The hardest part of any healthy endeavor is starting. The second hardest part is finding a reason to stay. I have been training consistently at Gracie Barra Back Bay for about 3 years. I recommend this martial arts school to anyone but particularly to beginners and those looking for a fun, unique way to get into exceptionally good shape. This is certainly a good place for people of any age (I am 36) and body type. I've seen students at Gracie lose significant amounts of weight. I've seen students here develop discipline and self defense skills. I've seen students here become more confident and make friends. I don't often write reviews but Gracie Barra is an exception. This martial arts facility has helped me get into phenomenal shape both physically and psychologically. My body fat percentage is steady at around 10% and I have begun competing around the country. I did not think either of these things were possible or maintainable at my age and with my busy schedule. Yet, probably most importantly, I have to acknowledge that I have made several life long friends. Before I started training at Gracie Barra Back Bay, I had been training for about 3 years off and on at other schools. The reason I dedicated myself here is the sense of community. The head instructor, Alex Costa, has cultivated a friendly, professional atmosphere where anyone will feel at home. Breathing techniques are emphasized in addition to safety and proper technique to ensure everyone is learning and growing. Professor Alex is warm and compassionate toward all his students. There are a variety of classes that range from helping beginners learn the most fundamental movements to advanced classes. Also, Professor Alex has something like 5 World Champion and Pan Am IBJJF gold medals in black belt divisions. Whether you are looking for a fun way to learn a martial art, make friends and stay in shape or if you are looking to compete on a world level, Gracie Barra Back Bay is the absolute best place to train Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. read more

I'm about a year and a half in at GB3 (Gracie Barra Back Bay) and I have nothing bad to say about this place. Nothing. It's a completely invigorating and positive compliment to an examined life. It's a rigorous, spiritual experience that has given me a new perspective on my world as I approach middle age. I'm one of the older guys in the gym and I'm now very very comfortable fighting guys almost half my age. I feel capable and safe. Few things in this world have the true return on investment that BJJ carries. If you feel scared or intimidated, if you're unsure whether your body can handle the stress, just get in there. Alex, and the rest of us, your training partners, will take care of you and help you progress and be there to lend honest words of encouragement. It's become a cliche that BJJ changes lives. But it's so true. Why is Alex so good? Is it because he's a champion with a tremendous breadth of knowledge? Maybe, but I don't think so. I think he's so good because he's so simply happy doing what he's doing and he has no compunction about sharing his confidence and well being with us. It's the atmosphere and the JOY that make us come back and roll (spar, play, roll around in PJ's). And without that positive vibe, the fight game is a slog. With it, you win. You want to go to GB3 because you leave smiling, every time. It is a place of gentility and artistry, humanity and COMPASSION. Send your kids. This should be mandatory for all kids everywhere. It would change the world. This is not an exaggeration. read more

I'm a 22 year old senior at Northeastern University. When I started training in February of 2015 I weighed 237lbs at 5'11. I was in terrible physical condition, completely inactive, and probably clinically depressed. I was always a UFC fan, and figured I'd give jiu jitsu a shot. By August I weighed 195lbs and had competed as a white belt twice, and I have never felt or looked better. Everyone at Gracie Barra was incredible welcoming from day 1. This isn't a gym or sport where people are trying to smash each other. We're there to learn, were there to stay physically fit, and most importantly to have fun. The best friends I have made in Boston are primarily through jiu-jitsu, and I think anyone and everyone should try it. You are learning to defend yourself in a street scenario by rolling around having fun with friends, and getting in shape all at once. It's similar to anything else in life. At the beginning it feels unnatural, and the gap between you and other people, skill wise, seems insurmountable. Watching yourself progress and close that gap day by day provides an incredible sense of accomplishment and is something I will be in pursuit of for the rest of my life. On a final note, the instruction at Gracie Barra Back Bay is, literally, world class. Professor Alexander Costa, aside from being a very funny guy, is a top 10 competitor in the world in his division. He has several world titles under his belt, but most importantly has a great time teaching all of us. See you on the mats! Oss read more

