10 Reasons to Join Gracie Barra
Code of Conduct
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Brotherhood: GB Instructors shall reinforce the family spirit among students, parents, and other instructors. Their attitude must always be positive and cooperative in order to channel their creative energy towards the strengthen and the growth our family, always putting the team in front of individual selfish needs.
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Cooperation: GB Instructors shall nurture and reinforce a cooperative environment inside and outside the dojo. They must ensure that the competitive realm is restricted to tournaments as well as the competitor attitude. They must make the students understand that progress is not reflected on their ability to overcome a training partner or an competitive opponent, but rather reflected on their capacity to engage on a cooperative training experience were the winner is whoever learns more.
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Discipline: GB Instructors shall constantly discipline the students and never punish them. They must make students understand that without discipline there is no mastery, neither in jiu-jitsu nor in life, and that without the willingness to sacrifice, excellence is just not possible.
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Respect: GB Instructors shall reinforce that students must act with warmth and equally toward one another, regardless of their differences in race, creed, gender, nationality, etc. The belt ranks hierarchy must be respected and the authority of the black belt sincerely recognized.
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Continuous Improvement and Growth: GB Instructors shall reinforce that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a life long journey with no ending point. Students must perceive the Black Belt as their minimum goal and that their progress represents an increasing commitment to their growth as BJJ practitioners and human beings.
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Leadership: GB Instructors shall lead by example, kindness and care. The formal authority shall always and ever be supported by their moral authority built upon a positive, cooperative, and constructive attitude towards the students and other instructors.
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Inspiration: GB Instructors shall understand their importance on students lives as role models, as well as their responsibility in bringing out the best each person has within.
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Enjoyment: GB Instructors shall teach a class as a privilege and never take it as a burden. Each class is the realization of a dream, the instructor life’s work. They must enjoy every minute of it and teach like it was going to be their last opportunity to change students lives for better.
Heritage
The story of Gracie Barra is intrinsically tied to the captivating history of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). Originating in the early 20th century, BJJ found its roots in the innovative techniques and philosophies of the Gracie family, who infused Japanese Jiu-Jitsu with a profound Brazilian influence. Their journey to refine these martial arts and introduce them to the world became the foundation for the BJJ that we practice today.
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In the pages of this rich history, Gracie Barra emerges as a remarkable chapter. Established in 1986 by Master Carlos Gracie Jr., Gracie Barra became more than just a martial arts school; it evolved into a global phenomenon. With unwavering dedication to upholding the traditions, values, and techniques of BJJ, it expanded to become a network of over a thousand schools, scattered across continents and embraced by enthusiasts of all ages.
Gracie Barra remains a torchbearer of the Gracie family's legacy, perpetuating their timeless wisdom. The principles of discipline, respect, and the relentless pursuit of self-improvement serve as the foundation upon which Gracie Barra stands. We recognize the heritage of our art while adapting to modern times, incorporating contemporary training methods and teaching techniques that nurture the spirit of innovation.
Jiu-Jitsu is a mechanism to help people.
Master Carlos Gracie Jr.
Our Method
Gracie Barra Programmes are comprised of six (6) main elements:
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Curriculums: Set of coordinated techniques organized in the best possible way to facilitate students’ learning processes. All Gracie Barra curriculums are 16 weeks;
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Pre-requisite: The minimum level a student must possess or have accomplished in order to enroll in a specific program;
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Class: The defined period of time during which the student learns the techniques that comprise the curricula using several different training methods or appropriate instructional techniques;
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Training Methods: Specific drills and training practices designed to convert the knowledge represented in the curricula and taught by the instructor into knowledge and skills, insuring that the student is able to apply their knowledge and techniques under real circumstances (or under authentic conditions);
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Minimum Attendance: minimum attendance required from the student so him or her can progress and be updated with the GB Curriculums;
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Belt System: Hierarchical rank structure designed to represent students’ progress, according to their own potential. The International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) ranking system is used for all Gracie Barra Programs.
Our Philosophy
Master Carlos Gracie Jr. believes that at Gracie Barra, winning isn't the ultimate goal. The greatest victories are a result of embracing training as a way to test personal limits. Losses are seen as opportunities for growth rather than failures. Within the GB School, Master Carlos Gracie Jr. emphasizes not only techniques but also character formation. Honesty, integrity, discipline, and unselfish acts are instilled as the foundation of both good Jiu-Jitsu and good character.
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Other teams recognize Gracie Barra as a major rival due to its ongoing success, and this pressure is handled well thanks to Master Gracie's unique training philosophy. He focuses on building self-confidence through positive reinforcement, fostering loyalty and commitment.
Master Carlos Gracie Jr. inspires the belief in oneself, emphasizing that success in Jiu-Jitsu reflects an extension of life, cultivated over time through dedication. Competition is seen as a test of mindset and maturity, not a confrontation with opponents. Regardless of the outcome, Master Gracie is proud of his athletes' efforts "on the battlefield."
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Gracie Barra athletes bear the shield on their uniforms with a deep sense of pride for the legacy and heritage shared.
Today, we are grateful to Master Carlos, not just as a GB instructor, but as a great Master and mentor who imparts invaluable lessons.