482 E Columbia St, New Westminster, BC V3L 3X5, Canada
Reviews from Jiu-Jitsu Blog members who have trained at Gracie Barra New Westminster Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Member recommendations raise an academy's Jiu-Jitsu Blog Score.
Gracie Barra New Westminster has some of the best instructors I’ve ever had, the techniques are based on skill and not strength teaching you to beat bigger and stronger opponents. Professor Raz, Coach Josh and Coach Jordan are all amazing and caring people, they are fun and welcoming, creating an academy that is respectful and promotes longevity in the sport.
Coach Josh is genuinely one of the best coaches and people I’ve ever met. I honestly wouldn’t be anywhere near where I am today without him. He made me truly fall in love with martial arts and pushed me to become better both on and off the mats. He’s way more than just a coach. He actually cares about his students as people, supports them through everything, and creates an environment where everyone feels motivated to improve. Every class, every conversation, and every bit of advice has helped shape me into a stronger and more confident person. I’ll always be grateful for everything Coach Josh has done for me. Truly an amazing mentor, role model, and person in general.
I enrolled my boys at Gracie Barra New Westminster a few years ago, and they’ve loved it ever since. Since joining, I’ve seen such a positive change in them, not only in their skills, but in their confidence, discipline, and overall growth as young boys growing up. I can’t thank Professor Raz, the coaching staff all the rest of the team enough for creating such a welcoming, supportive, and fantastic environment for kids to learn and thrive. It’s truly been an amazing experience for our family, and I highly recommend this school to anyone looking for a positive place for their children to learn
Gracie Barra New Westminster Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Is an amazing place for all ages to learn, especially all of the instructors they are very patient and kind to beginners and also encourages their students to enhance and perfect even more levels. This is definitely a place I would recommend for anyone who is looking for an amazing time to learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
I’ve had the pleasure to be taught Jiu Jitsu by Coach Josh and Coach Raz. Heading into every training session you instantly feel at home and feel comfortable in the environment with there presence, as well as coming out of each training session a better person.
TL;DR - I cannot recommend this place enough!! You'll come for the jiu jitsu, but you'll stay for the amazing community you'll be a part of here. All the professors, coaches, and even fellow students are wonderful and make it a point to keep ALL their students - young and old, new and experienced - safe. GB New West wants people to learn lots, enjoy your experience, and feel good after class. This kind of gym is a rare find, and example of what upholding a gold-standard really looks like. (Very) Long Review: This is by far the best place to learn and get introduced to jiu jitsu, if not martial arts in general. I started a trial class because I had a handful of acquaintances already in jiu jitsu who had sung so many praises about this gym. I was super nervous - I had only ever done contact-focused martial arts and they had always been super competitive with 1 or 2 bad apples that made the experience toxic or uneasy (I just wanted the exercise and to learn enough self-defense to keep me safe) AND it had been a long time since I had been into martial arts and been regularly active. But at GB New West, you don't have to worry about having to fight off egos or feel pressured to get good right away. Every single staff member and student at the gym actively cultivates a supportive and positive atmosphere while taking the time to make sure you're comfortable while always being open to questions. And there's a HUGE emphasis to keep everyone safe; before rolling, it's common for teammates to ask how you're feeling/if you have an injury so that you don't hurt yourself even further. I remember a coach straight up saying "Your whole life isn't jiu jitsu - you're going to go to work, go home, and live your life. You can't do that if you get injured on your hands or ankles. So take care of yourselves - we're all teammates here." I'm not sure what anyone else's experience has been in other martial arts gyms, but I've never heard this before from ANY place that asks you to sign a waiver before joining. Usually, you're just a membership fee. But not here. On top of that, every student I've encountered has been nothing but kind, patient and supportive, especially to newbies like me. And they carry this positivity off the mats to really make you immediately feel like you're part of the gym. I've already made some great friends here - and it only makes me more determined to get back on the mats and improve and learn more jiu jitsu to keep up and roll with them. I really want to emphasize this, because this kind of community-focused culture isn't common among all gyms. Here, you're not another new kid to rough up with the only recourse to getting injured being to 'toughen up'. Here, you're not some tough guy's sparring partner that people say 'good luck' to while you fend for yourself and hope you don't get too bruised or hit too hard. And here, you're not a number with a monthly subscription that signed a form that waives all responsibility from the gym. You're you, and you have a life outside of the gym - but you are also invited to be a part of the community GB New West has taken the time to build. And, if you join that community, you'll be surrounded by great people, great wisdom, and even better jiu jitsu being taught by, who I think, are the best of the best.
Posted 1 year ago
Working with coach Mark has been amazing. He gives everyone the proper attention and care to help us learn and grow. Definitely would recommend for any other beginners looking for a trustworthy coach.
Posted 1 year ago
All instructors are amazing , super knowledgeable, friendly, and always supportive. They make training fun and help you grow both on and off the mat! My kid been doing for 3 years now!!
Posted 1 year ago
I had my friend recommend I try jiu Jitsu last year, I was hesitant at first, but after my first class this hesitancy turned into excitement. The atmosphere is very welcoming and the instructors do a great job of prioritizing safety when learning techniques. If you are busy with a sporadic schedule like me, GB is amazing as they offer classes early in the morning, afternoon, and in the late evening. Additinally, there are classes throughout the weekend as well. Come join and have some fun!
Posted 1 year ago
It took me a while to find the right Jiu Jitsu community, but I’m so glad I finally found this place. From day one, the team has been incredibly welcoming, supportive, and genuinely focused on helping everyone grow. The coaches are knowledgeable, patient, and always push you to improve in a positive way. There’s a strong sense of camaraderie here. Everyone trains hard but looks out for each other. It’s more than just a gym; it’s a community I’m proud to be part of.
Posted 1 year ago
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