
Gracie Barra Pelham Alabama
About Gracie Barra Pelham Alabama
Gracie Barra Alabama is a premier Brazilian Jiu Jitsu academy committed to helping students of all ages develop their skills in a safe and supportive environment. Led by experienced black belt professors, including Eduardo Rocha, the academy offers a diverse array of classes tailored for beginners, advanced practitioners, and kids, ensuring that everyone can find their place on the mat. Recognized for its outstanding performance in competitions, Gracie Barra Alabama prides itself on fostering a community built on respect, discipline, and personal growth. With specialized programs and a focus on the Gracie Barra System, this gym stands out as a place where practitioners not only learn effective self-defense techniques but also engage in a journey of continuous improvement and camaraderie.
Photos

Reviews
If you're looking for a place to learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, this gym is hands down one of the best! From the moment you walk in, you're greeted with a welcoming and supportive atmosphere. The instructors are highly skilled and genuinely care about your progress. They take the time to break down techniques step-by-step, making them easy to understand and apply, regardless of your experience level. The gym itself is spacious, clean, and well-equipped, providing everything you need to train safely and comfortably. The community is incredibly friendly, fostering a positive environment where everyone pushes each other to be their best. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refine your skills, this gym offers an inclusive environment with plenty of opportunities to grow. The rolling sessions are high-energy, and you'll walk away from each class feeling both challenged and motivated. If you’re serious about BJJ or just looking to get in shape, this is the place to be!
About a year and a half ago I moved to AL and I started going to this gym and it’s been amazing. I had stopped doing Jiu Jitsu for a while as the gym near me had not treated me well and I no longer wanted to go. Gracie Barra Pelham is a different story. While the training is incredible and the facility is beautiful, that’s not what makes me love it here. The thing I love is the family atmosphere. Here, they take care of each other, and are super kind. They’re always helping me improve and encouraging me. Professor Kaliffa is amazing and has created a great atmosphere. I highly recommend this place. You’re not a customer here, your family. I’m super grateful and as long as I’m in Alabama I will not stop going to this gym. They are family.
World class instruction absolutely prime facility, family environment and top professors lead by two of the very best of Gracie Barra professors Kaliffa and professor Lorena. This was my first visit to GB Pelham and I will definitely comeback soon ! I highly recommend this place to anyone children, men and women trying to learn self defense, martial arts , get in great shape and become part of an incredible community.
GB Alabama has a wonderful, welcoming atmosphere. Our home gym is GB Jasper, but we have visited GB Alabama on numerous occasions. Our kids competed in locally hosted tournaments and participated in kids' camps. The facilities are clean and spacious. The instructors and staff are extremely friendly and great with kids (and adults too). It is always a great time when we visit.
so I have been trying to find other ways to grow on my journey of self improvement, and one of those ways that I thought that would be great was trying out jujutsu and being that I knew the owner it was a great way because I already had a relationship with him and let me just say this. I’ve only been doing this for a month and I’m already seeing the level of confidence, growth, and my attention to detail has increased the professors there and instructors are very friendly and it’s not just about aggression, but it’s learning the importance of framework and attention to detail as well as building confidence so if you are someone that just wants to become better and to be more confident, trust yourself and not second-guess things and execute faster than you ever have before Gracie Barra in Pelham is the way to go. this is also a great outlet for your kids if they are needing something to help build their confidence as well
Frequently Asked Questions
IS THERE A FREE TRIAL CLASS?
Yes! Come try your first class at Gracie Barra Pelham Alabama at no cost. We want you to experience our gym before making any commitment.
DO I NEED EXPERIENCE TO START?
Absolutely not. BJJ is perfect for beginners — our fundamentals classes start from the ground up.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR TO MY FIRST CLASS?
Athletic shorts and a t-shirt work great for your first visit. Long-term students wear a gi.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I TRAIN?
Most students see the best results training 2-3 times per week. Consistency is the key to progress in BJJ.
DO YOU OFFER KIDS CLASSES?
Yes, Gracie Barra Pelham Alabama has programs for children that teach discipline, respect, and practical self-defense skills in a positive setting.
Programs
Weekly Schedule
| Time | Class | Level |
|---|---|---|
| 6:00am | Fundamentals BJJ | All Levels |
| 12:00pm | Noon BJJ | All Levels |
| 5:30pm | Kids BJJ | Youth |
| 6:30pm | Fundamentals BJJ | All Levels |
| 7:30pm | Advanced BJJ | Blue Belt+ |
| 6:00am | No-Gi Grappling | All Levels |
| 6:30pm | No-Gi Submission | Intermediate |
| 7:30pm | Competition Training | Advanced |
| 9:00am | All Levels BJJ | All Levels |
| 11:00am | Open Mat | All Levels |
Check the gym's website for current schedule and any changes. Visit website
Instructors
No instructors listed for this gym.
Student Stories
Real people, real transformations — from this gym's community.
No student stories yet for this gym.