Reviews of Gracie Barra New Westminster Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Gym)

Din Kho

Great place to start your BJJ journey. The family atmosphere of this special gym hits you the moment you step on the mats. Professor Raz and the coaches are always there to make sure you push yourself to your physical and mental limits, leaving you empty of worries, stress and self-doubt by the end of each training session.

A G

Training in BJJ has been a monumental part of my life over the last 2+ years. Both the discipline and self confidence developed through the martial art has been life-changing. Professor Raz Chan is an extremely devoted instructor and was critical in the development of my BJJ journey. The martial art is the real-deal and so is the instructor of this location.

Thiago Braga

Great place to learn and practice BJJ. Professor Raz is one of the best and always goes into tiny details when explaining a technique. Clean facilities and friendly students.

Tommy Cote

Gracie Barra New Westminster is the best school out there. You will learn so much in very technical ways from Professor Raz and the team of Coaches. The community is working towards a same objective, which is to help each other out achieving goals, improving skills and gain self-confidence through all these accomplishments. Highly recommend.

Robert Hammond

Raz is the best. A very friendly , welcoming and knowledgeable experience. They made me feel welcome and apart of from my first class. I highly recommend GB New West

Afton E.

Professor Raz is an incredible professor for all experience and ages. There are multiple class times to choose from every day, which helps keep my training consistent. Facility is clean, bright, and filled with great people. Highly, highly recommended to anyone interested in jiu-jitsu!

Thaiyo Seo

Raz is great teacher and has been my main mentor for jiu jitsu ever since I started. Jiu jitsu keeps me humble in every day life and on the mat. I definitely recommend Gracie barra New westminster!!????❤

Keith White

Just recently started at GB New West but already I’m hooked. Such a great team making the sport super fun. Excited to lean more.

JUNGHOON KANG

Professor Raz is the best instructor for either beginners or advanced. His classes are always very detail oriented and understanding of human body. If you are tired of repeating same thing without understanding of details, GB New Westminster and Prof. Raz will be the solution. Check out his IG (whitebeltwarriors), so you can briefly get to know his way of teaching. In short, Highly recommended gym for sure.

Richard Ward

This gym deserves a sixth star. GB New West offers a number of things that other gyms in the area can't or don't: Noon Classes (in addition to evening ones) Low injury risk (huge selling feature for me when I joined, I haven't seen a single serious injury at the gym in the 11 months I have trained here) Professional instruction with a high level of technical detail on all moves and concepts taught Positive training environment with great teammates Dojo is open 7 days a week All of the above made joining this gym a no brainer for me when I was hunting for a new place to learn BJJ. In addition the gym now practices Expert Covid safety protocols (App management for attendance, temperature checks, bubble segregation of training groups, etc). Having trained BJJ in very different environments before, I can say confidently that what Professor Raz has built here is a hidden gem in the world of BJJ. The experience has allowed me, in my mid thirties, to get into the best shape of my life and have a blast doing it.

Sadi Santos

I've been a member of GBNW for almost 4 months now and so far it has been a great experience. The facility is clean and full with awesome people willing to help you. Professor Raz is great at breaking down the individual techniques and provides an excellent ego free learning environment.

Linda Vo

family feel organization - great life skills for youth and learning how to manage emotions, and not give up! Also kids had tons of fun!

nick

Professor Raz is the man and I love how he teaches in a way that is easy to understand . 10/10 recommend

Ravi Kumar

Raz is a very technical and tough jiu jitsu instructor. His vast knowledge of leverage and balance allows him to train with all body types and all age groups. A true life long martial artist.

Oleg Veles

Great school with great people. The benefits of the sport stem beyond physical fitness. It's helping reduce anxiety, cravings and has an overall benefit in all areas of my social life. I find myself more energized, focused and relaxed after every class. Jiu Jitsu's contributed greatly to improving my personal and professional life over the last two years and I strongly recommend it to anyone looking to engage in a sport where you will be challenged in a safe and structured manner. Professor Raz is a master of his craft and is highly regarded in BJJ community. You would be receiving excellent training for a bargain price.

Yancy Virata

prof raz is one of the best jiujitsu instructor in bc, willing to always help and refine your techniques.

