My 7 year old son was very interested in martial arts, but he had a bit of a temper so I was hoping to start him in something that did not focus on striking but could be used as self defense. We looked at several different programs in Colorado Springs until we found Gracie Barra Colorado Springs. We both started going to Gracie Barra Colorado Springs over a year ago and the results have been dramatic. He is a much calmer child now, much less prone to anger, who would rather train with the other kids at Gracie Barra Colorado Springs than play video games. I have noticed that his focus outside of jiu jitsu is vastly improved with a positive impact on his school performance as well. I could not have chosen a better place for my son. Professor Waltz is amazing with the kids and fosters an environment focusing on self confidence, respect for others, and discipline. Kids of all ages are actively engaged in learning jiu jitsu throughout each class in a no-stress environment. Throughout the classes and focus on not only learning moves, but how to take care of their partners as well. The end result so far my son is he becoming a confident young man that can protect himself if needed, but is also more aware of how his actions affect others around them. This has been a great experience for him and I recommend without reservation Gracie Barra Colorado Springs to any parent that's looking for a place for their child to learn an effective martial art in a safe environment with outstanding instructors. For me, I have really enjoyed becoming part of the Gracie Barra Colorado Springs team. I wrestled for years, but I am not a spring chicken anymore and was pretty out of shape when I first started. I was afraid that maybe I was too old to start training jiu jitsu. I decided to give it a chance anyway. I have been a runner for years but I have lost bodyfat, have more energy, I am more flexible and generally feel much better overall since starting at Gracie Barra Colorado Springs. Professor Waltz along with Coach Vanessa, Coach Josh, Coach Casey, and many other instructors provide an inclusive environment for adults to learn jiu jitsu whether it is for self defense, competing in tournaments, or just general fitness. Egos are checked at the door and it is a incredibly inviting atmosphere. I have learned so much in this last year, and I continue to learn something new every time I go. If you are on the fence about starting a martial art, I would recommend stopping by to watch a class, participate in a class, or just sit down and talk with Professor Waltz, Coach Vanessa or one of the other great instructors here. read more

Fantastic place to train, learn, and improve. My family and I recently moved from Denver where I had trained for about 4 years at one school, also trained in the Fort Collins area for a couple years. The Denver school was hands down the best place I had trained at, and was skeptical I would find another place I felt at home at, and had high level instruction. I currently hold the rank of brown belt and had not trained in 3 years due to kids and a bum heart. I was actually nervous going in, felt like a white belt at his first class. I figured all the purple belts would try to kill the out of shape, and out of form brown belt. What happened was quite the opposite, not one person trained crazy or out of control. Everyone was respectful and Professor Bryan was very welcoming and friendly to me. This is a great place for everyone to train, women, kids, older guys, people who want to be world champions, and even the person who wants to just learn self defense and get a little exercise. read more

I have trained here for about 3 years now. When we first started looking at BJJ places around Colorado Springs, we went everywhere to give them all the week trial and to see what was the best match. Some places I have trained teach "big guy jiu jitsu" and expect for students to do the same. At Gracie Barra Colorado Springs, we found that Professor Waltz had the most detailed instruction in a way that just clicked. Not only are his class demonstrations detailed, but when asked about very fine points of a technique, he has a plethora of knowledge and many details that make a move you've done a thousand times even better. He is excellent with the kids and will sit down at the end of many classes with them to not only talk about being a good training partner and taking care of each other, but also what it is to be helpful and respectful around the house and at school. Gracie Barra is where we now call home. read more

This is an excellent school. The training is first rate, the instructors really care about teaching people no matter their level of experience, and that attitude of brotherhood and sisterhood in our jujitsu journey is just as evident in the students. I came to Colorado Springs for vacation, and just didn't want to sit on my butt for two weeks. I was welcomed into the club and treated just like I had always been there, and saw techniques I will remember and use as long as I stay on the mats. I have trained in several states, and this school is truly excellent for both the newest newbie or the experienced competitor. If you are in Colorado Springs and looking for a school, don't decide on one until you have visited Professor Vanessa, Professor Bryan, and all the rest of the great people here. I will definitely be back the next time I'm in Colorado Springs. read more

This is a great place to learn Jiu Jitsu. I wouldn't have it any other way or go any where else. Professor Waltz is very detailed and you can tell while he is teaching the passion that he has for it. Everyone is very welcoming. It's a home away from home. The kid's program is amazing. They are always motivated. My son loves it and that's all he ever talks about it is training. I've been training here almost a year now and its one of the best decisions I've ever made. Gracie Barra Jiu Jitsu gives me strength through out my day and keeps me motivated to come back no matter how tired or how bad of a day it's been. I always feel ten times better after training. Bring your children and yourselves for this life changing experience. It's a journey that's worth it. read more

I'm not sure where to start. My experience there has been so great all around. I have learned so much from Professor Waltz and the crew over at Gracie Barra BJJ. The place is a friendly environment and with Professor Waltz instruction I am confident that ANYONE can learn jiu jitsu. And you will get in the best shape of your life and make life long friends while doing so. I encourage anyone who is interested in the sport for competition or even self defense to give Gracie Barra BJJ a try. I recently moved to Colorado seeking a new school to train at. Being the new guy is always hard. For that reason I was very nervous at first, but everyone at Gracie Barra was more than welcoming and kind. Thanks to everyone there!!!! read more

