I wanted to leave this review sooner, but I also wanted to make sure I spent the time on it that it deserved…. I was fortunate enough to visit Gracie Barra SLC last month (Sept. ’23). I came from out of State (California). I just started Jiu Jitsu about 2 months before I visited Gracie Barra SLC. And due to my job, I am always traveling, but wanted to stay consistent in my training since I just started.
I reached out to a few gyms in the area, and Gracie Barra SLC & Jordan were the only ones to reach back out to me on social media. They said they welcome visitors from other gyms, so I decided to stop in on their Saturday Class.
Being so new to Jiu Jitsu, I was very nervous about going to another gym. I did not know what to expect, it kind of felt like my first day all over again. But when I arrived, I was welcomed immediately by the nicest people on the planet. Rodrigo and Carlos were the Professors teaching that day and got me sorted out before the class, loaned me a Gi and Rash Guard to train in.
Before the Adult class started, I got to watch the Kids class. Since my son has been doing Jiu Jitsu for 2 ½ years, I was excited to see how other gyms teach their kids. I was so impressed by how they ran the class, it’s exactly the type of coaching I would want my child to experience. If I lived in Utah, this is exactly where I would take my kid to train. Without a doubt.
Before my class started, the other Adults started walking in, and almost every one of them came up to me, shook my hand and welcomed me to their gym. What a relief. They basically took all my worries away before we started class.
The warmups were much different than my gym, and I loved it because we stretched full body, even neck which I usually have soreness. I needed these warmups more than I knew. and are now something I’ve implemented into my own training at my gym prior to classes.
The Saturday I was there; Professor Rodrigo and Carlos were teaching ‘Lasso Guard’. Out of 3 months of Training now, Lasso Guard is something I use almost every session, and one of the few techniques things I've remembered over the last few months. and i keep improving it.
I remember when Professor Rodrigo was teaching us, he talked about what would work for competition, and what could or could not apply to street situations. I loved that he taught me how and when a technique should be used.
After Drilling/ Techniques, we got to roll/grapple. The guys I rolled with were awesome, no Ego, just respect and training.
I’ve seen negative comments on Social Media about Graice Barra gyms, mainly surrounding their guidelines for using their own branded Gi, rash guards. I really don’t understand why anyone would comment negatively on Gracie Barra Gyms. When you go into one, everyone looks like a team, its really clean, very professional and full of great people. This is the environment you want to train in. I’ve also noticed that if you are a member of the Gracie Barra family, you also have access to ALL Gracie Barra Gyms, anywhere. That's just awesome!
If you are thinking of starting your Jiu Jitsu journey in Utah, this is the place! If I lived in Salt Lake City, there is no doubt this would be the gym me and my son train at. I have nothing but good things to say about the facilities, and the people there. I’ll be back in SLC in November, so I am going to find the time to visit the team again. I know I’ll be welcomed, and I know I’ll learn so much while I'm there
Thanks Again GB SLC! You guys have created such a great environment. You should be proud of it!
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Atmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
