Summer Camps for Kids in Agoura Hills: The Gracie Barra Experience

 

Parents in Agoura Hills and Oak Park typically have two choices for summer: “Warehousing” (standard day camps where kids just play tag) or Skill Acquisition.

 

Gracie Barra Agoura Hills offers the latter. Their Summer Camp isn’t just a place to park your child while you work; it is an accelerated “boot camp” for character development, discipline, and self-defense.

 

Here is the detailed breakdown of the “Gracie Barra Experience” for summer, and why it’s becoming the preferred alternative to traditional day camps like Camp Keystone.

 

1. The Core Philosophy: “Bullyproof” Summer

 

While other camps focus on archery or swimming, GB Agoura focuses on Social Confidence.

 

 The Mission: Summer is often when bullying behavior “resets” before the new school year. The camp is designed to send your child back to school in August with a “force field” of confidence.

 The Curriculum: They don’t just roll on the mats. They do daily modules on:

 Verbal De-escalation: How to say “NO” firmly.

 Eye Contact Games: Teaching shy kids to hold a gaze.

 The “Tackle” Drill: How to safely fall and get back up if pushed on a playground.

 

 The Result: Your child comes home sweaty, tired, and walking about 2 inches taller.

 

2. A Typical Day: Structure Over Chaos

 

Unlike recreational camps where kids run wild, the GB camp follows the “Red Shield” structure.

 

 Morning Block (Technique & Games):

 The day starts with a disciplined line-up and bow-in.

 They play “BJJ Games”—like Bulldog or Zombie Tag—which are secretly grappling drills to teach balance and movement without the kids realizing it’s hard work.

 

 The “Mat Chat” (Character):

 Mid-day, the instructors (often Professor Jaeson or Coach Zane) sit the kids down for a focused discussion on values like Integrity, Brotherhood, or Respect. It’s a mental reset that parents love.

 

 Afternoon Block (Live Training):

 This is where they practice the moves. They pair up (by size and age) and learn a specific “move of the week” (e.g., escaping a headlock).

 It is strictly supervised. The ratio of instructors to students is high to ensure safety.

 

3. The “No Screen” Guarantee

 

In an affluent area like Agoura, summer usually means “iPad Season.”

 

 The Disconnect: At GB Agoura, electronics are non-existent.

 Physical Literacy: For 4-6 hours, your child is engaging their entire body—pushing, pulling, balancing, and crawling. It builds “Proprioception” (body awareness) that video games destroy.

 Deep Sleep: Parents consistently report that after a day of grappling camp, their kids sleep better than they do all year. It burns energy in a way that swimming or running doesn’t.

 

4. The Instructors: Mentors, Not Teenagers

 

This is the biggest differentiator from local rec center camps.

 

 Rec Camps: Often staffed by 16-year-old high school students looking for summer cash.

 GB Agoura: Staffed by Certified Instructors and Black Belts.

 Why it matters: You have trained adults watching your children, ensuring not just physical safety, but emotional safety. They know how to handle a frustrated child or a crying 5-year-old with professional patience.

 

5. Social Engineering (The “New Friends” Dynamic)

 

The camp attracts a specific demographic of families in the 805—those who value discipline.

 

 The Peer Group: Your child is interacting with other kids whose parents prioritize respect and manners. It’s a curated social circle.

 The Bond: grappling creates fast friendships. When you wrestle with someone, you break down social barriers quickly. Kids often leave camp with a new “best friend” they trust more than their school friends.

 

If you want your child to just “have fun” and eat popsicles, Camp Keystone is great.

But if you want your child to upgrade their operating system—to become more respectful, more coordinated, and safer—the Gracie Barra Agoura Summer Camp is the investment.

 

Next Step: Summer camp spots usually sell out by May. Would you like to know the typical age brackets (Little Champs vs. Juniors) to see which week fits your child?

 

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

Summer Camps for Kids in Agoura Hills: The Gracie Barra Experience