There are few places I consider home ... the GB Charlotte school is among those few. From my first class to my move to MD, the professor, coaches and my fellow GB Fam have been awesome. I not only learned more than ever expected, but I also developed friendships I hold for life. Trust me, you will appreciate the Fam and learn self-defense, discipline and more. Thanks Professor Diogo and Coach Thea for choosing my neighborhood to open the school. I miss you but I'll be home soon. read more

Clean gym and they're open on time. It's a business and functions as one. Has good drills and teach relevant techniques. Members + staff are respectful and good people. Needs to focus more on safety, saw many people get seriously hurt because they're going too hard during sparring. Sparring should be for practice. Also the belt system is completely gone and now runs on money and not merit... after all it's a business don't expect anything more. read more

My family loves Professor Diogo and his family. My kids (6 & 7 years old) started raining with their dad this year and have a great time every class. My husband started as a white belt years ago and is a brown belt now. Facility is clean. They take all precautions taking temps, wearing masks, hand sanitizing so everyone can safely train. Highly recommend. read more

It's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years. I've had the opportunity to learn from some amazing professors all over the US. Diogo Silva de Souza, I just wanted to say thank you for letting me attend your class Saturday morning. I had a great time learning some new things for my tool belt. If I do ever come back to North Carolina I'll stop in for a class or two. And no I won't be lost haha lol. I found your location on Yelp. So anyone who reads this. Try out North Carolina Gracie Barra in Charlotte. Definitely don't miss out on training with this professor if you can. read more

I have called , emailed and texted this location multiple times. I've never heard back. Ever. As a former student from Georgia, I wonder how this place operates if nobody returns calls, emails or texts? So .... I'll continue my training at another school. read more

Both my husband and son (5years old) took classes from Professor Lacerda when he was teaching in CA. He is a wonderful teacher and better yet a great person! He and Thea became a part of our family and we miss them greatly. As for the Barra and classes they are both innovative people who will make your jiu-jitsu experience memorable. I even took a special evening clas for rape prevention that they offered as a seminar. All ages, male or female, will really enjoy learning jiu-jitsu and becoming a part of their family. read more

I've only just started training at Gracie Barra Charlotte, but already the experience has been great, and FAR exceeds anything I've experienced at other schools. I've trained at several BJJ schools, one of which is owned by one of the biggest names in grappling, but never have I had this much fun, or this level of service (Thea even noticed that I hadn't been in in a while and called to check on me!) The environment is extremely welcoming and completely non-intimidating. The instruction is excellent, and I love the structure of the classes and the curriculum, and the consistency throughout GB. The staff and students at GB Charlotte will make you feel like family, you'll get in shape, have fun, make friends, and learn BJJ all at the same time. What could be better than that? My in-laws live in Irvine - I can't wait to go train there!! read more

I've been lucky enough to train at and with some of the best MMA/BJJ academies and teams in the world. Scott O said it best in his review, "Diogo, the head instructor is doing it right." As a practitioner, Diogo's skills and ability are world-class and he's even better as a coach. Whether you are an experienced competitor; somebody looking for a safe, welcoming place to learn self-defense; or simply somebody who wants something cooler than p90x to get in shape, GB Charlotte is for you. read more

Updated- After posting this review I was contacted by the owner of GB. He refunded my money and apologized for the communication issues. I appreciate his response, but it shouldn't take a bad review to make it happen. I have increased my rating from 1 star to 3 stars as a result. My son took classes at GB for several months and we enjoyed the experience. The problem started after we left. Two months after the contract was cancelled they have continued to auto-charge me for the monthly tuition. I have tried to call, text, and e-mail repeatedly and no one will respond to me. I cannot recommend doing business with a company that steals from their customers. read more

Instructors are very personable and knowledgeable. I'm 100% certain they'd make anyone of any skill level feel this way.

My son has been going here since he was three (he's now five). We have nothing but great things to say about Gracie Barra Charlotte! Professor Diogo is amazing and works wonders with the kids along side professor Dan. The kids form such a strong friendship with each other and learn more than just moves. They learn discipline, friendship, defense, and even talk about eating healthy foods. Thea is always welcoming and amazing with signing people up and talking to the kids and parents. I highly recommend trying it out!! read more

I was completely new to martial arts before coming to Gracie Barra Charlotte. Honestly, I was slightly intimidated before my first class because I didn't know what to expect. But Diogo and Thea (the owners) made me feel comfortable immediately, as the school has a "Big Family" feel to it. Diogo is a patient and knowledgeable instructor, dedicated to helping everyone learn and improve. Safety is paramount. Students train with the mentality of helping each other, and to take every precaution against injury. The classes are very structured and provide an opportunity to have a great workout that both challenges and teaches. You will be amazed with your progress in just a few short weeks. The environment is very clean and the robust class offerings are great for both kids and adults alike. If you have a goal of self-improvement, the Jiu-Jitsu offered at Gracie Barra is a rewarding experience that will leave you feeling accomplished and self confident. read more

