The Structure of a GB1 Class in Gracie Barra Northridge Jiu-Jitsu

 

The structured nature of the GB1 program is a hallmark of the Gracie Barra system globally, and it is the key reason why beginners find the academy welcoming and easy to follow. The goal of this class is consistency, safety, and building a foundation of high-percentage, effective techniques.

 

A standard GB1 class at GBN is typically 60 minutes long and follows a predictable, disciplined routine.

 

1. Pre-Class Protocol (The Ritual)

 

Before the class officially begins, there are mandatory rituals that reinforce safety and discipline:

 

 Arrival (15-20 minutes early): Students check in at the front desk. Beginners ensure they have their loaner Gi or their uniform on correctly.

 The Shoe Rule: Students must wear flip-flops or slides up to the edge of the mat. Shoes are removed at the mat line, and students bow toward the center of the mat or the Professor before stepping onto the training area.

 Waiting Position: Students typically sit or kneel quietly on the edge of the mat until the Professor calls them to line up.

 

2. Class Opening (The Formal Start)

 

The class begins promptly with a formal gathering.

 

 Line Up: Students line up quickly facing the Professor, generally organized by belt rank (White Belts at the end of the line).

 Bowing In: The Professor or assistant instructor will lead a formal bow. The students bow to the Professor and often bow toward the portrait of Grandmaster Carlos Gracie Sr. or the Gracie Barra shield, showing respect for the lineage and the art.

 

3. The Warm-Up (10–15 Minutes)

 

The warm-up at GBN is functional—it prepares the body for the unique movements of Jiu-Jitsu and builds specific muscle endurance.

 

 Calisthenics: Basic movements to raise the heart rate (jumping jacks, push-ups, sit-ups).

 BJJ Drills: This segment is vital. Students practice fundamental solo movements that form the basis of all escapes and positional changes:

     Shrimping (Hip Escape): The foundational movement for escaping bad positions.

     Bridging: Used for generating power and escaping the Mount position.

     Breakfalls: Learning to safely slap the mat to dissipate energy when thrown, preventing concussions or injuries.

     Forward and Backward Rolls: Preparing the neck and spine for movement.

 

4. Self-Defense Technique (10–15 Minutes)

 

In true Gracie fashion, the first core technique taught is almost always focused on street self-defense.

 

 The Scenario: The Professor demonstrates a defense against a common street attack (e.g., escaping a rear naked choke from standing, defending a wrist grab, or neutralizing a bear hug).

 Drilling: Students pair up and practice the move cooperatively, focusing on the mechanics, leverage, and timing, not speed or power. This reinforces that BJJ is a system designed for real-world application.

 

5. Ground Technique (20–25 Minutes)

 

This is the core instructional segment where the week’s curriculum is taught.

 

 Demonstration: The Professor demonstrates a ground technique (e.g., the Armbar from Closed Guard). The instruction is highly detailed, focusing on grips, weight placement, and body alignment (the why behind the move).

 The Curriculum Cycle: This technique adheres to the 16-week cycle (e.g., if it’s Week 5, the entire focus is on Guard Passing). Beginners are never overwhelmed by random, complicated moves.

 Partner Drilling: Students pair up and drill the move repeatedly. The emphasis is on slow, perfect repetition. Instructors walk around correcting errors in grip or positioning. Beginners are encouraged to ask questions and take their time.

 

6. Specific Training (10 Minutes)

 

This segment transitions from cooperative drilling to live, controlled practice.

 

 Positional Sparring (Controlled Intensity): This is not free fighting. The Professor dictates the starting position and the limited objective (e.g., “You start in Side Control. The bottom person tries only to recover the Guard. The top person tries only to maintain the pin.”).

 Beginner Safety: This controlled format is essential for safety. It allows students to test the technique they just learned against light resistance without the chaos and injury risk of full sparring. This builds confidence while reinforcing the technique.

 Note: In some GB1 classes, this segment may be replaced entirely by more drilling time, depending on the class size and student experience level.

 

7. Cool Down and Closing (5 Minutes)

 

The class ends with a physical and formal closing routine.

 

 Cool Down: Light stretching and breathing exercises, often performed while seated or lying down. This is crucial for relaxing the muscles and lowering the heart rate after an intense session.

 Line Up & Bow Out: Students line up again. The Professor often offers a closing thought on the lesson and answers final questions. The class ends with a formal bow to the Professor.

 Handshakes: Students line up and shake hands with every person they trained with, showing respect and gratitude—a core tenet of the Gracie Barra culture.

 

 Summary Checklist for a GB1 Student:

 

 Phase  Goal for the Beginner  Key Safety Protocol

 

 Opening  Be on time and line up quickly by rank.  Bowing on/off the mat (respect). 

 Warm-Up  Focus on shrimping and bridging mechanics.  Learn the breakfall properly. 

 Technique  Focus on the details of the grip and leverage.  Partner with higher belts for controlled drilling. 

 Specific Training  Test the technique, but tap early if caught.  Stick strictly to the Professor’s designated objective. 

 Closing  Thank the Professor and all training partners.  Return loaner Gi (if applicable) and wear flip-flops off the mat.

 

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

The Structure of a GB1 Class in Gracie Barra Northridge Jiu-Jitsu