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Gracie Barra Vacaville Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Self-Defense
5 ★★★★★ 36 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Vacaville, 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
- 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
- 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 graciebarra.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 707-266-6346
Hours
| Monday | 4–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 3:30–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 4–9 pm |
| Thursday | 3:30–9 pm |
| Friday | 5–8 pm |
| Saturday | 9 am–1 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“We found open enrollment spots which is a big deal—many BJJ schools locally are at capacity or may not call back in time, especially for kids’ classes.”
“Whether you’re looking to compete, build confidence, or just improve your fitness while learning something meaningful, Gracie Barra Vacaville is the place to be.”
“He taught them both new techniques and took extra time with private lessons with both of them.”
“The professor had great energy during our visit and both he and the assistant coach are active, competitive practitioners with real-world experience.”
“If you’re searching for a BJJ academy in Vacaville that’s family-friendly, beginner-accessible, and serious about training, it’s worth stopping in and seeing what they offer.”
What members say
“Professor Dudu is not only an exceptional instructor, but also an amazing friend, who embodies the highest standards of professionalism, skill, and passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.”
“The environment is friendly, welcoming, and fun, and everyone there makes you feel comfortable from day one.”
“What really sets this academy apart is the sense of community: teammates are supportive, respectful, and genuinely invested in each other’s growth on and off the mat.”
“The instructors are extremely attentive and detail-focused, making sure students learn proper technique while also maintaining a safe training environment.”
“If you’re looking for a place where your kids can learn great jiu-jitsu, develop discipline, and be part of a strong community, this is it.”
“Whether you’re looking to compete, build confidence, or just improve your fitness while learning something meaningful, Gracie Barra Vacaville is the place to be.”
From the reviews
I joined recently because their kids' schedules matches my family's schedule. I looked at other gyms but this was the most welcoming. In meeting the team, the professors were very kind in demeanor and with their time, their coaches were very welcoming and great with kids.
Professor Dudu was one of daughter’s teacher’s for a year and let me tell you, that year they grew an unbreakable bond and advanced use of technique in preparation for IBJJF JiuJitsu Con where our oldest took gold. He has a kind heart and cares for all of the students he teaches. We will miss Professor Dudu!
Gracie Barra Vacaville is one of the better Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) options in the Vacaville area, especially if you’re looking for structured instruction, a welcoming team atmosphere, and room to grow.
Our family has had an incredible experience at this gym. The environment is positive, welcoming, and truly feels like a second family. The instructors are extremely attentive and detail-focused, making sure students learn proper technique while also maintaining a safe training environment.
New to BJJ? Start at Gracie Barra Vacaville Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Self-Defense
Gracie Barra Vacaville 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 Vacaville 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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