Organization
Gracie Barra
Overview
Gracie Barra is the largest and most structured Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy affiliation network in the world. Founded by Carlos Gracie Jr., the organization operates a highly standardized global system of affiliated academies, unified curriculum guidelines, and centralized branding.
Affiliation
Core Identity
Organization name Gracie Barra
Common name Gracie Barra
Acronym GB
Organization type Academy affiliation and global team network
Founded 1986
Founder
- Carlos Gracie Jr.
Headquarters (current) Irvine, California, USA
Operational status Active
Primary discipline Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Gi and No-Gi)
Affiliation Model
Affiliation structure Highly centralized, contract-based global affiliation system with standardized requirements.
Gym independence Affiliated gyms operate as independent businesses but must adhere to Gracie Barra operational, branding, and curriculum standards.
Branding / naming conventions Mandatory use of the Gracie Barra name and red shield branding, uniform gi requirements, and standardized academy naming.
Instruction / curriculum Structured curriculum system (GB1, GB2, GB3), instructor certification, and internal education programs emphasizing fundamentals and safety.
Typical affiliation signals Mandatory Gracie Barra gi, unified competition registration under Gracie Barra, and red shield branding across facilities and uniforms.
Competitive Presence
Primary competitive ecosystem IBJJF gi competitions with additional presence in AJP and select international circuits.
Ruleset fit Aligned with standard IBJJF-style Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu rulesets; not a governing body.
Athlete representation Competitors register under Gracie Barra as a unified team, often with academy location appended.
Footprint
Global footprint 1,000+ affiliated academies worldwide across North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East.
Discover affiliated gyms Gracie Barra affiliation appears at the gym level within city and gym profiles when available.
Relationships
Related organization types
- Competition organizations
- Gyms (affiliates)
- Coaches (team-linked instructors)