Gracie Barra Encinitas

I wanted to learn martial arts since I was 15 years old. 50 years later, I finally got started after talking to a martial arts practitioner from New Jersey who recommended this place
I was a little anxious because I’ve never done anything like it and of course, I had no idea of what to do. The people were as warm, friendly, and welcoming as you can ever find. I enthusiastically signed up after the first class but now realize my body isn’t what it used to be. They were gracious and let me cancel the contract.
See what I mean? Great people. Great atmosphere. I actually retained some of the things I learned in the first hour. I recommend them highly. Amazing experience. I’m sorry i can’t go on.

Gracie Barra Encinitas is top-​notch and definitely deserves 5 stars. Master Nelson Monteiro and Professor Rafael Ramos are both grass roots instructors who have dedicated their lives to the teachings of Brazilian jiu-​jitsu. Whether you are a first-​timer on the mats or an experienced BJJ practitioner you will be impressed with the passion and experience GB Encinitas instructors and students share alike. A quality school takes years to establish a solid core of training partners and GB Encinitas has done just that.
Hope to see you on the mats, you will not be disappointed!

If I could sum my 5 years of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu experience training at Gracie Barra Encinitas in just a few short words, I would start with ‘life changing.’ I can’t think of how else to describe the environment, the skill, the mental effect, the physical changes, the friendships, the mentorships, the positive reinforcement, oh and the second-​to-​none-​self-​defense that is all enveloped in one place.
From the top down, with founders and owners Nelson Monteiro (one of the most gifted people (and reputable persons) and skilled BJJ gurus
.) and Rafael Ramos, perhaps the greatest teacher of the movements that I’ve ever learned from as well as a likable, honest and charismatic «deputados». The rest of the staff is equally qualified, skilled and of the same ilk.
GBE embodies the complete mental/​physical/​spiritual escape and safe haven for someone like me — a working professional who still loves to break a sweat, meet and develop long lasting friendships with others that are both similar and different (we’re all the same when we’re on the mats) and generally continue down my own path of journey. To wherever. My life would not be the same as it is today without GBE.
This school is a must for kids and adults looking to incorporate on a regular basis the best of life: mental improvement + physical exertion + well developed friendships + that something bigger than ourselves. Whatever that is.

What do you want to do? Learn a martial art from extremely experienced and caring instructors; come to a safe and supportive environment for whole-​body exercise, push your body and spirit to a higher level, meet a lot a solid people that might have interests similar to yours — then come here and start your jiu jitsu

Recently I took a trip down to the California Coast and I had the opportunity to stop and check Gracie Barra Encinitas, the access to the club is extremely easy, less than a mile of the Highway 5.
I am a Jiu Jitsu practitioner for several years and I couldn’t help myself to get amused by this place, starting from the instructors who are top notch and well recognized in the martial arts international community but also by the organization of this school.
The mats are very spacious and the gym is spot less clean, there is a seating area for the parents and the atmosphere is super friendly, they have a very well known Kids Program with several kids learning a non violent effectively form of self defense right down from the core of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
However Gracie Barra Encinitas isn’t a place for kids only although their Children’s program is very popular and vibrant their adult Beginners program is also very popular among guys and girls as a matter of fact one of their instructors is a well qualified female, who’s the differential on this place in terms of women instruction.
Some of the best BJJ practitioners in the area train at this place among them World and National Champions and they are all super friendly and welcoming, willing to share and to propagate the growth of their group which makes Gracie Barra Encinitas the ultimate Martial Arts facility in the area.
I couldn’t say enough good things about Gracie Barra Encinitas and I rightly recommend this place to anyone who wants to learn in a family, friendly, safe and clean environment.

GB Encinitas is synonymous of excellence in Brazilian Jiu-​Jitsu training. Nelson Monteiro & Rafael Ramos are some of the most knowledgeable BJJ professors in the area. They are also very passionate about sharing the arts of Jiu-​Jitsu with their students. If you live in Encinitas you should be happy! The weather is nice, the beach is great, and the Jiu-​Jitsu in this school is the best in San Diego!!!

A terrific BJJ gym. All instructors are tremendously gifted practioners, all are good teachers, and all are very nice people.
Who should train here: 1) middle aged guys and gals looking for a great hobby, workout, and set of new friends. Most folks I trained with here are professionals between 30 and 50. This is great as it removes a lot of the «brute jitsu» tendencies found at MMA gyms.
2) anyone looking to get really REALLY good at gi jiu jitsu. Competition jits, specifically.
Who should avoid gb encinitas: 1) folks desiring an MMA experience 2) spaz jitsu fighters that want to beat somebody up (read this as «young guys») 3) folks looking for crossfit.

Checked out these guys tonight after reading some good reviews on Unilocal.Was not disappointed. As soon as I walked up the stairs and stepped in the room (dojo?) I was greeted with smiles and acknowledged from the guys on the mats. Very friendly staff and members. Took a free class. Brian (one of the managers/​owners) was very helpful– hooked me up with a gi to train in and spent about 20 – 30 minutes after the class (last of the day) just chatting with me about their approach and a little of his background. No pressure. Encouraged me to check out other gyms and then get back with him. Price seemed reasonable too.

Love this place. I have had the pleasure of training here for the last 6 years. I started BJJ at the age of 45 and now 51, I only wish I would started training sooner. Everyone here is awesome from the guys and girls that train there to the top notch instruction. The Gracie Barra motto it BJJ for everyone, so that means you too. See you on the mat.

Great place to learn BJJ,

My son is in the kids program. The instructors are great & the mats are clean. Great atmosphere. I recommend this class!

If you’re looking for a great place to train Jiu Jitsu, look no further. From kids to adults, beginners to black belt. Great group of instructors, staff, and students. Come check it out for yourself and make your own opinion. Guaranteed you won’t be disappointed.

We’ve been to a lot of different places but this one will make you feel like you’re part of the family. As a newbie to the class, everyone is helpful and willing to teach you. Instructor Nelson is patient and thorough. If you’re looking for a jitz place, this is it! Thank you for being so wonderful.