JIU JITSU IS FOR EVERYONE, INCLUDING YOU!
We offer a wide range of adult Jiu-Jitsu classes so students can choose the class that best suits their needs. We have three tiers of classes that address varying degrees of skill and knowledge.
Jiu-Jitsu classes for children begin with the building blocks that are needed to teach the fundamentals of Jiu-Jitsu. We have developed a curriculum that is structured in a way that shows children and teens the value of routine, cooperation and self-awareness.
1,000
Schools around the world
+6
Continents
+500,000
Students Worldwide
+35
Years of History
OUR JIU JITSU PROGRAMS
KIDS
AGE 3 AND UP
Where Discipline Meets Fun
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is excellent for kids as young as 3, helping them develop confidence, discipline, and social skills in a structured, supportive environment. Through playful yet focused activities, kids quickly gain coordination, strength, and balance, all while learning valuable lessons about teamwork and respect that benefit them on and off the mats.
ALL LEVELS
Our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes for beginners and adults of all levels provide a welcoming, friendly atmosphere where everyone can learn at their own pace. Whether you’re new to martial arts or returning to the mats, you’ll build practical self-defense skills, increase your fitness and flexibility, and experience noticeable improvements in confidence and stress management. Our skilled instructors ensure every session is safe, engaging, and tailored to help each student achieve their personal goals.
ADVANCED
Our advanced Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes are tailored specifically for experienced practitioners looking to elevate their technique, strategy, and performance to the highest level. Under expert coaching, students refine intricate submissions, sweeps, and positional control, with a strong emphasis on competition readiness and tactical sparring. Each session is intense and challenging, designed to sharpen skills, build endurance, and deepen your understanding of advanced BJJ principles in a competitive yet supportive environment.
NO GI
Our No-Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes provide students the opportunity to train without the traditional gi, enhancing their adaptability, speed, and technical versatility. This style emphasizes grips, submissions, and transitions that rely on natural body mechanics rather than clothing, making it especially valuable for realistic self-defense scenarios and mixed martial arts competition. Practicing No-Gi regularly sharpens reflexes, boosts athleticism, and broadens your overall understanding of BJJ techniques, preparing you for diverse grappling situations.
ABOUT
CARLOS GRACIE JR
Carlos Gracie Jr. was born on January 17, 1956 and grew up under the strong influence of his family of fighters. In sync with the life philosophy and teachings of his father, Carlos Gracie Sr., Carlinhos- as he is called by friends and relatives- observed and learned from some of the most influential figures in the Gracie family of all time: Carlos Gracie, Helio Gracie, and his brother Rolls Gracie. The most significant years of his childhood and adolescence were spent in the mountains of Rio de Janeiro, in the legendary house of Teresopolis - a ranch with dozens of rooms where the children of Carlos Gracie and Helio Gracie lived and trained together for years. It was there that Carlos Gracie Jr. learned to live in a community where everyone needed to coexist, share things, and learn from each other, a life dynamic that became an ideal for him. In many ways, Master Carlos Gracie Jr. seems to replicate this idea of community on a large scale today at Gracie Barra. That environment and the philosophy that came from it shaped his personality and, for many, was one of the ingredients that led him to achieve such great success in different professional fields.
Carlos Gracie Jr. was born on January 17, 1956 and grew up under the strong influence of his family of fighters. In sync with the life philosophy and teachings of his father, Carlos Gracie Sr., Carlinhos- as he is called by friends and relatives- observed and learned from some of the most influential figures in the Gracie family of all time: Carlos Gracie, Helio Gracie, and his brother Rolls Gracie. The most significant years of his childhood and adolescence were spent in the mountains of Rio de Janeiro, in the legendary house of Teresopolis - a ranch with dozens of rooms where the children of Carlos Gracie and Helio Gracie lived and trained together for years. It was there that Carlos Gracie Jr. learned to live in a community where everyone needed to coexist, share things, and learn from each other, a life dynamic that became an ideal for him. In many ways, Master Carlos Gracie Jr. seems to replicate this idea of community on a large scale today at Gracie Barra. That environment and the philosophy that came from it shaped his personality and, for many, was one of the ingredients that led him to achieve such great success in different professional fields.
SCHEDULE
INSTRUCTOR
PROFESSOR RICARDO
"CAPOEIRA"
SILVA
Nilson Ricardo Silva Braga is a 5th-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and a proud representative of the Nova União lineage under Master Wendell Alexander. Over a career spanning two decades, Coach Nilson has competed on the AJP Tour and IBJJF circuits, coached service members within the UAE’s military Jiu-Jitsu program, and led students from first day on the mat to podium finishes.
A veteran of the Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Pro circuit, Nilson has competed at Grand Slams and international events (Abu Dhabi and Tokyo among others). He also appears on the UAEJJF rolls with ties to the Armed Forces / MOD UAE program, reflecting years of hands-on instruction inside the Emirates’ national Jiu-Jitsu system.
Most recently, Nilson took gold at the 2025 Vitória International Open (IBJJF) in Master 3 / Black / Super-Heavy. He has additional filmed matches at major events (e.g., Abu Dhabi World Pro 2016; Brasileiro 2023).
Beyond medals, Nilson is known for a technical, pressure-first style—clean fundamentals, heavy top control, and a teaching approach that’s clear, demanding, and encouraging. After nine years coaching within the UAE Armed Forces/Jiu-Jitsu system (as reported by our academy), he brings military-grade structure to every class: precise drilling, purposeful rounds, and a culture of respect and consistency.
Lineage: Wendell Alexander → Nova União → Nilson Ricardo Silva Braga. (About Nova União’s legacy and global network, see overview.)
Select Competition Highlights
1st — Vitória International Open (IBJJF) 2025 — Master 3 / Black / Super-Heavy.
AJP Tour appearances (2019–2020): Grand Slam Abu Dhabi; Grand Slam Tokyo; Abu Dhabi International Pro.
UAEJJF World Masters (2019 & 2025 schedule/match lists): Competed while affiliated with Armed Forces / M.O.D UAE.
FloGrappling match footage: Abu Dhabi World Pro 2016; Brasileiro 2023.
Coaching Philosophy
“Simple, sharp, and repeatable.” Nilson builds athletes around fundamentals that hold up under pressure—base, posture, frames, and transitions—then layers in strategy, scenario training, and competition mindset. Students learn to solve problems, not memorize moves.
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