Brazilian Jiu‑Jitsu, taught with structure and purpose.
Gracie Barra South Portland is a Brazilian Jiu‑Jitsu school for children, teens and adults. Professor Mario Lemos opened the academy in 2021, bringing the Gracie Barra teaching tradition to our local community.
Our programs give new students a clear place to begin and experienced students a path to keep learning. Whether you are choosing a class for your child or looking for a place to train yourself, you will find an approach built around practice, respect and cooperation.
798 Main St. Suite 9B · South Portland, ME
Jiu‑Jitsu takes practice. Understanding a movement and being able to use it are different things, and the fundamentals remain important as your training develops. Our structured curriculum gives students a framework for that process, rather than treating each class as an unrelated lesson.
Students learn with a partner, listen to instruction and take responsibility for how they train together. There is room to ask questions and revisit the basics. Progress is personal, but much of the work is shared.
We follow the teaching tradition developed by Carlos Gracie Jr. His emphasis on learning within a community is reflected in our school's values: discipline, respect and cooperation.
Children and adults learn differently. Our programs reflect that, with a curriculum suited to each stage of training. You do not need previous Jiu‑Jitsu experience to get started.
Adult training is organized into three levels: Fundamentals, Advanced and Black Belt. The Fundamentals program introduces the core principles of the art.
The later programs build on that foundation, giving students more room to develop their knowledge and technique as they gain experience.
Younger students have their own curriculum, starting with the essential basics of Jiu‑Jitsu. Age- and level-based groups let them learn alongside students at a similar stage.
Training also gives children and teens a setting to practice routine, cooperation and self-awareness as they learn the art.
