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Two female Jiu-Jitsu students

JIU-JITSU TRAINING

What can Gracie Barra Bristol offer you?

Community, Integrity, Development

In a lifetime dedicated to the growth and development of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, the efforts and actions of Master Carlos Gracie Jr. have always been guided by the values of community, expansion, and integrity. Simply stated by himself:

A quote from Carlos Gracie Jr.

The values and principles that build Master Carlos Gracie Jr.’s personal philosophy have defined to a great extent the culture of Gracie Barra Bristol. The table to the right summarises each one of Carlos’ core values and how they have impacted Gracie Barra as an organization. Get in touch to learn more.

The Gracie Barra values

Excellence

A line of adults in Jiu-Jitsu outfits

Our team colour is red, our team flag is the Red Shield. The Red Shield connects the Gracie Barra community, from our students taking their first class, to our Black Belts graduating, our athletes in battle, our instructors teaching, and our schools keeping the legacy alive.

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The Red Shield was created by Master Carlos Gracie Jr. with the purpose of unifying all of those who represent Gracie Barra, defend the Red Shield, and pass forward the legacy transferred down from Grandmaster Carlos Gracie, and other Jiu-Jitsu legends such as Hélio Gracie, Rolls Gracie and Carlos Gracie Jr.

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The Red Shield’s credibility was built over the years through hard work and excellence shown by the Gracie Barra students, athletes and instructors involved in Jiu-Jitsu competitions, teaching programs and community work. The Gracie Barra Red Shield is one of the most recognized symbols in Jiu-Jitsu today, and all of those who carry it feel a deep sense of loyalty and commitment to Master Carlos Gracie Jr, Gracie Barra and the Jiu-Jitsu for Everyone movement.

Athletic Performance

Athletics at Gracie Barra Bristol is represented by a sport Jiu-Jitsu competition team known as EQUIPE GB. Athletics within Gracie Barra builds community and pride through the engagement of students, staff, parents, and friends, and creates a portal through which everyone can enjoy the GB experience. Successful athletic performance generates a unique excitement across the Gracie Barra Schools and community, helping to strengthen bonds among the various arms of our organisation, build students' loyalty in a healthy manner, and give Gracie Barra members yet another reason to be proud to represent the legacy of Master Carlos Gracie Jr. and defend the red shield.

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Athletic participation helps Gracie Barra students grow, learn, and enjoy themselves while developing their body, mind and spirit. Our competition team, values the lessons that have long been taught by sport Jiu-Jitsu competitions: the pursuit of excellence through personal development and teamwork, ethical and responsible behaviour on and off the mats, leadership and strength of character, and sportsmanship – respect for one’s opponents, acceptance of victory with humility, and acknowledgement of defeat with grace. By embracing these values, EQUIPE GB members create habits which will lead to a better lifestyle and well-being. While winning is not an end in itself, at Gracie Barra Bristol we believe that the efforts of our athletes to be their best will lead them to succeed throughout their lives.

A man wearing a Gracie Barra top

Gratitude, Appreciation, Legacy

We all should learn from our past to educate the future. The pictures on the walls of every Gracie Barra School tell our story from the early twentieth century to today. First in line, Mitsuyo Maeda, the Japanese martial artist with unparalleled skill who brought the gentle art to Brazil. Next, Carlos Gracie Sr., Maeda’s first student and the first Gracie to ever learn Jiu-Jitsu. Third, Hélio Gracie, Carlos’ brother and the best Gracie fighter of his time. Fourth, Rolls Gracie, a true jiu jitsu innovator and champion of Brazilian jiu jitsu philosophy. And finally, Carlos Gracie, Jr., the founder of Gracie Barra, and the visionary of the Jiu-Jitsu for Everyone project. It is our tradition to commemorate the lives of great masters and practitioners, both as a mark of gratitude and appreciation, and as a source of inspiration from which we may still learn.

♫ Uh é Gracie Barra Aha Uhu ♫

In times of trouble, or when we have a challenge ahead, we know the importance of family and friends. In the sporting arena is no different. Whenever an athlete enters the arena of competition, the positive energy of the crowd is contagious and it can inspire an incredible performance.

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To prove that our motto is true and show that we really are organised as a team and fight like family, Gracie Barra calls all who carry the Red Shield GB on their chest to unite in one crowd, supporting our competitors with a unique energy coming from different neighbourhoods, cities, counties and even countries.

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Therefore, at your next competition look around the venue and find the ones wearing the red shirts or holding the Gracie Barra flag and join this family, your family, and experience this increasingly strong support, which is only going to keep growing. The harmony between the schools will help Gracie Barra become even greater.

