The Gracie Character Development Program consists of six chapters: Responsibility, Health, Respect, Citizenship, Manners, and Caring. We spend two months on each chapter. In every class, we discuss the featured character trait for 10-15 minutes, emphasizing the simple things your child can do to make it a part of their life.
Gracie Bullyproof - Little Champs (Ages 5-7)
The Little Champs program is for kids 5-7 years old. Using our time-tested “Gracie Games,” we teach the Little Champs basic self-defense techniques while instilling the foundational principles of leverage and control. The secret to the success of this program is that we make the lessons so fun that the kids beg for more! Once a child masters the ten core Gracie Games, they advance to the Jr. Grapplers program.
Class 18 - Punch Block Series (5) – Guard | Haymaker Punch Defense
Class 18 - Punch Block Series (5) – Guard | Haymaker Punch Defense
Punch Block Series (Stage 5) - Guard From Stage 4 it is important that you drop your opponent back to Stage 1 as quickly as possible so that you are safest from punches and have the best control over their body. If, while in Stage 4, your opponent is not leaning forward heavily enough to be dropped to Stage 1, it is best to kick them away to Stage 5. In this lesson you will learn how to defend from Stage 5 as well as what to do if the opponent tries to throw your legs aside in their quest for a knockout punch. Click here to view lesson on gracieuniversity.com
Haymaker Punch Defense In many cases, the precise movement and aim of your opponent’s strikes are hard to predict. Sometimes, however, your opponent is so eager to attack you that their punch is totally predictable. The Haymaker Punch Defense is used when a determined attacker comes at you from a distance with the objective of putting all of their bodyweight behind one fight-ending punch. Because of this punch’s power and predictability, the best option is to slip underneath it and get behind your opponent. Click here to view lesson on gracieuniversity.com
Gracie Combatives
Gracie Combatives is our beginner program for adults. In this program, you will learn the 36 core techniques of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in a fun, safe, and cooperative environment. Each one-hour lesson addresses one standing and one ground self-defense technique, which are further broken down into simplified drills or “slices” to facilitate the learning process. You can start the program at any time and participate in any class without previous experience and, since safety is our number one concern, there is no competitive sparring in this program. Upon successful completion of the Gracie Combatives program you will earn your Gracie Combatives Belt which will qualify you for advancement into the Master Cycle program.
Master Cycle Chapters: Standing - Front Attack Defenses
Master Cycle Chapters: Standing - Front Attack Defenses
Our next chapter in the Master Cycle classes focuses on Standing - Clinch and Takedown Strategies. Recognizing that most fights begin standing and eventually transition to the ground, we'll concentrate on controlling this descent, ensuring that you end up in a dominant position through effective clinch and takedown techniques.
Master Cycle
Beyond Gracie Combatives belt, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) consists of hundreds of advanced techniques organized into a clearly defined, systematic curriculum called the Master Cycle. The Master Cycle’s unique structure simplifies the journey to black belt by organizing all of BJJ into seven positional chapters (Mount, Side Mount, Guard, Half Guard, Back Mount, Leg Locks, Standing), each of which is studied for several months before moving on to the next chapter.
If you've achieved the rank of Gracie Combatives belt or higher in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and you would like to continue on the path to BJJ black belt in a safe, structured, and friendly learning environment, the Master Cycle is for you!
The Gracie Character Development Program consists of six chapters: Responsibility, Health, Respect, Citizenship, Manners, and Caring. We spend two months on each chapter. In every class, we discuss the featured character trait for 10-15 minutes, emphasizing the simple things your child can do to make it a part of their life.
Gracie Bullyproof - Junior Grapplers (Ages 7-12)
In the Jr. Grapplers program, we focus on 33 non-violent self-defense techniques that teach children to “neutralize and negotiate” with the bullies. Verbal assertiveness strategies are a major portion of this curriculum. A child needs absolutely no experience to start, and we guarantee a noticeable increase in your child’s confidence within a few weeks!
