As a complete newbie, I can't recommend Carlson Gracie enough. I looked up martial arts places to learn self-defense and to feel like I could stand my own ground if need be. I found Carlson Gracie on Yelp and emailed Fabio that day. He instantly emailed me back, let me know the schedule and asked me when I'd like to come in. I was super nervous to go but when I did show up Fabio made a point to meet me and pair me with one of the instructors, Adam, for basically an hour and a half of private lessons just to begin understanding what Jiu Jitsu is. I've only been going for a month but I'm hooked. Since I'm so new, Fabio makes a point either to work with me personally, pull an instructor aside to work with me, or make sure that I come in when the other new girls are there too so we can work together. I've never felt more looked after and encouraged to keep coming back. As others said, Fabio treats you like family. If you're thinking of trying something out for the first time or join the ranks of veterans, COME TO CARLSON GRACIE. read more

The instruction provided at this gym is phenomenal! This place is great for beginners and new comers. Everyone who trains here is very eager to help each other to learn and advance their skills in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, submission grappling, striking, and Vale Tudo. There is a tremendous amount of knowledge and experience available from the instructors and members of this gym. Never have I felt more welcome in a new place, than at Carlson Gracie CT. The head instructor, Fabio Araujo is a great guy with an incredible wealth of knowledge, who runs the best martial arts training facility around. Classes range from beginner levels, for people with little to no martial experience, to advanced training for those individuals with years in the game. Stop in and check it out! You won't be disappointed! read more

As Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and mixed martial arts become more popular, it gets more and more difficult to find an instructor like Fabio Araujo. He has 25 years of experience (20 of them teaching) and has been on the mat with (and taught) some of the best in the world. Because he is so well established, there are almost always higher belts at the academy who will share their knowledge as well. Overall this is a great place to learn if you are completely new to martial arts, have experience in other styles, or have trained in bjj or mma before. Fabio and his students have something to teach everyone! read more

Fabio is an amazing coach and pays close attention to detail. He is a very high level Black Belt (3rd degree), thats uncommon and requires decades or training. Fabio is extremely well versed in real fighting and MMA. For over 12 years, Every day he is on the mat with an amazing drive to help his dedicated students achieve their JiuJitsu, fitness, and personal Goals. Fabio has given me so much motivation and inspiration. He is a great coach and great friend .Carlson Gracie CT is the place to be if you want the best JiuJitsu Training. ---------Ryan G read more

I started at Carlson Gracie CT about 2 years ago when I was 16 years old. Naturally I had some anxiety about starting a combat sport that I had limited knowledge on; however, I was embraced by both Fabio and every member of the gym as part of the family. It is the interest of everyone at the gym to aid in improving each other's Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Every time I enter the gym, I know that I will leave having bettered my game. Fabio is a fantastic instructor who provides an amazingly vast knowledge of BJJ and a great atmosphere to train. read more

I brought my 16 year old son to this academy two years ago. From day one Fabio treated us as family. The other students welcomed my son, providing a balance between challenging him while nurturing him at his level. Fabio is a wealth of knowledge where his respectful attitude shines through the attitude of his students. I've had the pleasure of watching most of the classes my son attended. His skill level and confidence he now possess have supported us making the right choice in the Carlson Gracie Team. Thanks Fabio! read more

No doubt Fabio is one of the best Jiu Jitsu instructors around, true Gracie Jiu Jitsu at this school. His black belts are some of the best around a true reflection of his ability to teach and communicate with each student. I highly recomend this school to parents throughout the greater New Haven area who's children are looking to learn true Gracie Jiu Jitsu. Great family atmosphere and safe enviroment for the kids. I encourage men and women of all ages to train at Carlson Gracie CT under Master Fabio Araujo. read more

I've been training with Fabio for over 7 years. I can honestly say that he is the best Jiu Jitsu instructor I have ever encountered. I have recently moved away, but miss the intense and technique orientated classed at Carlson Gracie CT. I recieved my black belt under Fabio from Carlson Gracie Jr. himself, who comes to our school at least twice a year, and I could not be more proud of my liniage. If you want a serious place to train in CT this is by far the best place to go. read more

You may find a bigger BJJ school in CT, but you won't find a better one. Fabio learned his style right where the art originated: Brazil. With a Gracie lineage of instruction, you won't find better than that around here. He takes a genuine interest in the development of his students, and the emphasis is on technique. Wanna be tough guys and muscle heads need not apply, but those sincere in learning BJJ the right way will find a real home here. read more

I've been training at Carlson Gracie New Haven for 5 years. this place has truly changed my life not just in terms of training but also for my mentality and health. you don't just feel like you're part of a team, you also feel like you're part of a family. Fabio's the best instructor you can ask for and I'm proud to be a part of his school. If you're looking to enhance your life and jiu jitsu training this is the place you need to be a part of. read more

I've been training in various martial arts for many years. Fabio Araujo is by far the best Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Instructor in Connecticut. Fabio is a 3rd degree black belt and a student of the late Carlson Gracie, a BJJ Grandmaster. I highly recommend going to his school and taking a class. You will be very impressed by his knowledge and expertise. He treats everyone like family. http://www.carlsongraciect.net/ read more

Carlson Gracie CT is run by Fabio Araujo, a 4th degree blackbelt. His approach to the art is simple, pure and effective. You won't find any bullshit or nonsense fads on this mat, just straightforward and honest BJJ taught by an authentic teacher who is an encyclopedia of the art. you can train here and be successful at competitions, but more importantly if you train here you will be successful at life. read more

I received my brown belt and Ive been training under Fabio for over 6 years. The level of jiujitsu is phenomenal. Schools are popping up left and right being ran by purple belts.......that's not the case here. Solid old school jiujitsu with high level instructors. Whether your looking to compete, learn self defense, or just drop a few lbs you should come check it out. read more

Excellent jiu jitsu. Academy does justice to the powerful legacy of master Carlson Gracie. Being part of the Carlson Gracie Team opens doors across the country and internationally. Fabio and his students have been welcoming and amzing training partners and friends Training w Fabio has added something very positive to my life. read more

Real Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Fabio is the best. He brings in top notch BJJ instructors for seminars. I have Black Belts in Judo and TaeKwonDo and have gotten a Purple Belt in BJJ from Fabio. I have trained with some real tough BJJ Black Belts at his school. It is a great place to learn. read more

I have trained at various schools in CT and CA. FABIO is the best instructor in CT. No bullshit -just pure Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. He treated me like family from the first day we met. He also has some of the best black belts in the country and there is always a new crop of white belts. read more

Best jiu-jitsu school in ct!If you want to learn Brazilian jiu-jitsu the right way and learn how to handle yourself realistically in any type of physical altercation,Fabio is the best! read more

Fabio is the best coach I've had. I've gotten my Purple and Brown Belts under him. Carlson Gracie Team is the best!