Meet the Instructors: Who Teaches at Gracie Barra Agoura?

 

When you join Gracie Barra Agoura Hills, you aren’t just signing up for a gym; you are enrolling in a university of grappling. The quality of instruction here is arguably the highest in the Conejo Valley because the roster is deep with world champions and specialized educators.

 

You won’t just be taught by “some guy with a black belt.” Here is the detailed dossier on the professors who will be guiding your journey.

 

1. The Legend: Professor Romulo Barral

 

 Role: Owner & Head Instructor

 The Resume: He is a 10-time World Champion (5x Black Belt World Champion, ADCC Champion) and an IBJJF Hall of Fame inductee. In the BJJ world, he is royalty.

 Teaching Style: Intense, passionate, and incredibly technical.

 Myth vs. Reality: Many famous fighters own gyms but never show up. Romulo is different. He is on the mats daily. If you attend the Noon Class or the Advanced Evening Class, you are often learning directly from him.

 Specialty: His “Spider Guard” and “Knee Slice Pass” are legendary. He focuses heavily on “pressure”—teaching you how to feel heavy on top of an opponent so they can’t move.

 

2. The Kids Commander: Professor Jaeson Bianchi

 

 Role: Head of the “Future Champions” (Kids) Program

 The Resume: A 2nd Degree Black Belt under Romulo and a military veteran. He has been leading the youth program for over a decade.

 Teaching Style: Disciplined, structured, and paternal.

 Why Parents Love Him: He runs the mat like a blend of a fun camp counselor and a drill sergeant. He tolerates zero bullying and emphasizes “Mat Chat” (lessons on respect and focus) just as much as the moves.

 Specialty: Building character. He remembers every kid’s name and holds them to a high standard of behavior, both inside and outside the academy.

 

3. The Technical Guide: Professor Zane Spruce

 

 Role: Black Belt Instructor (Adults & Teens)

 The Resume: A Black Belt directly under Romulo Barral. He is a homegrown talent who understands the system inside and out.

 Teaching Style: Approachable, patient, and analytical.

 The “New Guy” Ally: While Romulo can be intimidating due to his intensity, Zane is known for being incredibly accessible to beginners. He stays late to answer questions and breaks down complex moves into simple, bite-sized steps.

 Specialty: Fundamentals. He excels at teaching the “invisible Jiu-Jitsu”—the small leverage adjustments that make a move work for a smaller person against a larger one.

 

4. The Competitor: Professor Caio Vinicius

 

 Role: Professor & Active Competitor

 The Resume: A 2-time IBJJF World Champion and 3-time Brazilian National Champion.

 Teaching Style: Dynamic and modern.

 The Vibe: He brings the current “meta” of the sport to the academy. Because he is an active competitor, he teaches the cutting-edge techniques being used in tournaments right now.

 Target Audience: If you have aspirations of winning a gold medal at the Pan Ams or Worlds, Caio is the professor who will sharpen your game for battle.

 

5. The “Visiting Faculty” (The Romulo Effect)

 

Because Romulo Barral is such a massive figure in the sport, the mats at GB Agoura often feature “guest professors” that you wouldn’t find anywhere else.

 

 Who you might see: It is not uncommon to see UFC fighters, other World Champions (like Felipe Pena or Edwin Najmi), or high-level black belts from Brazil dropping in to train.

 The Benefit: As a student, you get exposed to a wide variety of styles. You aren’t just learning “Agoura Jiu-Jitsu”; you are exposed to the global evolution of the sport just by being in the room.

 

The teaching staff at GB Agoura is balanced perfectly:

 

 Romulo brings the World Class standard.

 Jaeson brings the discipline and safety for the youth.

 Zane brings the accessibility for the beginners.

 Caio brings the competitive fire.

 

Next Step: Would you like to know the specific class times when Professor Romulo typically teaches, so you can plan your visit around seeing the legend in action?

 

Gracie Barra Agoura (often referred to as Gracie Barra Agoura Hills) is a premier Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) academy located in the heart of the Conejo Valley. It is part of the global Gracie Barra network—the largest BJJ organization in the world—and is distinguished by its direct leadership under BJJ Hall of Fame icons.

 

Here is a detailed breakdown of everything you need to know about the academy, its programs, and its philosophy.

 

1. Location and Facility

 

The academy is situated in a central hub accessible to residents of Agoura Hills, Oak Park, Westlake Village, and Calabasas.

 

 Address: 5883 Kanan Rd, Suites 16 & 17, Agoura Hills, CA 91301.

