Business Details
Master Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in San Diego with Gracie Barra
Gracie Barra San Diego stands as a pillar of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu excellence with a legacy rooted in tradition and community. Founded on the principles of discipline, respect, and excellence, our academy preserves the values that have made Gracie Barra a globally respected name. Our instructors, recognized among the world's best, guide students from their first class to black belt mastery. With Carlos Gracie Jr.'s philosophy of community living at our core, we offer structured programs for all ages, including specialized curricula for children, adults, and competitive athletes. Our facility features high-quality mats, rigorous sanitation standards, and convenient parking, ensuring an optimal training environment. Over decades, we've trained countless students, including champions in national and international tournaments, while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere for local and visiting practitioners alike.We prioritize personalized attention, blending technical instruction with character development to foster growth both on and off the mat. Our commitment to quality and safety, combined with a focus on inclusivity, makes us a trusted destination for martial arts enthusiasts. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced practitioner, our team is dedicated to supporting your journey with expertise and integrity. We invite you to experience the Gracie Barra difference, where tradition meets innovation in a supportive, family-like environment.
Services
Kids & Teens Jiu-Jitsu
Fundamentals Program
Advanced Training
Black Belt Preparation
Private Classes
Women's Program
No-Gi Classes
Highlights and features
- We offer over 40 years of global Jiu-Jitsu expertise through our Gracie Barra affiliation
- Our instructors have trained national and international champions
- Clean, spacious facilities with rigorous daily sanitation protocols
- Specialized curricula for children as young as 4 years old
- World-class private instruction tailored to individual goals
What people say
Incredibly knowledgeable professors
Clean spacious facility
Welcoming and supportive
Fantastic place to train
World-class program
Services
Kids & Teens Jiu-Jitsu
Our Tiny Champions program introduces children to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu through engaging, age-appropriate instruction. Kids develop self-discipline, respect, and coordination while learning foundational techniques through structured drills and games. The curriculum emphasizes character development alongside physical skills in a supportive environment that fosters confidence and teamwork.
Fundamentals Program
This foundational course teaches essential Jiu-Jitsu techniques and principles for new students. Participants learn core positions, transitions, and self-defense applications while developing proper form and understanding of training etiquette. Classes emphasize gradual skill progression and practical application in controlled sparring environments.
Advanced Training
Designed for students beyond white belt, this program refines technical proficiency and strategic thinking. Participants develop personalized game plans, master complex techniques, and improve competition readiness through specialized drills and sparring sessions under expert instructor guidance.
Black Belt Preparation
Our advanced program focuses on achieving black belt excellence through comprehensive technical mastery, tournament preparation, and leadership development. Students refine their unique style while demonstrating teaching ability and deep understanding of Jiu-Jitsu principles during intensive training sessions.
Women's Program
This specialized program empowers women through practical self-defense techniques and strength-building exercises. Participants develop confidence, situational awareness, and technical proficiency in a supportive environment that celebrates female achievement in martial arts through shared experiences and mentorship.
People
Alexandre Ogawa
Professor & Owner
Black belt under Carlos Gracie Jr., co-founder of one of Brazil's first Gracie Barra schools, with decades of experience developing champions and teaching philosophy of community living.
Questions
What age groups do you accept for Jiu-Jitsu training?
We offer programs for children as young as 4 years old through adult classes for all skill levels.
Do you offer private training sessions?
Yes, we provide private 1-on-1 classes designed to accelerate progress toward individual goals.
Are beginner students welcome at your academy?
Absolutely - our fundamentals program specifically teaches core techniques and principles for new practitioners.
What safety measures does your facility employ?
We maintain rigorous daily cleaning protocols, sanitize all equipment multiple times daily, and ensure proper ventilation throughout training areas.
Do you have competitive training programs?
Our academy coaches competitive athletes who regularly achieve success in national and international tournaments.
What martial arts styles complement your BJJ program?
We integrate Muay Thai and boxing training alongside Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to develop well-rounded martial artists.
Reviews (7)
Brandon Merrill
Nov 18, 2021
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The jiujitsu experience is top notch. A family environment and teaching one. You come in and everyone welcomes you. Great experience to have!!!
Anthony Giles
Nov 13, 2021
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Like most people new to Jiu Jitsu I wasn't exactly sure what to expectIf you are reading this review I imagine you are most likely in the same boat. I've attended a couple of training sessions at Gracie Barra San Diego, and it has been fantastic. I'm a 40+ yr old male who has never done any martial arts beforebut that hasn't been a problem at all. The training sessions are well scaled so you can work on the fundamental moves in the first part of the training session, and then move to more and more action/intensity in the session if you and whoever you are partnered up with desire
Michael McElroy
Oct 26, 2021
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Upon my first time visiting the gym, everyone was very friendly and welcoming! I did not feel like an outsider whatsoever. I was paired with a black belt / professor Shad who was awesome, went easy on me and made my first day quite fun. Dani at the front desk was also very friendly, nice and helpful in getting me anything I needed. The head instructor, Professor Ale, was also very welcoming and clearly eager to aid any newcomers. Would definitely recommend Gracie Barra to anyone!
D. O.
Sep 19, 2021
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Outstanding community led by a world class instructor in Prof. Ogawa. I've been going here for about 3 months and the environment could not be more welcoming, clean, professional, or fun. The classes meet you where you are to provide a challenging yet safe experience. I was expecting I would need to "shop around" but I got lucky and found my jiu-jitsu home on the first try.
Edmund Justin
Jul 30, 2021
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Bella is soooo happy to be back in the gym, continuing her Jiu Jitsu journey after a year off from Covid! Ive been getting a lot of advice lately about trying different gyms to see what fits best so we decided to give #GracieBarraSanDiego a try and I couldnt be more impressed with their style. Its loud, its spacious and airy, its fun, the kids are all sweet and the instructors, Professor Alex, coach Dani and coach Bernardo are SUPER engaged! The kids are way into it! They even do family rolls on Saturday morning so mom and dad can join in the fun, kick some baby butt and not worry about
Bryan Smith
Jun 26, 2021
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This is an incredible school with excellent teachers and leadership. My 5 year old son is enrolled and it is clearly having a positive impact on him. He looks forward to every class and is learning while having fun. The class is much more than just BJJ technique, it is a path for growth and personal development far beyond what I was expecting. The classes are skillfully run and i am amazed at the quality of instruction and breadth of skills that are being developed. I highly recommend this studio for anyone considering for themselves or their kids.
Rocky Beam
May 26, 2021
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I first went to a free trial class at Gracie Barra with a friend of mine. It was super easy to set up, called and spoke with Professor Ogawa who was awesome and answered all of my questions. They provided a loaner Gi and everything at the gym was nice and clean. The professor, coaches and fellow students were all so kind and helpful! I loved my first class and decided to do a trial parents & kids class with my 7 yr old and we had a great time so we both signed up. They have an open schedule with classes everyday that you can just show up to when it fits your schedule. Different times for different
