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 in.the.world.) 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. read more

If you are looking for martial arts training make Gracie Barra Encinitas your first choice! My three children now ages 6, 6, and 10 have been attending the kids classes for more than one year. The staff is amazing and my kids have learned self-defense, discipline, and are mentally and physically stronger. Barbara is very kind and cares about the students. Professor Matt, Professor Duane, and Coach Victor are consistently amazing with the kids. All the coaches are top notch and have a true gift for teaching with just the right amount of play, technical training, and toughness. Students are trained for mental AND physical strength. They have recently changed the kids class schedule to break up some of the age groups. They also added Saturday family class and it has been truly enjoyable to get on the mat and train with kids and other parents. An awesome group of teachers and students here. 5+ stars for Gracie Barra Encinitas !!!! read more

This place is wonderful for every age, man, women or child to learn and play in a safe environment. The team of instructors are world class, are alway welcoming and very respectful to everyone whether you are a beginner or a high level competitor. They have created a great kids program, which my 4 and 11 yr old love and can't wait to go to class b/c they make learning fun and easy, every time. What is very important to me is that they have made the training environment very safe b/c most students have families and job and and aren't looking to hurt or get hurt like you would expect in a typical MMA school enviroment. I would recommend GBE and the instructors to anyone w/ 100% confidence they will find a fun, safe environment, a great work out for the whole family to train and learn valuable skill w/ a group of great people. read more

Love the teachers and the classes, unfortunately had my arm strained and severely injured of which i asked to take a break from the contract. The instructor said i couldnt get out (funny thing was i actually would have loved to get back for i love the school) yet his tone was so demanding it was a turn off. A mere 200 bucks which i could care less about yet they lost a client that had spent so much more and had invited people to the school. Id gove a higher rating but business wise they suck. I gladly bought a barra gi because they didnt want me to use a gracie gi, but when it came to ask to take some months to heal all they could see is what they were losing. Good, you get this crappy rating. You might be a black belt in jiu jitsu but youre a white belt in business. You lost a client and thats more than the 200 bucks. read more

My 6-year-old son has been attending this school for the past year, and it has been the best extracurricular activity we have signed him up for. Coach Matt and Victor have high expectations, yet treat the kids with such great respect! My son looks up to and respects them so much! Ms. Barbara is so amazing with parents and kids as well. She welcomes my son to class in a gentle, nurturing way everyday he enters the school. He looks forward to her warm welcome each day! I highly recommend Gracie Barra Encinitas to parents who want their children to learn to be disciplined, respectful , and self-confident. A wonderful place for an alternative to team/ball sports where my child gains strength, endurance, and intelligence practicing the art of Brazilian Jiujitsu! Thank you Gracie Barra Encinitas! read more

Professors Raf, Matt, and Master Nelson could not be more friendly, and accommodating. We cannot thank them enough for the great BJJ and family like treatment. Master Nelson is my professor's professor and it's beautiful to see how the styles are passed on. World class BJJ instruction is an understatement. This is top of the line from some of the very best teachers and training partners. Will train there every time when in area, and would happily join/enroll GB Encinitas if/when move back to area. Could not even think about training anywhere else in this area. All our love! Regards from: Shawn, Nick, Charm, and Mike read more

My experience at Gracie Barra Encinitas has been such a positive experience. Two of my children train at the GB Encinitas and feel welcomed and encouraged by Coach Duane, Matt, and Sean. Barbara at the front my favorite. The instructors have so much passion for the art and share that with their students. I have even recently started to train because everyone is so supportive and the school is full of just good people. Thank you to Master Nelson Monteiro and Professor Rafael Ramos for the positive atmosphere and including us all in this wonderful self defense martial art of Brazilian jiu-jitsu :) read more

Gracie Barra Encinitas is a great place for kids to learn martial arts in a safe and supportive environment. My son, 8 years old, has been training there since he was 6 years old. In that time, I have seen a dramatic increase in his confidence and ability. The coaches are incredible, holding the kids accountable and teaching them respect for themselves and their teammates. Barbara is always helpful answering questions about billing, classes and promotions. I am so grateful that my son is part of this fantastic program three times a week. Thanks for what you do GB! read more

I've had the pleasure to know professor Rafael Ramos since we were blue belts under Master Carlos Gracie Jr. Since then, I've seen how amazing he is in his jiu-jitsu but more importantly he is a fantastic professor which is even more rare. Above all that, professor Rafael is an amazing person on and off the mats. I have learned a lot from him and am certain that anyone who's fortunate enough to have the chance to train at Gracie Barra Encinitas under him will not only get better in their jiu-jitsu but in their life as well. read more

Gracie Barra Encinitas has been a transformative journey for me. This jiujitsu gym has not only elevated my grappling skills but has also positively impacted my personal growth beyond the mats. The world-class instructors have been instrumental in guiding me through this journey, imparting their expertise and wisdom. The facility's complete remodeling during Covid showcases their dedication to providing a top-notch environment. Gracie Barra Encinitas has truly changed my life, fostering improvement on and off the mats. read more

I have been in many different Brazilian Jiujitsu schools and there in no doubt in my mind that Gracie Barra Encinitas is a top Jiujitsu School. Master Nelson Monteiro is one of the pioneers of Jiujitsu in San Diego way before Jiujitsu was "mainstream". Professor Smith runs the kids program and he has been teaching Martial Arts to kids for over 20 years. There are many other Black Belts that are skilled, professional, and friendly. Definitely this is my recommendation for Jiujitsu in the North County. read more

My 9 Year old daughter has been training here for about 6 months and we could not be happier !! We had tried a couple other studios before we settled here and Gracie Barra was by far the best. From the start they were very welcoming and made my daughter feel comfortable. Professor Matt is excellent with all the kids. He has a real gift ! Barbara who runs the front desk is awesome and is so kind to everyone. We feel very lucky to be part of Gracie Barra. read more

My children have attended this Academy for 9 years now. Thank you Professor Nelson Monteiro. You and your staff have made a positive impact on our children... your Children's Program continues to grow and keeps getting better and better each year. My girlfriends and I enjoy your women's self-defense classes as well :-) We left your last class feeling empowered and better prepared... we kindly request you host another as soon as possible :-) read more

My son has been doing Jiu Jitsu here for 3 years now. His growth, strength and understanding of martial arts is amazing because of this Gracie Barra family. They teach about respect and discipline as well as stress how bullying is wrong and how to defend yourself against it. My son has also made great friendships here. This place is great and the staff and professors are all very friendly and very approachable. I highly recommend it. read more

Gracie Barra Encinitas promotes Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at its finest. The school offers exceptional coaching all the while providing its students with a safe and comfortable training environment. The school's owners, Nelson Monteiro and Rafael Ramos, have done a great job at creating a culture onto itself. If you are interested in learning the gentle art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, GBE is the place to train. read more

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!!! read more

Gracie Barra Encinitas is an amazing environment. The people and atmosphere here are very warm and welcoming. It feels like an extended family, with a positive energy that is very contagious. Instructor Matt, and Barbara are incredible with the kids, and our kids love going to class, learning, being challenged, and having a lot of fun along the way. read more

Beautiful academy and very nice people. This is the 2nd time I have visited here as I live out of town. Both times I was greeted with a smile by professor Matt. He made me feel very welcome and was extremely hospitable. Everyone on the mats were very nice and welcoming as well. This is very refreshing when visiting an academy. read more

My son loves it here! The instructors are top notch and more than that they are polite and clean. We tried several other schools but they either didn't seem clean and/or had inappropriate music playing the whole time. Everyone here is great and my son has been transformed! GB Encinitas is the best place for kids! read more