9/12/26- second Saturday class and the trend is.. clean facility, positive but serious vibes, happy kids and adults.. fully checked-in and waiting for the next instruction/discipline. So grateful we joined literally on the fly... I couldn't be more grateful!! Hadley and Parker are hooked, thank You all!! read more

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To Professor Lucas and Paula -- With Gratitude and Respect Some people teach you a skill. Others change your life without ever realizing the full impact they've had. Lucas and Paula, you are the kind of people who do both. 5 years ago, I became part of a jujutsu school that I thought would teach me martial arts. What I found was something far more meaningful: a family. Lucas, you and Paula made an incredible sacrifice when you left Brazil and everything familiar to pursue the possibility of a new life in America. Starting over in a new country takes courage, faith, and a willingness to risk everything for the chance to build something better. What you've built is so much more than a school. It is a legacy. There is something truly special about the environment you've created. In a world where so many people feel disconnected, your school has become a place where people belong. It is a place where friendships become family, where discipline becomes confidence, where adversity becomes strength, and where people discover that they are capable of far more than they ever imagined. You set out to teach jujutsu, but the impact of what you've created reaches far beyond the mats. You've helped people become healthier, stronger, more confident, and more disciplined. You've given people purpose, direction, and something to work toward when life gets difficult. You've helped shape young people into warriors, not just in the physical sense, but in the way they face the world. And I have no doubt that the lessons and support found within your school have changed--and in some cases, even saved--lives. That is a remarkable thing to accomplish, and I hope you both understand just how much it matters. And now, as you raise your beautiful baby Gabriel into the world, you get to begin an entirely new chapter. You've spent years helping shape the lives of so many others, and now you have the opportunity to raise a little boy in the very same spirit of courage, kindness, discipline, and love that you have shown to everyone around you. If he grows up with even a fraction of the character you both possess, he will be a very fortunate young man. Lucas and Paula, thank you for taking the risk, making the sacrifices, and building something that means so much to so many people. Thank you for the example you set, the family you've created, and the lives you continue to touch. Being part of this school for the past six years has meant more to me than I can adequately put into words. I hope the love, loyalty, and respect you have poured into others come back to you tenfold. You deserve every bit of happiness, success, and recognition that life has to offer. You came to America in pursuit of a better life, but along the way, you've made life better for so many other people. That is a legacy worth being proud of. With all my respect, gratitude, and love for you both. read more

Gracie Barra Jiu-Jitsu Ocotillo is truly something special. From the moment we walked in, we could tell this wasn't just another martial arts gym it was a family. The coaches genuinely care about every student who walks through the door, and you can feel that every single class. Coach Lucas, in particular, goes above and beyond. He doesn't just teach Jiu-Jitsu; he builds confidence, discipline, and respect in his students. He takes the time to connect with the kids on a personal level, and it's clear he's passionate about helping them grow both on and off the mat. Our daughter absolutely loves going, she looks forward to every class and is always excited to show us what she's learned. The positive, encouraging environment has helped her blossom. We're already planning for our youngest to join soon too! If you're looking for a place that combines world-class Jiu-Jitsu instruction with a truly caring, family-friendly atmosphere, Gracie Barra Ocotillo is the place. Couldn't recommend it more highly! read more

I decided in the new year to sign up for a trial class and check out BJJ. I've always wanted to learn but thought I was too old, and haven't literally never played any sports, ever, I assumed I wouldn't have any skills to compete and learn. But what the heck, let's give it a try. What I found was a really cool group of welcoming individuals that were helpful, gave tips, included me, and helped me along. Day one I was able to spar with blue belts & much more experienced men at BJJ, but it wasn't as intimidating as I imagined. No one was trying it hurt anyone, no obvious egos at play, just guys trying to get better and help others get better at the art. My take on BJJ: it's a self defense martial art, yes, but in practice it felt much much much more like a dance than a fight. It felt much more like a chess match vs at battle. You do not have to be the strongest person to compete and win at BJJ, but you have to be the smartest. You do have to have superior knowledge. Once you start to learn the way the body works, tricks to maximize your position and take away someone else's power or advantage, it's really a cool thing. Literally, a 125lb female can easily beat a 225lb male in this sport, if she has the knowledge. It's not all power or size, while that helps, it can be stripped from an opponent when you have superior training and knowledge of the sport. That was the coolest part for me to see. A huge confidence builder knowing you have the ability to defend yourself or others, if necessary, against odds you may have once thought not possible. Anyway, I enjoyed my training there and would recommend it to virtually anyone that has been considering learning BJJ. It's a good place with good people teaching a great skill. Just do it. read more

