Gracie Barra was established in 1986 in Brazil. Carlos Gracie Jr. envisioned a place where people of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels could come together to learn Jiu-Jitsu. From the beginning, his vision was to create an organisation that would focus on team goals rather than individual success alone. At Gracie Barra Jiu-Jitsu is not just a martial art, but also a philosophy and a way of life. Teaching means much more to us than just demonstrating a technique. It means having a positive impact on our students to not only become better at Jiu-Jitsu, but better human beings.
“Jiu-Jitsu for Everyone” isn’t just a slogan; it’s embedded in every aspect of Gracie Barra. From our curriculum structure to the layout of our schools and our etiquette rules, everything is designed to reflect this mission. We make daily decisions that impact our schools, striving to create an inclusive environment where everyone can learn and thrive.
At Gracie Barra we believe that Jiu-Jitsu is for everyone, regardless of age, gender, fitness level, or background. Our commitment to inclusivity and accessibility is reflected in various aspects of our organisation:
Creating a Future for Jiu-Jitsu for Everyone
We offer specialised programs for different age groups, understanding that children, 
teenagers, and adults have unique needs and learning styles. Our GBK programs focus on developing coordination, discipline, and increased focus and concentration through fun and engaging classes. We have developed a curriculum that is structured in a way that shows children and teens the value of routine, cooperation, and self-awareness. We make adaptations and modifications to each class to reach the different age ranges, making Jiu-Jitsu accessible and ensuring the philosophy of jiu-jitsu for everyone is passed on to the next generation.
Overcoming Barriers to Entry
We often hear that people think they are too old to start Jiu-Jitsu, which couldn’t be further from the truth. Our structured programs are designed to ensure that everyone can participate and progress at their own pace. For beginners, we have our GB1 program which teaches the fundamentals and principles of Jiu-Jitsu. As students progress they gain access to our GB2 and GB3 programs where they can advance their knowledge and take their training beyond the foundation they built in the GB1 program and eventually achieve Black Belt excellence!
Personal Development
Beyond the physical training, being part of Gracie Barra teaches life skills such as discipline, respect, and self-confidence. Our students are encouraged to set personal goals, overcome challenges, and always strive for self-improvement on and off the mat. Our approach makes sure that the lessons learned in Jiu-Jitsu extend into everyday life, helping students to become well-rounded individuals who embody its principles in all aspects of their lives.
Community
We are proud of our community that we’ve built at Gracie Barra Nottingham and Gracie Barra Arnold. Our inclusive approach means that we are able to bring people together from all walks of life. The unity and mutual respect that comes from having a diverse community strengthens bonds and creates a supportive network where everyone feels valued and included. It’s an environment where our students support each other, celebrate achievements together, and form lasting friendships.
Gracie Barra’s commitment to “Jiu-Jitsu for everyone” extends far beyond the mat. From our structured curriculums to our inclusive community, we are dedicated to making Jiu-Jitsu accessible for all. As students progress through our programs, they not only improve in their Jiu-Jitsu, but they also 
develop valuable life skills and form meaningful connections with those around them. Our students benefit from our mission of teaching Jiu-Jitsu for everyone. Our inclusivity leads to a wider range of training partners as well as a more tailored training experience that makes the benefits of Jiu-Jitsu more accessible.
Master Carlos Gracie Jr.’s vision of a better world through Jiu-Jitsu inspires us to continue providing the best experience possible for our students, knowing how transforming this Jiu-Jitsu can be for everyone.
