Top Rated Martial Arts Near Westlake Village: Gracie Barra Agoura Review

 

If you are living in Westlake Village or the surrounding Conejo Valley and searching for “Martial Arts Near Me,” Gracie Barra (GB) Agoura Hills invariably sits at the top of the list.

 

While there are other options in the area (boxing gyms, karate dojos, or smaller MMA clubs), GB Agoura has established itself as the premier destination for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ).

 

Here is a detailed, “under-the-hood” review of why this specific academy is rated so highly and what you can expect if you walk through their doors.

 

1. The Leadership: The “Philipe Della Monica” Factor

 

The quality of a martial arts school is 100% dependent on the Head Instructor. You aren’t just joining a gym; you are joining a lineage.

 

 The Professor: GB Agoura is led by Professor Philipe Della Monica. He is not just a black belt; he is a high-ranking authority within the global Gracie Barra organization.

 The Reputation: He is known for being technically meticulous. In BJJ, there are “competitor” schools (rough, aggressive) and “technical” schools (precise, leverage-based). Under Philipe, the focus is on clean, technical Jiu-Jitsu. This makes it ideal for the Westlake Village demographic—professionals who need to go to work the next day without black eyes.

 

2. The Facility: Cleanliness and Scale

 

If you visit many martial arts gyms, you often find them dark, smelling of sweat, and slightly grimey. GB Agoura is the opposite.

 

 Hygiene: This is a major selling point. The mats are cleaned obsessively (hospital-grade disinfectant). The facility smells clean. For parents and professionals, this “boutique fitness” standard of hygiene is non-negotiable.

 Mat Space: The mat area is massive. This is crucial for safety. In small gyms, students constantly crash into each other during sparring (rolling). Here, there is room to operate safely.

 Amenities: They have clean locker rooms, showers, and a waiting area with Wi-Fi where parents can watch their kids train through glass or on monitors.

 

3. The “Westlake Village” Vibe (Culture)

 

Westlake Village and Agoura Hills are affluent, family-oriented communities. The culture at GB Agoura reflects this.

 

 No “Meatheads”: You will not find the aggressive “UFC” mentality here. The vibe is disciplined, respectful, and family-centric.

 The Demographic: You will be training alongside doctors, lawyers, engineers, and local business owners. It is a high-functioning environment. The “enforcer” culture (where new guys get beat up) does not exist here; higher belts are expected to help white belts, not hurt them.

 GB Family: The school pushes the concept of “Brotherhood/Sisterhood.” It acts as a major social hub for the area.

 

4. The Programs: Structure Over Chaos

 

Traditional BJJ schools often follow a “move of the day” format (random techniques). GB Agoura follows the standardized Gracie Barra Curriculum.

 

 GB1 (Fundamentals): This is where you start. It is a 16-week cycle of self-defense and basic ground techniques. Crucially, there is no live sparring in GB1. This allows you to get fit and learn the movements without the fear of getting crushed by an experienced opponent on Day 1.

 GB2 (Advanced): Once you earn your 3rd stripe on your white belt, you move here. This involves complex techniques, takedowns (Judo/Wrestling), and live rolling.

 GB Kids: This is arguably their most popular program. It is heavily focused on anti-bullying, discipline, and respect. It’s not just “fighting”; it’s character development.

 

5. The “Uniform Policy” (The Controversial Part)

 

This is the one point that usually divides opinion in reviews.

 

 The Rule: You must wear official Gracie Barra gear (Gi and Rashguard) to train. You cannot wear a generic Gi you bought on Amazon.

 The Pro: It creates a very professional look. Everyone looks like a team, removing class distinctions.

 The Con: It is an added expense. GB gear is premium-priced. However, most members accept this as the “cost of entry” for the high-level instruction and facility quality.

 

6. Location & Convenience

 

 Address: They are located in the business parks of Agoura Hills (Canwood St or Roadside Dr area usually), running parallel to the 101 Freeway.

 Commute: For a Westlake Village resident, it is a 5-to-10-minute drive. It is incredibly accessible, making it easy to fit into a pre-work or post-work routine.

 

7. The Verdict: Is it right for you?

 

You should join GB Agoura if:

 

 You want world-class instruction (Lineage of Carlos Gracie Jr.).

 You prioritize safety, hygiene, and a professional environment.

 You are looking for a structured curriculum that tracks your progress (attendance cards, belt promotions).

 You want a community, not just a workout.

 

You might look elsewhere if:

 

 You are looking for the cheapest option possible (GB is a premium school).

 You want to train “No-Gi” (submission grappling) exclusively (GB focuses heavily on the Gi, though they do have No-Gi classes).

 You dislike wearing a mandatory uniform.

 

Summary:

For the Westlake Village resident, Gracie Barra Agoura is widely considered the “Gold Standard” of martial arts in the Conejo Valley. It bridges the gap between effective self-defense and a high-end fitness lifestyle.

 

Next Step: Most GB schools offer a Free Intro Class. If you are interested, the standard procedure is to call them to schedule a private introduction where they show you the school and let you try a basic lesson before you commit to anything.

 

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

Top Rated Martial Arts Near Westlake Village: Gracie Barra Agoura Review