I have been training at Gracie Barra Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy for just over a year now. My ground game has improved more so in this past year, than it has in the former three years that I trained at other martial arts gyms. Not only has my jiu jitsu improved immensely, but the team is organized and runs as a family type unit. We not only train together, but we go to tournaments, go out to eat, and have fun together. When one of the team members is struggling one of the other members will help pull them back up. We just recently added a Muay Thai curriculum to our program as well. The gym also offers conditioning classes that are curtailed towards improving Jiu Jitsu (Bulgarian bag, kettle bells, and other core strengthening equipment). Before training at Gracie Barra I thought I was a good martial arts practitioner, after my first day at Gracie Barra I realized I only thought that I was good, because I was training at other local gyms that said they knew Jiu Jitsu, but were a far cry from really even teaching the fundamentals appropriately. Mr. Birchfield has been studying martial arts for over twenty years and there is no other instructor in the Genesee County area that can even compare to him when dealing with his knowlege and skill level. Mr. Birchfield is arguably one of the top martial arts teachers in the county, if not the state. Before training at Gracie Barra, I struggled with positive self-esteem and being self-motivated to improve my life, since training at the gym I have graduated from U of M, become a counselor, and have a motivation that supersedes any I have ever had. I would invite you to come try us out, you have nothing to lose, but excess weight and multiple positive gains. read more

We have two boys, 14 and 11, who have been going to Gracie Barra for almost a year. They are both second degree black belts in Tae Kwon Do and compete at the state and national levels. They wanted to incorporate BJJ to become well rounded martial artists. We have chosen Professor Burchfield and his academy to help our boys start on the road to competing in BJJ because of his his black belt in BJJ and his 20 years experience in martial arts. He is doing a great job at teaching them the basics and getting them ready for up-coming tournaments. We feel with him as their coach they will go far in the sport. The boys love learning at Gracie Barra Burton. It is a comfortable family-like environment everybody we have come across has been friendly and willing to help. Our boys are currently involved in the kids BJJ class, the fundamentals BJJ class and the new Muay Thai class. Jim just got back from Thailand where he annually goes to learn the finer points of Muay Thai. Professor Burchfield has been very accommodating to us. We homeschool the kids and he has a class that is available on Monday and Wednesdays from 12-1pm that our boys take, and love the instructors there, Coach Pat, Coach Mike, and Professor Burchfield. Thanks Jim, we really feel like you are looking out for our boys!! read more

I have trained at quite a few Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu schools over the past few years and none of them offer the same detailed instruction, wealth of information, technical soundness, and positive team environment as Gracie Barra Burton. Professor Burchfield is by the far the best instructor I have ever trained under. He truly cares about your improvement and structures his classes in the best way possible to maximize your progress. Professor Burchfield has trained with some of the absolute best Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioners in the world including Flavio Almeida, Rickson Gracie, Saulo Ribero, Braulio Estima, Lucas Leite, Marcus Almeida Buchecha, Romulo Barral, Samuel Braga, and the list goes on. In addition to what the school offers on an everyday basis, Professor Burchfield flies in many of these and other Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world champions from across the globe to come and offer seminars and private instruction at our academy. I highly recommend training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at Gracie Barra Burton. read more

My daughter and I joined Gracie Barra going on two months, it has been a great experience. We have zero experience but are learning. My daughter was already in great athlete shape, me not so much but after joining I am getting there. The instructors have been great as well as the other members of the class. It is great for all ages. I see members anywhere from 50 + to 4 years old male and female. The instructors manage to be able to get full attention to everyone. the atmosphere is very friendly and helpful. I can honestly say this is not an attempt to just get you signed up to make a buck, they do not want you paying and not training. I am very particular with any ratings or don't bother because it is a waste of time however I highly recommend this for anyone at any age. For you that may be a bit older I would like you to remember you don't quit playing because you get old you get old because you quit playing. Have a great day! Don Lewis read more

