Gracie Barra Agoura check-mat Self Defense

 

Gracie Barra Agoura is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) academy and has no affiliation with CheckMat. They are two distinct, competing international BJJ organizations. Therefore, Gracie Barra Agoura does not offer classes using the CheckMat curriculum or name.

 

However, Gracie Barra Agoura provides a comprehensive BJJ-based self-defense program rooted in the art’s original principles of leverage and control.

 

 Gracie Barra Agoura: The Self-Defense Curriculum

 

Gracie Barra Agoura, located at 5883 Kanan Rd, Suites 16 & 17, Agoura Hills, CA 91301, is led by the legendary Professor Romulo Barral and focuses entirely on the structured, standardized BJJ curriculum. Self-defense is a core, mandatory component of this training.

 

1. The BJJ Self-Defense Philosophy

 

BJJ is considered one of the most effective self-defense martial arts because its core principle is technique over strength.

 

 Ground Control: BJJ training focuses heavily on what happens when a fight goes to the ground (where most altercations end). Students learn how to escape being pinned, defend against chokes and grabs, and control a larger, stronger attacker using leverage.

 Non-Striking Resolution: The curriculum prioritizes control, immobilization, and de-escalation. The goal is to subdue the attacker and create a window for safe escape, rather than relying on punches or kicks (striking is not taught).

 Confidence Building: The training builds unshakable confidence by proving to the individual that they have the skills to neutralize a physical threat, which often serves as the best form of self-defense.

 

2. Program Integration

 

Self-defense techniques are taught across multiple programs at the academy:

 

 Adult Fundamentals (GB1): The beginner curriculum focuses heavily on core self-defense scenarios, such as how to perform a breakfall (fall safely), escape a headlock, and defend common grabs and chokes.

 Women’s Self-Defense (GBF): Specialized classes for women focus on practical escapes and leveraging techniques tailored to specific threats women may face.

 Kids’ Anti-Bullying Program: The “Future Champions Program” teaches children non-violent control and verbal assertiveness to handle conflict and become “bully-proof.”

 

 CheckMat vs. Gracie Barra: The Key Distinction

 

 Organization  Primary Identity  Curriculum Style  Leadership Example.

 

 Gracie Barra  Global Franchise Network (Standardized)  Highly structured and tiered (GB1, GB2, GB3), emphasizing holistic development and consistency.  Professor Romulo Barral 

 CheckMat  Competition Team  Often focuses on modern, sport-specific BJJ techniques and competitive strategies.  Leo Vieira (Founder) 

 

If you are looking for a BJJ self-defense curriculum, Gracie Barra offers a structured and globally consistent system. If you specifically wanted the CheckMat style of training, you would need to locate one of their affiliated academies in the Los Angeles area.

 

Hours

Mon-Thurs: 12 PM to 9 PM

Fridays: 12 PM to 7 PM

Saturdays: 9 AM to 2 PM

Sundays: CLOSED

 

Contact

(818) 357-4074

info@gbnorthridge.com

 

Location

19520 Nordhoff St Unit 10 Northridge, CA 91324

Gracie Barra Agoura check-mat Self Defense