Gracie Barra
Denver
OUR HISTORY
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: From Japan to Rio de Janeiro
The story of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu begins in the early 20th century, when Mitsuyo Maeda, a Japanese Judo champion and diplomat of martial arts, traveled to Brazil. More than a fighter, Maeda was a missionary of technique, determined to spread the principles of leverage and control around the globe.
In 1917, a young Carlos Gracie watched Maeda demonstrate in Belém, Brazil, and his life changed forever. He apprenticed under Maeda and, together with his brothers, especially the legendary Hélio Gracie, he refined and transformed what he learned into something entirely new: a system where technique and leverage could overcome size and strength.
The Gracie Barra Philosophy
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is the most accessible martial art and self-defense system in the world, practiced by everyone, regardless of age, size, or background. This belief became the foundation on which Grand Master Carlos Gracie Jr. built Gracie Barra in 1986. Today, Gracie Barra is one of the world’s largest and most respected martial arts organizations, with over 1,000 schools across more than 50 countries.
At Gracie Barra Denver, we carry that same lineage, that same philosophy, and that same fire, from the tatami mats of Japan, through the academies of Rio de Janeiro, and onto our mats here in Denver, CO. Every Jiu-Jitsu class is a link in an unbroken chain of tradition, following a structured curriculum so that students receive high-quality instruction in a safe, organized, and family-friendly environment.
Gracie Barra Denver Lineage
If you are looking for true Jiu-Jitsu, Gracie Barra Denver is where tradition meets excellence. Our program is built on authentic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, passed down through a respected lineage and delivered with the highest standards of instruction. Every class is designed to help students grow through real technique, strong fundamentals, and a deep respect for the art.
GRANDMASTER CARLOS GRACIE SR.
12 COMMANDMENTS
- To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.
- Give all your friends the feeling that they are valuable.
- Think always in the best, work solely for the best and expect always the best.
- Forget about past mistakes and concentrate your energies on the victories ahead.
- Spend all the time you need in perfecting yourself, but leave no time to criticize the others.
- Always have a positive opinion about yourself and tell it to the world, not through words of vanity but through benevolence.
- Speak to every one of happiness, health and prosperity.
- Always look at events from a positive point of view, and turn positive into a reality in life.
- Always be as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.
- Always keep your fellow men joyful and have a pleasant attitude to all that address you.
- Become too big to feel unrest, too noble to feel anger, too strong to feel fear and too happy to tumble in adversity.
- Have the strong belief that the world is beside you if you keep true to what is best within you.
A Local School,
A Global Family
At Gracie Barra, you’re not just joining a Jiu-Jitsu gym, you’re becoming part of a global community with over 1,000 schools worldwide.
Our martial arts classes combine high-level Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training with a strong focus on physical fitness, mental resilience, and personal growth. You’ll break a sweat, learn real self-defense, and connect with supportive teammates who encourage you to do your best.
Whether you’re training Jiu-Jitsu to get in shape, manage stress, or pursue athletic goals, you’ll be part of something bigger, a worldwide community. So keep your kimono close, because wherever life takes you, there’s always a Gracie Barra school nearby.
