Issue 005

July 2005

Gracie Barra UK

In today’s climate of cross-training, all Mixed Martial Arts fighters must have a knowledge and understanding of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu (BJJ). As shown in the early days of MMA competitions, knowledge of ground fighting was essential in a fight where grappling was so commonplace. One of the many fighting styles that address this area is the well-known art of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu. 

Following the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s global success, (BJJ) was unleashed upon the world and everyone wanted to learn this exciting ‘new’ style. While enjoying phenomenal success and exposure in various MMA events, BJJ was slow to take off in many countries.

The UK is extremely fortunate in that it has benefited from some of the best tuition around in the form of Professor Mauricio Motta Gomes who came to the UK in 1998 and established the first of what would become an extensive network of Gracie Barra UK gyms. It is one of the largest associations of BJJ practitioners in the world, with gyms in almost every major country. Counting some of the world’s best athletes among its ranks, Gracie Barra has a reputation for producing champions, with many of its competitors switching from sport BJJ to MMA and back again. 

The Gracie Barra UK network has extended to the point where almost all major cities have a Gracie Barra team, but a few stick out for obvious reasons. Gracie Barra London, home to Mauricio’s son Roger Gracie (a BJJ black belt and recent BJJ and ADCC Submission Wrestling world champion) is one of the largest academies in the UK. Centrally located in a 5,000 square foot gym, they have a large matted area, boxing rings, a weights room and offer sports massage from qualified therapists. Open six days a week, they offer full time training in a state-of-the-art environment. 

BJJ black belt (and multiple champion in various divisions) Braulio Estima oversees Gracie Barra Birmingham, where Mauricio first began teaching in the UK. Along with Roger, he is one of the new breed of BJJ players currently tearing up the global scene, and he looks after the training of a number of highly ranked BJJ players and MMA fighters. Based at Stevie B’s gym, facilities include a matted area and cage, fully equipped strength and cardio training area and a sports therapy suite. 

Two extremely notable Gracie Barra gyms are those run by Marc Walder in Essex, and Rick Young in Edinburgh. Both are UK born and bred BJJ brown belts, and they are among some of the greatest pioneers of BJJ in the UK. Along with the other Gracie Barra gyms in locations as far afield as Newcastle, Swansea, Doncaster and Bristol, the Gracie Barra ethos is fighting together much like a family (but not each other like some families!). There is indeed a common bond that unites these gyms, and that is an unerring commitment to the quality of BJJ in the UK, and training at any of these gyms is highly recommended.