Gracie Barra Agoura Jiu-Jitsu Fundamentals: Building a Strong BJJ Foundation | Phone Number: +1 805-800-9681

 

The GB1 Fundamentals Program at Gracie Barra Agoura is the cornerstone for any new student entering the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). It is specifically designed for individuals with little to no martial arts experience, focusing on building a solid technical base in a safe, structured, and non-intimidating environment.

 

Here is a detailed breakdown of how the Fundamentals program builds a strong BJJ foundation.

 

1. The 16-Week Rotating Curriculum

Unlike many academies where techniques are taught randomly, Gracie Barra follows a standardized 16-week cycle.

 Systematic Learning: The curriculum covers 96 essential techniques spread over the 16 weeks.

 No “Falling Behind”: Because the curriculum rotates, you can join at any point in the cycle (e.g., Week 5) and continue until you loop back to the beginning. This ensures every student eventually learns the complete set of fundamental moves.

 Focus Areas: Each week focuses on a specific position or theme, such as Mount Escapes, Guard Passing, or Side Control.

 

2. Core Components: Self-Defense & Sport

The GB1 program balances two essential aspects of Jiu-Jitsu:

 Self-Defense (Street Application): Students learn how to manage distance and neutralize real-world threats. Techniques include escaping headlocks, defending against bear hugs, and blocking punches to safely close the distance.

 Ground Fundamentals (Sport BJJ): You will master the positional hierarchy of BJJ. This includes learning how to maintain dominant positions (Mount, Back Control) and how to escape inferior positions using leverage rather than strength.

 Basic Submissions: The program introduces high-percentage submissions like the Armbar, Triangle Choke, and Rear Naked Choke in a controlled manner.

 

3. Safety First: The “No Sparring” Rule

A major differentiator of the Gracie Barra Fundamentals program is its emphasis on safety for beginners.

 Cooperative Drilling: Instead of full-contact sparring (“rolling”), beginners engage in cooperative drills. Your partner offers little to no resistance, allowing you to learn the mechanics of a move without the stress of a fight.

 Specific Training: As students progress, they may participate in “specific training” (positional sparring), where they start in a set position with a limited goal (e.g., pass the guard) to practice techniques safely against light resistance.

 Injury Prevention: This approach drastically reduces the risk of injury, as beginners are not thrown into high-intensity situations before they know how to move safely.

 

4. Class Structure & Etiquette

Every class follows a consistent structure to maximize learning time:

 Warm-Up (10-15 mins): Includes functional movements like shrimping (hip escapes) and breakfalls to prepare the body for grappling.

 Technique Instruction: The professor demonstrates the techniques of the week.

 Drilling: Students practice the techniques with a partner under close supervision.

 Red Shield Culture: Students must wear the official Gracie Barra Gi (uniform), bow when entering the mats, and treat instructors and partners with respect. This creates a disciplined, ego-free atmosphere.

 

5. The Path Forward

The GB1 program is the prerequisite for the Advanced (GB2) and Black Belt (GB3) programs. Once a student has demonstrated proficiency in the fundamentals (typically earning 3 stripes on their white belt), they are invited to transition to the advanced classes where live sparring is introduced.

 

Hours

Mon-Thurs: 12 PM to 9 PM

Fridays: 12 PM to 7 PM

Saturdays: 9 AM to 2 PM

Sundays: CLOSED

 

Contact

Phone Number: +1 805-800-9681

info@gbnorthridge.com

 

Location

19520 Nordhoff St Unit 10 Northridge, CA 91324

Gracie Barra Agoura Jiu-Jitsu Fundamentals: Building a Strong BJJ Foundation | Phone Number: +1 805-800-9681