Gracie Barra was founded in 1986 by Master Carlos Gracie Jr. in Barra da Tijuca, a neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The name “Gracie” honors the family that developed Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, while “Barra” represents the birthplace of the school.
Master Carlos Gracie Jr. had a clear vision: to make Jiu-Jitsu accessible to everyone. He believed that every major city in the world should have a Gracie Barra school, where people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds could experience the life-changing benefits of Jiu-Jitsu.
Today there are over 1,000 Gracie Barra schools worldwide, and we continue to grow. No matter which location you visit, you'll find students proudly wearing the red shield uniform, a symbol of our unity. As a Gracie Barra member, you can train at any of our schools worldwide, making it easy to stay consistent even when traveling.
Your safety is our priority
Every training session is supervised, and CPR-trained personnel are present during all classes. Our instructors follow the Gracie Barra curriculum, a structured 16-week program designed by some of the greatest minds in Jiu-Jitsu. This ensures high-quality instruction at every location, helping students progress with confidence.