Gracie Combatives® Program: Proven, Effective Self-Defense
Gracie Combatives Program Overview
Gracie Combatives is our beginner program for adults. In this program, you will learn the 36 core techniques of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in a fun, safe, and cooperative environment.
Each one-hour lesson addresses one standing and one ground self-defense technique, which are further broken down into simplified drills or “slices” to facilitate the learning process.
You can start the program at any time and participate in any class without previous experience and, since safety is our number one concern, there is no competitive sparring in this program.
Upon successful completion of the Gracie Combatives program you will earn your Gracie Combatives Belt which will qualify you for advancement into the Master Cycle program.
For more information please contact gracie.ctc.alexandria@gmail.com.
36 Essential Jiu-Jitsu Techniques
Although the art of jiu-jitsu consists of over 600 techniques, studies of real fights conducted by members of the Gracie Family have shown that 36 techniques have been used more often and with greater success than all the other techniques combined.
Originally developed for the U.S. Army, Gracie Combatives is the only course that is entirely dedicated to the mastery of these 36 essential techniques.
You need absolutely no experience to start this program. Our instructors conduct all classes in a cooperative training environment and are committed to ensuring that every new student has an informative, enjoyable experience regardless of age, gender, or athletic ability.
Gracie Bullyproof®
Every month in the United States, three million children miss school due to fear of bullies. In the Gracie Bullyproof program, our goal is to instill your child with unshakable confidence so they can overcome bullies without violence. Due to the non-violent nature of the techniques, CNN, ABC, NBC, and Oprah have featured the Gracie Bullyproof program as one of the few effective counter-measures to bullying for children ages of 5 to 12.
We will teach your child to use verbal assertiveness to deter bullies and several non-violent self-defense techniques to stay safe if physically assaulted. Importantly, we don't teach how to punch or kick, since this often does more harm than good. Instead, we use leverage-based control holds to neutralize threats without violence. Numerous school districts have embraced the defensive nature of the Gracie Bullyproof techniques as a reasonable, nonviolent response to bullying and some even host Gracie Bullyproof classes on campus! The bottom line is: we will prepare your child to defend themselves against bullies without turning them into one.
If you're interested in instilling your child with unshakable confidence while reinforcing positive values and good character, the Gracie Bullyproof program is for you! Even if your child has previously tried Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and had a negative experience, we can assure you that they will absolutely love the Gracie Bullyproof program!
Classes are held on Saturday from noon - 1:00 pm and on Tuesday and Thursday from 4:30 pm - 5:15 pm.
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Instructor
Zac Olson, 2nd Degree Shidokan & Gracie-Certified Jiu-Jitsu
Self defense is a critical skill and the reason I practice Shidokan Karate and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. The combination of both arts gives me the confidence to handle myself in any situation. One is not better than the other, they are different and of equal importance.
I started training in martial arts in 2002 at Sensei Iha’s Dojo in Lansing, Michigan. I had always been an athlete, and got the recommendation to look into Sensei Iha’s dojo from a friend. As soon as I walked in the door, I was impressed by the level of expertise that I saw as well as the opportunity for students to develop their knowledge and use practical applications.
In 2004 I entered the Army putting my karate career on hold. I deployed twice to Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom and once to Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. The lessons I had learned from karate gave me the confidence to handle myself during combat.
When I discovered Sensei Roberto’s dojo in 2016, I was so happy to continue to learn. I appreciate how Sensei Iha and Sensei Roberto have a focus on self-defense. Throughout my career I have always tried to develop my skills to ensure that I was prepared for whatever situation may arise. I am particularly interested in the practical applications that can be discovered within the kata, kumite, and bunkai.
I found Gracie Jiu-Jitsu after I was already a Black Belt in Karate. I attended a jiu-jitsu class in the Pentagon to see what it was all about. I discovered immediately that all the skills I have standing do not translate that well to the ground! This opened my eyes to a whole new world of self defense and I have been hooked ever since. After practicing both arts I am always amazed to discover the amount of connections there are between karate and jiu-jitsu. I love that the martial arts journey never ends, and there is limitless potential to improve and learn.