Testimonials
"Originally back in May of 2008 we started out looking for something to put our son into. We tried a class of Tae Kwon Do and then found Gracie Barra in Yorba Linda. Immediately we knew which one to choose. After our son’s intro class I thought why not try it and from that point on I fell in love with jiu-jitsu. Thinking this would be a great mother and son activity it quickly grew into a whole family affair and the Gracie Barra saying,” Organized like a team fighting like a family,” came true for us.
- Jorgiana Montolvo.
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Having studied martial arts for much of my life and being a former martial arts instructor, I had specific expectations and requirements when I was looking for a Jiu-Jitsu school. Gracie Barra went far beyond just meeting my expectations. From the moment I walked in the door, I was treated like a new member of the family. Professor Marcio taught my first class and I was hooked. His enthusiasm for the art is contagious. I can’t say enough about the quality of instruction I receive every time I’m on the mats. The Gracie Barra professors and instructors are able to strike a perfect balance between professionalism and camaraderie with the students. As a police officer, the knowledge I have gained through my training at Gracie Barra has been an invaluable asset. We all live our lives in a dangerous world and the ability to fight is a necessary life skill. I encourage everyone out there who knows they should be training to give Gracie Barra a try. I’m willing to bet you will have so much fun training with us that you will keep coming back for more.
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Nathan Darnell - Defensive tactics instructor at the Brea Police Department.
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"My son, Reese and I train at the Gracie Barra Academy in Irvine. I have studied martial arts all my life and have found the organization and instruction at this school to be world class. My son and I like the atmosphere of learning and friendship that pervades this academy. The instructors have a great knowledge of Jiu-Jitsu and are able to communicate it to us in a structured methodology that allows us to learn and apply the technique as well as relate it to the rest of the techniques we have learned."
- Derek Nakagawa.
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"I started Gracie Barra in August of 2005 and want to share with you how extremely beneficial the whole experience has been for me. I have found more balance in my life. I feel in better control of my emotions and I find I am generally more relaxed, am able to cope with stress better, and of course, feel more confident about being able to defend myself if the need ever arises. The instructors, “Marcio and Andre” seem to have unlimited amounts of patience. They are always willing to help or answer any questions. "
- Jeff Weins
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"What supernatural coincidence or chance that one day,Gracie Barra, the largest and most successful Brazilian Jiujitsu Academy would arrive in Orange County to teach the highest level of Brazilian Jiujitsu? Well...it happened in 2005! I recall clearly when I first met Master Carlos Gracie Jr. and Professor Marcio Feitosa. They were as humble and warm hearted as they come. I felt at home immediately.Finally, a school of structure, respect, synergy, and unlimited knowledge to draw from. Like many other, with my stress of daily life on a personal and business level, it's "my time" at Gracie Barra to unwind, decompress and be one self again."
- Alex Hisiung
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It is difficult for me to sum up everything that I want to say about Marcio Feitosa in just a few sentences. I hope that the testimony that I do provide serves him justice. He is a role model for me in numerous ways, not only in the sport of Jiu Jitsu, but also as a teacher and a role model in life. I was blessed with the opportunity to teach alongside Marcio Feitosa for ten years in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil and then yet again for a while in California, USA. In Marcio’s academy in California, I witnessed the respect that he is given in his academy. The respect goes both ways, the students have a tremendous amount of respect for Marcio and Marcio has an enormous amount of admiration for his students. Marcio has not only taught me everything that I know about Jiu Jitsu but also has taught me numerous life lessons, for which I am very grateful. "
- Marcelo Souza
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