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With over 1000 schools, Gracie Barra is considered the most trusted martial arts academy in the world.

With a family friendly atmosphere and world class instructors, we have everything you need to succeed.


Empower Yourself with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Experience the life-changing benefits of BJJ by joining our FREE intro class. Don't wait – sign up now and start your journey to a stronger, healthier, and more confident you!

  • Boost Your Confidence: Learn self-defense skills and gain the confidence to protect yourself in any situation.

  • Improve Physical Fitness: Enhance your strength, flexibility, and endurance through rigorous training and techniques.

  • Develop Mental Toughness: Overcome challenges and build resilience with the problem-solving mindset of BJJ.

  • Foster Discipline & Focus: Cultivate self-control and commitment through consistent practice and goal-setting.

  • Relieve Stress & Anxiety: Experience the therapeutic benefits of physical activity and camaraderie on the mat.

  • Join a Supportive Community: Connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for personal growth and self-improvement.


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WELCOME TO GRACIE BARRA

IT'S MORE THAN JUST BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU

Experience the power and discipline of Martial Arts at our Academy

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a martial art that focuses on ground fighting and submission holds. It is known for its effectiveness in self-defense and its ability to enable a smaller person to defend themselves against a larger opponent. At our academy, we offer expert instruction in the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, taught by skilled and experienced practitioners. Our classes are suitable for people of all ages and skill levels, and we have a welcoming and inclusive community of students. Whether you are a beginner looking to learn the basics or an experienced practitioner seeking to refine your techniques, our academy has something to offer you. Join us and discover the physical and mental benefits of training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Benefits

  • Improves physical fitness and conditioning

  • Increases self-defense skills

  • Develops mental discipline and focus

  • Provides stress relief

  • Builds social connections and friendships

Martial Arts Kids & Teens

  • Martial Arts classes for kids and teens at Gracie Barra Jiu Jitsu Academy are designed to promote physical, mental and emotional development. Our experienced instructors provide a safe and supportive environment where students can learn self-defense techniques, improve their fitness levels and build confidence.

  • Improved Focus and Concentration: Martial arts training helps kids and teens develop focus and concentration, which can carry over into their academic and athletic performance.


  • Increased Confidence and Self-Esteem: Through learning new techniques and successfully practicing them, kids and teens can build confidence and self-esteem, leading to a positive outlook on life

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu For Adults

  • Experience the challenge and reward of our Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes for adults. Our experienced instructors will guide you through the techniques and principles of these martial arts, teaching you how to use leverage and technique to overcome opponents.

  • Regular training can improve cardiovascular fitness, flexibility, coordination, and mental focus, as well as reduce stress. Our classes are suitable for people of all skill levels and we have a supportive and inclusive community. Join us and discover the many benefits of training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu .

Private Training

  • In addition to our group Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes, we also offer private lessons for individuals or small groups. Private lessons are a great way to receive personalized instruction and focus on specific areas of your training. Our instructors are skilled in tailoring the lesson to meet your specific goals and needs. Whether you are a beginner looking to get a solid foundation in the art or an experienced practitioner seeking to fine-tune your techniques, private lessons are a great way to accelerate your progress. Private lessons are also a convenient option for those with busy schedules, as they can be scheduled at a time that works best for you. If you are interested in private Brazilian Jiu Jitsu lessons, please don't hesitate to contact us to learn more.

WELCOME TO GRACIE BARRA

FAMILY FRIENDLY PROGRAMS

Our academy is a family-friendly environment, where people of all ages can come and train in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu together. We believe that training as a family can be a rewarding and bonding experience, and we encourage families to participate in classes together. Our instructors are skilled in teaching Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to students of all ages and skill levels, and are committed to providing a safe and positive learning environment for everyone. Whether you are a parent looking to train with your child or a group of siblings seeking to train together, our academy is the perfect place for your family to learn and grow together. Come train with us and discover the benefits of training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu as a family.

