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We Are
Gracie Barra
Brotherhood, Integrity, Development
In a lifetime dedicated to the growth and development of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Master Carlos Gracie Jr. has always guided his efforts and actions by the values of brotherhood, expansion, and integrity. Simply stated by himself:
Excellence
Our team color is the red, our team flag is the Red Shield. The Red Shield connects the Gracie Barra community, our students taking their first class, our Black Belts graduating, our athletes in battle, our instructors teaching, our Schools keeping the legacy alive.
The Red Shield was created by Master Carlos Gracie Jr. with the purpose of unifying all of those who represent Gracie Barra, defend the Red Shield and pass forward the legacy transferred down from Grandmaster Carlos Gracie, and other Jiu-Jitsu legends such as Hélio Gracie, Rolles Gracie and Carlos Gracie Jr.
The Red Shield’s credibility was built over the years through hard work and excellence shown by the Gracie Barra students, athletes and instructors involved in sport Jiu-Jitsu competitions, teaching programs and community work. The Gracie Barra Red Shield is one of the most recognized symbols in Jiu-Jitsu today and all of those who carry it feel a deep sense of loyalty and commitment to Master Carlos Gracie Jr, Gracie Barra and the Jiu-Jitsu for Everyone movement.
Athletic Performance
Athletics at Gracie Barra Santa Ana is represented by a sport Jiu-Jitsu competition team known as EQUIPE GB. Athletics within Gracie Barra builds community and pride through the engagement of students, staff, parents, and friends, and creates a portal through which everyone can enjoy the GB experience. Successful athletic performance generates a unique excitement across the Gracie Barra Schools and community, help strengthen bonds among the various arms of our organization, build students loyalty in a healthy manner, and give Gracie Barra members yet another reason to be proud to represent the legacy of Master Carlos Gracie Jr. and defend the red shield.
Athletic participation helps Gracie Barra students grow, learn, and enjoy themselves while developing their body, mind and spirit. Our competition team, values the lessons that have long been taught by sport Jiu-Jitsu competitions: the pursuit of excellence through personal development and teamwork, ethical and responsible behavior on and off the mats, leadership and strength of character, and sportsmanship – respect for one’s opponents, acceptance of victory with humility, and acknowledgement of defeat with grace. By embracing these values, EQUIPE GB members create habits which will lead to a better lifestyle and well-being. While winning is not an end in itself, at Gracie Barra Santa Ana we believe that the efforts by our athletes to be their best will lead them to succeed throughout their lives.
Head Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Instructor Professor, Owner
Roberto Alencar
Owner/Head Instructor Tussa
BJJ Rank: Black Belt, 4th Degree
Background:
Professor Roberto “Tussa” Alencar is one of the owners of Gracie Barra Santa Ana, and head instructor of both Gracie Barra Santa Ana and Gracie Barra New Mexico. With over 16 years of experience in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Professor Tussa has been teaching since he was a purple belt 10 years ago. Having a lot of enthusiasm, professionalism, and determination, he is growing a huge army of BJJ practitioners across California and New Mexico. Besides his career as a Professor, Roberto Alencar has earned many titles as a competitor including 4 time NO GI world champion, 2009 NO GI absolute division World Champion, 2012 Heavy weight Pro League Champion, Pan American Champion, 2 x World Runner-up, and two time Brazilian National Champion.
Notable Accomplishments:
- IBJJF World Master Championship Gold Medalist (2019)
- Abu Dhabi World Pro Trials (2013)
- 4x IBJJF World No Gi Champion (2009, 2008, 2007,2012)
- IBJJF World Silver Medalist (2007)
- IBJJF Pan American Champion (2009)
- IBJJF World No Gi Champion Absolute Division (2007)
- 3x IBJJF World Bronze Medallist ( 2008, 2010,2012)
- 2x IBJJF Pan American Bronze Medallist (2010, 2007)
- Pro League Heavy Weight Champion (2012)
- Abu Dhabi Pro Trials Champion (2012)
- Abu Dahbi Pro Silver Medalist (2012)
- IBJJF European Silver Medalist (2012)
- IBJJF No Gi Pan American Champion (2012)
- IBJJF World Champion Masters Division (2012)
- ADCC Brazilian Trials 3rd Place
- IBJJF No Gi Pan American Silver Medalist
- IBJJF Pan American Silver Medallist (2008)
- IBJJF Brazilian National Open Weight Silver Medallist (2004 brown)
Head Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Instructor Professor, Owner
Don Ortega
Owner/Head Instructor Tussa
BJJ Rank: Black Belt, 4th Degree
Background:
After graduating from Adams State College, Don Ortega started training Jiu Jitsu in 2003. Studying under Alberto Crane and Draculino, Don found a new passion. In the summer of 2004, Ortega made his MMA debut by defeating UFC veteran Brad Gumm. The following year Ortega returned to Adams State College to finish his final year of wrestling eligibility. With a rekindled fire for competition Ortega claimed 7th place at Division II NCAA National Championships earning All American. Ortega then returned to Jiu Jitsu winning titles in the GI and NOGI divisions. Most notably, he won the 2007 FILA Worlds Championships in Antalaya, Turkey, the ADCC Trials in 2009, and the 2008 IBJJF World Championship. Ortega became the first American to win the brown belt middle heavy division in the IBJJF’s history of the tournament. Don has competed twice in the ADCC World Championship considered by many as the olympics of submission grappling. Professor Don trains daily and teaches at Gracie Barra NM.
Notable achievements:
- World NOGI bronze medalist (2013)
- 2x ADCC Veteran (Barcelona 2009, UK 2011)
- 2008 IBJJF World Champion – Brown Belt
- 2007 FILA World Grappling Champion
- 2011 ADCC West Coast Trials – Runner-up
- 2010 ADCC East Coast Trials – Runner-up
- 2009 ADCC Trials Champion
- 2007 World Team Trials National Champion
- 2007 IBJJF Pan American Champion – Purple Belt
- 2006 IBJJF Pan American Champion – Blue Belt
- 2005 NCAA Division II All-American
- 2 Time NCAA National Qualifier
- 1-0 Professional Mixed Martial Arts record
- New Mexico State Wrestling Champion
- 5-0 Amateur boxing record
