Gracie Barra San Diego

I have trained here for about 4 years until my job got in the way, so I had to cut back on extra curricular activities including this one but during my time here I can tell you that this is one of the best Jiu Jitsu Academies to train at, as I have trained at different Academies all over California since I have started training Jiu Jitsu. The gym is Operated by Professor Parker a 2^nd Degree Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt practitioner along with many other martial arts styles, he is very patient, professional, articulate and does a fantastic job of instructing techniques and concepts. All the students come from all sizes and backgrounds from college students, medical workers, law enforcement officers to software engineers every single one of them willing to help you at a drop of a hat as everyone is family oriented here in terms of a team. There are no egos at this academy. Everyone is very welcoming from day 1. No matter if your looking to get a six pack for summer, lose weight, live a healthier lifestyle, make new friends, learn self defense, learn mixed martial arts or competition Jiu Jitsu they have it all here, not to mention you get to train at all the other Gracie Barra Academies in the world when your traveling as its all one team. Theres cubbies to place your items while you train and also a full on shower with two bathrooms and boxing ring. Also another important feature is that this Academy has cleaner and bigger mat space than most gyms in Southern Cali. I highly highly recommend training here! Osss!

I took a few classes here a few years back. Had a good instructor, and good training, and it’s part of the Gracie Barra family so that’s nice.

I did this for a month, brand new wanted to try something different. Did it for about a month, unfortunately due to circumstances beyond my control I need to cancel my membership. The terms of their agreement indicate that there is a form I need to fill out and send in, in order to cancel. I sent two emails indicating that I need to cancel with them, the first one asking what I need to do, the second after reviewing the terms of the agreement I specifically asked for this particular form, as well as what cancellation fees I would need to pay. I heard no response from them until this evening (approximately 5 days after I sent the initial email). It was there that I was informed that according to the terms of the agreement I could not cancel, but would be given passes to use at participating GB depending on where I would be at the time. So after using this for about 30 days (Feb 4^th to about March 4^th, and only about 5 sessions overall, and my payment was due on ²⁄₁₅ & ³⁄₁₅). So the instruction is good, it was well above my skill level, but their contract is questionable. It is my fault for not doing my due diligence with them, and signing the contract without looking for a 30 day guarantee, as there are at many other GB schools. I understand that this is a franchise and the owner is entitled to establish and modify their membership criteria, it’s a shame there is no continuity amongst the franchises so no guarantee that the city I am in, their school will accept that pass. That said, if they would send me the cancellation form and a bill for any cancellation fees, I said I would fill out and email the form, plus submit a cashier’s check for the cancellation fees, unless they are unreasonable. I’m locked in the terms of the agreement I signed, but there is a cancellation form per their own terms of agreement which allows me to cancel, though not without possible penalty.

I’ve been to a few Jiu Jitsu gyms in San Diego and this gym is right up there with the best. Professor Parker really takes an individualistic approach with teaching his students and has been great in identifying my weaknesses and improper techniques that I learned at a bigger school where I was just a number and helped me to correct them. I also appreciate the structured way Gracie Barra works on techniques, where every week has a theme (ie knee-​on-​belly escapes and attacks). I think it’s a more effective way to learn rather than some teachers I’ve seen who come in and decide to teach an advanced X-​guard sweep they just saw somebody pull off at a IBJJF tournament to their fundamentals class.
There are no egos here and everybody is friendly. Come in for a free class to check it out and see if it’s for you. You won’t be disappointed.

After trying out most of the big name BJJ schools in SD (Gracie Humaita, Fabio Santos, Saulo Ribeiro, Atos, and a few others), I decided to study with Professor Parker at Gracie Barra and couldn’t be happier. I made my decision based on the level of instruction and atmosphere. None of the other instructors compared to Prof. Parker when it comes to technical details that he provides in every class. Contrary to another review that I read, Prof. Parker does actually teach quite a bit of self-​defense bjj. I’ve learned more self defense here than my prior school. But, he does a great job of both teaching you self defense and also preparing you for competitions, as well. I plan on competing often and I know I’m in the right place.
GB San Diego does have an amazing facility. The mat space is huge. You rarely run into other students while sparring. The other students are very welcoming and friendly. It’s a great atmosphere. I think sometimes there can be a misconception that it makes a school «tougher» if the students are jerks, but that’s dumb. I just came back from my 3^rd deployment to Afghanistan and I have nothing to prove by treating other students with disrespect. Everyone here treats each other with respect. I haven’t had any injuries and train 6 days/​week.
I think it’s always a good sign when you see women in class. If they feel comfortable training, then it’s usually gonna have a good atmosphere. We have a growing number of female practitioners. Good to see.
As long as I can stay stationed in SD, I will never go anywhere else to train. I know I’ve found my bjj home here and I’m sure if anyone comes in and gives this school a try, they will stay as well. Take care and hope to see you all in class!