Enrolling in Martial Arts classes at Gracie Barra Jiu Jitsu Academy is an investment in your overall health and well-being. Contact us today to schedule a free trial class.

Benefits

  • Building Confidence and Self-Esteem

  • Developing Respect and Discipline

  • Improves physical fitness and conditioning

  • Increases self-defense skills

  • Develops mental discipline and focus

  • Provides stress relief

  • Builds social connections and friendships

UNLIMITED BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU CLASSES

Carlos Gracie Jr.

"Jiu-Jitsu is for everyone, young and old, fit and not so fit. It is a martial art that can be practiced by people of all sizes and abilities."

GETTING STARTED IS EASY..

Reserve YOUR Spot

No Hidden Fees

Try Your Free Introduction Class

Gracie Barra Certified Instructor

All Levels Welcome

FREE TRIAL

No Hidden Fees

No Obligations

Set Your Personal Goals

Create Your Custom Fitness Routine

BEGIN TRAINING

Unlimited Classes

World Class Jiu-Jitsu Instruction

Build Self-Discipline

Gain Relationships That Last

Improve Your Physique

INSTRUCTORS

Certified Gracie Barra instructors have been trained in the methods outlined by our founder, Master Carlos Gracie Jr. himself.

Professor Paulo Castro

Professor

Meet Professor Paulo Castro, a 5th degree black belt, has been mastering Jiu-Jitsu for more than 20 years. He began his journey at the prestigious Gracie Barra academy in Rio de Janeiro, learning from the best. Now, he's here to share his knowledge and passion with you!

By joining our program, you'll not only learn Jiu-Jitsu techniques but also the philosophy of Master Carlos Gracie. Professor Castro is dedicated to doing the best by Jiu-Jitsu and the community, and he'll inspire you to be your best too! Compete, learn, and grow with Professor Castro's guidance. Don't miss this opportunity to unlock your true potential – enroll in our program today!

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Testimonials

People Love Us



Best spot in town for self defense training, exercise, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and an excellent kids program! Professor Coaches, and their family are amazing people and very knowledgeable. Can’t recommend them highly enough 🙌🏼


Jason Bennett



My daughter did a one week summer camp in 2021 and when the week was over she was asking when she could go back. We signed her up for classes and she has been going consistently for almost a year and a half now. She loves it and has competed a couple of times and done very well. She has gained confidence and self discipline in this fun, but structured environment.

Kerry-Lynn Smith



I have trained here for years, and I’m grateful for every training session we shared. Their passion for JiuJitsu is contagious, and that becomes obvious to anyone watching them teach. They derive joy from sharing their art and helping others realize their full potential. I speak from experience.


comicdamon



This school is really for everyone. Its for making families stronger and helping individuals get a family that only wants good things for you. The people that run this school are great teachers and they care about you. They have experience as professional fighters so they are not teaching things that don’t work in the real world



Murray Rothbeard


At GB, we're like family! I have been a member over a year. It's an overall amazing place to learn and train BJJ. Professor has a strong and committed passion for instructing BJJ. Also, Professor has excellent trouble shooting skills that are vital while preparing for competition. If you want to get fit, gain confidence and learn self-defense, then Gracie Barra is the place to be. I wouldn't train in BJJ anywhere else!!


Angela Bradley

Controlling Your Opponent

Learn to Be Comfortable on the Ground

June 08, 202311 min read

"Fall to the ground, rise like a champion. Embrace the mat, master the art of ground fighting."

Introduction: Let's Get Down on the Ground!

Hey there, future BJJ superstar! Are you ready to dive into the amazing world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? Well, today we're going to talk about one of the coolest things in BJJ: ground fighting! 🥋💪

8 Reasons

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction: Let's Get Down on the Ground!

