--- title: "ABOUT US" url: https://gbwestside.com/about-us/ author: contecompedro date: 2021-02-15T21:07:57-08:00 categories: [] tags: [] --- # ABOUT US # Getting started at Gracie Barra is easy ## SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CLASS ### and intro session absolutely FREE! ## We Are **Gracie Barra** ### **Brotherhood, Integrity, Development** In a lifetime dedicated to the growth and development of Brazilian [**Jiu-Jitsu**](https://gbwestside.com/brazilian-jiu-jitsu-as-an-anti-bullying-tool-strengthening-body-mind-and-confidence-in-westside-new-mexico/), Master Carlos Gracie Jr. has always guided his efforts and actions by the values of brotherhood, expansion, and integrity. Simply stated by himself: ![](https://gbwestside.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/About-Us-Gracie-Barra-NEw-MExico-.jpg) ![](https://gbwestside.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/excellence-.jpg) ## # **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**](https://gbwestside.com/brazilian-jiu-jitsu-as-an-anti-bullying-tool-strengthening-body-mind-and-confidence-in-westside-new-mexico/) 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**](https://gbwestside.com/brazilian-jiu-jitsu-as-an-anti-bullying-tool-strengthening-body-mind-and-confidence-in-westside-new-mexico/) competitions, teaching programs and community work. The Gracie Barra Red Shield is one of the most recognized symbols in [**Jiu-Jitsu**](https://gbwestside.com/brazilian-jiu-jitsu-as-an-anti-bullying-tool-strengthening-body-mind-and-confidence-in-westside-new-mexico/) 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**](https://gbwestside.com/brazilian-jiu-jitsu-as-an-anti-bullying-tool-strengthening-body-mind-and-confidence-in-westside-new-mexico/) for Everyone movement. # **Athletic Performance** At GB [**Westside**](https://gbwestside.com/experience-top-level-jiu-jitsu-at-gb-westside-albuquerque/), athletic performance is more than just physical fitness — it’s about unlocking your full potential as a disciplined, well-rounded athlete. Through the rigorous and dynamic training of Brazilian [**Jiu-Jitsu**](https://gbwestside.com/brazilian-jiu-jitsu-as-an-anti-bullying-tool-strengthening-body-mind-and-confidence-in-westside-new-mexico/), our students develop a unique combination of strength, agility, endurance, and mental toughness that carries over into every area of life and sport. Our classes are intentionally structured to challenge the body in ways that traditional workouts often cannot. From explosive movements and ground control to grip strength and cardiovascular conditioning, every session is a complete athletic experience. Students improve their balance, coordination, and flexibility while developing functional strength that supports both athletic goals and injury prevention. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete looking to gain a competitive edge or someone who wants to build a stronger, more capable version of yourself, our program delivers measurable results. We focus on smart training that builds resilience — helping you recover faster, perform better, and stay consistent. More than just physical gains, our approach also strengthens discipline, focus, and perseverance. You’ll push past limits, overcome mental barriers, and develop the kind of confidence that comes from real progress. At GB [**Westside**](https://gbwestside.com/experience-top-level-jiu-jitsu-at-gb-westside-albuquerque/), we don’t just build athletes — we build high-performance individuals ready for any challenge. ![](https://gbwestside.