Gracie Barra – Burton

I’m not a person who can go to a gym and starting working out with some routine in mind. I was interested in trying something new, so I decided to join Gracie Barra to try kickboxing. At first, I thought it would be just a class that teaches boxing moves, a few punches, kicks, etc. But so far, it’s been more than that. I’ve learned technique, discipline, and strength. I go there on average, 3 times a week for the women and men kickboxing class. It’s a small training gym where you can develop friendships with everyone that goes there, whether they take kickboxing or jiu jitsu. In the class settings, we do a series of exercises that focuses on stamina, technique work, cardio, strength development, and ab workout. Everyone there has been super encouraging, pushing each other to do our best and always finish strong. Looking forward to staying with Gracie Barra for awhile. Only downside is that there seems to be a lack of communication amongst the kickboxing class. Everyone there are mostly jiu jitsu students so word gets around when classes are cancelled. There were a couple of times when I went to class and find out it was cancelled. You do get a workout that’s worth it.

I entered the gym in June of 2012, and expected to be a black belt in a couple of years, and to just train a couple times a week. At the time I weighed about 225 lbs, and had started my fitness program at home and lost about 10 lbs in 6 months, now I’m less interested in the outward belt promotion, my primary concern is not just getting the black belt which takes much longer then I realized, but to instead live a healthy lifestyle and to continuously improve in every aspect of my life. My relationships are healthier, i have a batch of like minded friends, and I’m happier in every aspect of my life. I presently weight 190 lbs, I’ve taken more then 15% body fat off, I can run, I weight train, supplemental yoga, I train kettle bells and am stronger now then ever before in my life despite being an accomplished athlete in high-​school. My confidence has improved, I’ve grown in humility, I am less stressed, and I have something to look forward to 4 nights a week and I attend 4 – 5 practices a week. There is no way to fully express how grateful i am for the oppurtunity to train in this environment, and how much happier I am as a person. I am confident that the Gracie Barra Burton is not only the best organization in this region but also the state, and I promise that for committed individuals wishing to pursue a healthier lifestyle, and to learn the art of Jiu Jitsu will be pleased!

We have two boys, 14 and 11, who have been going to Gracie Barra for almost a year. They are both second degree black belts in Tae Kwon Do and compete at the state and national levels. They wanted to incorporate BJJ to become well rounded martial artists. We have chosen Professor Burchfield and his academy to help our boys start on the road to competing in BJJ because of his his black belt in BJJ and his 20 years experience in martial arts. He is doing a great job at teaching them the basics and getting them ready for up-​coming tournaments. We feel with him as their coach they will go far in the sport. The boys love learning at Gracie Barra Burton. It is a comfortable family-​like environment everybody we have come across has been friendly and willing to help. Our boys are currently involved in the kids BJJ class, the fundamentals BJJ class and the new Muay Thai class. Jim just got back from Thailand where he annually goes to learn the finer points of Muay Thai.
Professor Burchfield has been very accommodating to us. We homeschool the kids and he has a class that is available on Monday and Wednesdays from 12−1pm that our boys take, and love the instructors there, Coach Pat, Coach Mike, and Professor Burchfield.
Thanks Jim, we really feel like you are looking out for our boys!