Unlike many martial arts that rely on strikes, kicks, speed, or strength, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu focuses on leverage, technique, and control. In a real-life confrontation, it can be difficult to land precise punches or kicks under stress. Jiu-Jitsu is designed for those moments, teaching you how to stay calm, stay safe, and neutralize threats—even from the ground—using leverage and positioning instead of brute force. It’s especially effective for beginners, women, and kids who may need to defend themselves against larger opponents.
Safety is our top priority at every stage of your Gracie University journey. We build your foundational knowledge—positions, controls, and escapes—before introducing live sparring, which helps prevent injuries by ensuring you move with technique and confidence. Every class follows a structured curriculum, with instructors highlighting safety tips alongside each drill, so you can train hard, grow quickly, and feel secure on the mat.
Not at all. Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is based on technique and leverage, not strength or size. It’s designed to help you overcome larger, stronger opponents — and anyone can learn it.
Absolutely not. You’ll never be thrown into anything you’re not ready for. Our programs progress at your pace, with partners and instructors who prioritize control and care.
Definitely. Gracie Combatives and Women Empowered is made specifically for adults with no experience. For kids, Gracie Bullyproof introduces essential safety and confidence-building skills in a fun, structured format.
While Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a core part of MMA, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu at Gracie University is fundamentally different. Our focus is not on winning tournaments or preparing for cage fights—it’s on teaching real-world self-defense that anyone can use, regardless of size, strength, or athletic background. Unlike MMA, which combines striking and grappling for competition, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is designed to help you stay calm, control an opponent, and protect yourself in real-life situations—even against someone who may be bigger, stronger, or more aggressive. You won’t be learning how to fight in a ring—you’ll be learning how to walk through the world with confidence.
Adults begin with a one-on-one intro with an instructor to get oriented and go over basic movements while other students warm up. After that, you’ll be partnered with an experienced student who will help guide you through the lesson at your own pace—no pressure, no sparring.
In our kids’ classes, we start with fun, movement-based warm-ups (like our popular “animal drills”) to help new students ease in with a smile. From there, instructors give extra attention to help your child acclimate, build confidence, and feel like part of the team from day one.
We offer several membership options to fit different schedules and budgets. Every new student can start with a risk‑free 10‑day trial, so you can fully experience the training before making any commitment.
Yes! We believe that families that train together can grow incredible bonds through jiu-jitsu. We offer family discounts that scale with your family size so family memberships don’t break the bank.
We also offer active duty law enforcement and military discounts.
Gracie Combatives is our beginner jiu-jitsu program, created for adults of any age or fitness level—no experience needed. You’ll master 36 essential techniques that cover 99% of common street altercations and form the backbone of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, giving you real-world self-defense skills, rock-solid fundamentals, and the confidence to handle yourself in any situation.
No prior fitness or athletic background is required! Our Brazilian jiu-jitsu classes are designed to help you gradually build strength, endurance, and flexibility — you’ll progress at your own pace with supportive instructors.
Most students complete the Gracie Combatives curriculum in 6–12 months, depending on individual attendance and learning speed. You’ll receive your first belt promotion when you demonstrate proficiency in the 36 core techniques.
In Gracie Combatives, we take a thoughtful approach to sparring—because safety and long-term growth matter. Before jumping into live sparring (or “rolling”), we help you build a solid foundation in positions, submissions, escapes, and control—so you can stay calm under pressure, avoid injury, and recognize danger before it escalates.
That said, sparring isn’t far off. Most students begin controlled, supervised sparring within 4 to 8 months, depending on consistency and progress. Our goal is to make sure you can train safely—for yourself and your partners—and enjoy Jiu-Jitsu for the rest of your life.
For your first class, you can arrive in comfortable athletic clothing. As part of your trial membership, you’ll receive an official Gracie Jiu-Jitsu uniform (gi) so you can train in comfort and consistency with the rest of the class.
Gracie Bullyproof empowers kids with a clear plan for handling bullies called the Rules of Engagement—our step‑by‑step blueprint for an altercation. Students learn to spot early warning signs, stay calm under pressure, set firm verbal boundaries, and only use self‑defense as a last resort. This proven approach gives kids the confidence to stand up for themselves without ever resorting to aggression.
That’s exactly who this program is for. Gracie Bullyproof kids jiu-jitsu builds confidence step by step in a positive, encouraging environment. Many of our most successful students started out quiet and unsure.
Yes! Every Gracie Bullyproof self-defense for kids emphasizes respect, following instructions, and finishing what they start—skills that often lead to noticeable improvements in school performance, attention span, and overall behavior.
For children with a high level of shyness or attention challenges, we often recommend starting with private lessons. These one‑on‑one sessions provide a comfortable, low‑pressure environment to build confidence and core techniques before transitioning into group classes where they can thrive alongside their peers.
Absolutely. We use games and playful drills that keep kids engaged and excited while teaching them critical self-defense and life skills.
Right from the very first class. They’ll begin with simple movements and awareness skills, then progress to handling real scenarios in a safe, structured way.
Women Empowered is based on Gracie Jiu-Jitsu — a proven, leverage-based martial arts program designed to help smaller individuals effectively defend against larger opponents. The curriculum focuses on the most common types of attacks women may face.
Definitely. Women Empowered women’s self-defense classes are designed to give you practical tools and awareness so you can move through the world with more confidence, whether you’re walking to your car at night or traveling solo.
Absolutely. This program meets you exactly where you are — no matter your current fitness level. You’ll build strength, coordination, and skill step by step, supported by instructors and classmates who want to see you grow.
Both. Women Empowered focuses heavily on boundary-setting, verbal assertiveness, and recognizing red flags early — so you’re prepared to defuse situations long before they escalate.
Yes! Many women feel more comfortable starting alongside someone they trust. We love welcoming sisters, best friends, mothers and daughters — anyone who wants to learn together.
Not at all. Master Cycle is focused entirely on street-ready self-defense, not sport Jiu-Jitsu. While a few students may choose to compete recreationally, we do not train or structure our curriculum around competition preparation. Our priority is making sure you’re prepared to protect yourself and others in real-life situations.
Live sparring is a regular part of the Master Cycle. You’ll always roll under the supervision of certified instructors, with partners matched to your level for safe, challenging practice.
Yes — even at this level, you’ll get clear structure and individual guidance, so you can advance steadily while training at a pace that suits your goals and lifestyle.
Both. In the Master Cycle, we train in the gi to simulate situations where clothing can be grabbed, and no-gi to prepare for real-world encounters where grips aren’t available. We also conduct fight simulation classes where students wear MMA-style gloves and learn how to defend themselves against a striking opponent—especially one with jiu-jitsu experience. This well-rounded approach ensures you’re prepared for the widest range of real-life scenarios.
Discover the confidence, community, and strength that comes with training at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. Whether you’re new or experienced, our programs are designed to meet you where you are.
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