The Gracie Character Development Program consists of six chapters: Responsibility, Health, Respect, Citizenship, Manners, and Caring. We spend two months on each chapter. In every class, we discuss the featured character trait for 10-15 minutes, emphasizing the simple things your child can do to make it a part of their life.
Gracie Bullyproof - Black Belt Club
We invite children who excel in the Jr. Grapplers program to join the Black Belt Club. This is our most advanced youth jiu-jitsu program and joining the Black Belt Club is the highest honor for any youth Gracie Jiu-Jitsu practitioner. Kids in this program possess all the traits necessary for success on the path to black belt: discipline, respect, courage, leadership, loyalty, and compassion.
The upcoming focus in our Master Cycle classes is Standing - Rear Attacks. We will delve into both defensive and offensive strategies to effectively handle attacks from behind, ensuring preparedness and control in these challenging standing scenarios.
Master Cycle
Beyond Gracie Combatives belt, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) consists of hundreds of advanced techniques organized into a clearly defined, systematic curriculum called the Master Cycle. The Master Cycle’s unique structure simplifies the journey to black belt by organizing all of BJJ into seven positional chapters (Mount, Side Mount, Guard, Half Guard, Back Mount, Leg Locks, Standing), each of which is studied for several months before moving on to the next chapter.
If you've achieved the rank of Gracie Combatives belt or higher in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and you would like to continue on the path to BJJ black belt in a safe, structured, and friendly learning environment, the Master Cycle is for you!
Class 19 - Hook Sweep – Guard | Guillotine Defense
Class 19 - Hook Sweep – Guard | Guillotine Defense
Hook Sweep - Guard If your opponent leans all their weight forward from Stage 4, drop them into Stage 1. If they stand in Stage 4 without leaning any weight, kick them back to Stage 5. If they are leaning forward from Stage 4 but have one leg forward for base, you may have difficulty dropping them back into Stage 1, and this is precisely when you would use the Hook Sweep to reverse the position. Click here to view lesson on gracieuniversity.com
Guillotine Defense When you establish the clinch, and your opponent no longer has the space or distance to strike you effectively, they will often wrap your neck in an attempt to submit you. For this reason, the Guillotine Choke is one of the most common techniques used by unskilled individuals because it’s simple and it gives them a feeling of control during the chaos. Although the proper clinch position should prevent the Guillotine Choke, your opponent may surprise you if your head is too low, and in this lesson, you will learn the most important Guillotine Defense principles. Click here to view lesson on gracieuniversity.com
Gracie Combatives
Gracie Combatives is our beginner program for adults. In this program, you will learn the 36 core techniques of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in a fun, safe, and cooperative environment. Each one-hour lesson addresses one standing and one ground self-defense technique, which are further broken down into simplified drills or “slices” to facilitate the learning process. You can start the program at any time and participate in any class without previous experience and, since safety is our number one concern, there is no competitive sparring in this program. Upon successful completion of the Gracie Combatives program you will earn your Gracie Combatives Belt which will qualify you for advancement into the Master Cycle program.
The Gracie Character Development Program consists of six chapters: Responsibility, Health, Respect, Citizenship, Manners, and Caring. We spend two months on each chapter. In every class, we discuss the featured character trait for 10-15 minutes, emphasizing the simple things your child can do to make it a part of their life.
Gracie Bullyproof - Little Champs (Ages 5-7)
The Little Champs program is for kids 5-7 years old. Using our time-tested “Gracie Games,” we teach the Little Champs basic self-defense techniques while instilling the foundational principles of leverage and control. The secret to the success of this program is that we make the lessons so fun that the kids beg for more! Once a child masters the ten core Gracie Games, they advance to the Jr. Grapplers program.
