Gracie Barra – Yorba Linda

I’ve been practicing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with Professor Carlos for almost four years and since day one it had been amazing. It is a very welcoming environment where you feel like you are part of a team and a family. If you are looking to challenge yourself, learn something new, and be healthy, this is the right place.

I couldn’t speak more highly of this establishment and its owners. There doesn’t seem to be very many family owned businesses around anymore, but this one is a gem. Professor Carlos and his team love what they do and it shows. If I’m going to train, I want to learn from the best and that’s what you get here. I highly recommend trying this place it. You won’t be disappointed.

Gracies is a family establishment that has kids and adults martial training which i develop a real finesse and physical mental skills while doing my routine there.

First of all, check out the photos to see the copy of my cancellation fee receipt on my «30-​day cancel for any reason without a fee» cancellation.
This was an unfortunate bait-​and-​switch scenario. After our free intro lesson for my son, we were given the prices, which were pretty expensive. I baulked a little and they offered to waive the registration fees, which we agreed to pending the intro lesson for my daughter. Later, prior to that intro lesson, Berrin, the wife of the owner/​head instructor Carlos, called with what she described as the «deal of the century». The deal she described over the phone was cheaper than what was proposed on the day of our first intro lesson. Berrin described it as a rare month-​end deal offered by the Gracie Barra association intended to increase membership. She called it a «really good deal». Part of the deal was the ability to cancel the contract within 30 days for any reason without a cancellation fee. We liked the deal as described and signed up over the phone with the intention of completing the contract at our first visit. However, it took two weeks to catch up with Berrin to sign the paperwork. Upon looking at the contract, I realized that they were charging us more than we agreed upon over the phone. The «deal of the century» was actually more expensive than the deal they originally proposed at the first intro lesson. I questioned the extra cost and Berrin lied to me, gave me ridiculous excuses, and tried to throw her employee Chris under the bus when in fact she was the person that gave me the pricing. At the end of the day, instead of reducing the price to the agreed upon amount, she offered me t-​shirts and sweatshirts to make up for the difference in pricing.
They charge A LOT of money for lessons ($ 3,000 for two kids for one year), but we were willing to pay because we thought this would be good for our kids (allow them to increase their self confidence and help them learn some self defense). But apparently $ 1,500 per kid is not enough money for them, and they had to sneak a little extra into the contract. I cannot entrust the safety of my kids to people who will comprise their morals and integrity for a mere $ 206. If they would have been up front with the price in the first place, we would have likely paid that price, but instead they behaved like crooks. The sneaky/​greedy/​petty nonsense left a bad taste in my mouth.
We decided to cancel our contract two weeks into the deal. As I mentioned above, there was not supposed to be any fees associated with a cancellation within 30 days. Berrin told us to come to the office to complete the paperwork. Despite previously promising a penalty-​free cancellation and despite not saying anything over the phone about any fees or penalties, when my wife arrived, as if on a whim, they announced that we owed them $ 280 for uniforms. .. uniforms that we already paid for as part of the initial sign up fees. My wife left without paying.
Carlos (the owner/​head instructor) called me that evening. His comments made little sense. For example, he stated that they could charge us for the uniforms because Berrin did not tell us that she was not going to charge us for the uniforms if we cancelled. He also said that Berrin didn’t cover everything on the contract because they didn’t think we would cancel (note: there is nothing about a uniform fee on the contract). That type of «logic» made for an interesting/​confusing conversation.
Apparently, «no penalty cancellation» actually means «we’re going to find some way to make you pay for cancelling». This is exactly the nickel and dime nonsense I feared after they tried to slip one past us on the contract.
Rather than drag the situation out, I offered to pay for one uniform to put this to bed. What can I say — it was a moment of weakness on my part. I received the receipt today, and you would expect it to say «uniform sale» or something similar considering Carlos’ claim that we owed them for the uniforms. However it said «membership cancellation fee». Yep, a cancellation fee on our penalty-​free cancellation.
Since the day I found out about the bait-​and-​switch, I have subsequently learned from the internet and through talking to other parents that this was not an unusual instance for Gracie Barra. DO NOT SIGN UP at this place. Find another school. This place is not worth the frustration. The Gracie Barra name drives up costs, but the unprofessional conduct at the Yorba Linda location will cost you more.

My 6 year old son has been training at this school for over 2 years. Besides meeting good friends, he has gained so much confidence. His teachers had told me that he would never stand up for himself. With the expertise, patience and guidance of Professor Carlos and team, my son has learned to be assertive when he needs to be.

We love everything about this place. The owners are so nice and talkative. They answer all of our questions, with patience. Our 5 year old loves coming to class. It has boosted his confidence and self esteem, and our two year old is already marking down the days till it’s his time to get on the mat (classes start at 3 years old)

Love Carlos the master, he is the real deal. My son has been with this instructor for 2 years now, Try it out your kids will love it.

