Life Transforming. My son and I both train at Gracie Barra in Sandy, Utah. First off, we love both the coaches. The head instructor Duane consistently focuses on "Community First" Jiu-Jitsu second. Our family responds well to this philosophy because it provides a safe and welcoming atmosphere to a sport that could be intimidating. Duane goes through each move methodically explaining every detail and encourages questions and provides opportunities to "see the move" as many as times as we need it from every angle no matter how many times we ask. He is a strong and thoughtful leader. When I can, I volunteer to help coach the kids classes. It is fun to see the kids confidence and skill develop over time. While Duane instructs the kids he has this ability to observe and know what is happening on every inch of the mat. The Co-owner Erin has the perfect personality for instructing jiu-jitsu. She has plenty of smiles to match her knowledge while instructing both the adults and the kids. If she doesn't know the answer to a question she is humble and investigates the proper move and then shares it with the class. I really appreciate that aspect of her teaching style. What I like most at training at Gracie Barra Sandy is the family vibes set from the top down leadership. Every time I attend class (nearly every day and sometimes twice a day) I'm always welcomed with genuine smiles and good attitudes from everyone in the school. read more

I can't give 0 stars, or I would. There is rampant drug use. The master Black belt is high every class. He encourages openly the use of marijuana, and tells all men over 30 they need to be on testosterone. He has no patience with the kids, he yells, and punishes, regularly. I've been embarrassed for other people's kids. The assistant, is worse even, she is immature, negative, and can't have any discussion at all with anyone without getting angry and childish. It will say something that there are no high belts among the kids or the adults. I've had other relatives there who left, for the same reasons. Do not be fooled, your kids and you will have drugs pushed toward you, and your young children. Every single day the blackbelt and his assistant get high in the room off to the side of the mat. This cannot continue. There are plenty of nice people there, but the instruction is lacking and the leadership is non-existent. Did I mention pit bulls roam the room freely, oh yea there is that. The black belt is more patient with the dogs than with the kids. The kids annoy him, he actually told the adult class he had to eat an edible (marijuana) just to deal with the kids. Unreal. They pay people for all these 5 star reviews, ask a student they offer prizes for "good reviews" which are mostly lies to get a free shirt, or water bottle. RUN!!! read more

I have been in martial arts for over 38 years and own a school and teach American Kenpo Karate. I decided to up my ground game so I researched different ground fighting arts. Bing very familiar with the Gracie's and their domination in the early days of the UFC, I sought out and located Gracie Barra in Sandy. I am very particular with the way an instructor takes their art and relays their information to a student so I wanted to watch a class before I made a decision to enroll. I know a teacher is only as good as their students. After watching professor Duayne teach a class, it was apparent he was very knowledgeable and cared about his students. I decided to take the free trial to further immerse myself in the curriculum and get hands on training by Professor Duayne and the higher belts. Well, I was very impressed and decided to enroll after 3 days of the 7 day trial. This school is very professional and Professor Duayne is an excellent instructor and the higher belts reflect this perfectly. I highly recommend this school to anyone who wants to learn Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and be part of the GBBJJ family. read more

I'm on my third week of learning this "gentle" art and my experience thus far has been awesome. I thought I would give this a month long trial just to gain a glimpse of what this sport has to offer, but Professor Duayne's warmth and expertise have kept me coming back to class as often as my schedule allows. The more classes I attend the more jiu jitsu sinks its claws into me. I am thoroughly hooked and plan to continue to train and learn as much as I can about this art. Regarding the class, Duayne is extremely knowledgeable and down to earth. He got on my level to explain the minutiae. Students there have been very receptive to me and have taken me under their wing to provide me with the teachings they've learned thus far. They Professor and students foster a great learning environment. read more

I brought three kids to Gracie Barra - Sandy for a free lesson, and it exceeded all expectations. Even the most skeptical child ended the night eager to return. The instructors instill discipline and respect, fostering a positive environment for growth. The abundance of attentive staff ensures each child receives the guidance needed to improve. Gracie Barra - Sandy stands out as one of the best jiu-jitsu gyms I've encountered. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone interested in jiu-jitsu. Whether you're a local or a visitor, this gym surpasses the competition. Unlike other chaotic or inattentive gyms, Gracie Barra focuses on ensuring students follow through with their training, making it an exceptional choice for both beginners and experienced practitioners. read more

