Professor Romulo Barral BJJ Classes Northridge CA | Phone Number: +1 818-357-4074
Professor Romulo Barral BJJ Classes in Northridge, CA, refers to the elite Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training programs offered at Gracie Barra Northridge, a world-renowned academy founded and led by Hall of Fame inductee Romulo Barral.
This academy is widely considered a “Mecca” for BJJ competitors and serious practitioners due to Barral’s active involvement and the high density of championship-level talent on the mats.
Here is a detailed breakdown of the classes, curriculum, and training environment.
- The Leader: Professor Romulo Barral
The core draw of this academy is Romulo Barral himself. He is not just a figurehead; he is the active head instructor and mentor.
Credentials: A 10-time World Champion (5x IBJJF Black Belt World Champion, ADCC Champion, No-Gi World Champion) and member of the BJJ Hall of Fame.
Teaching Style: Known for a “No Excuses” mentality combined with extreme technical precision. His teaching emphasizes “Invisible Jiu-Jitsu”—the subtle weight distribution and leverage details that make techniques work at the highest levels.
Signature Techniques: Students receive direct instruction on Barral’s signature Spider Guard (using the feet on biceps to control opponents) and his aggressive Knee Cut Passing system (using heavy pressure to slice through guards).
- The Class Structure (Gracie Barra Curriculum)
The academy follows the standardized, tiered Gracie Barra curriculum, ensuring a logical progression from day one to black belt.
GB1: Fundamentals Program (Beginners)
Target Audience: Total beginners and white belts.
Focus: Self-defense, safety, and core mechanics.
Format: A 16-week cycle covering essential positions (Guard, Mount, Side Control) and escapes. There is typically no live sparring (rolling) in the early stages of this program to prevent injury and intimidation.
Goal: To build a “base” so students can survive on the ground.
GB2: Advanced Program
Target Audience: White belts (usually 3 stripes and up) and colored belts.
Focus: Transitioning from self-defense to Sport Jiu-Jitsu.
Format: This class introduces live sparring. Students learn complex combinations, takedowns, and open guard variations (De La Riva, Spider).
GB3: Black Belt Program
Target Audience: Blue belts and higher.
Focus: High-level strategy, “game” development, and competition prep.
Format: The intensity is higher, with longer sparring rounds and advanced technical breakdowns. This is often where the “Pro Training” atmosphere is most palpable.
No-Gi Classes
Focus: Grappling without the kimono (Gi).
Style: Emphasizes wrestling, speed, and body locks. Because Romulo is an ADCC Champion, the No-Gi curriculum here is world-class, blending BJJ with wrestling takedowns.
- The “Competition Team” Atmosphere
Gracie Barra Northridge is famous for its 12:00 PM Competition Training sessions (often open to advanced students/pros).
The Room: It is common to see visiting World Champions and MMA fighters on the mats. The training is grueling, often utilizing “Shark Tank” drills (one student fights fresh opponents every 60 seconds) to build elite cardio.
Mentorship: Despite the high level, the culture is described as “family-like” and ego-free. Higher belts are expected to mentor lower belts rather than crush them.
- Kids Program (Future Champions)
Led by Professor Jaeson Bianchi (a 2nd-degree black belt and veteran), the kids’ program is robust and disciplined.
Structure: Classes are split by age (Little Champions I & II, Juniors, Teens).
Values: Focuses on anti-bullying, respect, and coordination. Kids learn to neutralize aggression without throwing punches.
- Location & Logistics
Address: 19520 Nordhoff St 10th, Northridge, CA 91324.
Contact: (818) 357-4074.
Facility: The gym adheres to “Red Shield” hygiene standards, meaning mats are sanitized constantly, and students must wear clean, matching uniforms (Gi).
Schedule: Classes run daily, with morning (6 AM \ 7 AM), lunch (12 PM), and evening (5 PM – 9 PM) slots to accommodate professionals.
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
Professor Romulo Barral BJJ Classes Northridge CA | Phone Number: +1 818-357-4074
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Gracie Barra Northridge Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Self Defense
Phone: +1 818-357-4074Secondary phone: +1 818-357-4074
Email: info@gbnorthridge.com
URL: https://gbnorthridge.com/
| Monday | 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM |
| Thursday | 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM |
| Friday | 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |







