Business Details
Your Trusted Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu School in Laval
Gracie Barra Laval has been dedicated to advancing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Quebec since its establishment. Our school provides structured, high-quality training for students of all ages and skill levels, emphasizing physical fitness, mental discipline, and character development. With a team of certified instructors, including 4th-degree black belt David Guigui, we uphold the Gracie Barra Association's standards of excellence. Our curriculum combines traditional techniques with modern methodologies to ensure comprehensive skill development. We foster a supportive community where students build confidence, resilience, and lifelong relationships.Our programs cater to children, teens, and adults through age-specific classes designed to maximize engagement and progress. All instructors maintain CPR and First Aid certifications to ensure safe training environments. With over 20 classes weekly, we offer flexible scheduling to accommodate diverse lifestyles. Our lineage traces back to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu pioneers, ensuring authentic instruction rooted in the art's heritage. We remain committed to making Jiu-Jitsu accessible to everyone while maintaining the highest standards of technical proficiency and personal growth.
Services
Kids Program
Fundamentals
Advanced Jiu-Jitsu
Expert Jiu-Jitsu
No-Gi Training
Highlights and features
- Certified instructors with lineage tracing to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu pioneers
- Structured curriculum for measurable progress at all skill levels
- Family-friendly environment with age-specific programs for 3-17 year olds
- 20+ weekly classes with flexible scheduling options
- Emphasis on character development alongside technical proficiency
Associations and certifications
- Gracie Barra Association
Services
Kids Program
Structured Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes for children aged 3-17. Our program develops focus, discipline, and physical coordination through age-appropriate techniques. Students learn core values like respect and perseverance while building confidence in a safe environment. The curriculum prepares young athletes for adult training while emphasizing character development.
Fundamentals
Core Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instruction for white belts and new students. This program teaches essential techniques and principles through a standardized curriculum. Classes focus on building technical foundations, proper form, and understanding of positional control. Students develop physical fitness while learning practical self-defense applications.
Advanced Jiu-Jitsu
Progressive training for students with foundational experience. This program emphasizes technique refinement, transition sequences, and live sparring applications. Students develop personalized game plans while expanding technical knowledge beyond basic principles. Classes incorporate wrestling, judo, and sambo influences for comprehensive grappling skills.
Expert Jiu-Jitsu
High-level training for experienced practitioners pursuing mastery. This program focuses on advanced techniques, strategic thinking, and competition preparation. Students refine their unique style through complex technical variations and extended live training sessions. The curriculum emphasizes leadership development and teaching responsibilities for senior students.
No-Gi Training
Specialized classes focusing on grappling without traditional uniforms. This program develops takedown techniques, clinch work, and submission holds applicable to MMA and competitive grappling. Students improve physical conditioning while learning practical self-defense techniques in realistic scenarios.
People
David Guigui
Head Instructor / School Owner
4th-degree black belt with 25-3 amateur fight record. Pioneer of Quebec MMA since 1995. Trained with Georges St-Pierre and Firas Zahabi. Founded Gracie Barra Laval to promote inclusive Jiu-Jitsu training.
Matias Palma
Gym Administrator
4-stripe purple belt managing daily operations. Leads kids program with patient teaching style. Instructs adult and no-gi classes while ensuring smooth administrative processes for student enrollment.
Francis Lemieux
Instructor
4-stripe brown belt specializing in advanced techniques. Focuses on refining student skills through complex technical instruction. Develops curriculum for specialized advanced classes to challenge dedicated practitioners.
Tommy Thiboutot
Program Director
Brown belt overseeing student onboarding and fundamentals instruction. Manages community engagement through social media and website operations. Creates welcoming environment for new students while maintaining technical standards.
Questions
What age groups do you accept for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training?
We offer programs for children aged 3-6 (Tiny Champions), 6-12 (Little Champions), teens aged 12-17, and adult classes for all experience levels.
Do I need prior martial arts experience to join?
No prior experience is required. Our fundamentals program welcomes complete beginners while our structured curriculum accommodates all skill levels from white belt to black belt.
What should I wear for my first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class?
Wear comfortable athletic clothing. We provide loaner gis for initial classes. No special equipment needed for first-time participants.
Are there competitive training opportunities available?
Yes, we prepare students for local and international competitions. Our instructors have professional fight experience and offer specialized competition preparation classes.
How do your instructors maintain teaching standards?
All instructors hold Gracie Barra certifications and CPR/First Aid qualifications. They train directly under Master Carlos Gracie Jr.'s lineage and maintain regular skill development.
What makes Gracie Barra Laval different from other martial arts schools?
We combine traditional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu lineage with modern teaching methods. Our certified instructors focus on character development alongside technical proficiency in a family-friendly environment.
Videos
Reviews (7)
Venus Babalis
Sep 16, 2021
Report
Love training here! Great gym with an amazing coach and a friendly mat culture. I was really impressed from the minute I walked in. If youre curious about Jiu-Jitsu, I highly recommend this gym!
Mireille Tawil
Jul 23, 2020
Report
Ever since my daughter joined Gracie Barra Laval, I have never seen her more excited for anything in her life! Regardless of how tired after school she is or how much homework she has, she insists on never skipping a class! I can see her gaining more self-confidence with every day she trains. I have Professor David Guigui to thank for that as well as every single coach there. Thank you for the family you have invited us in! Keep it up!
Tommy Thiboutot
Jan 11, 2020
Report
This is the best place in Laval to learn jiu-jitsu....people are really respectful, teachers are super competent and make sure everyone is safe while learning. Wheter you want to compete, learn BJJ for self defence, GB laval is a good place to go. Classes for Kids are really good too.
Melissa-Anne Seccareccia
Aug 10, 2019
Report
Since my daughter started her training here her confidence has increased and she isn't as anxious. A coach who is there both physically and mentally, his presence is reassuring and encouraging. The place to train for BJJ.
Pierre Renaud
Jul 16, 2019
Report
I have been training in martial arts for 25 years. From all the schools I have visited, GB Laval is one of the best. It's a great school, their staff are friendly and knowledgeable. They also have a really good kids program.
Kirby Gauthier
Nov 23, 2018
Report
Tough and fair. As a parent of a 9 year old, I couldn't think of a better place to help him pick up valuable life lessons. Self esteem, self defense, concentration are all on the menu. The staff is professional and the courses are catered to various skill levels. Coach Guigui is a unique no-bs leader. A+. Would recommend to all.
Demetre Diavatopoulos
Jun 14, 2018
Report
Best place to train Martial Arts in Laval. Learn real life self-defense in a safe and friendly environment regardless of your age or gender. GB Laval has a program for everyone!
