Reviews of Gracie Barra Jiu Jitsu Martial Arts & Self-defence - Edmonton (Gym)

goramut

Great gym. Like a family here, if your family was trying to fold your clothes while you are still wearing them.

Thayne Z

Amazing instructors, and the best facility I’ve trained at. Only thing I wish, is that there was classes on the weekend evenings

Stacy D.

My son and I both train at Legends, and have now for almost 3 years. Over this time we have met and become great friends with so many people from the Jiu Jitsu program, it has made the experience that much more incredible. My son started in the kids program and is now in the teen program, the changes that he has made over these last few years have been incredible, he has learned self confidence, he has developed an excellent attitude towards himself and others, as well, he has began a life long journey of jiu jitsu, which he loves! The kids program is fun for the kids and has helped teach my son not only jiu jitsu, but as well how to help others. I like how the newer students are paired up with the more experienced students, I always see the more experienced students stepping up and helping the newer students along while the coaching staff sits on the mat beside them and helps explain the move to the pairs that are struggling. Great experience thus far, I highly recommend this place for both parents and their children, you wont regret it!

ana paula Salgado

My son is doing Jiu-Jitsu classes for 6 months already and I’m so in love for this place and the whole staff! They teach with love, patience and they are so good at what they do! The place is very clean and organized! They are a big family! I highly recommend Gracie Barra Edmonton!

Lindsay Robertson

Over three years ago we put our son in jiujitsu at GB Edmonton and wow what an experience it has been. It has changed him in some amazing ways. He became a leader, he is focused and learning about patience and the challenges that come from losing and how to manage his emotions. He is a different kid, who swells with pride each day after class. Since then I have also joined and raised my own fitness level to the best it has ever been in my lifetime through the Barra Fit classes they offer. The coaches aren't just coaches they are our friends and we couldn't be happier! Love you guys! Thanks for all that you do for the families who make the best decision to join your gym!

Fabiana Borges

I had an amazing experience training and meeting everyone at Gracie Barra Edmonton. The facility is beautiful and impeccable clean. The staff is friendly and Professor Ryan is world class instructor. Students are friendly, helpful and the school is very family oriented. I totally recommend to anyone that is looking to start their Jiu-Jitsu journey.

Michael

money grab for kids classes. They teach kids that are way to young to be taught, and you have to cancel 3 months in advance, really!

Andy Kuiper

I started training in BJJ in Vancouver (for 6 months) than later joined Gracie Barra Edmonton (Legends), and I couldn't be happier. It's a very big gym (10,000 Sq. ft) with two large mat sections. They also have all kinds of weight training equipment. I usually train in the evenings, however they have day classes as well. I almost always make it to the Saturday classes, and there's open rolling every Sunday. Gracie Barra has a set program world-wide that all the instructors follow, so if I travel (which I often do) I can go to any GB gym and attend classes without missing a beat, and at no extra charge. The gym has lockers and showers too. I was a bit worried I might not fit in as I'm a bit older than most of the members, but that hasn't been an issue at all. They really make me feel welcome. At Legends, ALL members are treated equally and fairly. The toughest guys and gals don't display any ego at all, and they generously help me to become better; it really is a great place to come and train. Ryan McGillivray, who is the head instructor, is a former MMA fighter and knows that side of things, as well as being a black belt in BJJ. Ryan and the other instructors have a patient, caring approach when teaching, and that really makes a difference. There's all types of members, each with varying levels of experience. Some are there just to have fun and learn (that's me), and others are there to become champion competitors. They have members who have won at all levels, including World championships. It all starts from the top down in my opinion, and Ryan sets the tone at the gym, he's experienced, friendly, caring, and a very good instructor. It's been over two years now, and I'm still getting better.

Lori-Ann Haberstock

Awesome family friendly experience. Always feel welcome, and the classes are focused but fun too. Love it!

Patrick Fields, Edmonton Real Estate Guy

Great Kids Birthday Party! Justin was great with co-ordinating our party and keeping the kids entertained for 75 minutes with games, exercises and Ju-Jitsu moves. He kept Avery up front of everyone and let him pick the games etc. which made it really special for him. Thanks for everything!

Joshua Sommer

I have been attending for a year and a half and I look forward to more years to come. Prof. Ryan is very approuchable, the staff is competent and always willing to answer questions. The staff is also very accomplished with most having either competed in the past or actively competing now. On a more personal level I have rarely been challanged as much as I have here. From continuing augmented training through my injury and 'rolling' after class I have learn humility and perseverance. If you are willing to ask questions you will learn a great deal about yourself here. Even an old guy like me! Hope to see you in here.

