Business Details
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Self-Defense Training in Urbana, IL
Gracie Barra Champaign is dedicated to providing top-quality Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instruction for individuals of all ages and skill levels. Our programs prioritize physical fitness, self-defense proficiency, and fostering a supportive team environment. With a global network of over 500 schools, we align our curriculum with the Gracie Barra Program Structure developed by Master Carlos Gracie Jr. Our instructors bring decades of martial arts expertise and a commitment to helping students embody the BJJ lifestyle.We offer specialized programs for adults, children, and competitive athletes, emphasizing discipline, confidence, and community. Our Commando Krav Maga classes deliver practical self-defense techniques rooted in real-world scenarios. The facility maintains rigorous cleanliness standards and offers flexible class schedules to accommodate diverse lifestyles.
Services
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Kids Martial Arts
Self-Defense Training
Fitness Classes
Open Mat Sessions
Highlights and features
- We offer programs developed by Master Carlos Gracie Jr. through the global Gracie Barra network
- Our instructors combine martial arts expertise with professional backgrounds in education and law enforcement
- We maintain rigorous cleanliness standards and modern training facilities
- Our team includes certified ICP instructors and experienced competition coaches
- We provide age-specific programs with structured progression paths for all skill levels
What people say
Excellent instructor
Supportive environment
Safe for women
Family-friendly atmosphere
Improved fitness
Services
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu programs develop technical proficiency, physical fitness, and mental discipline through structured classes. Students progress through Fundamentals, Advanced, and Black Belt programs with expert instruction. The curriculum combines traditional techniques with modern competition strategies for comprehensive skill development.
Kids Martial Arts
The Future Champions Program teaches children aged 3-14 self-discipline, social skills, and self-defense through age-specific curricula. Classes incorporate character development lessons and physical conditioning while maintaining a fun, engaging environment that fosters confidence and perseverance.
Self-Defense Training
Commando Krav Maga instruction focuses on practical street self-defense techniques designed for real-world scenarios. The system emphasizes efficient counterattacks and situational awareness training to prepare students for unexpected confrontations while maintaining safety during practice sessions.
Fitness Classes
BarraFit combines Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu principles with high-intensity fitness training to improve strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular endurance. Classes incorporate functional movements and partner drills to enhance athletic performance while maintaining the core values of martial arts training.
Open Mat Sessions
Open Mat sessions provide additional training opportunities for technique refinement and sparring practice. These supervised sessions allow students to work on specific skills with instructor guidance, develop personal training strategies, and build camaraderie within the martial arts community.
People
Professor Rob Moore
Instructor
Professor Rob brings 20+ years of martial arts experience and a software engineering background to his instruction. He holds a Second Degree Blackbelt in Taekwondo and has trained at multiple BJJ schools before joining Gracie Barra in 2015.
Coach Rene Wissel
Instructor
Coach Rene combines active law enforcement experience with ICP certification since 2021. He serves as a SWAT team member and control tactics instructor while maintaining his BJJ instruction at Gracie Barra Champaign since 2018.
Questions
What martial arts programs do you offer?
We offer Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for adults and children, Commando Krav Maga self-defense, and BarraFit fitness programs with structured progression paths for all skill levels.
Are there beginner-friendly classes available?
Our Fundamentals Program provides structured instruction for complete beginners with no prior martial arts experience required for any of our classes.
What should I wear to my first class?
For BJJ classes, wear comfortable athletic clothing. We provide loaner gis for first-time students and offer uniform sales through our online store.
Do you offer online training options?
Yes, we provide high-quality online classes with the same instructional quality as our in-person sessions, designed for remote learning effectiveness.
What age requirements exist for children's programs?
Our Tiny Champions program accepts children as young as 3 years old, with age-specific curricula for different developmental stages up to 14 years old.
Are there competitive training opportunities?
Advanced students can join our Competition Team to participate in local and national Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu events with instructor support and specialized training.