If we can wrap our sneaky arms around his neck, we have several reliable chokes that can help us end the fight. In this lesson we will learn the Rear Naked Choke for anytime we find ourselves behind an assailant. If you are trapped in a confined space with a sexual predator, escape may not be an option. In this lesson, we teach you multiple chokes from the guard position, allowing you to render the attacker unconscious from the bottom of the fight! We will begin with one of the most famous jiu-jitsu techniques of all time, the Triangle Choke!
Women Empowered is the official Gracie self-defense program for women based on the techniques of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). In this 15-lesson program, we will teach you how to neutralize the 20 most common attacks ranging from having your hair grabbed to being pinned to the ground by a weapon-bearing assailant. Each one-hour Women Empowered lesson addresses two techniques. You can start the program at any time and participate in any class without previous experience. Unlike most self-defense systems that rely heavily on strength, speed, and coordination, the techniques in the Women Empowered program employ leverage, technique, and timing, so anyone, regardless of age or athletic ability, can make them work against larger opponents. Once you complete the Women Empowered program, you may test for promotion to pink belt! Please note you will need to pay the full evaluation fee each time you take a test, and when you pass the test, you will receive your official Women Empowered Pink Belt and promotion certificate at no additional cost.
Brazilian Jiu-jitsu is the perfect self-defense system for women, but only if it is taught correctly. If you’re unsure about learning BJJ for fear of injury, embarrassment, or any other reason, then the Women Empowered program is perfect for you! If you’ve tried BJJ at another school and had a negative experience, give Women Empowered a chance, and we guarantee it will win you back to the mat!
Class 20 - Take the Back – Guard | Standing Headlock Defense
Class 20 - Take the Back – Guard | Standing Headlock Defense
Take the Back - Guard Against a trained opponent, you can expect them sit back and establish posture from within your guard; but against an untrained opponent, you can expect the exact opposite. When a person drives all their weight forward from within your guard, they unknowingly create a perfect opportunity for you to take their back, especially when they are attacking your neck or face with one of their hands. In this lesson, you will learn how to Take the Back from the guard, but in order to simplify the process of learning all the steps, we’re going to break everything down into three slices. Click here to view lesson on gracieuniversity.com
Standing Headlock Defense Once you establish the clinch on your opponent, there is a good chance that they will get desperate and try to catch you in a headlock. Without the proper escape strategy, the Standing Headlock can be a very painful and demoralizing experience, but with the proper technique you can turn the tables and use their hold to your advantage. Click here to view lesson on gracieuniversity.com
Gracie Combatives
Gracie Combatives is our beginner program for adults. In this program, you will learn the 36 core techniques of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in a fun, safe, and cooperative environment. Each one-hour lesson addresses one standing and one ground self-defense technique, which are further broken down into simplified drills or “slices” to facilitate the learning process. You can start the program at any time and participate in any class without previous experience and, since safety is our number one concern, there is no competitive sparring in this program. Upon successful completion of the Gracie Combatives program you will earn your Gracie Combatives Belt which will qualify you for advancement into the Master Cycle program.
This week in Master Cycle, we'll begin to concentrate on Back Mount Submissions. Learn and refine powerful submission techniques from the back mount, bolstering your offensive capabilities in this dominant position.
Master Cycle Fundamentals
If you’re new to the Master Cycle or you simply want to sharpen your fundamentals, these Master Cycle classes are for you! Each week we focus on the core offensive and defensive objectives from a different position to help you with the transition from Gracie Combatives into the Master Cycle. During the sparring portion, we teach training etiquette and clarify the goals from each position to help build your comfort and confidence with free rolling.
The Gracie Character Development Program consists of six chapters: Responsibility, Health, Respect, Citizenship, Manners, and Caring. We spend two months on each chapter. In every class, we discuss the featured character trait for 10-15 minutes, emphasizing the simple things your child can do to make it a part of their life.