A Frenchman

Hello's All, I was welcomed by everyone, it was a tremendously awesome experience that I will repeat over again, as many time as they welcome me in. Very much appreciated, all of you I rolled with a chatted with. You are participating in making this school a lovely place to go and very fun to be, thank you. This is my home in Edmonton. Professor Ryan is a gentleman and of a great hospitality! Looking forward to be in a class of his, as he is ridiculously technical. The guys here are all pleasant and respectful of a frenchy temporarily in town, from another school. See you all soon. If your are wondering, yes - go try it out. S.B. GB Burnaby

Omer Zamir

Great experience and good environment

Nadine Gable

Great Jiu Jitsu gym, fantastic coach's. Very welcoming environment.

Liesel Ritchie

Professional, Expert Training -- and Fun I am in Edmonton for just a few months for work, so went in search of a local place to continue my BJJ training. I checked out several spots, but found Legends to be the best match for my interests and needs as a 2-stripe white belt. As a newcomer to Legends Training Center, I felt welcomed and treated with respect. Several people went out of their way to introduce themselves and to talk with me. Ryan's instruction is top-notch, clear, and consistent. The upper-level belts follow his lead and provide real-time feedback and support for the lower belts. The drilling is deliberate and controlled; each of the partners with whom I've worked has been excellent. The pace of the fundamentals class is ideal for learning and for reinforcement of the basics -- and for catching up on things I've been missing. At the same time, there is a lot of laughter and fun; no one seems to take themselves too seriously, which is awesome. I'm looking forward to my time here!

Kellan Scheiris

I do not recommend this place. Contracts are purposefully expensive and complicated to get out of. If you provide a quality service, you don’t need a contract to keep members. Stay away!

Elena Kehler

My children absolutely love coming to their classes at Legends. They have received great quality training and have also made amazing friends.

Ron Little

An amazing Family oriented place with Amazing instructors for BJJ, Boxing, and Boot camp classes. they run a very flexible class schedule and seem to add in classes as they need, in order to suit the members needs. Although this place is primarily a BJJ gym the attention to members in the much smaller Boot camp and Boxing classes is top notch and very accommodating.

Curtis Ready

I have nothing but great things to say about the academy...the coaching, facility, schedule and members are all awesome to be around. Top notch!

Luke Willingdon

I reached out and contacted the folks at Gracie Barra Edmonton and they had me out for the nogi class. The facility is well set up, large, and clean. Instruction was clear and precise and the practitioners in class where friendly, knowledgeable, and hard workers. I look forward to visiting again when I am back in town.

Dying inside

If I could give 0 stars I would. I used to bring my son here. He loved his classes and all was great. Until covid. In class was cancelled obviously. They switched to online classes. I informed them online did not work for us and asked for options. They wouldnt respond. Now apparently they're back in class and have been since June but I was never informed. Now they sent me to collections for not paying even though I've received 0 services from them or even heard from them whatsoever. Extremely unprofessional management. If you want a place where they ignore your phone calls and emails and never contact you to let you know anything, then by all means go here. I won't ever be back and I'll be sure my friend's and family won't either. Before all this my friend was going to sign up all of her kids as well as my friend and I were going to sign up. We'll take our business to a place that appreciates us and actually communicates.

rick jones

Very good as always and a very good place to train and make good friends and learn Brazilian jiu-jitsu and it is also a wonderful atmosphere, everyone is very friendly and accommodating etc.I could on and on about this place, but then you might think that I am bias, so you will just have to come and check it out for yourself.

Connor Lawless

Everyone at GB is warm, welcoming and knowledgeable. When you join you feel like you're a part of a community. If you're uncertain, just take the free week trial; you won't regret it.

Jay Foster

We have been lucky enough to be part of the Legends 'family' for the better part of 5 years now, starting off with kettlebells fitness classes at the original downtown location and rejoining Kevin after the move to the west end location. We participate in Kevin's boot camp / crossfit / boxing fitness classes and enjoy them from start to finish. No two workouts are the same and Kevin runs each class with a perfect mix of 'push' and 'humor' - he has that instinctive ability to coax a better workout out of you and still keep it fun, and this is that rare intangible that cannot be found in many group leaders in any endeavor. On those occasions when Kevin is away, we have been treated to excellent workouts hosted by other members of Kevin's team as well. In closing, all we can say is we hope to remain part of the Legends family for years to come - thanks Kevin! - Jay and Patti Foster

Tony Huang

It's a great place to Learn mixed martial arts with a focus on Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, boxing, and kick boxing. It's a non intimidating environment for beginners with Lots of attention from the coachs.

