Gracie Barra Tacoma

Gracie Barra Tacoma, in Fircrest, sorts its jiu-jitsu into three tiers. New students start in GB1, Gracie Barra Fundamentals. GB2 is Advanced Jiu-Jitsu, and GB3 is the Black Belt Program. The school is part of the Gracie Barra network, and owner and coach Greg Jones also runs Gracie Barra locations in Renton and Marysville.

Professor Josh Calvo, a 2nd-degree black belt under Professor Rodrigo Lopes, has led the school as head instructor since it opened in 2017. Three more black belts teach in Tacoma: Professor Abel Correa, who received his black belt from Josh Calvo in 2019; Professor Sean Flaherty, who started Brazilian jiu-jitsu in 1995 and earned his black belt at age 52; and Professor Waldron “Tunz” Ngotel. The coaching staff also includes brown belts Jesse San Agustin and Mike Higa, purple belts Nikki Wheaton and Matt Hemming, and blue belt Jesse Brodt. Coach Matt Hemming leads the 6:30 am classes on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Muay Thai runs as BANG Muay Thai, which the school describes as “an energetic striking course that fuses classic Muay Thai techniques with contemporary training strategies.” For adults, the school sets out its Muay Thai as “an intense full-body workout that enhances mental focus, confidence, and stress relief.” A women's jiu-jitsu and fitness program teaches self-defense against the most common attacks, and private training is available for students who want to work on specific areas of their jiu-jitsu.

The first class is free, in Brazilian jiu-jitsu or Muay Thai, and the offer holds at any of the three locations; the school calls it “no strings attached.” What to bring to that first class is a question for the school beforehand. Across the three locations, Gracie Barra holds classes six days a week for kids, teens and adults of all skill levels. Kids train in their own classes, split by age. Prices aren't listed, so you'll need to ask the school; the Tacoma class times are on the school's schedule.