Gracie Barra Stafford

Gracie Barra Stafford is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) and self-defense academy located in Stafford, Virginia, part of the Washington DC metropolitan area. The academy offers quality, professional instruction in a family-friendly environment, with a focus on creating a safe training space for students of all ages, genders, and physical abilities. The instructors, led by Professor Thiago Reinaldo, a 3rd degree Black Belt under Henrique Machado, are praised for their excellence. They keep students accountable and active, especially the children, in a very friendly and clean environment that allows them to learn and grow. The academy has a strong sense of community and culture, where everyone takes care of each other, trains hard, and maintains the utmost respect. As one reviewer notes, "You'll feel it the moment you walk in the door" - this is a true community and family. The dedication and focus of the owners, Professor Thiago and Jamie, also stand out. As full-time professionals, they are entirely committed to teaching BJJ and running the academy in the best way possible. This level of focus is evident in the organization, their involvement with students at competitions, and Professor Thiago's continued personal training and competing. Safety is a top priority at Gracie Barra Stafford. The instructors implement best practices to mitigate risk, especially for the children's classes. Professor Thiago carefully pairs up students, ensures proper supervision, and briefs everyone on safety protocols. This focus on safety allows even those with past injuries to train hard without setbacks. Finally, the skill and expertise of Professor Thiago as both a practitioner and instructor are highlighted. As a jiu-jitsu professional who has dedicated his life to the art, he brings an exceptionally high level of knowledge and teaching ability. His continued competition keeps him sharp, and his instruction allows students, whether beginners or competitors, to progress quickly and safely. Overall, Gracie Barra Stafford is praised for its positive community culture, dedicated ownership, safety-conscious approach, and world-class instruction. The academy is highly recommended for anyone interested in learning Brazilian jiu-jitsu, whether for themselves or their children.