Gracie Barra Boston

The hardest part of any healthy endeavor is starting. The second hardest part is finding a reason to stay. I have been training consistently at Gracie Barra Back Bay for about 3 years. I recommend this martial arts school to anyone but particularly to beginners and those looking for a fun, unique way to get into exceptionally good shape. This is certainly a good place for people of any age (I am 36) and body type. I've seen students at Gracie lose significant amounts of weight. I've seen students here develop discipline and self defense skills. I've seen students here become more confident and make friends.I don't often write reviews but Gracie Barra is an exception. This martial arts facility has helped me get into phenomenal shape both physically and psychologically. My body fat percentage is steady at around 10% and I have begun competing around the country. I did not think either of these things were possible or maintainable at my age and with my busy schedule. Yet, probably most importantly, I have to acknowledge that I have made several life long friends.Before I started training at Gracie Barra Back Bay, I had been training for about 3 years off and on at other schools. The reason I dedicated myself here is the sense of community. The head instructor, Alex Costa, has cultivated a friendly, professional atmosphere where anyone will feel at home. Breathing techniques are emphasized in addition to safety and proper technique to ensure everyone is learning and growing. Professor Alex is warm and compassionate toward all his students. There are a variety of classes that range from helping beginners learn the most fundamental movements to advanced classes. Also, Professor Alex has something like 5 World Champion and Pan Am IBJJF gold medals in black belt divisions. Whether you are looking for a fun way to learn a martial art, make friends and stay in shape or if you are looking to compete on a world level, Gracie Barra Back Bay is the absolute best place to train Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Gracie Barra Back Bay is more than just a jiu-jitsu gym. I started training 4 years ago under the world class instruction of Prof. Alex Costa. Prof. Alex is more than just a regular professor, he is a mentor that helped me through hard times both on and off the mats. His technique is on point and he is able to explain the smallest details to students of all levels. He is considerate, friendly and extremely charismatic. I have trained at other gyms before, but I can say that this is definitely the most friendly environment I have been in. You will consider this a second home and family. If you want to change your life, learn jiu-jitsu and become part of the Gracie Barra family this is the place to be.OSS

Best BJJ gym I've ever trained at. Prof. Alex is one of the nicest and most helpful instructors I've ever had the pleasure of training with. You can expect to be welcomed into a supportive and nurturing family when joining GB3. Plenty of mat space, and tons of gym equipment as well. Facilities are always clean, there is plenty of locker room space. GB3 also has a very flexible schedule for both gi and no-gi practitioners. Overall a great place to train!

Started training here 5 years ago and have never looked back. Great school with great instruction, everyone was very welcoming when I first started and that kept me coming back. The school is great for all ages and sizes as there is a wide variety of people who attend each class. Alex is a great instructor and having trained at other schools whilst traveling I can say that he is 100% the most friendly and easy to approach. It is a great work out for both the body and mind and I would recommend this school to anybody.

Where to start? First, the vitally important stuff. From the mats to the bathrooms...Gracie Barra Back Bay is always immaculately clean, well lit and welcoming. Alex and Ashley are always friendly, professional and incredibly knowledgeable.The level of Jiu Jitsu being taught is incredible. At any given session there's a solid mix of experienced, competitive practitioners and those of us who are just starting our journey. I'm challenged and learn something new every time...But always with mutual respect and collaboration...Never with ego or disrespect.I came to Jiu Jitsu to learn a new skill and improve my physical fitness after my doctor told me to exercise or start suffering real consequences soon. Predictably, with a little bit of effort my fitness is improving. What I could never have predicted is that I would gain a new extended family of people around me. This is definitely a testimony to the environment Alex and Ashley create at Gracie Barra Back Bay every day.Thanks guys!!

From Professor Alex and Owner Ashley on down to people who only joined a couple months ago, everybody at this gym is friendly and helpful. The gym itself is generally clean and Ashley responds quickly to any concerns (for example, fixing a door that won't stay shut). I have grown as a practitioner more quickly than at any other school. Alex is amazing- always supportive, always ready to push you toward your individual goals.There are classes early in the morning, midday, and evening, and the school is right by T and bus stops, so it's easy to get there regardless of your schedule.