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Gracie Barra Santa Barbara
4.9 ★★★★★ 104 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Santa Barbara, 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.
Martial arts school for self-defense, judo, MMA & more, including after-school programs for kids.
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
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule gbsantabarbara.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 805-456-0803
Hours
| Monday | 12–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 6:30 am–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 12–8 pm |
| Thursday | 6:30 am–8 pm |
| Friday | 6:30 am–7 pm |
| Saturday | 9 am–12 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“In addition, when my son had issues with bullying, Professor Rodrigo pulled him aside to offer his support and advice, something I will never forget!”
“I was looking for a place to train, and teach my daughters self defense.”
Other martial arts here
“Excellent instructors for Brazilian jiu jitsu, Muay Thai, and MMA.”
“Excellent instructors for Brazilian jiu jitsu, Muay Thai, and MMA.”
What members say
“Both Professor Rodrigo and Coach Ighor have been amazing to learn from, and are great just to be around.”
“The coaches are exceptional, always pushing us to be our best while fostering a supportive and welcoming environment.”
“They create a safe, welcoming environment where every student feels supported, respected, and motivated to improve.”
“It makes me feel good to see him take time to explain the technique to the children and help them out in areas they are having a little difficulty.”
“I've been training at Gracie Barra Santa Barbara for more than five years, and it has truly been a transformative experience.”
“I recommend this school to anyone who is looking for a way to improve their self-confidence and get a good exercise while making new friends!”
From the reviews
Martial Arts can be intimidating, right? The team at Gracie Barra Santa Barbara makes sure that never happens! They welcome you in right away, are always looking after all students making sure they get the drills right and don't get hurt as well.
I can not say enough about Gracie Barra, and all that is offered there! It's more than just a place to take my son for a bit.. there are real connections, interactions, and experiences that help shape the person he is becoming. He has a lot more confidence, seems more self assured, and sets goals for himself...
Great martial arts academy. I myself am a student there and I can say that the professors and coach are very friendly, supportive, encouraging, welcoming, and amazing mentors but maintain necessary discipline.
I am the dad of an 8-year-old boy and 6-year-old girl. I’ve trained at a few different places in my life, and have been witness to many different martial arts programs for kids. The best that I know of is GB Santa Barbara. I write this as we say goodbye, because we are moving out of town.
New to BJJ? Start at Gracie Barra Santa Barbara
Gracie Barra Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara
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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