Gracie Barra Ashburn, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Self-Defense

We started our kids training here when they were 2.5 and 4. My husband and I are honestly amazed and truly grateful for everything the Professors and coaches did to acclimate them and help them grow. They were and continued to be fully invested in them as they've grown.. now 8 and 10. I truly believe having them at gb jiujitsu has been one of the best choices we've made as parents. They are confident, level- headed, healthy boys and they have amazing mentors in their lives with Professors Dana, Charles and Gavin. The impact was so great that my husband and I both ended up training too and it has also been life changing for us. As a woman Professor Dana has been truly inspiring from watching her as a business owner, mother/ grandmother, to earning her black belt, she is someone whose footsteps I am honored to follow. I love our female team and our male team mates are so supportive and great training partners, any woman can come in and feel completely comfortable training. The physical and mental health benefits are so worth it! We love GB!

I joined this BJJ school in November and the difference in my life has been huge physically, mentally, and energy-wise. My technique and confidence have improved fast, my fitness is up, and I feel more focused and energized every day. The atmosphere is incredible. Coach Dana, Coach Ytallo and Coach Patrick are excellent instructors. Clear, patient, and great at breaking techniques down so they’re easy to learn and repeat. They make training fun and addictive in a good way. They pushes us in the best way while helping us build toughness and resilience. Exactly what I needed after almost 25 years away from martial arts. The community in this academy is warm and supportive; everyone shares the same passion and creates a real sense of friendship and fellowship. I actually look forward to going to the academy. Training with my daughter on family day has been a highlight, the bonding we get from practicing together is priceless. Highly recommend this BJJ academy to anyone wanting to improve their skills, fitness, and overall wellbeing in a welcoming and motivating environment.

I can’t say enough great things about Gracie Barra Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu! My kid absolutely loves it, and the hour-long classes are packed with learning and fun. The staff is incredibly engaging, keeping the kids motivated and excited while teaching them valuable skills. The instructors are patient, knowledgeable, and make every session both educational and enjoyable. My child has learned so much in such a short time, and I’m thrilled to see their confidence and discipline grow. I’m so impressed that I’m enrolling my younger one too! Highly recommend Gracie Barra to any parent looking for a fantastic martial arts program for their kids.

Professor Dana and Charles are awesome! We organized an introductory lesson for our group here, and all of the kids loved it, with several deciding to enroll and/or attend camp! They make a point to connect with the students, and the atmosphere is fun, upbeat, positive, and encouraging! Our whole group, parents and kids alike, was impressed by the studio and its leadership!

Training at Gracie Barra Ashburn and Gracie Barra Leesburg has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life, and that’s entirely because of the incredible Professors who lead these schools. From day one, Professor Dana & Professor Charles created an environment that’s welcoming, disciplined, and deeply supportive. Their technical knowledge is world class, but what truly sets them apart is how much they care about their students as people. Every class is taught with patience, attention to detail, and a genuine desire to see each student grow at their own pace. They lead by example, emphasizing respect, humility, and consistency both on and off the mats. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced competitor, they make you feel seen, challenged, and encouraged. The culture they’ve built across both locations feels like a true family, one that pushes you to be better while having your back the entire way. I’m incredibly grateful for the guidance, mentorship, and inspiration I’ve received from them. These professors don’t just teach jiu jitsu, they help shape confidence, resilience, and character. I can’t recommend GB Ashburn and GB Leesburg highly enough.