Gracie Barra Ocotillo Jiu Jitsu - Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Near Me - Gilbert, Arizona

We have practiced martial arts at other studios before and I can say, hands down, this is the best. The family, cohesive atmosphere is the exactly what you hope for when learning a new discipline. Instructors care about your safety and progression every class. The skills development is top notch as well. Gracie is by far the best place to learn Jiu Jitsu! read more

Due to being in the military and moving around a lot I have trained at a lot gyms. This is by far my favorite one! The reason I chose GB Ocotillo was because of the amazing atmosphere during my first time on their mats. Everyone was so welcoming, friendly and you could tell they had a great understanding of the martial art. Plus, Professor Lucas remembered my name after the first time I met him. Which I've come to learn is one of the hardest for most Professors. I highly recommend Gracie Barra Ocotillo for EVERYONE! Men, women and children. Go train here. read more

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Both my sons are training jujitsu here,it's one of my best decisions to put them in the classes. Professor Lucas and other coaches are super personable, technical and knowledgeable. Beyond that professor Lucas is truly care about every kids. He always make appropriate arrangements for kid's sparring. My boys get so much encouragement, their confidence, grit,discipline and strength have skyrocketed. They always look forward to the class. And Paula is super supportive, patient and warm- hearted, she explains everything very clearly and always there to support. read more

amazing community. my whole family learn a lot form here! people walk into this class are super nice and kind, all coaches are patient, I come here every morning, the class fresh my day! read more

Our son started taking lessons here in 2021 and loves it move than ever! The coaches are amazing and the professor is top notch. We love practicing with our son at home as well. He has starred getting into competitions and the coaches are wonderful with their encouragement. Definitely recommend! Come give it a try- what do you have to loose! read more

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Our family has been training at Gracie Barra Ocotillo for over three years. From the moment we stepped into the academy, we were greeted with warmth and a sense of camaraderie that was truly refreshing. Professor Lucas and the instructors at Gracie Barra Ocotillo are highly skilled and passionate about what they do. They are not only knowledgeable but also patient and dedicated to helping each student reach their full potential. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced practitioner, the coaches and Professor tailor their instruction to suit your skill level, ensuring that you progress at a comfortable pace while challenging yourself. The facilities at Gracie Barra Ocotillo are top-notch. The academy is clean and well-maintained, creating a welcoming and safe environment for training. One aspect that truly sets Gracie Barra Ocotillo apart is the sense of community. The students and staff create a supportive and inclusive atmosphere, where everyone is encouraged to learn and grow together. There is a real sense of family within the academy, making it a joy to train there. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or just starting your Jiu Jitsu journey, you'll find everything you need to thrive at Gracie Barra Ocotillo. read more