Gracie Bullyproof - Junior Grapplers (Ages 7-12
In the Jr. Grapplers program, we focus on 33 non-violent self-defense techniques that teach children to “neutralize and negotiate” with the bullies. Verbal assertiveness strategies are a major portion of this curriculum. A child needs absolutely no experience to start, and we guarantee a noticeable increase in your child’s confidence within a few weeks!
The Gracie Character Development Program consists of six chapters: Responsibility, Health, Respect, Citizenship, Manners, and Caring. We spend two months on each chapter. In every class, we discuss the featured character trait for 10-15 minutes, emphasizing the simple things your child can do to make it a part of their life.
Gracie Bullyproof - Black Belt Club
We invite children who excel in the Jr. Grapplers program to join the Black Belt Club. This is our most advanced youth jiu-jitsu program and joining the Black Belt Club is the highest honor for any youth Gracie Jiu-Jitsu practitioner. Kids in this program possess all the traits necessary for success on the path to black belt: discipline, respect, courage, leadership, loyalty, and compassion.
6:30pm - 8:00pm
Master Cycle
Master Cycle Chapters: Standing - Clinch and Takedowns
Master Cycle Chapters: Standing - Clinch and Takedowns
Our next chapter in the Master Cycle classes focuses on Standing - Clinch and Takedown Strategies. Recognizing that most fights begin standing and eventually transition to the ground, we'll concentrate on controlling this descent, ensuring that you end up in a dominant position through effective clinch and takedown techniques.
Master Cycle
Beyond Gracie Combatives belt, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) consists of hundreds of advanced techniques organized into a clearly defined, systematic curriculum called the Master Cycle. The Master Cycle’s unique structure simplifies the journey to black belt by organizing all of BJJ into seven positional chapters (Mount, Side Mount, Guard, Half Guard, Back Mount, Leg Locks, Standing), each of which is studied for several months before moving on to the next chapter.
If you've achieved the rank of Gracie Combatives belt or higher in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and you would like to continue on the path to BJJ black belt in a safe, structured, and friendly learning environment, the Master Cycle is for you!
Elbow Escape - Side Mount If your opponent is able to achieve the side mount, chances are they will be so eager to punch you that they will create space for you to execute the Shrimp Escape (Lesson 24). If they are able to prevent the Shrimp Escape, the best thing to do is conserve energy and wait until the opponent transitions from side mount to full mount so that you can use the Elbow Escape to recompose the guard. In this lesson you will learn two variations of the Elbow Escape from the side mount. Click here to view lesson on gracieuniversity.com
Pull Guard In an ideal situation, you would be able to close the distance, establish the clinch, execute a takedown, achieve the mount and win the fight. Sometimes however, your opponent is expecting the clinch and is very resistant when you try to establish control of them. If you get into a clinch and you are unable to take your partner down because they are too strong or you lose control of their hips, you have two options: let go and try again or Pull Guard. If you let go, you risk getting knocked out when you try to reestablish the clinch. If you pull the opponent in your guard, you can neutralize the punches, exhaust their energy, and eventually win the fight in a variety of ways. Click here to view lesson on gracieuniversity.com
Gracie Combatives
Gracie Combatives is our beginner program for adults. In this program, you will learn the 36 core techniques of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in a fun, safe, and cooperative environment. Each one-hour lesson addresses one standing and one ground self-defense technique, which are further broken down into simplified drills or “slices” to facilitate the learning process. You can start the program at any time and participate in any class without previous experience and, since safety is our number one concern, there is no competitive sparring in this program. Upon successful completion of the Gracie Combatives program you will earn your Gracie Combatives Belt which will qualify you for advancement into the Master Cycle program.
Reflex Development - Side Mount Focus Class Preview
In this class we'll bring together all of the side mount controls and escapes with some extra details, bonus slices, and scripted fight simulation drills that will help prepare you for your transition into Master Cycle!
Once you complete each of the 23 Gracie Combatives lessons twice, you will qualify to participate in the Reflex Development (RD) Classes where you will learn how to combine the 36 techniques to address the most common occurrences in a real fight. These classes are required for both Gracie Combatives and Master Cycle students in order to advance in rank.