Where to start? First, the vitally important stuff. From the mats to the bathrooms...Gracie Barra Back Bay is always immaculately clean, well lit and welcoming. Alex and Ashley are always friendly, professional and incredibly knowledgeable. The level of Jiu Jitsu being taught is incredible. At any given session there's a solid mix of experienced, competitive practitioners and those of us who are just starting our journey. I'm challenged and learn something new every time...But always with mutual respect and collaboration...Never with ego or disrespect. I came to Jiu Jitsu to learn a new skill and improve my physical fitness after my doctor told me to exercise or start suffering real consequences soon. Predictably, with a little bit of effort my fitness is improving. What I could never have predicted is that I would gain a new extended family of people around me. This is definitely a testimony to the environment Alex and Ashley create at Gracie Barra Back Bay every day. Thanks guys!! PS- If you are wondering whether or not such an enthusiastic testimonial could possibly be real let me assure you...I'm there all the time!!! https://foursquare.com/jakedimare (Current mayor as of 12/4/2012) read more

Professor Alex is the best instructor I have come across for any sport I've ever done, not just BJJ. I love most that he rolls with all of us, often. He doesn't just teach and then watch from the sidelines like most coaches I've had. He shows us what to do during class and then proves the techniques work by actually doing them to us during live rolling. He has TRUE jiu-jitsu. What does that mean? He can beat you without hurting you or being brutish or crazy at all. At first, I almost felt insulted with how gentle he was with me. I thought it was his way of saying how bad I was. But then, I started watching him roll with guys even bigger than himself (he's pretty big, mind you) and he rolls the exact same way with everyone. He just straight up doesn't need to use any power, even against giant, musclehead freaks. It's really inspiring. Other things, let's see, the mats are exceptionally clean and there is even a decent amount of exercise equipment in the back. The higher belts that came up the ranks under Professor Alex are crazy good, JR, Coach Alessandro, Rodrigo. Artists, truly, all of them. Very happy here, that's about all I can say. Osssssssssss read more

Great Gym. Alex, the Instructor, is the best. I used to train with him when he was at another gym and signed up to Gracie Barra Back Bay when I found out he was teaching here. He knows what he is doing, and is a great guy. The level of competition pretty high too. A lot of the people at the gym are really really good, but there aren't really any meatheads like at other gyms, so if you are new to the sport, you won't be intimidated, and there are plenty of beginners that are at the gym too, so it is a good blend of different skill levels. I live over an hour away, and even though there are gyms way closer to my house, I still make the commute because it is just that much better than the other gyms. Oh and yea, like the other people said the bathrooms are really nice. I think I shower there more than at my house. read more

I've been apart of Gracie Barra Back Bay for the last 7 months and honestly wish I had joined it years ago. The environment at the school is amazingly friendly, and with all the classes that are available I can drive in from work in Andover or from my house in the south shore and get my Jiu Jitsu fix. My main fear was that BJJ was for the youngsters, and at 32 years old I was afraid I had missed the boat. What I learned quickly was that Jiu Jitsu is great for everyone. I always walk away from class learning effective techniques, and also get good exercise. Like I said, I wish I had started years ago, because it's a great art, and Gracie Barra Back Bay is an amazing place to train. I feel like its something I was missing in my life and didn't even know it. -Ross J.- read more

Having been involved in wrestling and other combat sports for most of my life, I came to Gracie Back Bay looking for a knowledgable, friendly place to train and expand my jiu-jitsu game. What I got was more than I expected! Alex Costa, Ashley, and everyone at Gracie Barra Back Bay have made this place one the best spots in Boston to learn, train, and make new friends. I was welcomed from the second I stepped through the door. Alex's patience, deep knowledge, and commitment to teaching jiu-jitsu is evident in every class. His regular students exude these same great traits on and off the mats. If you're looking for a place to learn jiu-jitsu, get physically fit, and be treated like one of the family, then I highly recommend you come down the Gracie Barra Back Bay! read more

Gracie Barra Back Bay is more than just a jiu-jitsu gym. I started training 4 years ago under the world class instruction of Prof. Alex Costa. Prof. Alex is more than just a regular professor, he is a mentor that helped me through hard times both on and off the mats. His technique is on point and he is able to explain the smallest details to students of all levels. He is considerate, friendly and extremely charismatic. I have trained at other gyms before, but I can say that this is definitely the most friendly environment I have been in. You will consider this a second home and family. If you want to change your life, learn jiu-jitsu and become part of the Gracie Barra family this is the place to be. OSS read more

