Jiu-Jitsu &
Self-Defense
Westside for Everyone

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
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 Welding fix 707 Sonoma County 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Over 4th of July week/weekend, we visited Albuquerque New Mexico & had the pleasure of rolling Jiu-Jitsu @ this exact west side location! Professor/coach Luis, not only allowed us to train, but physically flow rolled with me, to make sure I warmed up, to roll with all his respectful humble students.   I'm forever grateful for the opportunity because the experience I had was at the highest level of respect as a Martial Artist student! Thanks again Luis you are a step above the other school's in town. I pray this review brings in more students to your high class jitsu school, sincerely Nick & Stephanie!!!!
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Manny Alexander 
 
 
 
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Had a great experience dropping in, all the way from the state of Washington.
The professors and head Coaches were very welcoming. Highly recommend you stop by this Academy.  Before you know it you’ll be hooked! Oss!
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Jaelan Mincey 
 
 
 
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We love GBWS! My 7 year old has been enrolled for about 3 months and in that time his focus, resilience, and physical strength has improved so much. The coaches are kind, but firm. They seem to connect very well with the kids and the kids seem to want to work hard for them in return. I’m so glad we found this gym.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Tamara Garcia 
 
 
 
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This is an amazing place to learn jujitsu. The professors are outstanding and trustworthy and also caring and attentive. I trust my family to come here and trust that I’m learning from the best! It’s a wonderful community!
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Arthur Lucero 
 
 
 
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I’ve been in and out of Jiu-Jitsu gyms for years—I'd start for a few months, then fall off again. I think I was always chasing that same energy I had during my wrestling and military days: training hard with a solid group of people, led by an instructor I respected.

About a year ago, I enrolled my kids (9 and 11) at Gracie Barra West Side. At the time, I figured my own Jiu-Jitsu days were behind me—I’m a banged-up 45-year-old dealing with plantar fasciitis, arthritis, and all the joys of getting older. But watching the professionalism, patience, and fun the instructors created for my kids was eye-opening.

Professor Luis especially caught my attention. His teaching style is thorough and fundamentals-focused, yet he keeps the environment fun, serious, and incredibly welcoming. It brought back that team feeling I’d been missing for years. When I later learned he’s a former New Mexico state wrestling champion and college wrestler who transitioned into Jiu-Jitsu, I was sold.

I’ve now been training here for over a year, and the days I get to step on the mats are the highlights of my week. The physical benefits alone have been worth it—I'm more flexible, stronger, and even eating cleaner—but the real magic is the people. This gym is full of talent, experience, and genuinely good humans. I love showing up early just to catch up with everyone. It makes me feel like I truly belong to something again.

There’s also a great group of us 40-and-over guys who bond over our aches, pains, and how sore we are—but we’re all motivated to keep learning and growing. As a former Special Operations Medic, triathlete, California HS state-placer wrestler, marathon runner, and weightlifter, I’m very familiar with that endorphin high from training and competing. But honestly, the feeling I get leaving Gracie Barra West Side after a session is simply the best.

Jiu-Jitsu gives you this thirst for knowledge—understanding human movement, leverage, timing, and performance. Combine that with the endorphin dump of a hard roll, and you leave the gym feeling a mix of elation and serenity… even if your biceps and joints are screaming from rounds with the killers on the mat.

If you’re on the fence about trying Jiu-Jitsu, just give it a shot. The rewards—physically, mentally, and emotionally—are endless. Whether you’re young or old, experienced or brand new, there’s a place for you at Gracie Barra West Side.

See you on the mats!
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 David Yu 
 
 
 
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It can be very intimidating thinking about starting BJJ. Are the current members going to judge me? Am I going to embarrass myself? How will I be treated? Walking thru the doors on my first day at West Side, all those fears were put to rest; it was a great experience! The entire school is built on creating a welcoming environment, encouragement, great training, safety, and sense of community.  Everyone regardless of skill level is welcomed and the culture is for everyone to help and encourage each other, especially the new members. Professor Luis is a great instructor, very skilled/knowledgeable, and creates a safe learning environment! So if you want to get into great shape, incredible cardio while having fun, learn a martial art, and develop friendships, you should consider the West Side Gracie Barra.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Briana Zapata 
 
 
 
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This is an update to my initial review of 5 STARS… I am a parent, student and a volunteer for events.  I am extremely happy with the Westside staff. We have experienced black belts, former collegiate wrestlers and D1 athletes who train in our academy. My girls, aged 9 and 14, have been training here for over 4 years and I have seen growth in each of them. They are both competitors and have numerous gold medals and that comes from the training, discipline and family vibe at westside. While we love being able to cross train at other locations, our love for the westside team will always be where our hearts are. Our family will forever be grateful to the team at GB westside.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Geneziz Rodriguez 
 
 
 
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My home away from home! Best people around the abq area. I can’t express enough the kindness the instructors and students are here! The technique and details to help you grow in this sport whether it’s to do it for fun and or be an athlete is just simply phenomenal! I definitely recommend going to the Gracie Barra West Side school. 🙌🏻
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Ernesto Pargas (Tony) 
 
 
 
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Everyone at Gracie  Barra Jiu-jitsu Westside is Professional, respectful, and awesome!