Gülipek Candan

As a beginner and a female, I felt very comfortable in class while also being challenged and learning a lot. The instructors are very thorough during classes, they make sure you're not injuring yourself and make sure you're learning the techniques correctly. I really appreciate that the class is well structured; you don't feel lost even in your first class. One thing that particularly strike my attention was that they have a very solid warm up routine - I haven't encountered that in other schools. Overall, I truly feel that they ensure I won't injure myself, and learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu the best way possible!

mandercase

I've been with Gracie Barra for 4 years now and was lucky meet Professor Raz Chan before he opened his own location in New Westminster. When you learn Jiu Jitsu from Raz you will learn details that make all the difference; you will learn that Jiu Jitsu is for all ages; you will be strong from the inside-out. If even a tiny part of you is interested, go to 482 E Columbia St ASAP and get training!

Brandon Tan-Ricafrente

A great and professional academy for Jiu-jitsu. As someone who has never done martial arts before, Gracie Barra New West has provided me with great instruction from not only Professor Raz, but also from the dedicated students & coaches from diverse professional backgrounds who are always willing to help you succeed. Expect an intense, but extremely fun workout suitable for all levels of fitness, as well a refreshed and healthy mindset.

E David Klonsky

I have known Professor Raz for about 3 years, and am extremely thankful to have had him as my jiu-jitsu teacher. Professor Raz fosters an environment that is very friendly and collaborative. His approach to teaching is highly technical leads to deep learning, not just of techniques, but of concepts. He is a great choice if you want to learn jiu jitsu while protecting yourself from injury. His approach takes in account the big picture -- jiu jitsu for life, including the years after age 30 and 40 when the body is slower to heal and recover -- and so he teaches a style that relies on technique more than power, and helps ensure the joints and body stay healthy. Highly recommend!

Jose Gonzalez

Professor Raz is one of the best martial artists that come out of Vancouver, BC. He has such deep knowledge of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and is able to communicate those moves to all ages and skill level. I highly recommend Professor Raz and GB New Westminister. My whole family takes his classes/program and we’ve learned so much from our fitness/health to the mental part of the game.

Tom Philpott

Professor Raz is one of the best instructors out there. He has elite level talent developed over many years and has a passion for training lower level students. You can be sure you’re learning excellent, and practical, technique with Prof Raz.

Maclean Kumpula

Amazing place! Come down and train!

Khristian Auyong

Professor Raz is a great instructor. And the gym in New West is amazing. Full of professional and child friendly environment. Amazing place to learn self defense for all ages!

Chang Woo Kim

I have been training Brazilian Jiujitsu for about five to six years before I joined Gracie Barra New Westminster. The quality of the lessons are amazing and the instructors are extremely technical. The atmosphere at the BJJ gym is welcoming and Professor Raz is meticulous in making sure the students are getting the most out of training there. Definitely recommend the gym to anyone who wants to learn or continue learning about martial arts/ self defense.

Bobby Keomany

Professor Raz creates a fun and safe environment to train. All of his students that train with him for a couple months have solid fundamentals.

Felix Mann

Professor Raz is one of the most knowledgeable and technical instructors I've ever had the pleasure to learn from. Highly recommended!

Rich Aguiar

I started training at Gracie Barra New Westminster a little less than a year ago. It's been such a great experience learning brazilian jiu jitsu from Professor Raz and all the coaches. Such a great welcoming environment with such care for all the students no matter your age or fitness level.

Jesse King

Great community!! Attentibe instructors!! The best place ever!!

Donn O'Lochlainn

If you're looking for a discipline to increase confidence, while also building great relationships, then look no further than jiu jitsu. Gracie Barra has been a great experience for me and I recommend Raz as a top level instructor.

Gonzalo Tudela

Great location! Great culture! Great professor! Everything you could hope for when getting into BJJ for life.

Julie Wilson

Hands down the best martial arts I could have enrolled my kid in. Here he learns so much more than the sport itself. We have been attending this gym for over 2 years. Through the pandemic they offered online classes at a discounted rate for the kids. My kid has learned respect , antibullying and self defense. Here we are part of a family . The professors are amazing with the kids. All of them. Highly recommend this location .

Kenny Wu

This place is not just a school, but a great community for you to learn and experiment with Jiu-Jitsu. On top of that you have a very attentive teacher, Raz, who is invested in your progress and helping you develop your own style of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Danica See

We were one of the first people who joined the Gracie barra New Westminster family! And we do not regret it one bit! My son who is now 6 years old has been with gb newest for 2 years now and he has improved his confidence and ability to stand up for himself in a very well mannered and techniques that is used. My 4 year old is now doing Jiu Jitsu as well and she loves it! The coaches and professor raz is like family and has been great support and teachers to my kids and as well as my husband who does the adult class! Highly recommend this particular gym as again like I said became family to us and great sport for everyone!