One of the gems of charlotte. A clean and accommodating facility which teaches Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. The nicest people run this place and some of the most fun folks are always there to spar with. There is a solid sense of hard work and respect during sessions and all skill levels and endurance levels are accommodated. I came from a wrestling background and fell in love with the new style. Kids, women, and all ages are welcome. read more

Diogo and Thea really make you feel like family. There are so many available class times so it is easy to find ones that fit your schedule. The instruction is high quality and your training partners (other students) are helpful and not just out for themselves. I couldn't be happier training here! read more

I was in town for a business trip and needed a little Jiu Jitsu. This was the closest place to my hotel, so I walked in. Everyone was really nice and friendly. Even though I wasn't a Gracie Barra member, they welcomed me with open arms. They even let met rain with my own Gi and didn't need to have a Gracie Barra Gi. Instructors are highly skilled and beasts on the mat. Great place to train, highly recommend. read more

Wonderful group of people at this gym. Very welcoming and respectful.

GB Charlotte is a great family oriented school with top notch students (no egos) and world class instructors (again, zero egos). From a beginner's perspective, everyone is extremely helpful and it's easy to see why so many stick around. It's a great workout and you will never stop learning. Whether your goal is to personally challenge yourself, get into shape or personal self defense... I can't say enough good things about this school! read more

Gracie Barra Charlotte was a great place to train, I was in from out of town and they were very accommodating. The head coach and the assistant coaches run a solid program and the facility was clean. read more

My daughter has been going here for sometime now and loves it. She has gained so much confidence and says she feels stronger everyday. She loves going and says the coaches and professor are some of her favorite people. read more

Clean massive space. Great BJJ atmosphere with a knowledgeable professor. This is my backup school whip I travel and am happy to roll there. Will be coming back for sure. read more

I joined Gracie Barra during their first week and am continually impressed by the professionalism and structured learning plans. I visited several places before learning of their school, and I can say nothing else compares. The lineage from the founders in Brazil to the Professor (teacher) is clear. The establishment is clean and safe, with large changing rooms. They provide Gi's (uniforms) for your class and until your purchased Gi (personal) arrives, if you choose to join. There is a very strong family focus and the code of conduct is observed. read more

I do not train here anymore due to moving out of state but I would recommend this place any day of the week. Thea and Diogo the owners treat you like you are one of their own family members. And as far as the actual training Diogo is very knowledgeable and will help you with any part of your training. I love the people here and wish I could still be training. read more

My son enjoyed the jiu jitsu but when he stopped classes to move out of state it was impossible to cancel monthly online payments. The only choices you have is to go to website, email, or leave text on cell but clients are left with no ability to talk to a rep of the company. Our only option was to get the bank involved. Very poor customer service, there is no excuse for that. read more

If you are looking to train hard with a great group of people, Gracie Barra Charlotte is for you. You are more than just a number here, you are treated like family from the minute you walk in the door. GB for life. read more

My boys have been asking to take classes there ever since they seen them do a demonstration at the Total Children's Wellness Fair. They were so professional yet down to Earth. We were impressed to with the attention and dedication they should each child. read more

Great place to train! You'll learn a lot, get some cardio in, and have so much fun doing it all!

Gracie Barra Charlotte was my first Jui Jitsu gym. Right off the bat I loved it and felt very welcomed. They truly teach you and work with you like you are family. Gracie Barra Charlotte gave me the best impression on the foundation and morals or Jui Jitsu. Even though, I no longer live in Charlotte, I still am training Jui Jitsu and always will. Thank you for introducing me to it and hopefully I'll get to visit when i'm in town!!! read more

The atmosphere is amazing. I had moved from L.A. (Cali) to Charlotte, NC about three years ago. I looked for places I could train and I found Gracie Barra. Literally the nicest people work here. The coach was amazing and trust me (I have trained with many people) when I say he knows his stuff. If you live in the Charlotte area, I genuinely recommend Gracie Barra of Charlotte. I promise you that you will not regret it. read more

Great system! Great facility! Great owners! Great schedule for classes! Gracie Barra, the real deal used by top MMA competitors!

I just joined Gracie Barra a dayl ago and today was my second day and it has been a blast! Everyone treats each other like family no matter what rank you are. Its a super clean dojo and and run very professionally. Professor Diogo is a great person and a true master of the sport (BJJ). I recommend everyone of all ages and skills to come and try it out. You will be hooked.....I was. read more