ABOUT
GRACIE BARRA
The Gracie Family
Carlos Gracie Jr. was born in January 17, 1956 and grew up heavily influenced by his family of fighters. In close sync with the life philosophy and teachings of his father Carlos Gracie Sr., “Carlinhos” as he’s known to friends and family, grew up observing and learning from some of the most influential figures his family has ever produced: Carlos Gracie Sr., Helio Gracie and Rolls Gracie.
In 1986, Carlos Gracie Jr. founded the first Gracie Barra school, in the city of Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro. From that one location, he created the most expansive Jiu-Jitsu organization in the world, with offices in the USA, Brazil, Australia and Europe. Gracie Barra now operates 1,373 schools in 45 countries.
Gracie Barra Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Gracie Barra Princeton provides Brazilian jiu-jitsu instruction in a structured environment, following the Gracie Barra Code of Conduct and Gracie Barra Etiquette. Our school provides Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu programs, which are fit for students of all different knowledge levels.
We offer both private and group classes that focus on character growth and self improvement, and we believe that the techniques and values learned in our programs can better your life, on and off the mats.
Our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Instructors
Professor Wojtek Ratkiewicz
Chief Instructor – GB North Princeton / Director of GB Experience
Meet Wojtek “The Polish Bear” Ratkiewicz! Originally from Poland, Wojtek started training Jiu-Jitsu in 2013 under Professor Ricardo Almeida and proudly earned his black belt in 2022.He’s especially known for his love of butterfly guard and cross-collar chokes, but what truly sets him apart is his passion for teaching. Nothing brings him more joy than watching students grow in confidence, skill, and character on the mats.
Professor Edward Bisono
Chief Instructor – GB Princeton
Professor Edward (Ed) Bisono, born and raised in Trenton, New Jersey. During his time in school, he learned two important life lessons: always look to help others in need and never let your circumstances dictate how you approach your future. Throughout his jiu jitsu journey, not only has he competed through all the belt ranks at the highest levels, but he’s trained alongside the likes of Frankie Edgar, Eddie Alvarez, Corey Anderson, Marlon Moraes, and many more.
After his first year of training, he was honored to instruct under the guidance of Ricardo Almeida and taught his first kids class, falling in love with being an instructor ever since. As a coach, Ed feels like one of his best accomplishments is being able to help someone who at first didn’t believe in themselves, pull off a move that’s pretty intimidating and hard. He wishes to bring that same excitement to his hometown as well as instill strong core values.
“Giving back to the community that brought you up is probably the most important thing anyone can do in life.”
Professor Michael Leonardi
Owner/ Regional Director
Mike Leonardi is the mat-side ringmaster behind Gracie Barra in the Mercer/Bucks orbit, turning takedowns into team-building and bolstering your mental health while decimating your pride. After a past life in sports entertainment and fitness startups, he shifted to opening academies, seeking to pet all of the member’s good-boy dogs, and coaching adults to embrace frames, breath, and the sacred art of emotional & spatial intelligence. Ask his game and he’ll say “whatever passes your guard,” delivered with the grin of a man who believes that you can never hire enough “Mikes” and coffee is a legal performance enhancer & life necessity.
Coach Kris Sampson
Regional Program Director – GB Princeton, GB North Princeton, GB Newtown
Kristen Sampson is the Regional Program Director of Gracie Barra North Princeton and a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. She is dedicated to creating an environment where every student feels supported in reaching their goals on and off the mats.
Coach STarla Rocco
Instructor
Coach (Lt.) Elia Alfonso
Chief Instructor – Defensive Tactics
Coach Claire Meyer
Chief Instructor – Competition Teams
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Gracie Barra Princeton Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & Self Defense
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