  2. What is BJJ?

  3. Why is Ground Fighting So Important in BJJ?

  4. Feeling Cozy on the Carpet: Getting Comfortable with Ground Fighting

    • 4.1 Getting Low and Sturdy

    • 4.2 Pouncing Like a Tiger

    • 4.3 Slithering Like a Snake

  5. Submitting Your Opponent: The Art of Tap Out!

    • 5.1 The Sneaky Rear-Naked Choke

    • 5.2 The Mighty Armbar

    • 5.3 The Crafty Triangle Choke

  6. Becoming a Ground Ninja: Developing Your Skills

    • 6.1 Escaping the Clutches

    • 6.2 Controlling the Situation

    • 6.3 Maneuvering with Grace

  7. The Ground Game in Action: Fun and Excitement on the Mat

    • 7.1 Let's Go for a Takedown!

    • 7.2 Sweeping Your Opponent Off Their Feet

    • 7.3 Rolling Like a Happy Ball

  8. How to Train: Building Your Ground Game

    • 8.1 Drilling the Basics

    • 8.2 Sparring with Friends

    • 8.3 Seeking Guidance from Your Coach

  9. Overcoming Challenges: Staying Positive and Persistent

    • 9.1 It's Okay to Fall, but Get Back Up!

    • 9.2 Celebrate Every Small Victory

    • 9.3 Keep Learning, Keep Growing

  10. Safety First: The Importance of Trust and Respect

    • 10.1 Communicating with Your Partner

    • 10.2 Tapping Out: The Secret Signal

    • 10.3 Being a Caring Training Buddy

  11. Ground Fighting Heroes: Inspiration from the Legends

    • 11.1 Royce Gracie: The Ground Game Pioneer

    • 11.2 Demian Maia: The Gentle Assassin

    • 11.3 Michelle Nicolini: The Queen of BJJ

  12. Conclusion: You're a Ground Fighting Rockstar!

  13. FAQs

    • FAQ 1: Is BJJ only about ground fighting?

    • FAQ 2: Do I have to be strong to excel in BJJ?

    • FAQ 3: Can girls do BJJ too?

    • FAQ 4: Will BJJ help me defend myself?

    • FAQ 5: How long does it take to become good at BJJ?

What is BJJ?

BJJ, short for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, is a martial art that teaches you how to defend yourself using special moves and techniques. In BJJ, we focus a lot on fighting on the ground and making our opponents give up or "tap out" by applying pressure or submitting them. It's like a game of human chess on the floor! 🤼‍♂️♟️

Why is Ground Fighting So Important in BJJ?

Ground fighting is like the heart of BJJ. It's where the magic happens! You see, when we're on the ground, we have more control over our bodies and can use leverage and clever tricks to outsmart our opponents. It's like being a sneaky fox that can't be caught! 🦊🤫

Feeling Cozy on the Carpet: Getting Comfortable with Ground Fighting

To be awesome at ground fighting, we need to be as comfy as a cushion on the floor. Here are some tips to help us become ground fighting experts:

4.1 Getting Low and Sturdy

Imagine you're a big, strong bear. Bears are close to the ground, right? So, we need to get low too! Bend your knees and make sure your base is strong, just like a superhero stance. This will make it harder for your opponent to knock you down. Stay solid like a rock! 🐻🦾

4.2 Pouncing Like a Tiger

When we see an opportunity, it's time to strike like a fierce tiger! Jump on our opponent with lightning speed, wrap our arms around them, and keep them close. This way, they won't have much room to escape. It's like giving them a bear hug they can't break free from! 🐅🤗

4.3 Slithering Like a Snake

Sometimes, we need to be slippery like a sneaky snake. Move your body and hips like they're made of jelly, wiggling and sliding around. This helps us escape from tough spots and catch our opponent off guard. They won't know what hit them! 🐍😄

Submitting Your Opponent: The Art of Tap Out!

