Women’s BJJ Program with Safe, Dedicated Classes | Phone Number: +1 818-357-4074

 

In the Gracie Barra ecosystem (specifically at Northridge and Agoura Hills), the “Women’s BJJ Program” is formally known as the GBF (Gracie Barra Female) Program.

 

This is not simply a co-ed class with a different name; it is a dedicated, specialized curriculum designed to introduce women to the art in an environment free from the “tough guy” energy of standard martial arts gyms.

 

Here is a detailed breakdown of how this program provides safe, dedicated training for women.

 

1. The GBF Program Structure

The Gracie Barra Female (GBF) program serves as a bridge. It allows women to learn the mechanics of leverage and control among peers before stepping into the mixed-gender general population classes (if they choose to).

 

 Women-Only Environment: The primary safety feature is the room itself. Classes are exclusively for women, taught by female instructors or highly vetted male professors (like Prof. Jaeson or Prof. Romulo). This removes the intimidation of rolling with men who may be 50lbs heavier.

 The “Pink Team” Community: You aren’t just joining a class; you are joining the Pink Team. This is the internal branding for the sisterhood of female practitioners at Gracie Barra. They organize social events, training camps, and seminars to ensure no woman feels isolated in a male-dominated sport.

 

2. The Curriculum: “Rape Prevention” & Empowerment

While the men’s program often focuses on “Sport Jiu-Jitsu” (scoring points), the Women’s Program is heavily weighted toward Self-Defense Survival.

 

 Anti-Abduction & Rape Prevention: The techniques focus on the most common threats women face:

     Hair Grab Escapes: How to neutralize an attacker grabbing your ponytail to drag you.

     Pinned on Ground: Escaping from underneath a heavier attacker (Mount or Guard) who is trying to pin your wrists or choke you.

     Distance Management: How to use your legs to keep a standing attacker away if you are knocked down.

 Leverage Over Strength: The core philosophy is that you do not need to be strong to be safe. You learn to use skeletal frames (locking your arms) and fulcrums to defeat opponents who are physically stronger.

 

3. Safety Protocols (The “Safe” Promise)

“Safe” is a technical term in this program, defined by three rules:

 

 Cooperative Drilling: In the beginning, there is no live sparring (fighting). You practice “cooperatively.” Your partner provides zero resistance so you can learn the movement mechanics without panic or risk of injury.

 Red Shield Hygiene: Gracie Barra’s cleanliness standards are strict. Clean uniforms, sanitized mats, and trimmed nails are mandatory. This creates a spa-like level of professionalism that contrasts with the “grimy gym” stereotype.

 Vetted Partners: When live rolling is introduced, it is often with higher belts (colored belts) who know how to control their strength and protect their partner, ensuring you are never injured by a clumsy beginner.

 

4. Instructors & Lineage

At Gracie Barra Northridge and Agoura, the women’s program is not an afterthought; it is led by the best.

 Professor Romulo Barral: His “No Excuses” mindset is adapted here to mean “Empowerment.” He champions the women’s team, ensuring they get the same technical attention as the male world champions.

 Female Leaders: The program often features female black or brown belts who act as role models, proving that high-level technical mastery is attainable for women.

 

5. Who is this for?

 Survivors: The program is trauma-informed. The “cooperative” nature of the training allows women who may have experienced trauma to reclaim their personal space and physical confidence at their own pace.

 Professionals: For women in Agoura/Northridge who want a high-intensity workout without the monotony of a treadmill, this offers cognitive cardio—solving problems while sweating.

 

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

Women’s BJJ Program with Safe, Dedicated Classes | Phone Number: +1 818-357-4074