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Gracie Barra Denver - Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Self-Defense
5 ★★★★★ 26 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Denver, Colorado
Part of Gracie Barra
Affiliated academy — reviews and the gym's own info point to a recognized BJJ lineage or affiliation (think Gracie Barra, 10th Planet, Renzo Gracie, Alliance, Atos or Checkmat). If lineage matters to you, ask which affiliation the academy belongs to and under whom the head instructor earned their black belt.
Plan your first class
- Free trial or intro class most gyms welcome new members with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
- Beginner-friendly all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
- Kids & youth classes kids and youth BJJ classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Women's classes dedicated women's BJJ classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
- Private lessons private, one-on-one coaching available — a focused way to start or to work around a busy schedule; ask about availability and rates
- No-gi no-gi grappling classes — training in a rashguard and shorts, with faster scrambles and a natural bridge to MMA
- Open mat open-mat rolling sessions for members to practice live — always optional and at your own pace
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule gbdenver.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (720) 295-9070
Hours
| Monday | 11 AM–1 PM, 4–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 6–8 AM, 4–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 11 AM–1 PM, 4–8 PM |
| Thursday | 6–8 AM, 4–8 PM |
| Friday | 9 AM–1 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–1 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“The atmosphere is incredibly friendly and welcoming, whether you're brand new or have experience.”
Other martial arts here
What members say
“Professor Valerio is really knowledgeable, and the way he teaches makes things easy to pick up, no matter your level.”
“The fellow students have also been welcoming and everybody is there to build each other up to become better in the sport.”
“The fellow students have also been welcoming and everybody is there to build each other up to become better in the sport.”
“The instruction is top-tier, focusing on technical details that really help you start and progress in your Jiu-Jitsu journey.”
“While new to BJJ, the professors and coaches at Gracie Barra Denver have provided a safe and professional learning experience at a great facility!”
“While new to BJJ, the professors and coaches at Gracie Barra Denver have provided a safe and professional learning experience at a great facility!”
From the reviews
Great people, respected brand - the standard class format (warm up, standing takedown, simulation drill, ground technique, simulation drill, cool down) is a great combo of lesson and application that is often overlooked at other studios. I am enjoying my time here.
I've been training at Gracie Barra Centennial for less than a year and was so happy that this studio in Denver is now open because it's very convenient for me to get to no matter where I am in the central Denver area. There are several reasons I like training at Gracie Barra. They are family oriented.
Gracie Barra Denver is an amazing place to train! The atmosphere is incredibly friendly and welcoming, whether you're brand new or have experience. Professor Daniel and Coach Mariah are outstanding leaders—knowledgeable, supportive, and genuinely invested in helping you grow.
I had a wonderful experience at this gym. I wholeheartedly appreciate the detailed training and concepts that will aid me in my BJJ journey. Once again I’m proud to be a member of the Gracie Barra community.
New to BJJ? Start at Gracie Barra Denver - Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Self-Defense
Gracie Barra Denver - Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Self-Defense comes up as a beginner-friendly gym — noted on their own site. If you've never rolled or set foot on a mat, that's exactly who a good beginners program is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit or flexible to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and coaches scale the intensity to you. Second, you won't be thrown into hard rolling — reputable gyms build fundamentals (positions, escapes, and basic submissions) for weeks, live rolling eases in gradually, and tapping early keeps every roll safe. Third, all levels really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners or fundamentals class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out, and leave your ego at the door. Most gyms are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.
Your first BJJ class at Gracie Barra Denver - Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Self-Defense
Nervous about walking into a BJJ gym for the first time? Almost everyone is, and good coaches expect beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, then drilling basic positions and escapes with a partner — not hard sparring. Rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: athletic wear you can move in (or a gi if you have one); you'll train barefoot on the mats. What to bring: water and a mouthguard if you have one — many gyms lend a loaner gi for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own gi (or a rashguard and shorts for no-gi) and a mouthguard. Live rolling eases in gradually, once your fundamentals are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the coach. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.
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