GB Champaign

Best School of Champaign-Urbana and professor Joshua is amazing, with the best team of the world Gracie Barra! with me professor from Brazil too!

LADIES! (and everybody!) - I first began learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu about a year ago when GB Champaign hosted a *women's only* 8-week self defense course and I've been hooked ever since. Sometimes I go twice a week, and other times I go twice a day! No joke - conveniently enough, they offer both morning and evening classes. I never imagined getting through 8 whole sessions of [lovingly] "exposure therapy" hah, let alone being physically and mentally capable of safely performing the things that I have learned in Gracie Barra's classes so far... and I've only just dipped my toes in. Recently I surprised myself by tapping out a less experienced but much larger man during a live roll, fairly calmly and quickly... it took us both by surprise, WOW! I consistently find this gym's environment to be safe, welcoming, inclusive, respectful, supportive, and fun. The instruction is very effective, realistic, and strictly based on consent. I love this school so much that I've regularly been attending the co-ed classes and learning with all of the various Professors, Coaches, and students as much as I can. This school truly feels like home/family. Before and after classes I often overhear instructors anwering real-life questions and giving very meaningful advice appropriately to children and teenagers, as well as adults of every age and type (even myself). Each day I walk out of class feeling a little wiser, stronger, safer, and more sure of myself. I'm so empowered to continue growing at this school and I can't wait to learn more! Thank you GB Champaign ♡

A great place! Coaches and professors are extremely attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable about BJJ, judo, and wrestling. The classes provide great conditioning and training for both self-defense and sport applications!

I signed up for the 8-week women's Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu course at Gracie Barra Champaign and I've ALREADY BENEFITED SO MUCH from just one class! I can now get myself out from underneath somebody, to on top of them, and then *away*... 2 hours ago I could not. That one maneuver hit harder than anything (though I learned quite a lot more in the same class). I immediately demonstrated it to my husband once I got home and was able to do it successfully on my first attempt, how impressive! Details which I loved about my first class: I was paired with another woman similar to my size and I practiced with the same partner throughout the entire session which reduced many of my anxieties about getting started. The instructors were focused on everybody's safety and remained ever aware of each individual's comfort level. Their instructions were clear, easy to follow, and made sense. I felt safe the entire time and was constantly encouraged to ask questions, I was never made to feel unintelligent, uncomfortable, or triggered. That was monumental as I am an absolute beginner, easily intimidated, and female. Overall, this gym has a very inclusive and welcoming vibe from the moment you walk through the door and everybody seemed to enjoy being there. Their commitment to teamwork and maintaining a safe space was so evident in their etiquette toward one another as well as toward the individuals they were instructing, everybody had fun. Icing on the cake: between classes it was incredibly inspiring for me to actually SEE another woman rolling on the mat with a much larger man, and *completely* holding her own. I happy-cried about it on my drive home, I'll definitely be sticking around after these 8 weeks are over -- I am so excited for this new burst of empowerment and am looking forward to learning and building more confidence, thank you GB Champaign!!!

I trained at Gracie Barra BJJ last night. It was my first time at the school. I was treated like family the minute I walked in the door. I had a great workout with very professional instruction and very friendly training partners. The students were skilled and respective to ensure no one got injured. I attended the advance class and was very impressed with the instruction and skills of the attendees. I would recommend this school to anyone looking for professional instruction within a friendly family like environment.