My son tried many other sports and did not like them. Running around outside in the sun when it s 100 degrees out is a lot to ask of anyone. It was extremely uncomfortable just sitting there watching. So soccer and football were a fail. Having him sit still for long periods of time before it was his turn to hit a ball was very boring. Baseball was out of the question. The children would constantly get in trouble because they would rough house when on the bench.We needed something that was out of the heat and something that was fast enough to keep his attention, a place for him to be able to rough house in a safe manner. Gracie Barra was that place! He loves doing jiujitsu and sitting inside in air conditioning is a give plus for the rest of the family. After watching him do jiujitsu for 3 years I realized that one day my son would be bigger than me and would know jiujitsu. So after a push from my beautiful wife, I joined jiujitsu. I was 311 lbs and really out of shape. I've been doing it for about a year so far. Now I'm down to 275 lbs and I can tie my shoes. It was a little intimidating when I first joined, I thought I was going to just get beat up every day, but everyone is very welcoming. The thing I like the most about jiujitsu is that you can do the moves without hurting anyone. These days I focus my time and energy on learning the moves properly so that I can be a good coach/sparring partner for my son. I would recommend Gracie Barra to anyone and everyone! read more

Amazing place. Amazing people. My kids have been going here for almost 5 years. They've learned incredible confidence, self defense, fitness, discipline, and fun. The community around GB Ocotillo supports one another and you will meet some lifelong friends in the process. If you're looking to level up your life in all ways....Gracie Barra Ocotillo is the place read more

We've had an outstanding experience with the Tiny Champions at Gracie Barra. The professors and coaches are all amazing -- they're patient, supportive, and really focused on teaching the kids not just Jiu-Jitsu, but also important life skills like discipline, respect, and always giving their best effort. It's a well-rounded, structured program that helps children grow both physically and mentally -- and what makes it even better is that the whole family can get involved. Gracie Barra offers classes for all ages, including adults, creating a supportive environment where everyone can train, grow, and thrive together. read more

GB Ocotillo is by far the best school in town. My family and I are transplants from CA and have looked at multiple schools. As a father of 2 young boys, I wanted to introduce them to the art of Jiu Jitsu. I previously trained Gracie in CA but had to step away due to circumstances at the time. Once we moved to AZ the eagerness to become part of a community was apparent. I visited Gracie Ocotillo a few times and immediately liked what I observed. Upon talking to the staff, I found them to be very welcoming and encouraging. My boys and I are now part of the Gracie Ocotillo family and we could never be happier. I whole heartedly feel the decision to train at Gracie Ocotillo is one that will last a lifetime. We are very excited to continue our journey with Gracie Ocotillo and work towards perfecting our craft. The professors, coaches and team at Gracie Ocotillo are the best in town and have welcomed my little family into their large family. Thank you to the Gracie Ocotillo team for your support. Josh H. read more

I have been at gb ocotillo since 2018 and it's been awesome! My daughter and I love the people and the coaching staff. Highly recommended! read more

Gracie Barra Ocotillo Jiu Jitsu - Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Near Me - Gilbert, Arizona

I've been at this location for over a year, and have trained at several other gyms. The stand out aspects of training her are by far the coaches, the culture, and the level of comfort (if there's such a thing in jiu jitsu) The training partners, coaches, professors, and staff are all incredible people on and off the mat, and you will not find a better environment to train. They do great with making it fun for the kids, and also working with older folk who are crazy enough to pick up a new hobby will into their adult years. This was the best option for a mid life crisis I could have chosen, to increase my health, my mobility, and my social circle with this team!! read more

Definitely recommend Gracie Barra Ocotillo! Facility is clean and atmosphere is welcoming. My daughter and I have been going here for a couple months now and we enjoy it. My daughter is a sensitive little one and they definitely made her feel comfortable. Professor Lucas is a great teacher and the coaches are supportive and patient with the kids. read more

We have been at GB Ocotillo for nearly 3 years. Our son has grown tremendously in this time. Not only is he developing useful self defense skills, but he is also developing important life skills at the same time. We could not be more happy with our choice. read more

We started our jujitsu journey with just our oldest, it is now a family thing. From the moment we walked into the gym for the first class we knew we found our gym. The professors and coaches are all amazing. Paula makes everyone who walks in the door feel welcome. Putting fears and Insecurities at ease. Guiding every new student through the first steps & process of jujitsu. This we are truly grateful for. We will forever be part of the GB Ocotillo Family read more

