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Gracie Barra South Portland, ME
5 ★★★★★ 58 Google reviews · BJJ gym in South Portland, Maine
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
- No-gi no-gi grappling classes — training in a rashguard and shorts, with faster scrambles and a natural bridge to MMA
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule graciebarrasouthportland.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (207) 233-0955
Hours
| Monday | 6:30 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 6:30–8 AM, 5–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 6:30–8 AM, 4–8 PM |
| Thursday | 6:30–8 AM, 5–8 PM |
| Friday | 6:30–8 AM, 5–8 PM |
| Saturday | 9–10:30 AM |
| Sunday | 8 AM–9 PM |
The classes they run
“Gracie Barra South Portland offers children's classes on Monday and Wednesday evenings in which my 6 year old daughter attends and loves!”
“He went into great detail for how to land and escape a straight ankle foot lock in nogi.”
“They offer up to 3 classes per day, Gi and No Gi and for different levels & ages.”
“If you’re in the greater South Portland area and looking to get in shape, learn self-defense, or compete in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, this is the school for you.”
“If you’re in the greater South Portland area and looking to get in shape, learn self-defense, or compete in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, this is the school for you.”
“Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced practitioner looking to sharpen your skills, you’ll find excellent training and training partners here.”
What members say
“Professor Ramon was a very technical instructor. He went into great detail for how to land and escape a straight ankle foot lock in nogi.”
“The environment is very welcoming and family-friendly, perfect for anyone who wants to learn Jiu-Jitsu in a fun yet serious way.”
“On top of great professors, Gracie Barra South Portland also has a wonderful and supportive community that is accepting that everyone who walks through the door.”
“Classes are professional, the techniques are effective, and the environment is that of people trying to better their lives.”
“My children love coming twice a week, where they learn valuable and useful lessons about safety, effort and of course Jiu-jitsu!”
“If you’re in the greater South Portland area and looking to get in shape, learn self-defense, or compete in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, this is the school for you.”
From the reviews
By far the best jiu-jitsu gym my family and I have been to! The moment you walk in the door you will find it to be very clean, professional, and inviting. Professor Mario is always there to greet you and answer any questions you may have!
I had thought of trying BJJ for a few years before I joined Gracie Barrie Sopo (going on 10 months as a member). My goal was to become more comfortable in uncomfortable situations. I also wanted to get in better shape and improve confidence in challenging environments.
Gracie Barra is hands down the best place to start practicing Jiu Jitsu! Both Professor Mario and Ramone are exceptional at their craft and have mastered the art of teaching as well.
If you’re in the greater South Portland area and looking to get in shape, learn self-defense, or compete in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, this is the school for you. The instruction is highly technical, practical, and effective, with an instructor who is both skilled and dedicated to helping students improve.
New to BJJ? Start at Gracie Barra South Portland, ME
Gracie Barra South Portland, ME 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 South Portland, ME
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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