I started training BJJ about 9 months ago at a Gracie Barra gym in Southern CA. I recently moved to the Salt Lake City area, and have been loving coming to this gym! Prof. Duayne is a passionate, caring, and skilled teacher who invests his whole self in his students. As someone who is still relatively new to jiu jitsu, I appreciate his ability to break complex skills down into pieces I can follow, and his continued input in everyone's performance as we learn. The gym is family friendly, welcoming to newcomers and women, and I look forward to becoming part of the community that Duayne and his partner Erin have created. read more

I started coming here about a month ago and have absolutely loved it. I had never tried Jiu Jitsu before and always wanted to. Professor Duayne and the rest of the members immediately made me feel right at home as soon as I walked in the doors. The instruction has been excellent, and everybody has been extremely helpful. A couple of more experienced members immediately took me under their wing from Day 1 and have really helped me learn. Nobody had to ask them to. They just did it. It feels like a family. Whether you are experienced with Jiu Jitsu or just getting started, this is the place to go to. read more

In December I moved to Utah and I was thrilled to see a Gracie Barra here around the Salt Lake area. As a combat veteran Jiu-Jitsu has been a god send for me to deal with PTSD and the many things I have experienced in war. Gracie Barra Jiu-Jitsu is great for your life. I am very thankful for Professor Duayne and Coach Erin for making this possible to continue my training. I recommend for all to come to this school and learn to be the best version of yourself. read more

We are so lucky to have found gracie barra in sandy for my daughter. I love how she enjoy coming in and learned everyday and met good friends.gracie barras are all professional and very good at what they do.i love how the place are very clean.i highly recommend gracie barra sandy to everyone.we love this place. Gracie barra is family. I can't thank them enough. Special thanks to professor Dewayne and team for all their hard work....Sherryl Smyly read more

I was looking for a fun activity to spend quality time with my teenage daughter and decided to give the Gracie Barra gym's free week a shot. We were hooked after the first day! What a great group of people, from the staff to the students. I am amazed at the encouraging and support from everyone. Shout of to Professor Duayne and Coach Erin for making this such a great experience and safe place to learn jiu-jitsu. read more

Gracie Barra Sandy is absolutely amazing! The community and staff make you feel welcome and they really genuinely care. My daughter and I both attend. The classes are fun! The kids class is great I love that they learn discipline and respect. The parent/kid classes are so fun! Not only that they have been so generous to my family when we needed it the most highly recommend! read more

I joined the BJJ classes just thinking that it would be a great opportunity meeting new people and my accomodation in Utah to be made easily, doing some exercises, keeping myself in shape, but it seems that I started counting the hours at work until I get to go to for a new training with the Gracie Barra Sandy family. Is it possible to have more Judo classes weekly? read more

Cannot say enough good things about Gracie Barra Sandy. My 3 year old daughter, 8 year old son, my husband, and I all joined this year. They have been so incredibly welcoming to all of us and we feel like we have a new family! It's hard starting something new as an adult but everyone is so kind and helpful, it's been such a wonderful experience. read more

I joined this gym about a month ago now. Although I have previous experience grappling the proffessor, and community of students has made it a point to help me improve much needed technique. If you are looking for a training enviorment that leaves ego at the door and focuses on improving every student. You need to check Gracie Barra out. read more

Awesome people; great instruction that's one-on-one. I love the Gracie schools and what they're about. I am from Boise and didn't want to miss training when out of town. I just walked in and was welcomed with open arms- Professor gave me a gui and I jumped right in. Thanks for welcoming me as part of the Gracie family! read more

I was so impressed with this school! As soon as I walked in, I could tell it was a place full of friendly people. Everyone was happy to see me. They really treated me like family! The sweetest people I've ever met and they were all really helpful! I really liked this school. I hope I get to roll with them again! read more

This is an amazing gym, with the most amazing people!!! Love it!! The people there are always ready and willing to help you learn and grow. It has taught me and my son so many valuable lessons! I am incredibly happy with this gym!! If you have ever thought about going, just GO! We will see you on the mat!! read more

Totally new to BJJ, and completely captivated by it. Just signed up for 6 months. What hooked me was the intimate morning class size, frequent classes and an amazingly patient instructor and coach. Everyone I've encountered there has been so warm and inviting. Like I said I'm hooked! read more

Train happens everyday at Gracie Barra Sandy! Curious? There's a FREE week trial to see if it's right for you! (Hint: Jiujitsu is for EVERYONE!) As a family we've had a wonderful time becoming a part of this welcoming gym. A great place to learn & grow in BJJ skills & etiquette! read more