Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & martial arts classes in Gloucester for adults, teens and children. Beginners welcome. Free trial class available
Learn BJJ for fitness, confidence, self-defence and competition in a friendly supportive environment. Our Method
At Gracie Barra we strive to help students get the most out of their training. For students with consistency and dedication, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu becomes a life-style and students can readily enjoy all the benefits of the Jiu-Jitsu or the “Gentle Art”. Working from the assumption that Br
azilian Jiu-Jitsu must be embraced as a lifelong journey, Master Carlos Gracie Jr. has designed an effective learning plan or program of study that allows for students to naturally progress from the white belt to the black belt. Thus, classes and their respective curriculum at Gracie Barra are not isolated from one another, but elements of a larger structured learning plan called “Programs”. Gracie Barra Programs are comprised of six (6) main elements:
Curriculums: Set of coordinated techniques organized in the best possible way to facilitate students’ learning processes. All Gracie Barra curriculums are 16 weeks cycles;
Pre-requisite: The minimum level a student must possess or have accomplished in order to enroll in a specific program;
Class: The defined period of time during which the student learns the techniques that comprise the curricula using several different training methods or appropriate instructional techniques;
Training Methods: Specific drills and training practices designed to convert the knowledge represented in the curricula and taught by the instructor into knowledge and skills, insuring that the student is able to apply their knowledge and techniques under real circumstances (or under authentic conditions);
Minimum Attendance: minimum attendance required from the student so he or she can progress and be updated with the GB Curriculums;
Belt System: Hierarchical rank structure designed to represent students’ progress, according to their own potential. The International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) ranking system is used for all Gracie Barra Programs. All Gracie Barra students have the dream of becoming a black belt. However, this is not an easy goal and a lot of consistency and dedication is required. To fulfill the promise of facilitating students’ learning, Gracie Barra Programs are structured logically to keep students motivated to learn, practice and perform. A typical Gracie Barra student starts with an introductory class, where he or she will learn the overall self-defense strategy of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and afterwards enroll in the Gracie Barra Fundamentals Program. After four (4) months of training and learning all the techniques comprising the Fundamental’s curriculum, the student will be recommended to join the Gracie Barra Advanced Program. With eight (8) months of training and experience, the student will have the maturity level and enough knowledge to enroll on the Gracie Barra Black Belt Program. It is in the Gracie Barra Black Belt Program where he or she will be exposed to all kinds of training dynamics, including MMA, BJJ No-Gi and high level BJJ-Gi, so that the student develops his or her own Jiu-Jitsu game, strategy and technique(s). Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a beautiful art and everyone is capable of learning it and enjoying its many benefits. Gracie Barra Programs reflect more than thirty (30) years of Master Carlos Gracie ‘s teaching experience and have succeeded in improving the life quality, self-esteem, discipline and health of thousands of individuals around the world, as well as building some of the best BJJ fighters ever known.
10 Reasons to Join
1. GB Jiu-Jitsu is a truly exciting way to get fit
Brazilian 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 BJJ 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 still learn to defend yourself. It’s a win-win situation.
2. GB people are committed to your progress in learning
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.
3. The renowned Gracie Barra structure makes your journey in learning smooth and enjoyable
The class structure is the trademark of all Gracie Barra Premium Schools. Classes start on time and adhere to a standardized curriculum and class structure. As a student, 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.
4. GB Community will change your life forever
When you join Gracie Barra, you are not just getting classes. You become part of a community united by the ideals of the Brazilian 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.
5. GB Fighting Techniques will be useful outside the mats, in real-life situations
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.
6. You can train all over the world
There are over 400 Gracie Barra schools worldwide. When you join a Gracie Barra school you are free to train at any location while traveling.
7. GB is a Family for the Whole Family
One of the most unique characteristics about our schools is our family-orientated approach. Gracie Barra is proud to be a powerhouse with the most stalwart champions of world Jiu-Jitsu while still maintaining a training environment that is welcoming for the whole family: husband, wife and kids. At Gracie Barra, families find marvelous activities through which to spend quality time together.
8. You will train in germ-free facilities
Cleanliness is a top priority. Our schools adhere to the strict standard of cleanliness and hygiene set by Gracie Barra. Our staff cleans the facilities constantly, and all GB uniforms are washed regularly. Our mats are cleaned on a daily basis with a specially designed cleaning agent that neutralizes bacteria, fungus and odors without detriment to the equipment.
9. You couldn’t find a safer environment
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.
10. Our 30 years of experience assure you a link to our art’s roots
A certified Gracie Barra black belt instructor also responsible for teaching class supervises each school. Our team of instructors was trained in the teaching philosophy and methods of Master Carlos Gracie Jr., the founder of Gracie Barra. A legacy of over 30 years of teaching experience is at your service, so you don’t have to worry: you and your family are in great hands.
27/08/2026
Monday 28th there are no timetabled classes. Enjoy the bank holiday afternoon and evening with you families 🥳🎉.. for those needing their fix 😀 the doors will be open 1-2 for an open mat/free practice - all levels welcome 🙏
24/08/2026
Cracking seminar this evening with Prof Jack from WCJJ - WEST COAST JIU JITSU 🥋PERTH - home academy new skills 👏👏
24/08/2026
Seminar underway with Professor Jack Bruton busy night lots of laughs
21/08/2026
Ben repping Gracie Barra Gloucester | BJJ in Brazil - Thankyou to our family at GB MATRIZ - BARRA DA TIJUCA - our gratitude is immense /sisterhood
20/08/2026
No apologies or explanations for this one … sharing the mats with these two beautiful human beings melts my ❤️ .. and before you know it my new grandson will (🤞😘) create the third wave ..
20/08/2026
These two ❤️ .. brothers in arms, fierce competitors in the arena but the epitome of the steel sharpens steel in the academy .. no quarter given or expected yet always with laughter and banter before and after .. personified
20/08/2026
Special night on Monday Gracie Barra Gloucester | BJJ - Free seminar for all members as Prof Jack Bruton is coming to share his BJJ learnings of the last two years in the southern hemisphere. No fee, loads of fun and no doubt some laughs along the way … 6.30pm start, all levels welcome - lets party on a school night the jiu jitsu way..
20/08/2026
Cracking night for a visitor from down under to drop by …. prof Jack Bruton was in da house 😀
12/08/2026
What if your attacker is bigger and stronger than you?
That’s one of the reasons Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is so interesting for women’s self-defence.
BJJ isn’t about being the strongest person in the room.
It’s about learning how to use leverage, positioning, technique and composure when you’re under pressure.
And you don’t need to be super-fit, strong or experienced to start.
I’ve written a new article looking at why Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is about as good as it gets for women’s self-defence — and why it can be such a valuable skill to learn.
🥋 Read the full article — link in bio.
📍 Gracie Barra Gloucester
BJJGloucester Gloucester MartialArts BJJForWomen
12/08/2026
The biggest misconception about women’s self-defence
Self-defence isn’t about learning how to win a fight.
It’s about knowing what to do when things go wrong.
What happens if someone is bigger and stronger than you?
What if you’re grabbed, pushed, pinned or taken to the ground?
What if your adrenaline is through the roof and the technique you’ve memorised suddenly doesn’t seem so simple?
These are exactly the situations that make Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu so interesting for women’s self-defence.
BJJ teaches you to work with leverage, positioning, timing and technique rather than relying purely on strength.
And perhaps most importantly, you learn to stay calm and problem-solve while someone is actively resisting you.
I’ve written a new article explaining why I believe Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is about as good as it gets for women’s self-defence — and why you don’t need to be fit, strong or experienced to start.