Gracie Barra Encinitas

Gracie Barra Encinitas offers kids Jiu-Jitsu classes in Tiny Champions, Little Champions 1, Little Champions 2, Juniors, and Teens. It also offers GB1 Fundamentals for beginners, GB2 Advanced, GB3 Expert, Adaptive Jiu Jitsu Classes, and a Women’s Program.

Programs

• Kids Program — 3-15 years old · Classes are offered 6 days a week
• Tiny Champions — 3-4 years old
• Little Champions 1 — 5-6 years old
• Little Champions 2 — 7-9 years old
• Juniors — 10-12 years old
• Teens — 13-15 years old
• Adaptive Jiu Jitsu Classes — Designed for inclusion, empowerment, and accessibility; tailored to each student’s unique needs and abilities.
• Women’s Program — Includes Women’s Only Self Defense Seminars yearly.
• GB1, Fundamentals — Jiu Jitsu for beginners.
• GB2, Advanced — Advanced course with more advanced techniques, strategy, and combinations.
• GB3, Expert — Designed to help students achieve Black Belt excellence.

At a glance

• Ages: 3–18 years old
• General schedule: Kids classes are offered 6 days a week.
• Facility hours: Monday & Wednesdays 9-11 am / 12-01 pm / 2:30-8 pm; Tuesday & Thursdays 12-1:30 pm / 3-8 pm; Friday 9-11 am / 2:30-7 pm; Saturday 9-12 pm; Sunday 10-11 am

About the provider

The program was founded in 2005 and Gracie Barra Encinitas was opened in 2006. Its leadership team includes Master Nelson Monteiro, Prof. Rafael Ramos, Steve Gable, Matt Smith, Marcello Yoshii, and Dave Dayan. The school says its mission is "Jiu-Jitsu for Everyone" and that it strives to exemplify the highest ideals for fitness, character development, self-defense, martial arts, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training.

Clean, safe, and progress-oriented environment; classes aligned with the Gracie Barra Program Structure; highest instructor/coach to student ratio in San Diego; instructors and coaches provide gentle correction for children and teens; women’s program emphasizes a safe, respectful, and empowering environment.

What families say

“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

“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

Last updated October 9, 2026.