Gracie Barra is one of the most trusted names in martial arts today. Our values, commitment to excellence, and dedication to Jiu-Jitsu set us apart as leaders in the martial arts community of Westchase.
Gracie Barra is not your typical martial arts organization. Students gain access to more than 1,000 Gracie Barra schools worldwide, professional-grade Jiu-Jitsu equipment, and online resources to enhance their training. We promote a holistic approach to Jiu-Jitsu that includes both physical and mental well-being. Every GB school is supervised by a certified Gracie Barra instructor who supports students and helps each one reach their full potential through challenging training programs.
Find the perfect class for your level and lifestyle.
At Gracie Barra Westchase, we offer a full range of classes for kids, teens, and adults — from beginners taking their first steps on the mat to advanced students refining their techniques. Our structured curriculum ensures consistent progress, safety, and fun for everyone.
Welcome to Gracie Barra Westchase a world-class Jiu-Jitsu academy designed to offer an exceptional training experience for students of all levels.
Our state-of-the-art facilities reflect the professionalism and quality that define the Gracie Barra legacy. From our premium training mats that ensure safety and performance, to our clean, spacious changing areas and comfortable viewing lounge for families, every detail has been designed to create the best possible environment for learning and growth.
At GB Westchase, you’ll find a welcoming and structured space where discipline, respect, and teamwork thrive. Whether you’re a beginner looking to start your Jiu-Jitsu journey or an experienced practitioner aiming to refine your skills, our facilities provide everything you need to train, connect, and excel , all under the guidance of certified Gracie Barra instructors.



Carlos Gracie Jr. was born on January 17, 1956, and grew up under the strong influence of his family of fighters. In sync with the life philosophy and teachings of his father, Carlos Gracie Sr., Carlinhos – as he is called by friends and relatives – observed and learned from some of the most influential figures in the Gracie family of all time: Carlos Gracie, Helio Gracie, and his brother Rolls Gracie
Without discipline, there is no mastery , in Jiu-Jitsu or in life. Discipline is what transforms effort into excellence and dreams into achievements.
“I don’t have time to train.” Sound familiar? That’s one of the most common excuses your mind creates to stop you from doing something challenging.
Struggling to maintain a consistent routine? At Gracie Barra, we help you build accountability through structure, support, and community.
Don’t like training at the gym because you find it boring? You’re not alone. Jiu-Jitsu is like human chess every class brings new challenges, techniques, and strategies that keep your mind engaged and your body moving.
Welcome to the fundamental GBK1 Program at Gracie Barra Westchase! This specialized program is designed for our youngest students, typically ages 3 to 6. We focus on building the essential pillars of discipline, coordination, and physical literacy through structured classes and fun, age-appropriate activities. At Gracie Barra Westchase, we believe this foundational phase is crucial for developing focus, respect, and social skills that extend far beyond the mats. Our curriculum promotes self-confidence in a safe, nurturing, and family-friendly environment, setting your child on the path to becoming a future leader. Join us to give your child the best possible start!
Level up with the GBK2 Program at Gracie Barra Westchase! Designed for our students typically aged 7 to 9, this program marks the transition from basic movements to structured technical application and the fundamentals of self-defense. Students will develop advanced motor skills, build significant physical endurance, and learn the problem-solving strategies inherent in Jiu-Jitsu. We intensify the focus on leadership, accountability, and goal-setting, preparing them for the challenges of school and life. At Gracie Barra Westchase, the GBK2 curriculum sharpens their focus while instilling unshakeable confidence in their ability to overcome obstacles, all within our supportive, world-class learning environment.
Welcome to the essential GB1 Beginners Program at Gracie Barra Westchase! This is your first and most important step into the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Designed specifically for adults with zero prior experience, our Fundamentals program focuses on the 600-minute curriculum of core techniques, safety, and self-defense principles. You will master the basic positions, escapes, and submissions in a cooperative and highly structured class environment. At Gracie Barra Westchase, we eliminate the intimidation factor. We build physical conditioning, mental clarity, and practical confidence from day one. No experience? No problem. Join us to begin your journey toward a stronger, more disciplined self, guided by the most trusted system in the world.
Elevate your game with the GB2 Advanced Program at Gracie Barra Westchase! This specialized class is designed for students who have successfully completed the Fundamentals curriculum and are dedicated to deepening their technical knowledge and refining their strategy. The GB2 program introduces complex sequences, advanced submissions, and nuanced positional transitions, preparing you for the higher levels of competition and practical self-defense. At Gracie Barra Westchase, we foster an environment of intense, yet cooperative, training where drilling is precise and sparring (rolling) is challenging. This phase sharpens your reaction time, physical endurance, and Jiu-Jitsu intelligence, transforming your understanding of the gentle art from basic principles to mastery.
Achieve the highest level of technical mastery and leadership with the GB3 Black Belt Program at Gracie Barra Westchase. This program is reserved for our most experienced practitioners—the Brown and Black Belts—who are focused on the continuous refinement of their skills, advanced teaching methodology, and the preservation of the Gracie Barra legacy. Training here transcends mere technique; it focuses on strategic depth, intricate transitions, and the development of instructional excellence. The GB3 class at Gracie Barra Westchase is where knowledge is passed down and the next generation of leaders and instructors are forged. This is the pinnacle of the gentle art—a commitment to lifelong learning and embodying the core values of the Gracie Barra family.
Discover empowerment and strength with the GBF Women’s Program at Gracie Barra Westchase! This specialized class is dedicated to creating a safe, supportive, and focused environment where women can master the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. We focus intensely on practical self-defense techniques, core fundamentals, and leverage-based strategies that are most effective for women’s self-protection. Whether you are new to martial arts or seeking advanced training, the GBF Women’s Program at Gracie Barra Westchase offers a space to build unshakable confidence, physical resilience, and strong camaraderie. Join our sisterhood on the mats and gain the skills necessary for self-defense and personal growth.
Certainly! Here’s a bio for NJHIC coach Laura Kolm:
Laura Kolm is a highly accomplished Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner and instructor, currently holding the rank of Purple Belt. With an impressive competition record, Laura has secured the title of 2-time World Champion, 2-time European Champion, and 2-time Pan American Champion. Her dedication and expertise in the sport have made her a respected figure in the BJJ community.
Currently, Laura serves as a dedicated instructor at Gracie Barra River Oaks and Gracie Barra Westchase, where she shares her knowledge and passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with her students. Known for her technical proficiency and competitive spirit, Laura is committed to helping her students develop their skills and achieve their full potential in the sport.
Off the mats, Laura is known for her humility and dedication to her craft, embodying the values of respect, perseverance, and sportsmanship. With her wealth of experience and success in the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Laura Kolm continues to inspire and mentor the next generation of grapplers.