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Gracie Barra Arnold provides age-appropriate Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu programmes designed to support physical literacy, confidence, emotional development, and positive behaviour. Our sessions are inclusive, structured, and delivered by certified instructors in a safe and encouraging environment.
Developing physical literacy, confidence, and resilience through martial arts
About Gracie Barra Arnold
Gracie Barra is a global leader in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, with more than 1,000 schools worldwide. Founded by Master Carlos Gracie Jr., Gracie Barra is built on the philosophy that Jiu-Jitsu should be for everyone.
At Gracie Barra Arnold, we follow a world-recognised teaching methodology used across schools and academies internationally. Our approach focuses on:
Skill development
Goal-focused progression
Respect, discipline, and teamwork
Supportive and inclusive learning environments
We are more than a martial arts school, we are a community where every student is encouraged to reach their full potential.
World-Class Instruction for Every Student
All instructors at Gracie Barra Arnold are:
Certified through the Gracie Barra Instructor Certification Programme (ICP)
Enhanced DBS checked
First Aid trained
Safeguarding trained
Our team is experienced in working with a wide range of ages and learning needs, ensuring each session is:
Safe and structured
Developmentally appropriate
Positive and encouraging
Consistent and inclusive
Our curriculum supports key Ofsted Personal Development areas including:
Resilience and self-regulation
Confidence and character education
Respect and teamwork
Individual support to help every learner succeed
How Jiu-Jitsu Supports PE & School Sport Premium Objectives
| Premium Objective | How Jiu-Jitsu Supports It |
|---|---|
| Develop fundamental movement skills | Games and drills build coordination, agility, balance, and motor control for lifelong physical development. |
| Raise activity levels | High-energy sessions include all students, with adaptations for different levels of confidence and ability. |
| Support mental wellbeing | Structured challenges and clear routines help students build focus, resilience, and emotional regulation. |
| Build life skills | Students learn cooperation, perseverance, listening skills, and personal responsibility. |
| Offer broader physical activity options | Jiu-Jitsu engages pupils who may be less confident in traditional sports. |
| Raise confidence through skill development | Practical self-defence concepts develop composure, decision-making, and personal safety awareness. |
Age-Specific Curriculum
Our programmes follow the Gracie Barra Kids Curriculum and support age-appropriate development in line with Ofsted’s focus areas including personal development, behaviour and attitudes, and physical literacy.
Tiny Champions (3–4 years old)
A playful introduction to movement and teamwork. Sessions help young children develop motor skills, follow simple instructions, and build early social awareness. This supports communication, physical development, and emotional regulation in line with Early Years goals.
Little Champions 1 (5–6 years old)
Children begin working with partners, following multi-step activities, and taking part in structured routines. We reinforce turn-taking, listening, and perseverance. This encourages self-regulation, focus, and respectful behaviour that aligns with Key Stage 1 personal development expectations.
Little Champions 2 (7–9 years old)
Students become more independent learners, able to solve problems and retain technical instruction. Classes develop cooperation, resilience, and responsible behaviour. This promotes emotional maturity and strong peer relationships in line with Lower Key Stage 2 social and emotional learning.
Juniors and Teens (10–15 years old)
Older students explore more complex challenges and concepts. Our sessions build confidence, reinforce respectful conduct, and foster leadership in a supportive environment. This contributes to KS2 and KS3 transitions and enhances self-awareness, personal responsibility, and long-term goal setting.
Why Jiu-Jitsu Works For Every Learner
PE and Enrichment
Reinforces physical competence, confidence, and personal development.
Engagement of Boys
Provides a structured outlet for energy, challenge, and focus in a respectful environment.
Girls’ Confidence and Inclusion
Success based on skill, not size or strength. Builds confidence, belonging, and self-defence awareness.
Mental Health and Wellbeing
Helps students build emotional control, calmness under pressure, and a positive sense of achievement.
SEND Access and Adaptability
Techniques and drills can be adapted for physical or cognitive needs. Routine supports social and emotional development.
Alternative Provision Support
A safe and positive environment where students can experience consistency, accountability, and personal growth.
