Spider Monkey and Me (4+ and guardian)
Our Spider Monkey and Me class is unique blend of foundational movements, parent and child drills, and games. In this class your child will learn basic Jiu Jitsu movements, situational awareness, and Jiu Jitsu positions. The primary focus of Spider Monkey and Me program is to develop attention span, bond with the parent, and create a solid foundation to build upon in older years. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (created by the Gracie family) is a highly effective and comprehensive system of standing and ground defense techniques utilizing rules of leverage. Even a smaller person can learn the principles of leverage that will assist them in defending themselves against or defeating a larger opponent. It is also a tremendous workout for children regardless of athletic ability. Our environment is very welcoming and the kids are required to show respect to one another at all times. We dedicate a portion of each class to making sure that they understand the character requirements of our art will having fun with their parents. It is a fantastic place to bring kids who are shy, restless/ADD, have social anxiety, etc.
Junior Grapplers (Ages 7-12):
Our kids Gracie Jiu-Jitsu class is designed to impart valuable life skills to our students from self-defense and general safety awareness to confidence and goal-setting. The primary focus of our kids program is to develop fundamental techniques, and create a solid foundation to build upon in older years. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (created by the Gracie family) is a highly effective and comprehensive system of standing and ground defense techniques utilizing rules of leverage. Even a smaller person can learn the principles of leverage that will assist them in defending themselves against or defeating a larger opponent. It is also a tremendous workout for children regardless of athletic ability. Our environment is very welcoming and the kids are required to show respect to one another at all times. We dedicate a portion of each class to making sure that they understand the character requirements of our art. We teach eye contact, hand shaking, how to address a bully, how to avoid fights, etc. It is a fantastic place to bring kids who are shy, restless/ADD, have social anxiety, etc.
Little Grapplers (Ages 4-6):
Our kids Gracie Jiu-Jitsu class is designed to impart valuable life skills to our students from self-defense and general safety awareness to confidence and goal-setting. The primary focus of our kids program is to develop fundamental techniques, and create a solid foundation to build upon in older years. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (created by the Gracie family) is a highly effective and comprehensive system of standing and ground defense techniques utilizing rules of leverage. Even a smaller person can learn the principles of leverage that will assist them in defending themselves against or defeating a larger opponent. It is also a tremendous workout for children regardless of athletic ability. Our environment is very welcoming and the kids are required to show respect to one another at all times. We dedicate a portion of each class to making sure that they understand the character requirements of our art. We teach eye contact, hand shaking, how to address a bully, how to avoid fights, etc. It is a fantastic place to bring kids who are shy, restless/ADD, have social anxiety, etc.
Muay Thai:
We offer the traditional form of Muay Thai (or Thai boxing) which is a popular combat sport of Thailand that uses stand-up striking along with various clinching techniques. This discipline is known as the “art of eight limbs” as it is characterized by the combined use of fists, elbows, knees, and shins. Muay Thai is a perfect addition to our Jiu-Jitsu curriculum and helps students become more comfortable on their feet. Our head instructor, Kristen DeBruycker, is a KRU under Ajarn Surchai “Chai” Sirisute. She has successfully competed in tournaments and coached champion fighters in competition. She was the head instructor at Pedro Sauer’s HQ in Northern Virginia and has trained in Thailand and around the United States for many years with the best instructors on earth. Kristen is a well rounded martial arts instructor with over 8 years of experience teaching Muay Thai to kids and adults.
Jiu-Jitsu Fundamentals for Adults & Teens:
This is the core adult Jiu-Jitsu fundamentals program at Gracie Charlottesville, recommended for ages 15+. In this program we teach the core self-defense techniques of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu (Pedro Sauer curriculum) in a safe and rewarding environment. We focus on standing and ground techniques, with and without weapons. Absolutely no experience is necessary and if you are worried about becoming injured, embarrassed, or uncomfortable, then this is the perfect class for you to start with. Pedro Sauer is an 8th degree Gracie/Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu coral belt and a former student of the legendary Rickson Gracie. Pedro Sauer is revered as one of the pioneers of the gentle art in the United States, having moved to the northern hemisphere country in the early 1990’s.
Open Rank Jiu-Jitsu for Adults:
This program is for the more experienced grapplers and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners who want to sharpen their skills for Jiu-Jitsu or MMA competition. We focus on the more advanced ground techniques that would be used for defeating higher level grappling opponents. This class provides the best workout because much of the time is dedicated to open-mat, rolling, and drilling. We do not recommend this program to beginners for the first 6-months because the risk of injury is much higher due to the live sparing. Over time, the students learn how to train safely in a live sparring environment.
Takedowns (Judo, Sambo, and Jiu-Jitsu) by Serhiy Vitko:
Judo is a modern Japanese martial art which focuses on throws and takedowns. Sambo is a Soviet martial art and combat sport which was designed to improve hand-to-hand combat abilities of servicemen. It was intended to be a merger of the most effective techniques of other martial arts. Our takedowns class is focused on combining the best techniques from all three martial arts. These classes are taught by Serhiy Vitko, Black Belt in Judo and Sambo, and Brown Belt in Jiu-Jitsu.
Jiu-Jitsu Open Mat for Adults and Teens:
In this class, the mat is open for practice. This is where you sharpen your skills and work on your muscle memory, while getting a great workout at the same time. Our Sunday Open Mats are 100% free and open to all affiliations.
Kali / JKD:
In our Kali/JKD class, students embark on a dynamic journey through the realms of Kali and Jeet Kune Do (JKD), two martial arts that emphasize fluidity, adaptability, and direct effectiveness. Kali, with its roots in the Philippines, is renowned for its focus on weapon-based training, particularly sticks, knives, and improvised weapons, alongside empty-hand techniques. This art form nurtures agility, coordination, and the strategic use of distance and timing. Jeet Kune Do, founded by Bruce Lee, integrates the best of various martial arts, advocating for a philosophy of simplicity, directness, and efficiency in combat. It prioritizes intercepting or attacking an opponent to prevent their attack. In our classes, practitioners learn through a blend of drills, sparring, and philosophical discussions, honing their skills in both armed and unarmed combat. The training environment fosters respect, discipline, and a continuous pursuit of personal excellence, making our Kali/JKD class a transformative experience for individuals seeking to explore these rich martial traditions.
MMA (Mixed Martial Arts):
In our Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) class, participants dive into the rigorous and exhilarating world of MMA, a combat sport known for its integration of techniques from various martial arts disciplines. The class provides a comprehensive training regimen that includes striking, grappling, wrestling, and submission techniques, offering a well-rounded approach to self-defense and competitive fighting. Our instructors focus on the development of physical conditioning, technical proficiency, and strategic thinking, ensuring that students are not only physically prepared but also mentally sharp. Sessions are structured to cater to all levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners, with drills, technique demonstrations, sparring, and personalized feedback being key components of the curriculum. The MMA class is designed to push participants to their limits in a supportive and respectful environment, promoting resilience, adaptability, and camaraderie among students. Whether aiming for personal growth, self-defense capabilities, or aspirations in competitive MMA, our class offers a solid foundation and a path to mastery in the diverse and challenging world of mixed martial arts.
