Meet the Instructors at Gracie Barra Northridge Jiu-Jitsu

 

Gracie Barra Northridge (GBN) boasts a world-class team of instructors, led by one of the most celebrated figures in the history of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). The teaching staff is distinguished by a blend of competitive excellence, dedicated mentorship, and specialized expertise.

 

Here is a detailed look at the core instructors and the strengths they bring to the GBN team:

 

1. Professor Romulo Barral (Founder and Head Professor)

 

Professor Romulo Barral is the face and philosophy behind Gracie Barra Northridge. Training under him provides a direct link to the highest level of BJJ expertise.

 

 Detail  Description  Impact on Students

 

 Rank & Title  Fifth-Degree Black Belt under Vinicius Draculino, BJJ Hall of Fame Member.  Teaches a complete, systemic understanding of BJJ, not just isolated techniques. 

 Competitive Legacy  5-time IBJJF World Champion, ADCC World Champion.  Students learn high-percentage, proven techniques that work at the elite level. 

 Technical Focus  Renowned for his aggressive Spider Guard and crushing Top Pressure passing game.  His advanced classes teach the nuanced connection between positions and submissions. 

 Teaching Philosophy  Emphasizes humility, discipline, and meticulous attention to detail.  Fosters a “No-Ego” environment where all students are respected and encouraged to focus on continuous improvement. 

 

2. Professor Jaeson Bianchi (Kids Program Director)

 

Professor Bianchi is a veteran instructor whose specialty ensures the future generation of BJJ practitioners at GBN is nurtured with discipline and care.

 

 Detail  Description  Impact on Students

 

 Rank & Title  Second-Degree Black Belt under Romulo Barral.  Deeply familiar with the GBN system and Professor Barral’s technical standards. 

 Specialty  Head instructor of one of the largest and most successful kids programs in the world (over 10 years experience).  Exceptional at breaking down complex BJJ concepts into simple, age-appropriate lessons. 

 Background  Proud veteran with military service.  Instills discipline, leadership, and resilience in young students, focusing on character development alongside BJJ technique. 

 Teaching Style  Known for his leadership, care, and ability to create a structured yet uplifting environment where children thrive. 

 

3. Professor Caio Vinicius (Dedicated Instructor and Competitor)

 

Professor Caio Vinicius is a key figure who brings a competitive edge and high energy to both the kids’ and adult programs.

 

 Detail  Description  Impact on Students

 

 Competitive Status  2x IBJJF World Champion (achieved at the Brown Belt level).  Highly motivated and actively involved in the competitive circuit, ensuring the instruction is current and effective against modern strategies. 

 Teaching Style  Known for his sharp technique, clarity, and dedicated approach.  Inspires students with a competitive spirit while providing the technical detail needed to execute moves with precision. 

 Role  Dedicated and driven instructor for both children and adults.  Helps motivate students of all ages, demonstrating the practical success that comes from hard work and technical mastery. 

 

4. The Instructor Team Philosophy

 

The collective strength of the GBN instruction team lies in their unified adherence to the Gracie Barra teaching methodology and core values:

 

 Certification (ICP): All instructors are part of the global Gracie Barra Instructor Certification Program (ICP), ensuring consistency, professionalism, and adherence to the organization’s high standards.

 Patience and Adaptability: Regardless of their competitive background, the instructors are known for their patience. They are skilled at adapting their teaching approach for all levels, from explaining basic movements to a complete beginner in the GB1 Fundamentals class to detailing advanced competition strategies in the GB2/GB3 classes.

 Mentor Focus: The instructors treat their positions as mentorship roles, guiding students not just in physical technique but in developing confidence, discipline, and perseverance that extends off the mats.

 

When you join Gracie Barra Northridge, you are joining a team led by a BJJ icon, Professor Romulo Barral. You benefit not only from his world-class technical knowledge but also from the focused, dedicated instruction of his senior team, including Professor Jaeson Bianchi (Kids Program expert) and Professor Caio Vinicius (competitive specialist). This team ensures that every student, from the newest white belt to the highest-level competitor, receives consistent, high-quality, and respectful instruction.

 

Would you like to know more about the specific classes taught by one of these professors, such as Romulo Barral’s advanced techniques?

 

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

Meet the Instructors at Gracie Barra Northridge Jiu-Jitsu