I moved to Burton at the end of 2017. I liked my boxing experience from places like 9round and I wanted to continue with something similar. This is much better. The instructors are very nice, friendly and knowledgeable. They worked with me through my back pain issues and after a surgery. They encouraged me to work to my abilities but to push myself. I am still improving everyday and the strength I have gained has helped me so much with my back issues. There is a very nice culture of discipline, respect and self-improvement. All the people in the class work with each other acknowledging the differences in skills and keeping in mind that everyday you come, you become a better you. If you go, and you say you can't do it, keep trying and keep going at least twice a week. Perseverance is key. read more

This location has been nothing but great experiences for me and my best friend, a well rounded curriculum that has BJJ AND MUAY THAI options! The calisthenics gym is great with lots of versatility and best of all there doesn't seem to be any ego. Nobody trying to be the toughest guy in the gym. Everybody has a positive and helpful attitude and just wants everybody else to have a positive experience. To those who are shy and timid about trying this for the first time have no fear, the instructors are very understanding and just want to see you succeed. Check it out! read more

I have trained here for close to a year and I love it here. The professor Jim Burchfield is awesome he has an extraordinary wealth of knowledge of multiple martial arts and gives great hands on classes and makes sure that everyone is on the same page. The friendly atmosphere is truly one of kind everyone is very kind to one another and the environment there encourages you to get better and makes you want to keep coming back every day. Has truly helped reorganize my brain in a few ways and will continue to do so! read more

This was something i had wanted to try for years. So i looked up there web page and took interest filled out a questionnaire and was contacted shortly after. started my first class and was blown away everyone was friendly and the training was fun well when a 200 lb person wasn't laying on you chest but you learn how to get past that. ask questions and in detail and you will get honest answers. you will gain a sense of empowerment and confidence to help you take on any challenges. i give them a 10/10 read more

I have been training at Gracie Barra Burton for about 2 1/2 years in the fundamentals and advanced programs. I am able to train with black belt Jim Burchfield in nearly every advanced class that I attend. His wealth of knowledge and excellent teaching ability has helped my BJJ game tremendously. The fundamentals program is taught by great instructors, and there are dozens of great training partners to train with. Highly recommend, has been life changing training there. read more

I've been going to Gracie Barra-Burton for over 4 years on and off. Mostly for the then offered Hsing-I lessons and more recently for the Brazilian jiujutsu. Not only has the training been top notch with great people but the head instructor Jim Burchfield has consistently improved not only in martial knowledge and skill but in teaching ability as well. You really couldn't ask for a better place to start learning effective Brazilian jiujutsu. read more

This place is great. Amazing training with Jim Burchfield who has tons of experience. For sure check them out, you can train even if your just in town for a visit. Awesome atmosphere and really cool training partners. Trained here for a couple months and got in best shape of my life. I can not recommend enough. Call them today, get in a for a class, you will not be disappointed. read more

I have been training at Gracie Barra for around a month now and have thoroughly enjoyed each and every class that I have attended there. When signing up, every detail of what I was signing up for was outlined to me, and it was made sure that I fully understood what it was that I was going to be participating in. Highly recommend training here no matter your starting skill level read more

I've been training at Gracie Barra in Burton for over 3 years now and it has changed my life for the better. Professor Jim Burchfield is an excellent instructor and everyone that trains here is friendly and super helpful. I recommend training jiu jitsu here to everyone because the benefits are so numerous and extend to every type of person. read more

Started there with my 5yr old son who "wanted to take ninja classes" They treated him like a king and made him feel very special. They even talked me into some classes. Great gym, great people! All ages and skill levels welcomed and encouraged! read more

I have been training at Gracie Barra Burton for almost 1 1/2. The coaches and students have made me feel welcome and comfortable from day one. It's a fun and relaxed class with great coaches and students. I couldn't recommend it more. read more

Excellent Staff and very friendly. I decided after the new year to get back in shape and I made the right choice showing up here. Two Thumbs up! read more

After the quarantine this was a great place for my son. He really enjoyed the moves. Instructors for kind and patient.