Safety and Safeguarding
All instructors are:
- Enhanced DBS-checked
- First aid certified
- Safeguard trained
- Trained to deliver age-appropriate sessions that prioritise student wellbeing and injury prevention
Our academy maintains:
- A designated safeguarding lead and clear reporting policies
- Clean, risk-assessed facilities with strict hygiene protocols
- An on-site defibrillator
- A culture of respect, inclusion, and zero tolerance for bullying or unsafe behaviour
We take care to ensure that every student feels safe, seen, and supported – whether it’s their first session or their fiftieth.
Safety is a core part of everything we do at Gracie Barra Arnold. Our approach is built around creating a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for every child – both physically and emotionally.
Delivery Options
We offer:
- Free taster sessions – An introduction to Jiu-Jitsu in a welcoming, supportive environment.
- Weekly term blocks – Designed to complement your school’s physical education and personal development goals.
- Pupil Premium enrichment programmes – Targeted support to build confidence, resilience, and physical literacy in students who need it most.
- Martial arts experience days – Engaging, hands-on sessions that bring the excitement and benefits of Jiu-Jitsu to your pupils.
All sessions are grounded in the Gracie Barra Method – a globally respected, research-informed teaching framework. Each class is carefully aligned with students’ developmental needs and focused on promoting not just physical skill, but also confidence, discipline, and character.
All classes take place at our fully equipped Gracie Barra Arnold academy, where students train in a clean, safe, and inspiring environment.
Our Facility
Gracie Barra Arnold is home to a 140-square-metre, purpose-built Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu facility, designed specifically to support high-quality instruction and a positive student experience. Our academy is a professional, welcoming environment that’s well suited to school partnerships, group visits, and long-term development opportunities.
Train in a safe, modern, and welcoming space.
What our facility offers
- Large Professional Mat Area – Fully matted with high-quality materials to ensure safety, comfort, and injury prevention.
- Men’s & Women’s Changing Rooms – Clean, welcoming, and well-maintained facilities suitable for student groups.
- Comfortable Viewing Area – Space for teachers or accompanying staff to observe and support sessions.
- Safe & Supportive Environment – Our facilities are maintained to the highest cleanliness and safety standards to provide the very best training conditions for our students.
Sample Class Plan
Each session follows a consistent and age-appropriate structure designed to maximise engagement, learning, and safety.
Warm Up
Each class begins with a structured warm-up to prepare the body for movement and minimise the risk of injury. Activities focus on increasing heart rate, mobilising joints, and activating key muscle groups.
Physical Drill
Standalone activity designed to develop strength, coordination, and awareness of body movement in space. Examples include animal walks, agility drills, or age-appropriate movement patterns.
Technique 1 (Self-Defence or Takedown)
Focus on a standing movement such as breakfalls, standing base, or simple takedown mechanics. Builds body awareness and personal safety skills in a controlled environment.
Technique 2 (Ground)
Introduction to a ground position or transition such as mount control, back escape, or guard attack. Taught step-by-step with emphasis on cooperation and control.
Specific Training
Structured partner practice to reinforce the techniques taught. Encourages timing, problem-solving, and positive partner interaction in a safe and supportive format.
Game (Age Dependent)
Fun games that apply class themes in a playful format. Ideal for reinforcing teamwork and movement in younger groups or refining timing and control in older students.
End-of-Class Message (Word of the Week)
A short reflection focused on a core life skill such as Respect, Discipline, or Leadership. Helps students connect what they learn on the mat to real-life situations.
1. Schedule a Chat
Set up a short call to discuss your school’s PE and enrichment objectives, year groups, and any questions.
Email info@gbarnold.com to arrange a convenient time.
2. Receive a Programme Plan
We will provide a custom session outline and pricing options that align with your goals and school calendar.
Every school is different, so we tailor the approach to your needs.
3. Get Started
Once confirmed, we book your first session. You can choose a free pupil trial session or observe a live class.
This ensures you experience the structure, atmosphere, and approach first-hand.
Join Gracie Barra Arnold Today
If you’re in Arnold, Nottingham, or surrounding areas like Carlton, Mapperley, Sherwood, Gedling, Calverton, or Hucknall – come and see how Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can transform your life. We’re more than a martial arts school. We’re a family. And we can’t wait to welcome you.
Book your Free Class
or get in touch today
Getting started at Gracie Barra is easy, our staff will help you every step of the way to make sure you have the best experience of Jiu-Jitsu possible at Gracie Barra Arnold.