Gratitude, Appreciation, Legacy

How we dress identifies us as a group and sets, for many people, the values we represent. What we use transmits to the others an idea about who we are. Wearing the red shirt is representing the GB Family.

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“Proud to be part of this GB Family” is stamped on the Red Shield. And have you ever wondered why the red colour?

A quote from Carlos Gracie Jr.

Wearing the red shirt is saying it loudly to the world: I believe in Gracie Barra.

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The red shirt seeks to promote a sense of unity among the members of the GB team around the world. It promotes unity, support, equality, identity, philosophy and pride in being part of Gracie Barra. Wearing the red shirt is saying: I am a Gracie Barra Bristol team member!

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The red shirt seeks respect, brotherhood, friendship, loyalty and love for the GB team. Wearing the red shirt is having it on your chest: I am Gracie Barra!

A quote from Prof Philipe Della Monica

Around the world, people are faced with the GB red sea. They identify our uniform and know that they are looking at a family member from Gracie Barra; someone who is defending our mentality, representing our philosophy and our values. Wearing the red shirt means keeping our legacy alive.

Two female Jiu-Jitsu students

WHY GRACIE BARRA?

10 reasons to Join Gracie Barra Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

1. GB Jiu-Jitsu in Bristol is a truly exciting way to get fit

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Jiu-Jitsu is often likened to a game of human chess. If you don’t like to work out at a gym because you get bored, you’re not alone. Many of our students were tired of going to the gym, and they couldn’t find new songs or audio books to entertain them on the treadmill. They found Jiu-Jitsu to be the perfect workout because it requires a high level of concentration proportional to the amount of calories burned and pounds lost. What’s more, you’ll learn to defend yourself. It’s a win-win situation.

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2. At, Gracie Barra Bristol, people are committed to your progress in learning

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The folks at GB make our school what it is, and you too will soon be one of us. You’ll be impressed by how committed each and every team member is to your learning. The instructors, staff and other students make our environment friendly yet demanding and challenging, which stimulates all of us to achieve our best.

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3. The renowned Gracie Barra structure makes your journey in learning smooth and enjoyable

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The structure of classes is the trademark of all Gracie Barra Schools. Classes start on time and adhere to a standardised curriculum and class structure. As a student of Gracie Barra Bristol, you know up front what is expected of you and have a clear understanding of what to expect from your instructors and training partners. The consistency of this structure combined with the creativity and innovation of our devoted instructors blend perfectly to facilitate your progress.

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4. The GB Community will change your life forever

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When you join Gracie Barra Bristol, you are not just getting classes. You become part of a community united by the ideals of the Jiu-Jitsu lifestyle. Special classes and side events coupled with ordinary classes create a fun and exciting calendar of activities that you and your family will love to take part in.

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5. GB fighting techniques will be useful outside the mats, in real-life situations

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You don’t come to class just to learn how to fight. You also work hard toward mastering the underlying principles that allow you to succeed on the mats. When applied to your life off the mats, these principles can bring more balance to your routine and help you reach your true potential.

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6. You can train all over the world

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You are free to train at any location while traveling. So, wherever you are, if you’ve got a Gracie Barra school close to you, you can train.

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7. Gracie Barra Bristol is an environment for the whole family

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One of the most unique characteristics of our schools is our family-orientated approach. Gracie Barra is proud to be a powerhouse with some of the most stalwart champions of Jiu-Jitsu in the world, while still maintaining a training environment that is welcoming for the whole family: men, women, and children. At Gracie Barra, families find marvellous activities through which to spend quality time together.

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8. You will train in germ-free facilities

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Cleanliness is a top priority at Gracie Barra Bristol. Our schools adhere to the strict standard of cleanliness and hygiene set by Gracie Barra. GB School staff clean the facilities constantly, and all GB uniforms are washed regularly. Our GB school mats are cleaned on a daily basis with a specially designed cleaning agent that neutralises bacteria, fungus and odours without detriment to the equipment.

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9. You couldn’t find a safer environment

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Student safety is our instructors’ primary goal. Training sessions are supervised at all times, and we have CPR-trained personnel on duty during every class.

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10. Our more than 35 years of experience assure you a link to our art’s roots

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A certified Gracie Barra Black Belt instructor is responsible for teaching classes and is committed to keeping the legacy alive. Our team of instructors are trained in the teaching philosophy and methods of Master Carlos Gracie Jr., the founder of Gracie Barra. A legacy of over 35 years of teaching experience is at your service, so you don’t have to worry: you and your family are in great hands at Gracie Barra Bristol.

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