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Gracie Barra Encinitas Jiu-Jitsu
4.9 ★★★★★ 118 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Encinitas, California
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
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule gbencinitas.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 760-540-2264
Hours
| Monday | 9–10:30 am, 2:45–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 12–1:30 pm, 3:15–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 9–10:30 am, 2:45–8 pm |
| Thursday | 12–1:30 pm, 3:15–8 pm |
| Friday | 9–10:30 am, 2:45–7 pm |
| Saturday | 9 am–1 pm |
| Sunday | 9:30–11 am |
The classes they run
“Incredible community - the professors and instructors truly care and provide such amazing attention and instruction to the kids.”
“As a woman, it’s powerful and motivating to be surrounded by other women who train, grow, and support each other.”
“Family friendly for the kids programs, and high level skill for those that want to compete and train hard.”
“When I first walked into Gracie Barra 9 years ago, it was for their free community women’s self-defense class.”
“The instructors are top-notch—knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely invested in helping every student improve, whether you’re a complete beginner or have years of experience.”
What members say
“Excellent instructors to teach you self defense and Jiu-Jitsu.”
“The welcoming and family culture starts with the Gracie Instructors, Professors, which create a safe and open environment to learn, thrive and grow.”
“The welcoming and family culture starts with the Gracie Instructors, Professors, which create a safe and open environment to learn, thrive and grow.”
“The kids programs is amazing, their professors carefully guide the children to learn techniques all the while instilling confidence and providing a fun environment.”
“The kids programs is amazing, their professors carefully guide the children to learn techniques all the while instilling confidence and providing a fun environment.”
“Family friendly for the kids programs, and high level skill for those that want to compete and train hard.”
From the reviews
I’ve had the privilege of training at Gracie Barra Encinitas since 2005, and it’s truly been one of the most meaningful and consistent parts of my life. Under the guidance of Professors Nelson Monteiro and Rafael Ramos—both world-class instructors and incredible human beings—I’ve grown not only in my jiu jitsu journey…
My 5 year old grandson comes here. I’m very impressed. The jujitsu instructors/staff are so kind, down to earth yet professional and patient.
What I can say is that Gracie Barra Encinitas truly surprises me every single day, with the quality of training, the level of the instructors, and the people Not only because of the structure and organization, but especially because of the quality of the instructors.
When I first walked into Gracie Barra 9 years ago, it was for their free community women’s self-defense class. That single decision changed my life. What started as a way to learn how to protect myself has grown into a long-term commitment to training, personal growth, and community.
New to BJJ? Start at Gracie Barra Encinitas Jiu-Jitsu
Gracie Barra Encinitas Jiu-Jitsu comes up as a beginner-friendly gym, going by their listing and members’ reviews. 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 Encinitas Jiu-Jitsu
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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