Now, here comes the exciting part: submitting your opponent! When we apply a submission move, it's like casting a magic spell that makes them say, "I give up!" Here are three cool submission moves you'll love:

5.1 The Sneaky Rear-Naked Choke

Imagine you're a monkey swinging from a tree branch. Wrap your arm around your opponent's neck, just like a sneaky monkey arm, and squeeze gently. They'll have no choice but to tap out! It's a super effective move! 🐒💢

5.2 The Mighty Armbar

Pretend your opponent's arm is a yummy cookie, and you want a bite. Grab their arm, bend it the other way gently, and voilà! You've got yourself an armbar! It's like breaking a cookie in half, but don't worry, no one gets hurt for real. Just a tap out and the game is over! 🍪🥋

5.3 The Crafty Triangle Choke

Imagine you're making a necklace with your legs, like a creative artist. Wrap your legs around your opponent's neck in a triangle shape, and squeeze gently like a gentle hug. They'll have to give up because they can't breathe. But don't worry, it's all part of the game! 🎨🤗

Becoming a Ground Ninja: Developing Your Skills

To become a ground ninja, we need to practice three important things: escaping, controlling, and maneuvering. Let's take a closer look:

6.1 Escaping the Clutches

Sometimes, our opponents catch us in their tricky moves. But guess what? We can escape! It's like finding a hidden door in a maze. We squirm and twist our bodies to get free and make a grand escape. Houdini would be proud! 🧩🕺

6.2 Controlling the Situation

Just like being the captain of a ship, we want to be in control. We use our arms, legs, and even our hips to control our opponent's movements. It's like being the boss and telling them where to go. They have no choice but to listen! 🚢👨‍✈️

6.3 Maneuvering with Grace

Imagine you're a graceful dancer, gliding across the floor. In BJJ, we want to move with grace too! We twist and turn our bodies, roll and spin like acrobats. It's like dancing with our opponent, but instead of music, we hear cheers from the crowd! 💃🤸‍♂️

The Ground Game in Action: Fun and Excitement on the Mat

When we step on the mat, it's like entering a magical world full of fun and excitement. Here are some thrilling moves we can try:

7.1 Let's Go for a Takedown!

Just like in a game of tag, we want to bring our opponent down to the ground. We charge forward, wrap our arms around their legs, and gently take them down. It's like scoring a goal in soccer, but on the mat! Gooooal! ⚽🥅

7.2 Sweeping Your Opponent Off Their Feet

Imagine you're playing with a big broom, sweeping away leaves. In BJJ, we can sweep our opponent off their feet too! We use our legs and hips to flip them over and take control. It's like being a ninja and surprising them with a fantastic sweep! 🧹💨

7.3 Rolling Like a Happy Ball

Sometimes, we roll on the mat like a happy ball. We tuck ourselves into a little ball and roll, roll, roll! It's like playing with a big colorful beach ball. Weeeee! Rolling is super fun, and it confuses our opponents. They won't know what direction we're coming from! 🏀🎢

How to Train: Building Your Ground Game

To become a ground fighting superstar, we need to train, train, train! Here's how we can do it:

8.1 Drilling the Basics

Just like practicing our ABCs, we need to drill the basic moves in BJJ. We repeat them over and over until they become second nature. It's like learning a cool dance routine. Practice makes perfect! 🎵💃

8.2 Sparring with Friends

BJJ is a team sport, and it's super fun to spar with our friends. We play gentle games on the mat, trying out our moves in a friendly way. It's like having a playful wrestling match, but we're always looking out for each other. Friends make everything better! 👥🤼‍♂️

8.3 Seeking Guidance from Your Coach

Every superhero needs a wise mentor, and in BJJ, that's our coach! They teach us new moves, help us improve, and guide us on our journey. It's like having a personal Jedi master who shows us the ways of the force. May the BJJ force be with you! 🌟🥋

Overcoming Challenges: Staying Positive and Persistent

In BJJ, we face challenges, but we're strong and brave! Here's how we tackle them:

9.1 It's Okay to Fall, but Get Back Up!

Sometimes, we might get knocked down, but that's okay! We dust ourselves off, get back up, and keep going. It's like playing a game of tag. Even if we get tagged, we can still chase and catch our dreams! Don't give up, you've got this! 🏃‍♂️💪