K

Such an amazing place to train! If you want a clean, professional and safe environment to train in, look no further!

Shawn Smith

Professor Raz has built a positive welcoming gym. The focus from day one is helping everyone learn the subtle details needed for success. There is a culture within the gym that really ensures that everyone takes care of each other while training, this really helped me get started without intimidation or fear of injury.

Jordan C

Great gym full of great people to train with. I was really impressed with the students at this gym as they range from working professionals to law enforcement officers. Professor Raz is so knowledgeable and so passionate about bjj that it makes each class exciting. I feel like I learn something new from each and every class. The gym and mats are spotless as Professor Raz preaches about cleanliness to all his students. Professor Raz has created a friendly and welcoming atmosphere at the gym. I would recommend this gym to anyone who would like to learn some self defense or to anyone one wants to train bjj.

jose lopez

I have been training here for about a year. I can honestly say that Professor Raz is an amazing teacher who has a great depth of knowledge. The classes are filled with friendly and very humble training partners. The facility is always very clean and tidy. Would highly recommend gym to anyone who would like to learn bjj from a world class instructor.

Bakhytzhan Khassenov

Gracie Barra New West is a synonym of quality. You get individual approach, all members are there to help you. The best place to get healthier and learn BJJ.

Shu Yang

Professor Raz is courteous and professional, a total pleasure to be work with. He also actively connects with the community and contributes towards greater success of local businesses. 10/10. Thank you very much Raz, for being who you are, and doing what you do.

Rob DL

Best place to learn and practice Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Professor Raz is exceptional in his approach at breaking down techniques to ensure his students learn at a high level.

Rafael Pacheco

Great place to make friends and be around family

Matthew Bosch

I've been training at GB New Westminster consistently for four months now, and have seen my Jiu Jitsu improve tremendously within that time. Thanks professor Raz!

John Wong

Professor Raz is a great instructor and he will provide a safe environment to train.

walter ramos

What an amazing place to learn Brazilian jiu-jitsu! It’s a family friendly environment where everyone is welcome! The kids program is solid. The focus is antibullying and how to prevent children from being victimized. They make learning BJJ fun with a mix of games and techniques. Professor Raz Chan is professional and courteous. His decades of experience allows people from all backgrounds and levels of proficiency to enhance their skills. If you’re looking to learn self defense and the art of Brazilian Jiujitsu, this is the place to go!

David Rogers

Gracie Barra New West is an excellent jiu jitsu gym to train at - for all ages. My daughter started in 2019 as a 5 year old and loved it from her first class. I found the coaches and Professor Raz so welcoming and encouraging - as well as all the parents of kids attending. I've never heard anyone say a bad word about a child or their ability - - like I've seen in some other sports. Almost two years later she is still attending while playing other sports. Her confidence has grown by leaps and bounds, she has learned awesome life skills and self-defense. I was so impressed that I re-started my jiu jitsu journey a few months later - following a few years of lay-off of all sports and my first intro to bjj due to a herniated disc. I'm 45 yrs old and work in a corporate environment. I train with everyone between the ages of about 20 - 55+ +, including lots of first responders and law enforcement officers. My day is ALWAYS better after I train, feeling less stressed and more positive. The camaraderie with GB NW teammates is also something I've really enjoyed, everyone is super friendly and encouraging. I really enjoy every class I attend - the coaches and Professor are solid instructors and really good people. The gym, students, coaches and Professor are all top notch! If you or your child (or family!) are looking to join a safe and friendly bjj gym, do not hesitate!

Andrew Banares

GB New Westminster is a fun, clean and safe environment for all ages to learn the art of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu. Professor Raz and his team have created a wonderful environment that is extremely supportive of it student and truly embodies the philosophy of Jiu-jitsu For Everyone.

Ivan B

Professor Raz runs an awesome club. He goes above and beyond for his students. Classes are always enjoyable, fun and engaging. He also always strives to instill longevity in his students, which is awesome to see. Definitely the best BJJ club around.

