This is a very exciting time for us in the Brazilian jiu jitsu community. Over the last 5 years Brazilian jiu jitsu has seen a phenomenal amount of growth. Five years ago many Brazilian jiu jitsu schools did not even offer kids classes. Gracie Barra has always been at the forefront of changing the face of jiu jitsu in positive ways. As more children became involved with the sport of Brazilian jiu jitsu we realized that change was needed to keep our children motivated and excited to keep training in jiu jitsu. We worked diligently among with our Black Belts to implement a plan to improve our belt system for children. We are very happy to announce that these changes are finally here.

The existing belt system consists of 5 belts. Some children, maybe even yours, start as early as 3 years of age. At that age children could spend as many as 13 years in our future champions program before moving on to adult classes. With only 5 belts available to them, they are not rewarded very often for their hard work and effort. Under the new belt system there will be 13 belts. We are very excited to implement this system as it will offer much greater rewards for our children and it will allow much more flexibility for our instructors to make sure that the children are wearing the appropriate belt for their age and skill level.

For some of your children you will not even notice the change as the new system is based around the existing system. Some children will have different color stripes on their belts and some will be placed into a different belt altogether. We want to assure that everyone understands the new system and together with the instructors make the best decision if any adjustments are necessary. We will make this as exciting and fun for the children as possible.

Your professors and coaches will be available to discuss and concerns that you might have. We want to talk to you, we want to know your concerns and thoughts. No one knows your child better than you and open communication with our staff will really help us make sure that your child has a smooth transition into the new belt system. This will be the first of many changes here at Gracie Barra that we will be implementing to improve our future champions programs. Thank you for being a part of our family.

Happy New Year to all of the GBNM family!!!

Professor Tussa is in Europe doing a tour of Seminars!! 2 in france, 2 in Switzerland, and 1 in Portugal!! 

To finish out his European adventure he will be competing in the European Championships marking the start of the 2012 competition year!!!

Also this month if you refer a friend and they sign up you recieve a free Gi!!!

Congrats to all our students for working hard and earning promotions!!! Check out the pictures below

http://graciebarranm.webs.com/apps/photos/album?albumid=12728953

Just a reminder that all 3 Academies will be closed December 24 and 25th for Christmas and Dec. 31st - January 1st for New Years.

Have a safe and happy Holidays!!! We will see you on the mat in 2012!!!