Gracie Barra Kirkland

Specialties

Brazilian Jiu-​Jitsu for Adults and Kids (ages 3 — 14)

We at Gracie Barra Kirkland specialize in teaching our students the physical techniques of Brazilian Jiu-​Jitsu, which is a self-​defense and grappling Martial Art. Students learn how to use grip strategy, leverage, and technique in order to submit bigger, stronger opponents.

We also specialize in creating a unique environment for our students, an environment where they not only grow as individuals, but also as a team. Instructors at Gracie Barra are known for their relationships with their students on the mat in regards to helping them overcome physical and mental obstacles that are common when training in Jiu-​Jitsu. Our Black Belts want nothing more than to see a student’s physical and mental progression, which is a testament to their knowledge and experience in Jiu-​Jitsu. The mission statement at Gracie Barra Kirkland is «Jiu-​Jitsu for Everyone», meaning people from all walks of life can participate in the ‘Gentle Art’.

History

Established in 2013.

We stress to our students to know their roots, or the heritage of Gracie Barra. We can trace our lineage to the founders of Brazilian Jiu-​Jitsu who are Count Koma, Carlos Gracie and Helio Gracie. Gracie Barra was founded in 1986 by Carlos Gracie Jr. in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in the famous borough of Barra da Tijuca. Gracie Barra Northwest is headed by Professor Rodrigo Lopes, who is the head Instructor of our Seattle location.

Opening in the summer of 2013, Gracie Barra Kirkland not only services the Kirkland area, but also the areas of Bothell, Woodinville, Kenmore, and Juanita. The academy is located in the Totem Valley Business Park near the Les Schwab Tire Center of Totem Lake.

Gracie Barra Kirkland’s Head Instructor is Professor Cindy Hales, who holds the rank of 2^nd Degree Black Belt. She is the Head Instructor of our Brazilian Jiu-​Jitsu Adult Fundamentals Program and the Tiny & Little Champions Kids Programs.

Meet the Manager

David H.

Manager

I began managing Gracie Barra Kirkland in November of 2013. I have been training at Gracie Barra for over four years now; I started training in 2009 and am currently a Purple Belt, 1^st Degree. There are not enough words for me to describe how Jiu-​Jitsu has changed my life. I have established personal relationships with my teammates and Professors that are unbreakable and lifelong. Jiu-​Jitsu has allowed me to grow even more as a person and teammate; I feel very privileged that I am able to get onto the mat and train every day. I instruct Adult Fundamentals on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and there is nothing like sharing your knowledge and experience with new students. I take great pride in helping our students develop a mental and physical understanding of Brazilian Jiu-​Jitsu.

I am a former Marine and I earned a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington in 2012 where I studied History of the Middle East and Arabic.