Robert Burton

I’ve been training at Gracie Barra New Westminster for 10 months now and I don’t think I could say enough about how great it is to train there. Professor Raz is super knowledgeable and is great at explaining the “why” behind every technique you learn. Professor Raz is also big on making the gym welcoming, positive, and safe. Whether you are just looking for a new hobby, or are looking to compete, there is a spot for you here. I also can’t say enough about the other people that train at GB New Westminster. Everyone I have taken classes with has been super friendly and all of them are quick to offer advice on how to tighten up my technique, or to teach me something new. It’s really a testament to how Professor Raz runs his gym. I started training Jiu Jitsu in my late 30’s and I wish I would have started way earlier. If you’re on the fence, Professor Raz offers a free trial period to try out a few classes, which I would definitely recommend taking advantage of. If you’re like me though, after the first class you’ll be hooked.

Alligator Bluddd

Gracie Barra New West is a great place to train. Its welcoming to all ages. Professor Raz has an amazing technical approach, and emphasizes the importance of self defense. The people there are very friendly and goal driven to help everyone around them get better

Shahzada Randhawa

Professor Raz teaches his classes with an emphasis on conceptual ideas, and encourages his students to be creative and develop their own style. He has an uncanny ability to breakdown the complexity of Jiu-Jitsu into concepts that are easy for beginners to understand. His facility is top notch and is kept impeccably clean and organized. I highly recommend this school for anyone interested Jiu-Jitsu or looking for a fun and safe to get in shape!

Sanya Ugarak

Gracie Barra New Westminster Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has something that no other location has-Professor Raz! Together with his team, professor Raz created an environment that is welcoming, positive, very friendly, and supportive of his students! I was extremely impressed how much passion, love, and self-discipline a 4-year-old can soak in during the class. It is a perfect environment to grow with and not only learn physical aspects of Jiu-jitsu but mental/philosophical part as well. Professor Raz is a world class mentor and any child who attends his classes is truly privileged!

Cein Duignan

Professor Raz is hands down one of the best Bjj coaches out there!! I've been on and off the mats for over ten years and in that time I'm grateful to have had the chance to train under Raz. His dedication to his students, mixed with his passion for the sport translates directly into his teachings. Whether you are seasoned or new to the sport, Raz's attention to detail and welcoming environment will make sure you walk away with something new learned and a positive experience! If you want to learn from one of the best around, Professor Raz is the man to go see!!

Philip Chin

I've had the pleasure of training with and learning from Professor Raz over the years. He is very technical and knowledgeable and is definitely fun to learn from. Would recommend him to anyone whether they are beginner or advanced, child or adult.

Tony Kook

This academy will help all of their students live happy healthier lives, one roll at a time. If you haven’t tried a class, call them today. Professor Razz is one of the elite martial arts leaders around.

Albien Mercado

Gracie Barra New Westminster is an excellent choice for anyone wanting to train in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. It provides a great team atmosphere where everyone supports each other. Professor Raz provides very technical instruction which leaves you with learning something new every time you attend!

Jeremy Syropiatko

Great family friendly environment, Raz is a really great teacher, he takes his time to explain everything to you. Everyone in the gym is really friendly too,I have a really great time training there.

Conor Petersen

Gracie Barra New West is a clean, family friendly facility run by a world class instructor, Professor Raz Chan. Professor Raz has mind blowing technical knowledge of Brazilian jiu jitsu ,as well as in business and life. He always leads by example and always finds time in his busy life for his students, whether it be late at night after class or early morning for open mat!

Evan Moffatt

Professor Raz Chan is one of the best Martial Arts Instructors I've ever had the chance to train with. His commitment to the growth of his students is unmatched. Brazilian JiuJitsu is an excellent martial art for self defense and sport, and Raz is a very high level teacher. I would recommend anyone considering training BJJ in the New West area to try a free intro class at Gracie Barra New Westminster.

Jaswant Ranu

Professor Raz stands out for his ability to teach, his passion for this martial art and his enthusiastic support for his students. One can't ask for anything more from an instructor. I highly recommend GB New Westminster to anyone seeking self-improvement through Brazilian Jiu-jitsu.

August

Very friendly, knowledgeable and skilled instructors. Fun and competitive training environment with a great group of people.

Hassan Javid

Gracie Barra New Westminster is an extremely welcoming jiu jitsu gym that has something for everyone regardless of their background, athleticism, and skill level. Professor Raz is an excellent teacher and he is ably supported by the rest of the coaching team. Having trained at jiu jitsu gyms in different parts of the world I would not hesitate to recommend GB New Westminster to anyone who might be interested in learning a new skill, exploring martial arts, or even just getting fit.

Sherif Hussein

GB New Westminster is absolutely amazing. Professor Raz will make sure you know every minute detail of every technique.