Gracie Barra Agoura Self Defense checkmate jiu jitsu

 

Gracie Barra Agoura CheckMat Self Defense  combines two competing, yet highly regarded, global Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) organizations: Gracie Barra and CheckMat. It is essential to clarify that Gracie Barra Agoura is not affiliated with CheckMat and does not offer CheckMat-branded classes.

 

Gracie Barra Agoura, located at 5883 Kanan Rd, Suites 16 & 17, Agoura Hills, CA 91301, is a dedicated BJJ academy that adheres solely to the Gracie Barra curriculum, which has a strong and distinct focus on BJJ-based self-defense.

 

Here is a detailed breakdown of the self-defense training offered at Gracie Barra Agoura and the difference between the two organizations.

 

 Gracie Barra Agoura: BJJ Self-Defense System

 

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

 

1. Philosophy: Technique Over Strength

The BJJ self-defense philosophy, taught under the leadership of world-champion Professor Romulo Barral, is centered on the ground fight. It empowers a smaller, weaker person to safely neutralize a larger aggressor.

 

 Focus on Control and Escape: The primary goal is de-escalation and non-violent control. Students learn techniques that allow them to escape grabs, chokes, and common attacks by managing distance and taking the fight to the ground, where the attacker’s size advantage is mitigated.

 Non-Striking Discipline: The curriculum does not include striking (punches or kicks). The control is achieved through grappling, positional hierarchy, and submissions (chokes or joint locks), which provide a safer, more legally defensible way to end a confrontation.

 Mental Aspect: Training builds unshakeable confidence and composure under pressure—key psychological tools for self-defense that deter potential aggressors.

 

2. Program Integration

Self-defense is not taught as a separate seminar but is integral to the core BJJ classes.

 

 Adult Fundamentals (GB1): The beginner program is structured on a rotating curriculum that mandatorily covers essential self-defense scenarios, such as breakfalls (how to fall safely) and ground survival (escapes from the mount and side control).

 Women’s Self-Defense (GBF): Specialized classes are often offered to address threats statistically more common to women, focusing on practical escapes and leverage tailored for those scenarios.

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

 

 Affiliation Clarification: Gracie Barra vs. CheckMat

 

While both organizations are highly successful BJJ teams, they are distinct entities.

 

 Organization  Primary Identity  Curriculum Focus  Leadership Example 

 :—  :—  :—  :— 

 Gracie Barra  Global Franchise Network  Highly structured and tiered (GB1, GB2, GB3), emphasizing self-defense, discipline, and global consistency.  Professor Romulo Barral (Leading GBNorthridge/Agoura Affiliate) 

 CheckMat  World-Class Competition Team  Often focuses on modern, sport-specific BJJ, dynamic guard work, and competitive strategies.  Leo Vieira (Founder) 

 

If you are seeking BJJ self-defense in Agoura Hills, Gracie Barra offers a proven, structured system. If you were specifically looking for a CheckMat affiliate, you would need to contact one of their independent schools, which are not found at the Gracie Barra Agoura location.

 

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 Self Defense checkmate jiu jitsu