Gracie Barra Boca Raton

"I have not been so intrigued by a sport since running. That is saying a lot, since I have been running for over 35 years. I started training last fall when I couldn't run due to a foot injury. My kids started training last summer. I wanted something that was focused on building confidence and self-esteem. Something both kids could do (they are VERY different shapes and sizes) so I wanted something that wasn't going to give an advantage to a bigger nor smaller person. I didn't want something that was overly focused on belt promotions, or advancing based on attending a certain number of classes or having to pass a test. So I just kept reading and the more I read the more I kept hearing about Brazilian Jiu-jitsu. On our first visit, we were greeted with the warmest welcome from Professor Sergio. By the time we left, we were committed to a trial class. My daughter (age 6) was VERY unsure. VERY. My son (age 9) was eager. Neither knew what they were doing, but Professors and Coaches and fellow students were helpful and attentive. My son is a big kid - he's now 10 years old, 110lbs and 5 ft tall, not organically athletic. My daughter is tiny - she's now 7 and about 40 lbs, nimble, and flexible. They couldn't be more different, but they both fit in. The instruction follows a proven and consistent curriculum that is used at every Gracie Barra academy. It starts with warm up, drills, self defense, and jiu-jitsu techniques. The younger kids often finish with a game (which if you look closely, is well disguised skill development).The academy felt like home. Everyone is friendly. I knew I needed to jump in. So I did. My daughter trains 3x a week, my son 2x and now I train 4-5x a week. Professors and coaches and team members are all so helpful. My progress is slow and steady, and some days I feel like I can't get anything right. Other days, I can spar with a brown belt and I can fight back. I can play defense. I know enough to get my knee where it belongs some days. I can hip escape to try and make my way out of a tricky situation. I feel stronger, more mentally than physically. Here is the Gracie Barra Student's Creed. The kids say this at the beginning of every class. "As a Gracie Barra team member and jiu-jitsu student, I seek to develop strength in the body, knowledge in the mind, and a non-quitting attitude". The adults don't say this in class, but that doesn't mean we approach it any differently. Every day, as a Gracie Barra team member and as a jiu-jitsu student, I show up looking to not only enhance physical strength, but also grow mentally by learning new techniques and methods of self defense. I WANT to show up every day. 1. If I take nothing away from my Gracie Barra experience, I know that I feel more self confident. Even just the fact of saying "I practice Brazilian jiu-jitsu" has a very strong feeling. 2. Each day that I show up and someone makes me feel welcome, I know I made the right choice. There has never been a person to make me feel unwelcome. Never. 3. Recently, I did ONE judo drill mostly right and I managed to do an entire technique without help. Progress. Slow is smooth and smooth is fast."

"I started training at Gracie Barra Boca Raton early 2020. I tried a few gyms in the area before signing up and found this to be the best place -- BEST DECISION OF MY YEAR! When you walk in, the first thing you will notice is a clean and pristine gym. There is a heavy emphasis on sanitation and good hygiene. All students and instructors are temperature checked before they make it past the front desk and the mats are cleaned multiple times a day. From there, you will experience a warm and friendly atmosphere, whether you're brand new or seasoned jiu-jitsu player. We're fortunate to have a gym with several black belts and a variety of skill levels to learn from and train with. You'll get high quality instruction and excellent training for a great deal. Training at Gracie Barra has done wonders for my health (both physical and mental) and has been a great way to meet new people since moving to the area. If you're curious, I highly recommend trying out an intro class to see what we have to offer. You won't be disappointed!"

"We have been going to this Gracie Barra location for over a year and my kids are enjoying the structured classes provided by the very well trained professors. They have learn so much technical moves and at the same time have SO much fun! I highly recommend this for all ages."

"Fantastic Jui- Jitsu classes!! Teaching the children what to in difficult circumstances. Amazing staff, they treat you like family!! Wonderful professor’s understanding and loving!!! We love Ms.Patty a dedicated teacher, who loves the children!! Can’t say more wonderful things about Grace Barra just amazing Place!!! I’d highly recommend!!!"