Advanced BJJ Classes Northridge GB2 & GB3 Program | Phone Number: +1 818-357-4074

 

Gracie Barra Northridge (GBN) is widely considered one of the premier training grounds in the world. This is not a standard franchise location; it is the headquarters of Professor Romulo Barral, a 5x World Champion and ADCC Champion whose “Barral Team” is famous for producing high-level competitors.

 

The advanced curriculum is divided into GB2 (Advanced Program) and GB3 (Black Belt Program). Here is a detailed breakdown of what to expect in these elite sessions.

 

1. The Hierarchy of Programs

Unlike the fundamental GB1 class (which has no live sparring), these programs are designed for students ready to test their skills against fully resisting opponents.

 

 GB2: The Advanced Program

 Prerequisite: Typically 3-Stripe White Belt and above.

 The Focus: The transition from “Self-Defense” to “Sport Jiu-Jitsu.”

 The Curriculum:

     Live Sparring: This is the biggest shift. You will spend 15–30 minutes of every class “rolling” (sparring).

     Complex Chains: Instead of learning one isolated move, you learn flows (e.g., Takedown $\rightarrow$ Guard Pass $\rightarrow$ Side Control $\rightarrow$ Mount $\rightarrow$ Armbar).

     No-Gi Integration: GB2 introduces grappling without the kimono, teaching you to rely on wrestling grips (underhooks/collar ties) rather than fabric grips.

 

 GB3: The Black Belt Program

 Prerequisite: Blue Belt and above (strict requirement).

 The Focus: Developing a personal “game” and high-level strategy.

 The Experience:

     This is often taught directly by Professor Romulo Barral or his top black belts like Professor Caio Vinicius.

     The warm-ups are shorter, the instruction is faster, and the sparring rounds are longer (often 6–10 minutes).

     You are training alongside active world champions. The intensity is significantly higher than GB2.

 

2. The “Romulo Barral” Influence

Because this is Romulo’s home academy, the advanced curriculum heavily features his signature techniques. You aren’t just learning generic BJJ; you are learning the “Barral Style.”

 Spider Guard: You will learn the intricate sleeve-and-foot controls that made Romulo famous.

 Knee-on-Belly Pressure: A major focus on heavy top pressure—learning how to make 170 lbs feel like 300 lbs.

 Active Passing: The school favors aggressive, high-paced guard passing (Torreando) rather than passive stalling.

 

3. Class Structure & Schedule

Advanced classes run daily, accommodating both professional competitors and working adults.

 

 Morning (7:00 AM | 10:00 AM): Often a mix of high-level hobbyists and competitors starting their day.

 Lunch (12:00 PM): The famous “Competition Training” often happens here. This is arguably one of the toughest rooms in California, filled with black belts preparing for tournaments like the IBJJF Worlds or Pan Ams.

 Evening (6:00 PM | 7:00 PM): The largest classes, packed with working professionals. The energy is high, but the “Red Shield” culture keeps it safe and respectful.

 

4. Safety & “Red Shield” Standards

Despite the high intensity, GBN maintains strict safety protocols in advanced classes:

 Controlled Aggression: “Spazzy” white belt energy is corrected immediately. In GB3, the goal is technical dominance, not injuring your partner to win a gym round.

 Uniform Policy: You must wear the official GB uniform (Gi) or Ranked Rashguard (No-Gi). This is strictly enforced to maintain the professional “team” atmosphere.

 

5. How to Join These Classes

 If you are a Transfer: If you are a Blue Belt moving to Northridge from another school, you can typically jump straight into GB2/GB3 after an evaluation by a professor.

 If you are a Beginner: You cannot drop into GB3. You must graduate from the GB1 program first. This ensures you know how to fall and protect yourself before entering the “shark tank.”

 

Joining the GB2/GB3 programs at Gracie Barra Northridge means stepping into the major leagues of Jiu-Jitsu. You move beyond basic survival and start learning the strategic, high-speed chess match of modern BJJ under the supervision of Hall of Fame legends.

 

Gracie Barra Northridge Location & Contact:

 

Address: 19520 Nordhoff St 10th, Northridge, CA 91324

 

Phone: +1 818-357-4074

 

info@gbnorthridge.com

 

Website: gbnorthridge.com

 

Hours

Mon-Thurs: 12 PM to 9 PM

Fridays: 12 PM to 7 PM

Saturdays: 9 AM to 2 PM

Sundays: CLOSED

Advanced BJJ Classes Northridge GB2 & GB3 Program | Phone Number: +1 818-357-4074