I absolutely love this place! I've been training almost 6 years and have trained at that many academies and this is one of the best I've ever been to. Professor Bryan and Vanessa run a school that is super technical and filled with a large roup of talented people. The school is kept clean and held to the highest of GB standards as far as gym etiquette is concerned. They have the largest womens and kids team I've ever seen and the team consistently places in the top 3 schools in the state of colorado. This gym is very friendly to begginners and will challenge even the most advanced. I switched from another local gym about a year ago and I haven't looked back! read more

My family and I had traveled on vacation to visit family and while we were in town we got a chance to drop in to train in on a few classes. There is a really cool atmosphere that is reminiscent to my home academy and people are friendly, welcoming and hard working here. Very solid and technical instruction from Professor Bryan and it was neat to get a different look and philosophy that I am not used to. Both my son and I had a great time training and would love to stop in and train again when we are back in town. If you live locally in the area and were interested in trying out Jiu Jitsu, I highly recommend checking this place out. read more

Gracie Barra Colorado Springs is a premier Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) academy. Professor Bryan Waltz is a BJJ black belt under World and Pan American Champion Robert (Tussa) Alencar from Gracie Barra New Mexico. Professor Bryan is knowledgeable and is a great teacher that cares about his students. The members of GB are loyal and committed to helping each other grow and reach their full potential. Gracie Barra Colorado Springs really is a place for "Jiu-Jitsu For Everyone", regardless of your goals (self-defensive, fitness, competition, etc). I recommend you come and try it out. You will find a welcoming BJJ academy and environment. read more

Such a sense of team and family here from day one. I was hesitant at first not knowing what to expect getting back into martial arts after so long. A couple of places I tried before here had that Rex Kwon Do Cobra Kai atmosphere where the new guy is looked at as fresh meat. This has been home since I walked in the door. Professor Bryan Waltz and his staff are professional, courteous and take a humble approach to teaching making learning easy and fun. If you've ever considered Brazilian Jiu Jitsu this is the place to train. It's has absolutely changed my life for the better!! read more

first, I enrolled my daughter and a month later I enrolled myself! Best decision ever! This place is awesome! from the moment you step in and train with them, you are welcome with open arms. Professor Bryan and the coaches will make you feel like you're part of the family from the get go! And the best part is that you will start learning actual moves right from the start! Not only the kids learn BJJ but also self defense and discipline. My daughter loves it so much, she wants to attend every single day! you can even get a free tryout! I recommend this place 100%. read more

I absolutely love this place! I decided after so many years of procrastination to finally learn a martial art. My friend was already a student here and had given it great reviews! I didn't even try to check out other places and took him at his word! I've been training here for close to 6 months and only recently while out of town I was able to train at another academy and OMG do I miss training here! I can't wait to go back when I get into town! Professor Bryan, Coach Vanessa, Joe and Josh and pretty much anyone I've ever worked with here are the best! #GB4LIFE read more

BJJ has improved my life and state of mind in tremendous ways. And it wouldn't have been possible without this team. Professor Bryan and all of the other coaches provide a wealth of knowledge for practitioners who are both new and experienced in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. I highly recommend this academy to anyone willing to learn! It is also a women-friendly environment. Our women's team continues to grow, but only with your help! Come check out coach Vanessa's womens classes on monday and wednesday nights; its a great opportunity to learn practical self-defense. read more

If you are looking for a place to train and learn the art of Jiu Jitsu this would be the place to start. Good environment, respectful students and people who run the academy. Great place to train at your leisure, whether you are a competitor, mma fighter or just a average person trying to make yourself better. Its not always easy to find a good place to train when you are always moving, but Professor Waltz & Coach Vanessa has made my choice to choose Gracie Barra Colorado Springs for my family & I very easy as we have found another jiu-jitsu family! read more

I am brand new to Gracie Barra, but I already love it so much! Professor Brian and Coach Vanessa are so nice, understanding, and know so much about Jiu Jitsu. All the coaches here are great! They all really want the best for their students. I am the type of person that gets really nervous starting new things, but once I met everyone at Gracie Barra I felt so much better! This really is a great team and I am so excited to continue training here! I can't imagine going anywhere else. read more

Professor Bryan Waltz is a phenomenal instructor! Gracie Barra Colorado Springs is truly a place for all to study the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. The Future Champions (kids) program is top of the line, the women's class is getting bigger and stronger every week, and the adult program is full of people from all different walks of life. Classes are structured and precise, the team members are so helpful and are eager to help one another learn and grow! read more

Gracie Barra Colorado Springs provides the best training environment I've ever seen. Whether you are a jiu-jitsu hobbyist or have aspirations of being the next world champ. Two of my kids (7 & 10) and I have been training there for several years. The atmosphere is always friendly and conducive to learning. Professor Bryan and the other coaches are so good with the kids, never making class intimidating and instilling so much confidence and skill in them. read more

When we moved here in July the first thing we did was look for a gym for our son. Our son is ranked number 1 by FTW and it was a must to find a gym..... We tried every gym in the area and Gracie Barra was the last one to try out... After his first class we knew that Gracie Barra was the gym for us.. They welcome our son with open arms and put him to work. They have something for everyone. My son is so HAPPY and PROUD to have their patches on his Gi... read more

I have over 30 years in martial arts and have trained with so many people, and have had so many instructors. And I can say that Gracie Barra Colorado Springs ranks number 1! Prof. Waltz has a way of teaching that is comfortable for any and he knows how to progress a student through BJJ in a safe but effective manner. I sighed my son up here because of the family environment. If you are thinking about taking classes, this is the place to be! read more