Gracie Barra Bloomington

I started my jiu jitsu journey here 10 years ago while I attended school. Always clean, top notch instruction focused on details and actually digesting techniques properly. My go to guard pass to this day, is one I learned from Don. The two times I needed to use Jiu jitsu to defend my life, were self defense techniques I learned from Don. Don always cared about all of us, came to our tournaments, worked out with us, and made sure our training environment was safe. At one point I was going through a hard time and wasn't in class for a few weeks. Don would call and make sure everything was alright and If I needed anything. No one does that. Don accepts everyone. Jiu jitsu and tough training is what filters people out. If you're interested in jiu jitsu, give this place a minimum of twice a week for 6 months to change your life. I'm glad I did.

Professor Don has a wonderful school and has been very welcoming each time we have visited. He is truly excited to see the students. He is patient taking extra time with those of us who just cannot seem to get the techniques down (me). The school is very clean with great mats and a HUGE locker room.Thank you Professor Don for welcoming us in your school! Bloomington-Normal is very fortunate to have you and your school in the community!!!

Incredibly friendly! I was in town for the weekend and they were gracious enough to let me get in some rolls. Everyone there was respectful and even taught me a few things. The facility is super well kept and Don was fantastic to talk to. Would highly recommend.

My two children (12 and 15) and I have had a wonderful time training here over the last year. Very clean environment, and Professor Don has always treated us with the utmost respect. He helped my son take gold at his first competition.

To me, this gym is about truly learning how to fight, but doing it safely and with a positive attitude. Professor Don is an amazing coach not only because of his top notch jiu jitsu, but also, and more importantly, because of his genuine care for his students. I attended this gym for only 7 months, and by the time I had to leave I walked away feeling sad because of the kind of relationships I developed here. As an Asian American, I would assure anyone that this place is not just inclusive, but it celebrates and wants to learn from other cultural experiences. I write this to let the reader know that an earlier comment about racism in this feed seems to me absolutely unfounded.If you never tried BJJ before, or if you are a practitioner who is looking for a place to continue your training, please give Gracie Barra a try and you won’t regret it. Here, you will find a group of people who will love to explore a fascinating and very practical martial art with anyone who is open to give it a try.

I have been training here for a few months, and my wife comes with me, a lot of females for her to train with, so it is a very comfortable environment for her. Professor Fox is awesome, and puts effort into trying to make you better not just get through the class. It is kept very clean also which is a big plus.

“ Excellent academy, clean, friendly and organized prof Don Fox and his team will teach you real Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, self defense and empowerment. Gracie Barra Bloomington is the best academy of Bloomington/ Downs IL area. Sign up for a free lesson. It will be one of the best decisions of your life ! “

GB Bloomington is an excellent gym. I recently moved to the area last year and visited a few other gyms. The thing that sold me on the school was the facility and atmosphere created by Don and the other students. It's a great blend of everything beautiful about bjj: physically competitive but in a controlled, safe and educational environment with good humble people. It is really clean with students in various stages of skill. it's a hell of a workout at the same you develop useful skills in a very technical art. Not much more you can ask for. I highly recommend Gracie Barra Bloomington!By the way. I am Filipino. Never encountered any racism in my end. Rolled with multiple races/cultures in the gym and everyone has been super welcoming. I cant speak for everyone but that's just been my experience.

This is the best school you can invest you and your family's future in. I have visited Gracie Barra Bloomington several times, and it never failed to present itself as the best martial arts academy in the Bloomington/Normal area. The head instructor, Professor Don Fox, is one of the nicest gentleman you will find. Not only does he carries himself professionally, always a pleasant to have a chat with, and also has a big heart in improving lives around his community. Despite other opportunities in his life, he has a strong believe that it is his destiny to bring this life-changing martial art to the community and change lives in Bloomington/Normal, IL. Although my family lives 2 hours away, we always find it like home when we visit his academy, and instantly in love with the positive energy of the Gracie Barra Bloomington team! If you are looking for a place to start your family in self-defense and martial arts, do not pass on the opportunity to try a class with Professor Don Fox at Gracie Barra Bloomington!

Been training at Gracie Barra Bloomington since I was 10 years old. Fast forward 7 years later and I’m still training here happier than ever. Professor Don Fox has been an inspiration over the years and continues to suprise me with the awesome techniques he demonstrates. I have been gifted with such an amazing place to train and has a great group of students that have become great friends of mine. Even when I was the youngest student in the adult class years ago, I felt equally accepted by my teammates and did not feel like I was any different. Do yourself a favor and come check out Gracie Barra Bloomington and you won’t regret it.