JIU JITSU FOR EVERYONE

Empowering women, men and kids through self defense training, Gracie Barra Yorba Linda builds champions for life through a combination of expert technique and personal growth. The Barra family promotes defense (not offense), teaching lessons of respect and civility to build students' character and courage. 

PROGRAMS FOR ALL AGES

With classes for ages 3 and up, the Gracie Barra method embodies the teachings of Master Carlos Gracie, Sr. with the hands-on expertise from two-time World Master Champion and 3rd degree black belt Professor Carlos Guimaraes.  

PROFESSOR CARLOS GUIMARAES

HEAD INSTRUCTOR

Professor Carlos “Chalita”, started training at 13 years old back in Belo Horizonte, Brazil with Professor Daniel Matheus, at the time a purple belt student under Gracie Barra. Since the beginning, he was very dedicated and, after about ane year, he was helping with the kids’ classes at his school. At the age of 21, Professor Carlos received his black belt from Professor Aldo Januario, and went to teach classes in Germany for over 3 years. It was a great experience for him, and he learned a lot. In 2009, Professor Carlos received an invitation from Master Carlos and Professor Marcio to come to the U.S. to help the team at the GB Yorba Linda school. After being the chief instructor and overseeing all of the positions, he was able to make his dream to own a school come true. Now Professor Carlos is living his passion of helping people through BJJ. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family, friends and watching sports.

Professor Lester Galam

Professor Lester started training BJJ around 2009 with goals to live a healthier and active lifestyle. He fell in love with the sport immediately and began to dedicate himself to the "Jiu-Jitsu for everyone" method.
He began coaching the kids and Fundamentals classes with professor Carlos as a blue belt to help spread the joy and benefits of Jiu-Jitsu and never slowed down. Since then, he formed strong bonds between students, parents and team-mates; helping them to reach their goals and creating friendships along the way. He is known as the “child whisperer” as the kids gravitate to his energy like a magnet.
Furthermore, since receiving his brown belt in 2016, he has been teaching and leading some of the Fundamentals classes. As of December, 2018, Professor Lester promoted to black belt and earned his “Professor” status. In addition to teaching Fundamentals classes, he now runs the GBKids program.
He is passionate about teaching and enjoys every moment on the mats with his team-mates and students. Professor Lester has plans to compete more to further express his Jiu-Jitsu, along with sharpening his skills.
When he is not on the mats, he enjoys outdoor activities, dancing, and laughing or making others laugh. His energy is unstoppable!

PROFESSOR Alec Newlands

Born in Porto Alegre, Brazil, Professor Alec Newlands started his Brazilian Jiu Jitsu journey at the age of 32 at Gracie Barra Long Beach under Professor Rodrigo Augusto (who was Professor Carlos' student in Germany!). After receiving his blue belt, Professor Alec moved to Gracie Barra Huntington Beach, where he earned his black belt under Professor Otavio Sousa after 10 years of training.
In February 2024, Professor Alec became part of the Gracie Barra Yorba Linda team. He assists and teaches with Professors Carlos and Lester in all classes, from Kids GBK1 & GBK2 to Adults GB1 & GB2. He reinforces the GB philosophy by teaching and promoting according to the Gracie Barra curriculum.

Professor JAE LEE

Professor Jae Lee started Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 2012 under Professor Carlos Guimaraes. He was motivated to start Jiu Jitsu after a health warning from his doctor and wife. He loves teaching the details and intricacies that make Brazilian Jiu Jitsu so effective and amazing. Professor Jae is passionate about Jiu Jitsu because of the health benefits, self-defense, and the memories he has made with his teammates. As of December, 2018, he has promoted to a black belt and earned his “Professor” status. He is a father of four and enjoys watching Korean dramas, playing the guitar and attending church. He has also involved his four kids n the BJJ culture and enjoy training as a family.

Professor CHRIS RODRIGUEZ

Professor Chris has been training Brazilian jiu-jitsu for 10 years and is a Black Belt under Professor Carlos. His love for Brazilian jiu-jitsu led him to take the program director position so he can share his passion with our students and families. Along with this position, he began to help coach the Little Champs and Juniors program as well as teaching Fundamentals classes. He loves training when he can and the friendships and training partners he has gained since joining our team. He also loves to compete in BJJ tournaments. He enjoys spending time with his wife, two daughters and his grandbaby.

Call 714.365.1250 to reserve your next Gracie Barra class, learn more about special events, and much more.

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