I would HIGHLY recommend Gracie Barra Yorba Linda. The instructors are amazing and great with the students. The school is owned by Professor Carlos who is also the head instructor. He is a World Masters Champion. He is down to earth and Awesome with his students and students families, along with his wife they make the school a Family friendly environment for learning.
A little less than a year ago I signed up my 5 year old son. The school has helped with teaching him confidence, respect, discipline and has taught him to keep active. The instructors are hands on and dedicated to teaching the kids in a positive, fun environment while teaching them respect and discipline. The Instructors truly care about the students, and have lots of patients.
This is truly a family friendly enviroment. The school plans activities to engage with the students and bond with their families.
I cant wait to start my other children.

I trained here for a while a few years back. I personally really liked all the instructors (that is the only thing keeping this from a 1 star.)
Their instruction was enthusiastic and detailed, and they paid good attention to their students. The mats were always clean, and the other students were cool. They only permit the Gracie Barra Gi, which sucks in quality and was way overpriced.
Why am I rating this 2 stars? Gracie Barra corporate policies.
Be aware that when you sign up, you are entering an auto-​renewing contract in 1-​year terms!
My job changed part way through my contract, and I was forced to move. I wanted to cancel and find a new gym in my new area. Well that just wasn’t going to happen with Gracie Barra’s corporate sharks. There was a Gracie Barra gym within a certain distance to my new place (not close at all) so they told me they would not cancel my membership, and I can pay the full amount, or we can negotiate a settlement.
I have good credit, and was unwilling to let a Karate studio damage it, so I had to pay over $ 450 to get out of my contract (I was on the hook for another 9 months.)
If you aren’t able to commit to a training facilty for 1-​year periods, I suggest you continue your search.

I can not begin to speak highly enough about Gracie Barra and Professor Carlos. At one time I had 3 of my children training with him and his staff. I can honestly say that the benefits of working and training as a team are priceless. What our family gained I never had considered. They have all learned confidence and identity in BJJ. My youngest is now away at college and home for the holiday. One of the first things he talked about when getting home was going to see Prof. Carlos. Prof Carlos is really a hero to my son. He started as an antsy and immature little kid that might cry at a loss, into a confident strong young man. If you are considering choosing a sport or look at Gracie Placentia with Professor Carlos I say DO it. You will be blessed. I sincerely will be forever grateful.

Yes this is a great place for the kiddos. My little guy joined over two years ago at the age of four. He absolutely loves going to class and went from a kid who was just going through the motions to someone that has focus. Professor Carlos is sooooo patient with the kids. My only advice is stick with it. Fight hard, help each other, and have fun.

I sent three boys (Jr. High to high school) to this location for about 1 ½ years. Professor Carlos is friendly and wonderful with kids. Unfortunately, they don’t have too many boys around their age; usually they are too young or too mature for them. It is a great, well run place. I can’t say the same for the lady who handles accounting though. I never met her in person, but only had the pleasure of corresponding with her via email. After multiple emails regarding putting a hold, uniform borrowing, and quitting on different occasions, I think it is safe to say that she is curt, rude, and unpleasant to deal with. We probably would not be quitting completely (for all three boys) if it weren’t for her, but instead taking a longer time off. She is not interested in retaining students and seems more concerned about her rules which by the way are not specified on the contract or verbally communicated. If you decide to quit, your notice is a 2 billing cycle, which ends up being more like 3 months. Although it states that you need to give a 2 months notice, they don’t prorate. So if you want to quit, you better quit before your billing cycle. Otherwise you have to wait quite a while to actually quit. Since I have three boys, this actually matters a bit.

For about two years of winning or learning, still making good memories with this team.

This is a great gym to learn Brazillian jiu-​jitsu! I travel out of my area to come to this gym for the quality of teaching Professor Carlos gives. I have been training here for more than 4 years and I absolutely love the experience given here. The facility is great and there is a great sense of teamwork between all the students. I wouldn’t want to choose any other training facility to train at!

Great Gracie Barra School!!! I’ve been a student and even worked at Gracie Barra’s in Orange County for over 5 years now. GB Placentia was the first school I’ve ever attended. Prof. Carlos is a great instructor and shows much needed details in his technique. He has a strong team on Coaches that does a great job too.
His kids classes are exciting and educational at the same time.
If you are in the Placentia/​Yorba Linda area and are looking for a great martial arts school thats very family oriented and fun, I highly recommend you go check out GB Placentia. Whether its for you, your children, or your whole family, its a great place to be.

Very solid school. Professor Carlos follows the gracie barra curriculum and is very professional. The technique is solid. The teaching style is positive and systematic. I learn something new in every class.

I love this Brazilian Jiu Jitsu academy, Gracie Barra Placentia is a very friendly atmosphere and the instruction is amazing. Professor Carlos shows a lot of passion when teaching the classes and he keeps me motivated and excited to come to the next class. So if your looking to be the next BJJ star or just want a fun workout, this is the place to be!!!