Everyone is very welcoming and supportive. This is a great place to train whether you are looking to compete or just trying to get into shape. After training for over a year, I finally signed my kids up (8 & 9). It's a great way to bond as a family. read more

Amazing coaches, great facility and awesome community! Our daughter has been coming here for a couple years and we've had a great experience all around. read more

Highly recommend GB-Ocotillo for anyone who is interested in Jiu-Jitsu. My six year old has been attending for about a year now and absolutely loves it. Professor Lucas and all of the coaches create a welcoming, supportive atmosphere and use teaching techniques that keep the students interested and growing. The progress my son has made and the excitement he has for going to class is a reflection of the dedication and outstanding coaching abilities of the staff. If you're interested definitely worth a trial class. read more

GB Ocotillo is top notch! Both of our girls have been attending classes there for over two years now and have benefitted from the patience and dedication Professor Lucas and his team provide. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend GB Ocotillo to anyone I know. read more

They are amazing. They truly care about the kids and their happiness, learning and technique.

So many things to love. Professor Lucas is great and always helpful. There are tons of classes each week, so it's easy to make it in, even with my busy schedule. And there are classes specifically for different levels. The other students are tough (i.e. good at Jiu-Jitsu) but helpful and careful with one another's safety. Oh... and one great benefit of it being a Gracie Barra gym is that I travel a lot, but I can find a gym to train at (included in membership) in most any major city I've visited. read more

We had a fantastic experience with Gracie Barra Ocotillo. The staff is kind, welcoming to brand new students and have a nice community. We were part of this studio for almost a year with the goal of building self-confidence in our 10 year old. It was entirely worth it. He wanted to explore other sports and that is why we moved on. read more

My son and I have been going to Gracie Barra Ocotillo for almost 2 years and it's been an amazing life changing experience for the both of us. The incredible staff and students made us feel welcome from the day one and are now more like family. read more

If you've been curious about Brazilian Jujitsu, don't wait, take a trial class - you'll only regret that you didn't start sooner. I put off starting for a year and wish I had started earlier. Every day is an amazing conditioning and learning experience. The coaching team and students make this such a great experience for everyone - young kids, teenagers, adults, couples. I've been a part of Gracie Barra for two years and the benefits go far deeper than the self defense you learn - friendships, health benefits, confidence, better patience. Professor Lucas and the coaching team are super great people and fantastic with kids and the Junior programs. read more

My Wife, Daughter and I have taken Jiu-Jitsu for at least 8 months. Since coming here, I am in better shape, am more flexible and have created more mobility. I have also learned the best self defense on the planet. With my one membership I can attend any Gracie Barra on the globe. I regularly go here and the Chandler club. I highly recommend anyone come here. Professor Lucas is a great teacher and Paula's infectious smile can change anyones day. I look forward to exercising every day and often show up twice a day. Jiu-Jitsu is the funnest way I have found to get in better shape. I have made incredible friends and can say I like everyone here. Everyone welcomes beginners and is very helpful. Over several months I can see a change in my body and also my mind. It allows me to be a better Husband and I can honestly say it makes me more productive at work. I have watched Paula and Lucas create a family here. They are an example of how people should be. They remind me that the American dream is real and that I should put more effort into everything I do. I use them as examples of how we all should be. They have discipline, are humble, they love others and genuinely care. I have also gotten a lot better at Jiu-Jitsu too. read more

This place is a home! If we try and improve ourselves everyday just a little bit over the course of a year we'll be way better at the end of the year. This place fosters that mindset and makes it fun. Seriously, you can't go wrong with this community. They love all walks of life and prepare you for the journey. read more

I just had great experiences with this place. The Staff is amazing, Paula helped me through sign up and she always is so helpful. Professor Lucas gives so much attention and effort towards his students. read more

The men and woman at this gym have created such a family friendly and brotherhood atmosphere it makes you sad when your not able to make it out to train. Amazing coaches and team! Can't say enough good things about gym and people! read more