

Gracie Barra Glendale is incredible.
I started almost a year a ago because a friend of mine recommended it and have been enjoying it ever since.
Black Belt Professor Robert Hill teaches every class, so you know you are getting really great instruction. If you are interested in Jiu Jitsu but not sure where to start then this is the place for you. If you have taken Jiu Jitsu before you’ll fit right in and love it.
The atmosphere is great for all levels of interest; fitness, sport, self defense. Additionally, this school has a really cool vibe and everyone is helpful and friendly. Even on the largest days there is plenty of mat space; two floors!
Gracie Barra Glendale also offers Boxing class (Saturdays), and at times competition and at conditioning classes as well.
Overall my experience there has been a ¹⁰⁄₁₀.

After watching the documentary on Helio Gracie and being a huge fan of mixed martial arts, I finally decided to sign up at an official jiu-​jitsu gym. After 3 weeks of classes, I can confidently say my decision to join this GB gym was one of the best choices I’ve made in life. Prof. Hill keeps things safe and very structured, so you look forward to a great workout and learning experience without worrying about breaking a limb. Mostly everyone is really friendly, and the atmosphere is one of learning.
Biggest strengths:
1) Mat Space-​2 floors (I’ve never seen so much mat space during all 10 years of my martial arts experiences)
2) Cleanliness of the facility
3) Access to a Carlos Gracie Jr. black belt. Prof. Hill teaches every class.
4) Plenty of training partners and blue belts to help in instruction
5) Classes 7 days a week (morning and evening classes… If I didn’t have work all day I would definitely train here twice a day).
6) A play room for children (so parents can go ahead and train or watch with ease)
7) Right next to Portos Bakery. Cheese Rolls + bjj? I just smiled :)
Come on, what more do you need!!!
Weaknesses (took me a while to think about this…)
1) no showers
2) no live training for white belts under 4 stripes (which is actually a strength because beginners don’t get stupidly hurt)

I have been taking classes here for the past three weeks and completely dig it. The instructor is fantastic and everyone in the class is very helpful.
Unlike other martial arts I have taken in the past, the classes are all about training and learning and not at all about tradition and the pomp that goes with most of the traditional martial arts.
In these hour-​long fundamentals classes, we start off with some warm ups and stretches before the instructor demonstrates a Jiu Jitsu technique that we will work on. The students pair up and drill this, as the instructor walks around and helps everyone and answers any questions. The higher belts are paired with the lower belts, something I think is good to avoid the newer people getting injured.
After about 15 minutes, the instructor either shows another technique or adds something to the technique just worked on. Then, it is another 15 minutes of drilling. At the end of the class, the paired-​up students practice all out what they learned earlier for 10 or so minutes. The class ends off with some stretches and a few exercises.
I was out of shape when I started and have left almost every class so exhausted that I thought I was going to pass out, though it is getting better by the week. The other students I have asked say it takes a few months for anyone, in shape or not, to get accustomed to the workout because it is like nothing else — fun but exhausting.
I recommend Gracie Barra to anyone and everyone, male or female, and any age. The other male and female students vary in age, size and physical conditioning. I will try to go more than three times a week after my sore body can take it. Jiu Jitsu is a super fun sport and practical self defense art for those who are looking for that. I should have signed up for this years ago!

My kids love it! They were a little afraid to train at first, but have developed confidence & skills to face the challenges. Safety is a huge focus with the kids classes… splitting up the smaller 4 – 7 year olds from the larger kids up to 11. Great atmosphere for learning, teaching kids discipline & respect rather than to be little punks.
For adults it’s a great workout… definitely a way to lose weight! A little scary at first to try out this art, but I soon saw what a little knowledge in techniques can do in defending yourself. Professor Robert & Professor Raul have created an academy with the true spirit of martial arts. Train hard, respect your classmates, honor the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.