
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Omaha
About Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Omaha
At Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Omaha, we teach the original self-defense system developed by Grandmaster Hélio Gracie — a system built on the principle that technique and leverage allow the smaller person to defend against a larger, stronger attacker. Our mission is simple: empower every student to feel safe and confident, on and off the mats.
Head instructor Brian Bonifas leads our certified Gracie University training center with a focus on structured, progressive learning. Brian's personal experience with ADHD has given him a deep commitment to working with neurodivergent students, making our school a particularly welcoming space for kids and adults who learn differently.
Our programs include Mat Munchkins for the youngest learners (ages 3-5), Little Champs and Jr. Grapplers for children 5-12, Women Empowered — a dedicated self-defense curriculum for women — and the full adult curriculum through Gracie Combatives and Master Cycle. We believe confident humans make kinder humans, and every class reflects that philosophy.
Photos

Reviews
I'm a travel nurse and have been bouncing around between Gracie U gyms. This is a great one! I felt very safe here and managed to get my pink belt with the help of some fantastic instructors. I did not have much time here to get it done, and they went out of their way to make sure it happened. Brian and Nicole run their Women Empowered program in a welcoming, safe manner with a trauma-informed approach. I recommend it for all women, regardless of your background. Also, it's fun! I will miss this place and am forever grateful for the good people I got to meet and spend time with here.
I highly recommend Gracie Jiu Jitsu Omaha! Brian has a lot of experience and a passion for helping others --but more importantly his approach to Jiu Jitsu in terms of self-defense and applicability to demographics like First Responders or someone looking for a great hobby for both mental and physical fitness it what makes this an outstanding academy!
As a family, we couldn’t be more grateful for this jiu-jitsu gym. Our boys have not only learned discipline and focus, but they've also developed strong core values that are already shaping them into confident, respectful young men. The anti-bullying lessons have been especially impactful—they now walk with a quiet confidence that comes from knowing how to protect themselves if necessary, but also when and how to walk away. As a police officer and a nurse, we value environments that promote both mental resilience and physical fitness, and this gym delivers on both fronts. The instructors are not only knowledgeable, but they genuinely care about the kids’ growth—on and off the mats. We truly feel like we’re part of a community here. Highly recommended for any family looking to raise strong, respectful, and focused kids.
I’ve been training in various martial arts for 31 years. While I did not grow up with the Gracie University system (it didn’t exist yet), I have watched it grow and mature into the most comprehensive training available. We can argue attributes of sparring all day long, but nothing comes close to level of professionalism and commitment to long-term performance as Gracie Omaha. Thank you, Brian and team for taking in a worn down stray and inspiring me to find joy in Jiu Jitsu again.
I joined Gracie Jiu-Jitsu about a month ago. One of my daughter's and I had been talking about doing a self defense class. She found Gracie here in Omaha and we could not be more happy with our choice! The leaders are truly wonderful people that care about you and your experience with them! I LOVE my class and absolutely HATE to miss it! I walk out of there truly feeling empowered and ready to take on the world! they might have just found a customer for life!
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS THE GRACIE COMBATIVES PROGRAM AT GRACIE JIU-JITSU OMAHA?
GRACIE COMBATIVES IS THE ADULT CO-ED BEGINNER PROGRAM THAT TEACHES THE 36 CORE TECHNIQUES OF GRACIE JIU-JITSU FOR REAL-WORLD SELF-DEFENSE. IT IS THE FOUNDATION OF OUR ADULT CURRICULUM.
WHAT IS THE WOMEN EMPOWERED PROGRAM?
WOMEN EMPOWERED IS A BJJ-BASED SELF-DEFENSE PROGRAM SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR WOMEN. IT IS TAUGHT BY NICOLE BONIFAS AND FOCUSES ON PRACTICAL TECHNIQUES FOR THE MOST COMMON REAL-WORLD ASSAULT SCENARIOS.
DO YOU WORK WITH CHILDREN WHO HAVE ADHD OR LEARNING DIFFERENCES?
YES. HEAD INSTRUCTOR BRIAN BONIFAS HAS PERSONAL EXPERIENCE WITH ADHD AND IS SPECIALLY COMMITTED TO SUPPORTING NEURODIVERGENT STUDENTS IN A STRUCTURED, PATIENT LEARNING ENVIRONMENT.
WHAT YOUTH PROGRAMS DO YOU OFFER?
WE OFFER MAT MUNCHKINS (AGES 3-5), LITTLE CHAMPS (AGES 5-7), AND JR. GRAPPLERS (AGES 7-12) — EACH DESIGNED TO BUILD CONFIDENCE, DISCIPLINE, AND ANTI-BULLYING SKILLS THROUGH SAFE MAT TRAINING.
IS GRACIE JIU-JITSU OMAHA A CERTIFIED GRACIE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL?
YES. WE ARE AN OFFICIAL GRACIE UNIVERSITY CERTIFIED TRAINING CENTER, TEACHING THE AUTHENTIC GRACIE CURRICULUM DEVELOPED BY THE GRACIE FAMILY IN BRAZIL.
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.