Noel Garcia

The training center was one of the cleanest facilities I've ever trained in. The staff was hospitable, classes were challenging yet fun, and the overall atmosphere was exceedingly friendly. Being an athlete that trains at several facilities across Canada and the US, its good to know that there is a top notch facility here in edmonton for me to come train. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Williams Martins

Some of the best gyms I've ever been ... This gym is pretty good, for whom have family. You can make virtually every class that the Academy offers, with their children. #1

Pavlo Bezko

This is great place, one of the best gyms in Edmonton. What ever those people say negative about it is far from true. I know Ryan and Kevin are doing best to train you and keep you safe.

Jan Marie

If you are looking for a work out facility and you don’t have family members attending the various jujitsu classes, then this is an unwise choice for cross fit classes. First, the martial arts classes are their main focus hence there are a small number of cross fit offerings (4), and no Saturday classes. The space for cross fit has shrunk considerable, especially with the late 2017 renovations and is now crammed into a small area, bordered by tall partitions that restrict air flow-overly hot work out conditions are a constant in the summer months. The increase in juitsu classes has created over capacity issues in the women's changing room, and parking. Second, it’s expensive for what you are getting. See item 1 for limited number of classes and no Saturday cross fit classes. You can pay more monthly for access to all of the classes, such as boxing etc, but if this isn’t your thing, this isn’t the place for you. Also, the owner teaches two of the four weekly classes offered, and a member graciously volunteers his time to run the remaining two classes. Third, I ran into problems trying to cancel my membership. In spite of paying the higher fee for access to all workouts, a bad knee limited my attendance to cross fit, yet i ran into problems getting the monthly fee reduced. When I did hand in a cancellation request, in 2016, there was no follow up, and no information. So I assumed I was essentially in a monthly contract, well I was wrong. I was never given a copy of the contract I signed, and when it was provided to me, at the bottom, at a substantial distance from the cancellation information, they require you to sign a release form, you cant just send a registered letter. When I approached them about this form, to have a look at it, well I could, on their Ipad, but they were unwilling to provide me with a copy of the release form, until after I’d signed it. We ended up with Legends offering a reduced rate for the remaining months still owning, which in part made up of for the overpayments I'd been making over a two year timeframe, however, they refused to put this is writing, and when I did, to sign it. Moreover, this week was my last remaining week, I'd been out of the country for 3 weeks in April, I was accused, in front of a crowd of parents and members, of not paying my fees. My bank account shows that I'd paid all fees owing, up front, in January. In spite of my protests, I was told not to return. If you are a current member, read the cancellation component on your contract, that is if you have a copy of your contract. They dont provide one, apparently you have to request it. And, given the extent to which my requests for a reduction on my fees, and my initial cancellation, its likely a request for a copy of the contract would also have been ignored.

Alexandra Radis

We don't call it a gym.. besides being a second home to most people here, it is a training school - the family friendly feels and constant encouragement are what make this school the best school for any age, any skill level, or anybody just lookin for a kick ass workout

Zohaib Siddiqi

I've gone to a number of martial arts gyms and this has been by far the best. First, the gym is probably the largest in Edmonton. It has numerous facilities and is super clean, something that's rare for a mrtial arts gym. Second, you can take a number of classes here, the highlight of which are the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes. Now, I see a few reviews here saying that the sport is too dangerous for the kids and that the kids have no supervision. It's true that the sport is one which involves physical contact so it isn't something like basketball or even soccer. However, in my experience I've never seen a child get hurt at the gym. The instructors are super caring of the kids and make it a point to put safety first for them. It's for that reason that the kids love the instructors so much and have been going to the gym for years-the balance between safety and autonomy is a good one. This is also the reason why the family environment is so good at Legends. If you're looking for a place where your whole family can go, this is definitely the right choice. I could definitely say alot more about what this gym has done for me but I doubt anyone would read a review that long. I wouldn't suggest listening to the people who gave it one star because it seems like those people literally walked in, were there for 5 minutes, and didn't even get a chance to know the people or the environment. This is hands down a five star gym.

pierre golda

^_^ You got to try their '1 week free', you won't regret it.

BBM Honado

It was an amazing experience and allowed me to look at the BJJ from a different aspect. My currently gym focus on the combat survival and live rolling. It was a lot of fun but it was also a lot of pains. My fear of injury was always there because the rolls were not supervised. All the classes at the Gracie Barra were very structured and all the instructors were at least a brown belt and up. I learned more techniques in a week than my current club in a month. The double legs take-down Ryan taught me helped me to win silver in my recent tournament. I took all my opponents down with the same technique. I have become better at BJJ. Thanks to Ryan, James, and Lyle. I am sure I will be back here again.