5:30pm - 6:45pm
Master Cycle - Reflex Development
Reflex Development - Master Cycle
Reflex Development - Master Cycle
Reflex Development Class for Master Cycle
Master Cycle - Reflex Development
Once you complete each of the 23 Gracie Combatives lessons twice, you will qualify to participate in the Reflex Development (RD) Classes where you will learn how to combine the 36 techniques to address the most common occurrences in a real fight. These classes are required for both Gracie Combatives and Master Cycle students in order to advance in rank.
25 Saturday
8:00am - 8:45am
Open Mat
Open Mat
Join us Saturday mornings for Open Mat, open to Master Cycle students and those preparing for Combatives Belt or Pink Belt testing. This 45-minute session includes sparring and constraint-led training games designed to improve timing, pressure, and problem-solving. Students may also use this time to refine Reflex Development drills and test-specific techniques in a supportive, safe environment.
9:00am - 10:15am
Women Empowered
Ground Reflex Development - Women Empowered
Ground Reflex Development - Women Empowered
All ground techniques are practiced in combination with one another.
Women Empowered
Women Empowered is the official Gracie self-defense program for women based on the techniques of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). In this 15-lesson program, we will teach you how to neutralize the 20 most common attacks ranging from having your hair grabbed to being pinned to the ground by a weapon-bearing assailant. Each one-hour Women Empowered lesson addresses two techniques. You can start the program at any time and participate in any class without previous experience. Unlike most self-defense systems that rely heavily on strength, speed, and coordination, the techniques in the Women Empowered program employ leverage, technique, and timing, so anyone, regardless of age or athletic ability, can make them work against larger opponents. Once you complete the Women Empowered program, you may test for promotion to pink belt! Please note you will need to pay the full evaluation fee each time you take a test, and when you pass the test, you will receive your official Women Empowered Pink Belt and promotion certificate at no additional cost.
Brazilian Jiu-jitsu is the perfect self-defense system for women, but only if it is taught correctly. If you’re unsure about learning BJJ for fear of injury, embarrassment, or any other reason, then the Women Empowered program is perfect for you! If you’ve tried BJJ at another school and had a negative experience, give Women Empowered a chance, and we guarantee it will win you back to the mat!
Class 22 - Twisting Arm Control – Mount | Rear Takedown
Class 22 - Twisting Arm Control – Mount | Rear Takedown
Twisting Arm Control - Mount The beauty of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is that it enables you to defeat virtually anyone while controlling the amount of damage you inflict. The Twisting Arm Control is premium example of this because you can use it to set up a choke, straight armlock, or simply control your opponent until they surrender. In this lesson, you will first learn how to set up and maintain the Twisting Arm Control, and then you will learn two reliable finishing options. Click here to view on gracieuniversity.com
Rear Takedown When you establish the clinch, your opponent’s arm may end up over your head. In some cases it happens inadvertently, in other cases it’s a deliberate attempt to catch you in a Guillotine Choke. Either way, any time your head ends up under your opponent’s arm, you can use it to transition into the Rear Clinch control position, from where you can set up the Rear Takedown. In this lesson you will learn how to transition from front to back of your opponent as well as how to take them down once you get there. Click here to view on gracieuniversity.com
Gracie Combatives
Gracie Combatives is our beginner program for adults. In this program, you will learn the 36 core techniques of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in a fun, safe, and cooperative environment. Each one-hour lesson addresses one standing and one ground self-defense technique, which are further broken down into simplified drills or “slices” to facilitate the learning process. You can start the program at any time and participate in any class without previous experience and, since safety is our number one concern, there is no competitive sparring in this program. Upon successful completion of the Gracie Combatives program you will earn your Gracie Combatives Belt which will qualify you for advancement into the Master Cycle program.