Transforming lives through Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Gracie Barra Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Self Defense announces professional advisory council, launches new curriculum to meet the rising challenges of today’s families.

Partners with local licensed, clinical and certified professionals in psychology, nutrition, developmental education, sports medicine, mental health, physical education, leadership and more.

Mercer County, New Jersey, July 26th, 2023 - Gracie Barra Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Self Defense announces the formation of an advisory council and launch of its Academy 2.0 initiative. Along with Gracie Barra’s global flagship Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Self Defense program, the initiative marks the launch of new and synergistic programs that bring modern-day health, education, technology and more into the #1 Academy worldwide.

The first, titled “The Warrior Academy,” is an integrated education program focused on helping our kids grow up to be kind, connected and resilient “warriors,” ready to thrive in our ever-evolving digital age. This is achieved through a combination of research-backed social-emotional learning, brazilian jiu jitsu and modern-day best practices in physical education, leadership development and more.

Michael Leonardi, regional director for Gracie Barra adds, “Life’s most important lessons are not typically taught in the classroom, you don’t really learn them from reading books. For many of us, we develop these critical skills like grit, emotional intelligence, growth mindset, etc. on the mats, on the playing field, and in places where we are physically learning the lessons. The goal of our new programming is to use the expertise of our council and the current research around child psychology and development to create a systematic and effective way at instilling these critical skills and lessons into our kids. Through decades of practice, we have found Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to be the perfect delivery vehicle for this integrated education approach.”

The Warrior Academy program is reinforced using a multi-pronged approach with traditional Gracie Barra Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Self Defense classes, A new Warrior leadership and strength class (complete with fun obstacle courses and challenges) as well as its innovative Warrior2.0 health and lifestyle coaching platform for parents. On top of providing access to parenting resources and experts, the platform provides guidance, support and accountability around exercise, nutrition, habits and much more. At the core of this platform is the “Science of Happiness” course which provides evidence-based lessons, professional coaching by a licensed professional, and peer support groups for parents trying to reach optimal health, happiness, achievement and connection for themselves and their families.

Leonardi continues, “I think it’s very clear from both our own experiences and from the national data, the world is a different place than it was 20 years ago… and not necessarily for the better. Our physical health continues to decline, our mental health continues to decline and we are more divided and isolated than ever before thanks to things like screens and social media. The average child spends over 5 hours per day on screens with the average adult spending over 13 hours per day. We feel that with today’s emerging challenges, it was the perfect time to pair a timeless institution like Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with modern-day best practices in health, education and self-development. Our Advisory council has done a phenomenal job in helping us create evidence-based programming and services to help our families thrive in today’s landscape.

Rounding out the new initiative is Gracie Barra’s Fitness and Wellness program called “BarraFit” featuring Fitness Kickboxing, Functional Strength Training, Personal Training On-Demand, Women’s Self Defense and Yoga.

With 3 locations in Princeton, Lawrenceville and Newtown, enrollment for the Warrior Academy’s 2023/2024 school year begins August 1st. To schedule a tour or free trial, please go to www.gbprinceton.com

ABOUT - Founded by Master Carlos Gracie Jr, Gracie Barra provides Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Self-Defense Instruction to men, women and children. With over 1000 schools worldwide, Gracie Barra is global leader in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Instruction.