Gracie Barra Jiu-Jitsu West Side Albuquerque New Mexico

“My son has been loving Gracie Barra so far! The coaches are fantastic with the little ones — so patient, encouraging, and engaged. I really appreciate that there are around 8–10 coaches per class; it creates such a supportive and well-structured environment.”

“West Side is the Best Side! West Side Gracie Barra Jiu Jitsu Academy is renowned for Discipline and Mental Toughness for Youth! It's not for everybody, but if you want the best, this is it! The Westside GBJJ Academy is truly exceptional, especially when it comes to developing the next generation of competitors. As a parent, finding a place that not only teaches jui jitsu but also instills discipline, rigor, and mental toughness in my two boys is paramount, and this academy exceeds expectations. My two boys have become members of the competition team and medaled in several local, regional and national jui jitsu tournaments. The youth programs offered here are outstanding. Professor Zaza and the core instructors not only focus on teaching the physical aspects of Jiu Jitsu but also emphasize the importance of discipline, respect, and mental resilience. They create an environment where kids are encouraged to push past their limits, both physically and mentally, while always maintaining a strong sense of respect for themselves and others. The competition class, new kids will cry if they aren't used to hard work and direct coaching. Parents are not allowed to coach or speak to their kids from the sidelines, and that is part of the process. I've seen firsthand how my boys have grown in confidence and self-discipline since joining this academy November 2022. The structured classes and high expectations set by the instructors have helped them develop a strong work ethic and a never-give-up attitude that extends far beyond the mats. Moreover, the emphasis on mental toughness is truly commendable. The instructors teach valuable lessons about perseverance, resilience, and the importance of staying focused, which are skills that will benefit children both on and off the mats for years to come. If you're a parent looking for a Jiu Jitsu academy that not only teaches martial arts skills but also promotes discipline, rigor, and mental toughness in youth, look no further. This academy is simply unparalleled.”

“I go there and I have gotten a lot stronger and so has my little sister they are hard on us to make us better and stronger, and I think others should go there too. There are tournaments to do, they are so much fun I have won one my self. Tournaments are hard but worth it. There are a lot of tournaments to do and I'm looking forward to get better with the coaches help. Thank you coaches smiles 😃”

“Look no further! GB West Side has it all, great facility, top instructors and family environment. Strongly recommend!”

“I signed my son up for higher self esteem, confidence, learning self defense and control of self. I also had high hopes for comradery. I had a long talk with I believe Fabian on the phone before we signed up that this was a big family and they all look out for one another, which I really liked. My son has been in classes now about three months, currently hates it, but I make him go and he usually feels good afterwards. The things they don't tell you at sign up are : You will see either your child or another Puke. No one reacts to this, but the boys all talk about it when it's over. There is no encouragement allowed from parents on the sidelines. They don't even mention it until you do it and then the head black belt yells at you in front of everyone. Then there is just intense eye contact between you and the guy knowing you are both telepathically sending non lethal daggers. The classes are intense and I regularly see kids have a very emotional experience. I can't say why they are crying as I don't ask them, but my child broke down initially cause he was gassed. They also mention things like family night or the Easter egg hunt, which we were really excited for, we show up and no one said you had to be in uniform, I also didn't realize class was still on. if I had known before hand of course my kid would have dressed out. But this wasn't disclosed, all I heard was time, place, bring the kids etc for family fun. Then they shame my kid for not being in uniform, which they should have said something to me. I'm in charge, not my 11yr old. I also didn't realize all the coaches would have a militant instruction style. Maybe this could have been disclosed first at sign up. Not everyone runs faster cause they are being yelled at. Some of us run jast as fast no matter how we are told. Communicating coaching styles at sign up may have changed my mind not gonna lie. I was interested in signing up myself but after seeing coaching styles I realized I am not ready for that. I also do not feel like it's a big family. I don't feel like my kid is accepted or that his self esteem or confidence has increased. His strength has increased though which is very important to me. I remind him after every practice how he is improving. I'm hoping after 6 months we will have a better feel for if this is really the right fit jujitsu gym for us. I just want my kid to feel like part of the team , generally accepted and feels good about going .After 6months I may edit my review.”