Nolan Carter

I would recommend this to anyone looking for a new sport to try, new fitness classes or just a workout spot. They have BJJ, kick boxing, boxing and fitness classes. There is also a workout area for weight lifting, cardio area, and a lot of space. Clean gym and welcoming atmosphere. The 1 week free trial is a great way to get introduced to the gym.

Nicol Munteanu

Good job!!! The structure of lessons and teaching methodology confirm the professionalism and experience of coaches.They are friendly,patient and have knowledgeable in many areas.The building is spacious and clean and I think we made the best choice. Thank you very much and wish you all the best!

Brendan Willey

This gym has a winning environment with great athletes and coaches to learn from. Mats are open 7 days a week, and beginner/advanced BJJ classes are offered at multiple times (afternoon/evening) 6 days per-week. This has given me the opportunity to work around my busy schedule to get to the gym and improve my game extremely quickly. Whether or not you're looking to compete in BJJ, this is the gym in Edmonton and area you want to be at.

Tina Cardinal

Great family enviroment

Jason Webb

I use to LOVE this place. I was assaulted/sucker punched out of ring and got a commotion with a trip to the hospital from a young hotheaded man. The management did nothing about the assaulter who still roams free in the gym. However, the gym owner told me that he will look into and take appropriate action needed. Oh well.

Landon Horosko

Awesome place to learn jiu-jitsu. The professors and coaches are fantastic and you can tell that they really care not only about jiu-jitsu but you as a student. Everyone here at GBGA is like one big family. I highly recommend training here if you want to learn jiu-jitsu and make some great friends as well.

Eddy Jovel

Highly recommend Legends to everyone!!! Very friendly and professional environment, coaches and member are class citizens. Go in and embrace a positive change for you and/or a friend/family member, it will change your life for the better and you will not be disappointed.

gille Rose

arrogant staff...

Ashar Mir

Great place to learn BJJ, as well as boxing and kick boxing. Great instructors like Ryan, Kevin, Justin and Mike, who all take their time to make sure you master the moves and are able to apply them to the best of your ability. Little pricey on the Gi and rashguards buts it's meant to represent a long term commitment Just showing up won't get you anywhere, without putting maximum effort, there's simply no point in going. Great place to workout and go through some brutally good bootcamps. If you're not sure, come for the free trial and see for yourself.

James Crocker

An absolutely amazing experience for myself an my daughter. Supported by a group of devoted and gifted group of highly qualified coaches. Kids of all ages are known by name by these amazing people. The coaching staff patients and tolerance is remarkable given the large groups of children that gather there daily. I can't say enough about the extremely clean facility and warm, wonderful people.

Matthew Barnable

Great facility and trainers. Welcoming to newcomers, and positive attitudes all around.

K. R.

We were looking for a sport for our 3 year old son as we felt he had out grown his previous activity and that he was ready to start learning some skills while being active. What we found was a gym that felt like family and treats our son with respect and kindness. The coaches Lyle, Cindy, and Justin who teach the tiny champs are so patient and wonderful with these children. I'm sure you are thinking teaching a group of 3-5 years olds could be like herding a group of cats at times! However, they do a PHENOMENAL job at getting the children to follow instruction and safely learn the movements while having fun, I was pleasantly surprised at how well these young children acclimate to the sport. They train them for the potential each of them has. The children learn to respect the sport, themselves, and others and of course an appropriate level of discipline for this age category. We couldn't be happier with this gym and these wonderful people! We always enjoy seeing professor Ryan at the front desk when we arrive, and the atmosphere is welcoming. We enjoy it so much that my husband has changed from crossfit at a different gym to the bootcamp type class they have and he says it is an awesome workout, the membership is a great value, and everyone is so supportive!! He is also working his way up to starting Jiu Jitsu, which is exciting since Legends is home to all levels and ages (not just for children) and also many very experienced members. So if you are an adult looking to practice or learn Jiu Jitsu, boxing, kick boxing, bootcamp, and more or you are a parent who wants a very well-rounded sport for your child with instructors who care for them - Legends is a great place! THANKS LEGENDS!

Carol Len

Great environment & amazing energy

Trist B

Best jiu-jitsu gym in Edmonton

david smith

i came in to sign up for jiu jitsu classes and no one was at the front till, 5 minutes go by before someone across the gym yells "YOU LOOKIN FOR SOMEONE TO TALK TO", then when i was approached by someone before i could ask anything he says "can you take your shoes off" i was standing right at the entrance and not anywhere close to any training mats so i said no, major jerks