OUR METHOD
Jiu-Jitsu must be embraced as a lifelong journey. Because of this, Master Carlos Gracie Jr. has designed an effective learning plan of study that allows for students to naturally progress from the White Belt to the Black Belt. Thus, classes and their respective curriculum at Gracie Barra are not isolated from one another, but elements of a larger structured learning plan called 'GB Programs'. Gracie Barra Programs are comprised of six main elements:
Curriculums: The 16-week set of coordinated techniques organized to facilitate students’ learning processes.
Pre-requisites: The minimum level a student must have accomplished in order to enroll in a specific program.
Class: The time during which the student learns the techniques using several different training methods or appropriate instructional techniques.
Training Methods: Drills and training practices designed to convert the knowledge taught by the instructor into knowledge and skills, ensuring that the student is able to apply their knowledge and techniques under real circumstances.
Minimum Attendance: The minimum attendance required from the student so him or her can be promoted to the next belt level.
Belt System: A hierarchical rank structure that represents students’ progress. All Gracie Barra students have the dream of becoming a Black Belt. However, this is not an easy goal, so a lot of consistency and dedication is required.
To fulfill the promise of facilitating students’ learning, Gracie Barra Programs are structured logically to keep students motivated to learn, practice and perform.
A typical Gracie Barra student starts with an introductory class, where he or she will learn the overall self-defense strategy of Jiu-Jitsu and afterwards enroll in the GB¹ Program – Jiu-Jitsu Fundamentals. After 4 months of training and learning all the techniques comprising the GB¹ curriculum, the student will be recommended to join the GB² Program – Advanced Jiu-Jitsu. With 8 months of training and experience, the student will have the maturity level and enough knowledge to enroll on the GB³ Program – Expert Jiu-Jitsu. It is in the GB³ Program – Expert Jiu-Jitsu where he or she will be exposed to all kinds of training dynamics, including MMA, No-Gi and high level Gi, so that the student develops his or her own Jiu-Jitsu game, strategy and techniques.
Jiu-Jitsu is a beautiful art and everyone is capable of learning it and enjoying its many benefits. Gracie Barra Programs reflect more than 30 years of Master Carlos Gracie Jr‘s teaching experience and have succeeded in improving the quality of life, self-esteem, discipline and health of tens of thousands of individuals around the world, as well as building some of the best Jiu-Jitsu fighters ever known.
