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Gracie Barra Upland Martial Arts - Jiu-Jitsu & Self Defense
4.9 ★★★★★ 122 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Upland, 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
- 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 gbupland.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (626) 226-2494
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–12:30 PM, 2:30–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 9 AM–12 PM, 2:30–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–12:30 PM, 2:30–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 9 AM–12 PM, 2:30–8 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–12:30 PM, 2:30–8:30 PM |
| Saturday | 8:30 AM–12 PM |
| Sunday | 9–10:30 AM |
The classes they run
“The kids & teens program is second-to-none, producing consistent medalists in every major tournament --locally, nationally and even internationally.”
“The women’s class has been such an amazing addition to the schedule.”
“The kids & teens program is second-to-none, producing consistent medalists in every major tournament --locally, nationally and even internationally.”
“Whether you're looking to learn self-defense techniques, improve your fitness, or compete at a higher level, they provide the tools and encouragement needed to succeed.”
“They have so many instructors that it almost feels like private lessons.”
“Whether you're looking to learn self-defense techniques, improve your fitness, or compete at a higher level, they provide the tools and encouragement needed to succeed.”
“Classes are structured yet engaging, catering to all skill levels from beginners to advanced practitioners.”
What members say
“Daughter can not stop talking about her first day and wants to continue going after her first session, she had the best time.”
“We have referred several friends and family and every single one of them have also fallen in love with the coaches and this program.”
“Whether you're looking to learn self-defense techniques, improve your fitness, or compete at a higher level, they provide the tools and encouragement needed to succeed.”
“We walked in and my son tried a class and it was love at first sight for him.”
“Whether you're looking to learn self-defense techniques, improve your fitness, or compete at a higher level, they provide the tools and encouragement needed to succeed.”
“When our son was 4 years old we wanted him to get into some sort of martial art, didn’t know where to start but came across Gracie Barra in upland.”
From the reviews
This is truly my second home and everyone in this academy are my second family. Never a bad day after I roll on the mats of Gracie Barra Upland. It provides classes for all level and all types of physical activities levels.
My whole family trains at Gracie Barra Upland, and has been training there for over 5 years. Before we joined, we tried out 12 other area schools and none compared, especially for children’s classes. The instruction provided by the professors and coaches is second to none!
When our son was 4 years old we wanted him to get into some sort of martial art, didn’t know where to start but came across Gracie Barra in upland. We walked in and my son tried a class and it was love at first sight for him.
This is such a great BJJ school and program for both adults and children. My son has been coming here for the Summer Training program. They have so many instructors that it almost feels like private lessons. All of the instructors are extremely patient with the kids.
New to BJJ? Start at Gracie Barra Upland Martial Arts - Jiu-Jitsu & Self Defense
Gracie Barra Upland Martial Arts - 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 Upland Martial Arts - 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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🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site