Gracie Barra New Lenox

"The professors and coaches here deserve a ton of praise for their dedication and commitment—but this review is especially for those who come and train here. I was nervous (and honestly a little scared) to try jiu-jitsu, having never done any martial arts before. But from day one, experienced students were incredibly welcoming, guiding me through drills and warm-ups and making it easy to get started. 🙌 Gracie Barra has a highly systematic and well-developed program that clearly outlines which techniques are taught at each level. The leadership team and professors are exceptional. They pay close attention, offer personalized corrections, and create an environment where safety, long-term progress, and team-building clearly come first. We trust them not only for our own growth, but also with our kids—to help build discipline, perseverance, respect, and physical strength. 🥋"

"I started my martial arts journey December 9th, 2024. I wrote down my goals. Two of the goals: I wanted to be alive long enough to see my son grow up, and I wanted to be a better husband for my wife. I was one more A1C test away from being diagnosed with diabetes, my liver was hardening, starting to scar as shown in liver scans and I was on the edge of cirrhosis of the liver. Also, my heart was starting to enlarge. My next step was surgery to lose weight before I died. A neighbor had asked me to join Gracie Barra New Lenox 2 years ago and I blew it off. I said didn't have time, I didn't want to get injuried, I'm too old for Martial Arts. I have bad knees, a bad shoulder. Excuse after excuse. Thank you Rob Keane for planting the seed. My son Zach is a member of Pride Martial Arts Taekwondo and Judo training. I watched his journey and how it changed his life. The owner Ron Poholik pointed me to Gracie Barra New Lenox. Sensei Ron eased my mind telling me the men and women there were great people who ranged in age from twenty year olds to sixty year olds, from all walks of life and everyone was there to help one another. I have to say the Team at Gracie Barra New Lenox has changed my life. The whole team of professors and coaches are there for you. They believed in me, more than I believed in myself. I am down 45 lbs, blood tests are all back in normal range, my A1C is down in normal range and even my testosterone started climbing for the first time in 5 years. My energy is back and I'm not losing my breath going up stairs. I see my son's struggles and I can empathize with him in his Martial Arts journey and I'm a better husband for my wife. Best decisions I ever made was to join the Team Gracie Barra New Lenox."

"just finished my 2 week trial! it's been a great time and experience! everyone's been extremely helpful and welcoming, the instructors are very knowledgeable and great at getting around to give individual help, i highly recommend giving it a try! its been a great way to get in shape and make new friends! can't wait to keep learning and growing with this school!"

"Best Experience! Decided to do a trial at Gracie Barra New Lenox and first stepping foot in the door it was such a welcoming environment. From Professor Chris to the other students there everyone has been very friendly and helpful. I decided to start a membership and it's been extremely worth it. If your thinking about trying BJJ come to this place!"