 Facility Standards: The gym is a “Premium Performance Center.” It features high-quality mats that are industrially sanitized daily (hospital-grade hygiene), modern changing rooms, and a spectator area for parents.

 Atmosphere: Unlike “fight clubs,” the environment is professional, well-lit, and family-oriented. The “Red Shield” etiquette requires clean uniforms and respectful behavior, creating a safe space for professionals and children alike.

 

2. World-Class Leadership

 

The primary differentiator for Gracie Barra Agoura is the caliber of its instruction. You are not just learning from a local coach; you are learning from legends of the sport.

 

 Professor Romulo Barral: A 10-time World Champion and member of the IBJJF Hall of Fame. He is one of the most decorated athletes in the history of the sport.

 Professor Jaeson Bianchi: A 2nd-degree Black Belt who has led youth programs since 2011. He specializes in child development and creates the curriculum for the “Future Champions” program.

 Professor Zane Spruce & Professor Caio Vinicius: Both are high-level Black Belts known for their technical clarity and ability to translate complex “world champion” moves into digestible steps for beginners.

 

3. Adult Programs (“Jiu-Jitsu for Everyone”)

 

The adult curriculum is structured like a university course, ensuring you learn in a logical progression rather than random moves.

 

 GB1 Fundamentals: The entry point for beginners. This follows a 16-week rotating curriculum covering the core 96 techniques of BJJ. There is no live sparring in the early stages; the focus is on cooperative drilling and self-defense (escaping headlocks, bear hugs, etc.).

 GB2 Advanced: For students who have earned at least 3 stripes on their white belt. This program introduces live rolling (sparring), complex guard systems, and advanced submission chains.

 GB3 Black Belt Program: Focuses on the “flow” of Jiu-Jitsu, high-level strategy, and bridging the gap between blue belt and black belt.

 “All Levels” & No-Gi: The academy offers classes where all ranks train together, as well as “No-Gi” submission grappling (training in shorts and a rash guard rather than the traditional kimono).

 

4. Kids Program (“Future Champions”)

 

The youth program is divided by age to ensure developmental appropriateness. The goal is to build “internal armor” against bullying while channeling high energy into focus.

 

 Little Champions (Ages 4–6): Focuses on motor skills, coordination, and “animal movements” (shrimping, crawling) to build body awareness.

 Juniors (Ages 7–9): Introduces the concept of “non-violent self-defense.” Children learn to control a bully on the ground without punching or kicking, protecting them from both physical harm and school suspension.

 Teens (Ages 10–15): A critical program for adolescents. It combines high-level BJJ technique with mentorship, helping teens navigate social pressure, build confidence, and prepare for adulthood.

 ADHD High Energy Focus: The academy is well-regarded for its work with hyperactive children. Instead of suppressing energy (“sit still!”), instructors channel it into “heavy work” (grappling), which often results in better focus at school and home.

 

5. The “Red Shield” Culture & Philosophy

 

Gracie Barra Agoura operates on a set of core values that extends beyond the mats.

 

 Brotherhood Sisterhood: The academy fosters a non-ego environment. Higher belts (“Big Brothers/Sisters”) are expected to help and protect lower belts, not dominate them.

 Safety First: The “Tap” (signaling submission) is taught as a tool for learning, not losing. Injuries are minimized through strict supervision and a culture that prioritizes longevity over intensity.

 Self-Defense First: While sport BJJ is taught, the foundation is always self-protection. You learn to manage distance, de-escalate verbal conflict, and neutralize aggression safely.

 

6. Schedule and Membership https://gbagoura.com/schedule/

 

 Operating Hours:

 Mon–Thu: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM

 Fri: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

 Sat: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM

 Sun: Closed

 

 Membership: Gracie Barra typically uses a flat monthly rate that allows access to specific program tiers. The academy offers a Free Introductory Class so you can try the mats, meet the professors, and see the facility before committing.

 

 Next Step for You

 

If you live in the Agoura Hills area and are considering starting, the best first step is to experience the culture firsthand without obligation.

 

Would you like me to find the link to book your Free Introductory Class at Gracie Barra Agoura, or would you like to see the specific class times for a particular age group?

 

Contact

Phone Number: +1 805-800-9681

info@gbnorthridge.com

 

Location

5883 Kanan Rd Suite 16 & 17, Agoura Hills, CA 91301

Meet the Instructors: Who Teaches at Gracie Barra Agoura?