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Gracie Barra Stoneham - Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Self Defense
5 ★★★★★ 16 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Stoneham, Massachusetts
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
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule gbstoneham.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 617-299-6015
Hours
| Monday | 12–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 6–7 am, 4–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 12–8 pm |
| Thursday | 6–7 am, 12–9 pm |
| Friday | 6–8 pm |
| Saturday | 10 am–1 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“My son’s confidence, self-regulation, and respect for himself and others have all grown exponentially since he started BJJ just a few months ago.”
“As a woman, I was initially pretty intimidated stepping into a male-dominated sport like BJJ, but he immediately made me feel welcome and supported.”
“His classes are so much fun and very challenging, especially the nogi.”
“His knowledge of both Gi and No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu is exceptional.”
“Self defense is so important to keep yourself and kids protected.”
“Whether you're a beginner or an experienced grappler, he'll help you identify weaknesses in your game and elevate your skills to the next level.”
What members say
“Professor Alessandro is simply one of the best instructors I have ever trained with.”
“We are especially grateful to Alessandro and Aneta for their dedication, hard work, and the welcoming environment they have created for all the students and families.”
“We are especially grateful to Alessandro and Aneta for their dedication, hard work, and the welcoming environment they have created for all the students and families.”
“Every class is highly technical, detailed, and well-structured.”
“Gracie barra training methods is one of the best out there, for all ages, will definitely change your mind and body !”
“Alessandro and team do an amazing job teaching not only Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu but also important values like discipline, respect, patience, and teamwork.”
From the reviews
I love Professor Alessandro! He’s taught me for almost 5 years since white belt. His classes are always fun and challenging, but rewarding too!
I’ve known Alessandro for close to two decades and I’m excited to see he’s opening his own gym. He is one of my favorite coaches and was in my corner at more than a dozen competitions. Great guy who will unquestionably have a great training environment where safety is paramount.
Professor Alessandro is truly one of the best!! His classes are so much fun and very challenging, especially the nogi. He’s a great instructor and very technical. I always look forward to training with him!
Great classes for all levels of jiujitsu. The team at GB Stoneham maintains a clean, safe and respectful environment.
New to BJJ? Start at Gracie Barra Stoneham - Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Self Defense
Gracie Barra Stoneham - Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and 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 Stoneham - Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and 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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