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/athletic-performance.jpg) #### Head Brazilian [**Jiu-Jitsu**](https://gbwestside.com/brazilian-jiu-jitsu-as-an-anti-bullying-tool-strengthening-body-mind-and-confidence-in-westside-new-mexico/) Instructor Professor, Owner ## Roberto Alencar **Owner/Head Instructor Tussa** [**BJJ**](https://gbwestside.com/bjj-for-beginners-near-me/) 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**](https://gbwestside.com/brazilian-jiu-jitsu-as-an-anti-bullying-tool-strengthening-body-mind-and-confidence-in-westside-new-mexico/), 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**](https://gbwestside.com/bjj-for-beginners-near-me/) 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. ![](https://gbwestside.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Professor-Roberto-2019--683x1024.jpg) ![](https://gbwestside.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/i-MJFL3tJ-X3-e1631239785792-1024x683.jpg) ***Notable Accomplishments**:* - I[**BJJ**](https://gbwestside.com/bjj-for-beginners-near-me/)F World Master Championship Gold Medalist (2019) - Abu Dhabi World Pro Trials (2013) - 4x I[**BJJ**](https://gbwestside.com/bjj-for-beginners-near-me/)F World No Gi Champion (2009, 2008, 2007,2012) - I[**BJJ**](https://gbwestside.com/bjj-for-beginners-near-me/)F World Silver Medalist (2007) - I[**BJJ**](https://gbwestside.com/bjj-for-beginners-near-me/)F Pan American Champion (2009) - I[**BJJ**](https://gbwestside.com/bjj-for-beginners-near-me/)F World No Gi Champion Absolute Division (2007) - 3x I[**BJJ**](https://gbwestside.com/bjj-for-beginners-near-me/)F World Bronze Medallist ( 2008, 2010,2012) - 2x I[**BJJ**](https://gbwestside.com/bjj-for-beginners-near-me/)F Pan American Bronze Medallist (2010, 2007) - Pro League Heavy Weight Champion (2012) - Abu Dhabi Pro Trials Champion (2012) - Abu Dahbi Pro Silver Medalist (2012) - I[**BJJ**](https://gbwestside.com/bjj-for-beginners-near-me/)F European Silver Medalist (2012) - I[**BJJ**](https://gbwestside.com/bjj-for-beginners-near-me/)F No Gi Pan American Champion (2012) - I[**BJJ**](https://gbwestside.com/bjj-for-beginners-near-me/)F World Champion Masters Division (2012) - ADCC Brazilian Trials 3rd Place - I[**BJJ**](https://gbwestside.com/bjj-for-beginners-near-me/)F No Gi Pan American Silver Medalist - I[**BJJ**](https://gbwestside.com/bjj-for-beginners-near-me/)F Pan American Silver Medallist (2008) - I[**BJJ**](https://gbwestside.com/bjj-for-beginners-near-me/)F Brazilian National Open Weight Silver Medallist (2004 brown) #### Head Brazilian [**Jiu-Jitsu**](https://gbwestside.com/brazilian-jiu-jitsu-as-an-anti-bullying-tool-strengthening-body-mind-and-confidence-in-westside-new-mexico/) Instructor Professor, Owner ## Don Ortega **Owner/Head Instructor Tussa** [**BJJ**](https://gbwestside.com/bjj-for-beginners-near-me/) 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 I[**BJJ**](https://gbwestside.com/bjj-for-beginners-near-me/)F World Championship. Ortega became the first American to win the brown belt middle heavy division in the I[**BJJ**](https://gbwestside.com/bjj-for-beginners-near-me/)F’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. ![](https://gbwestside.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Duenas-60.jpg) ![](https://scontent.fgig14-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.18169-9/317338_10150424511223552_1904727476_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=cdbe9c&_nc_ohc=ZlAG-RS3WpAAX-RC-aJ&tn=LJeVu2EMG06M-kaR&_nc_ht=scontent.fgig14-1.fna&oh=00_AT_0kj7ZzO0bbCITCpewXJ4GdXzQZcB93yUkiGH-wYm9cw&oe=6299A73B) Notable achievements: - World NOGI bronze medalist (2013) - 2x ADCC Veteran (Barcelona 2009, UK 2011) - 2008 I[**BJJ**](https://gbwestside.com/bjj-for-beginners-near-me/)F 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 I[**BJJ**](https://gbwestside.com/bjj-for-beginners-near-me/)F Pan American Champion – Purple Belt - 2006 I[**BJJ**](https://gbwestside.com/bjj-for-beginners-near-me/)F 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 #### Getting started at Gracie Barra is easy ## SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CLASS [ ** Schedule Your Free Class​ Today ](https://gbwestside.com/appointment/)