9.2 Celebrate Every Small Victory

In BJJ, we celebrate even the smallest victories. Did you escape a tricky move? Hurray! Did you submit your opponent? Woohoo! It's like getting a gold star on a test or winning a prize. Every little success brings us closer to being champions! 🌟🏆

9.3 Keep Learning, Keep Growing

Learning is an endless adventure in BJJ. We keep learning new moves, refining our skills, and growing stronger. It's like unlocking new levels in a video game. The more we learn, the more amazing we become! Level up, my friend! 🎮📈

Safety First: The Importance of Trust and Respect

Safety is our top priority in BJJ. We care about our training partners and show respect. Here's how we do it:

10.1 Communicating with Your Partner

Just like having a secret language, we talk to our training partners on the mat. We let them know if something hurts or if we need a break. It's like having our own special code that only BJJ warriors understand. Communication keeps us safe and happy! 🤫🗣️

10.2 Tapping Out: The Secret Signal

When we're caught in a move and need to stop, we use a secret signal called "tapping out." It's like sending a message to our opponent that says, "I'm done, you win!" It's important to tap out so we don't get hurt. Safety first, always! ✋🛑

10.3 Being a Caring Training Buddy

In BJJ, we're not just fighters, we're also caring training buddies. We help each other learn, grow, and have fun. It's like having a big BJJ family where everyone looks out for one another. We're all in this together! 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦💞

Ground Fighting Heroes: Inspiration from the Legends

Let's meet some amazing heroes who've mastered the ground game in BJJ:

11.1 Royce Gracie: The Ground Game Pioneer

Royce Gracie is like the grandmaster of ground fighting. He showed the world that even smaller fighters can defeat bigger opponents using clever ground techniques. He's like a real-life superhero, inspiring us all to be fearless and determined! 🦸‍♂️💥

11.2 Demian Maia: The Gentle Assassin

Demian Maia is a true gentleman on the mat. He's known for his smooth ground moves and respectful attitude. He teaches us that strength comes from being calm and focused. A true role model for aspiring BJJ stars! 👔🕴️

11.3 Michelle Nicolini: The Queen of BJJ

Michelle Nicolini is a queen in the world of BJJ. She's a fierce competitor who dominates the ground game with her skill and technique. She shows us that girls can be just as amazing at BJJ as boys. She's an inspiration to all the young princesses out there! 👸🌟

Conclusion: You're a Ground Fighting Rockstar!

Congratulations, little warrior! You've learned all about ground fighting in BJJ. Remember, it's all about getting comfortable on the ground, maneuvering like a ninja, and having fun. Keep practicing, stay positive, and you'll become a ground fighting rockstar in no time! 🌟🥋

🌟🔥🌟 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 🌟🔥🌟

  1. Q: Is BJJ only about ground fighting?
    A: Yes, BJJ primarily focuses on ground fighting and submissions. It's where the real action happens!

  2. Q: Do I need to be super strong to be good at ground fighting?
    A: Not at all! BJJ is all about technique and leverage. You can be successful regardless of your size or strength.

  3. Q: Is BJJ safe for kids?
    A: Yes, BJJ can be safe for kids when practiced under proper supervision and with the right training partners.

  4. Q: Can girls do BJJ too?
    A: Absolutely! BJJ is for everyone, regardless of gender. Girls can be just as amazing at ground fighting as boys.

  5. Q: How long does it take to become a BJJ expert?
    A: Becoming a BJJ expert takes time and practice. It's a journey of continuous learning and improvement. Enjoy the process and be patient with yourself!

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Get In Touch

Email: team@graciebarrawestpalm.com

Address:

701971 Village Blvd, West Palm Blvd, FL 33409

Phone Number:
(561)-821-2772

Village Commons, 701971 Village Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33409, USA


First 50 Get Best Lifetime Price + FREE Gi!

It has never been easier to try us out with no obligations or contracts

Ready to join? Fill out a form below & join today and become a part of the Gracie Barra family!


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Location:
701971 Village Blvd, West Palm Blvd, FL 33409

Call
(561)-821-2772

Email: team@bgwestpalm.com