Without discipline, there is no mastery, neither in Jiu-Jitsu nor in life. Discipline equals freedom!
“I don’t have time to workout.” Familiar? This is a very common excuse that your brain makes up to keep you from accomplishing something difficult.
Do you have a hard time sticking to a routine? Our classes are fun and addictive and we’ll be there to support you along the way.
Don’t like to work out at a gym because you get bored? You’re not alone. Jiu-Jitsu is like a human game of chess, keeping your workouts exciting!
Physical activity can improve your quality of life, both
mentally and physically.
Combined with good nutrition, you will lose weight and get in great shape!
Ask anyone that trains Jiu Jitsu with us, and they will tell you it is unbelievably fun!!
While students mention many benefits, the most common is the friendships and camaraderie.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is the most proven self-defense system in the world.
One of the greatest benefits of jiu-jitsu is to learn to stay cool under pressure.
Physical activity can improve your quality of life, both
mentally and physically.
Combined with good nutrition, you will lose weight and get in great shape!
Ask anyone that trains Jiu Jitsu with us, and they will tell you it is unbelievably fun!!
While students mention many benefits, the most common is the friendships and camaraderie.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is the most proven self-defense system in the world.
One of the greatest benefits of jiu-jitsu is to learn to stay cool under pressure.
Give us a call or send us an email/text and we will answer any questions you might have.
Give us a try with no attachments and
meet the staff and some of the students
that train with us.
Our goal is to do for you , what Jiu-Jitsu
has done for us.
“This is a great club with a warm and friendly culture. The instructors are world class. I’ve made some of my best friends here. I’ve been a member here for 8 years and every week I still I look forward to training with my friends and having fun.”
~ Joscelin Magana
“I came to Gracie Barra Encinitas on a whim about 4 years ago when I was looking for a way to stay in shape and learn some self defense skills. From a lifestyle perspective, it is hands down one of the best decisions Ive ever made! Great group of instructors and great group of guys (and girls) to train with. To put it into perspective, my family and I are looking for a new house and my main criteria is to be within a 15 minute drive of GBE!”
~ George Richards
“It has been two years that my 7 and 5 years old sons are training Jiu Jtsu on GB Encinitas and they absolutely love it. Its a great family environment, the instructors make sure to teach our kids what they know best, from being strong to respecting each other. We are very happy to belong in this community and can’t wait for my two year old son to join them.”
~ Lise Nicholson
Professor Rafael started training at the age of 13 , under legendary Master Carlos Gracie Jr. at the original Gracie Barra School in Rio de Janeiro , Brazil. Under Master Carlos tutelage Rafaelʼs extensive knowledge of the “gentle art” was formed at the same mats of the best BJJ instructors and fighters ever known. As a competitor Rafael won and placed in the biggest events, including multiple Brazilian Nationals, Rio de Janeiro State Championship, Brazilian Team, Pan American. Today, Rafael Ramos assumes, as his main mission, the task of passing on to students the teachings and techniques accumulated over a life of arduous training under the tutelage of Master Carlos Gracie Jr. And he maintains close ties to the Gracie Barra academy, to which he is grateful for his apprenticeship, and for the family values he learned that are so important to him.
As he puts it: “This sport is too damn fun not to go as much as your life permits!!!”
Professor Nelson Monteiro was born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, the birthplace of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He started training when he was 13 years old under the direct tutelage of Master Carlos Gracie Jr. at the world-renowned Gracie Barra Academy. With unrivaled dedication, Professor Monteiro trained diligently until he was awarded the black belt in 1989; and in the same year, he received a bachelorʼs degree in physical education from Gama Filho University. Professor Monteiro is one of the original pioneers of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the United States. After receiving his black belt and graduating from college, Professor Monteiro moved to San Diego in 1990 and began teaching Jiu-Jitsu out of his garage in Encinitas. After steady growth in enrollment, Professor Monteiro moved to a larger space in Del Mar, where the academy continued to prosper. After the 1993 debut of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu experienced a meteoric rise in popularity. The world had now witnessed the effectiveness of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as the unassuming Royce Gracie used leverage and technique to defeat his larger and stronger opponents. People from all walks of life began to search for qualified instructors. As a result, the academy experienced even greater growth.
In 1995, a new student arrived at the academy. This new student would soon have a profound effect not only on Professor Monteiro but also on the future of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The new arrival was Sheik Tahnoon Bin Zayed Al Nayan, a prince of the United Arab Emirates. Bin, as his friends would call him, became a dedicated private student of Professor Monteiro. After training for 8 months, the prince invited Professor Monteiro to come to the UAE to become his private Jiu-Jitsu instructor. Professor Monteiro accepted.
While training the prince and other enthusiasts in the UAE, Professor Monteiro helped to form the Abu Dhabi Combat Club (ADCC), which would evolve into the most prestigious grappling tournament in the world, the Abu Dhabi Submission Wrestling Championships. During this four-year period, Professor Monteiro also trained many champions in Vale-Tudo, MMA, and sport Jiu-Jitsu. With many accomplishments resulting from his stay in the UAE, Professor Monteiro decided to make his way back to Brazil.
In 2000, he and his family moved back to Rio de Janeiro. While living back in Brazil, Professor Monteiro opened a health club and continued his education in the field of sport physiology. In addition, Professor Monteiro continued his efforts in spreading Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu by traveling around the world conducting seminars. After four years in Brazil, Professor Monteiro and his family decided to come back to San Diego.
In 2006, Professor Monteiro opened Gracie Barra Encinitas. Since its grand opening, the academy has become one of the most respected Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu schools in the San Diego area. Professor Monteiroʼs positive attitude, charismatic personality, and passion for Jiu-Jitsu have been an integral part of the academyʼs success. Professor Monteiro is still an active athlete, competing in many of the major Brazilian Jiu-jitsu tournaments worldwide. With over 25 years of experience, Professor Monteiro is one of the most knowledgeable instructors teaching today.