I trained at Gracie Barra for 2 years and I couldn't have asked for a better place to learn BJJ. When I travel I always try a gym in a new city, and I have never worked with a teacher that comes close to Alex Costa...he is the best I've had and I'm lucky to have trained with him. Not only is he a great teacher and very patient, but he has created a great community and the group of people that train at this gym are just really awesome. On top of all that, the facility is super clean and has great equipment. Whether you haven't trained before or you've been training for years, you will find great people to learn from and roll with here. Couldn't recommend it more highly. read more

As a current client of Gracie Barra Back Bay, I am writing to yelp today to assure you that Alex and Ashley Costa are absolutely the best trainers of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu I have ever worked with. Whether you are bulking up or slimming down, trying to improve your health or just improve your strength, Alex and Ashley has the background and the commitment to help you succeed. No matter what your Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu goals, I am certain that Alex and Ashley Costa will be more than able to help you get there. Please know that I give them my highest ratings, and will happily continue to train with them myself. Best Marcio P. read more

I joined Gracie Barra Back Bay 3 years ago. At first I was nervous because I did not know what to do but Professor with his amazing personality and students helped me to feel like I was in home. After one year, I lost 40lbs and gain a lot confidence about myself. Nowadays, I am still doing Jiu-Jitsu and feel so happy for taking the decision of attending Gracie Barra Back Bay. Professor Alex is more than a professor, he is also a great friend of mine. He taught me to never give up from my goals and many amazing techniques. In fact, no words can describe what he did to my life. Best professor ever. read more

I have trained at a lot of places, and I will say that Professor Alex has the best program out there. He is smart, and he thinks as much about Jiu Jitsu as what you can learn from it and take to the outside world. His lessons around mental focus and other things are invaluable. I would highly recommend this school to anyone interested, especially with relation to the other choices in the area. It is a great place to learn, practice and become an expert in BJJ. I don't write many reviews on any site, but I felt that this place warranted it. It is that great. read more

Ive been part of this gym for 4 years and the instruction is world class. Professor Alex is a genuinely good hearted person who really cares about his students and the fact the he is an encyclopedia of jiu jitsu is just a bonus. The entire team at GB3, from Alex and Ashely, to the coaches and students, will make you feel at home from the very second you walk in. Whether your new to jiu jitsu, maybe looking for a kids program, or you are a world class champion, there isnt a better gym in the area and you should not hesitate to come check us out! read more

I have recently begun training at GB and cannot say enough good things. For starters, Professor Alex is extremely knowledgeable and easy going, which makes being "the new guy" that much easier. The facility is extremely clean and well kept, with locker rooms and bathrooms. I would highly recommend GB to anyone of any age or skill level. The staff and fellow students make you feel welcome and always lend assistance to those in need of special instruction (usually me) Hope to see some new faces in the gym! read more

Gracie Barra Back Bay is a phenomenal BJJ school that provides a safe , fun and challenging environment to learn. The instructors are passionate and bring a wealth of experience. I started at 35 , thinking that I was too old to join but I have been surprised at what I have been able to accomplish, both physically and mentally with this martial art. I have been studying for a year now and strongly encourage all ages and genders to give it a shot - you might just surprise yourself with what BJJ can do for you!!! read more

Ive trained at various MMA gyms and BJJ schools and very rarely does a team offer some of the best instruction along with an accepting team. GB3 does both of those, a great professor in Alex Costa and an extremely welcoming (and tough) team. GB3 allows people to train for fun, exercise or train to compete at some of BJJ's highest levels. Ive been coming here for going on three years and couldnt be happier. FOR SURE check it out and learn some skills while getting into shape!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! read more

Best BJJ gym I've ever trained at. Prof. Alex is one of the nicest and most helpful instructors I've ever had the pleasure of training with. You can expect to be welcomed into a supportive and nurturing family when joining GB3. Plenty of mat space, and tons of gym equipment as well. Facilities are always clean, there is plenty of locker room space. GB3 also has a very flexible schedule for both gi and no-gi practitioners. Overall a great place to train! read more

Gracie Barra Back Bay is truly a great environment to learn the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Professor Alex can always find a way to explain the technique, and teachings so that they not only come together on the mat, but outside of the gym as well. Great family vibe inside the gym, where you get to train with those who push you (and choke you) to your limits. Cant wait to train tonight! read more