I have been training here for over 3 years. Dominic Parker is an outstanding, very detailed oriented instructor. The school has a very laid back, friendly atmosphere. You don’t get the feeling that everyone is sizing you up the moment you step onto the mat. In contrast to a lot of the other BJJ schools, Professor Parker emphasizes street-​self defence and knowing the difference between sport and street BJJ.
I have visited a few other schools, and the mats at GBSD are the cleanest and among the largest in the area. You never feel that there isn’t enough space to train.
The schools students have done very well at the highest levels of BJJ competition, as evidenced by the medals displayed. If you are looking to compete, but don’t want to deal with the ego’s and «kill» mindset of the hardcore competitors, this is the place to train.

My son just begun attending Gracie Barra, and I have been more than pleased with the friendliness of the staff and cleanliness of the facility.

My friend Mark introduced me to Professor Dominic Parker about 3 years ago. It has been the most rewarding experience for my overall well being. My schedule with work has been very demanding, usually 12 to 14 hour days everyday of the week sunday through sunday, going to class takes my mind off everything. I walk out feeling composed and centered. Many many thanks to everyone there, such a great team of people!!!

Having a membership at Gracie Barra San Diego is the best thing that I have done for my fitness. The owner Dominic Parker and his staff are the most professional people I know. The meathead attitude that you might find at other MMA gyms here is San Diego is non existent at
Having a membership at Gracie Barra gives you access at no additional cost to CrossFit 619 next door. Muay Thai with Kru Anan, MMA with Steve Gable and access to
next door at a great price. This place is worth every penny, thanks guys.

I’ve been going to Gracie Barra San Diego for three months now and it has been really great. The facility is clean and has a lot of room.
For me, the best part is the people and the atmosphere. Everyone is really dedicated to progressing, but it’s very positive. People are very friendly.
The OTHER best part is definitely Professor Parker. He’s obviously very knowledgeable. He’s a very gifted teacher though, really good at explaining what he’s teaching. He’s very technical and detail-​oriented. He really makes sure everyone is learning things correctly. Usually, he’ll thoroughly show a technique. The class spends six minutes or so drilling it. Then he refines it and explains more details and reasons. Another round of drilling. And often there is a third explanation and refinement. In the end, you really gain confidence and a good, sound understanding of techniques.
It’s crazy. Just last night, he was leading the calisthenics/​warm-​ups for the beginner’s class and he started refining the basic warm-​ups! We were doing bridges and after the first set he said he saw people lifting their heads a little when they bridged, and he got on the mat and demo’ed how your head needs to stay on the ground when you bridge. Everything is done right, and as the other reviews have stated, it’s positive. There’s less «you’re doing this wrong» and more «here’s the better way to do it.»
Professor Gable is also awesome. Super knowledgeable and like Professor Parker, very good at explaining techniques and very technical and detail-​oriented. Also, he’s one of the most positive human beings you’ll meet.

Professor Parker is awesome!, Professor Gable is awesome!, and Kru Anan is awesome! They offer a technical, realistic, and positive approach to teaching Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai.

I first signed my son up here about two years ago. Professor Parker is amazing with all the kids. He is so patient, and such a great instructor. The kids class looked like so much fun I joined the adult class. I am so glad I did, it is such a good workout and I really enjoy it. Gracie barra is also woman-​friendly. You’ll be treated with the same amount of interest and respect as the male students. Professor Parker is so knowledgeable and always willing to explain everything in detail and help. I have had such a positive experience here I recommend it to anyone.

When I moved to San Diego almost a year ago I had been doing Jiu Jitsu for over two years in Seattle. I was relieved to find this amazing academy to continue my training. Professor Parker is organized, fair and professional. He teaches great basics and exciting advanced techniques to his students — making this academy perfect for beginners and advanced. This place is also woman-​friendly. You’ll be treated with the same amount of interest and respect as the male students — this is hard to find.
There’s also an amazing, authentic Muay Thai Instructor who teaches a few days a week. This is the real deal for any one looking to train professionally or someone looking to get a great workout. I have seen students loose 30 lbs doing the Muay Thai and Jiu Jitsu classes.

Great gym!