The pedagogical approach at Gracie Barra Westside Albuquerque, New Mexico, utilizes specialized coordination games as the primary vehicle for technical instruction within the kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu curriculum.
This methodology is based on the scientific understanding that children acquire motor skills more effectively when movements are integrated into structured, goal-oriented activities. These exercises are not recreational in intent; they are calibrated drills designed to build the neuromuscular foundations required for advanced grappling.
Motor skill acquisition through functional drills!
The curriculum at the Westside academy decomposes complex Jiu Jitsu techniques into fundamental motor patterns. By utilizing coordination games, the instructors isolate specific physical requirements—such as balance, spatial awareness, and core stability—before introducing formal submissions or transitions.
Proprioceptive development: Activities require students to move their bodies in relation to an opponent and the mat, improving the brain’s ability to sense body position and movement.
Agility and reflex calibration: Drills often involve rapid changes in direction and response to external stimuli, which sharpens the neurological pathways responsible for reaction time.
Balance and base maintenance: Students engage in games that challenge their center of gravity, teaching them how to maintain a “base” to prevent being overturned.
The integration of technical logic!
The transition from a movement-based game to a technical Jiu Jitsu application is a calculated progression. In the Gracie Barra Westside system, a game that involves crawling or shrimping across the mat is directly linked to the mechanics of escaping a side-control position. By the time a student begins formal technical training, the requisite muscle groups and movement patterns have already been established through repetitive play-based drills.
This structured learning environment ensures that children understand the mechanical purpose of a move. For example, a drill focused on maintaining contact while a partner moves helps the child internalize the concept of “tightness” and weight distribution, which are critical for effective grappling.
Start your jiu-jitsu journey today: schedule your free class at Gracie Barra Westside!

Cognitive focus and discipline!
Beyond physical development, the coordination-heavy curriculum at this Albuquerque facility demands significant cognitive engagement. Students must follow multi-step instructions and adhere to the rules of each drill, which builds executive function and discipline. The environment is organized according to the Gracie Barra Method, which emphasizes a professional atmosphere where respect for the instructor and training partners is mandatory.
The curriculum uses a system of incremental progression. As a child demonstrates mastery of basic coordination games, the complexity of the tasks increases, ensuring a continuous challenge that matches their developing physical and mental maturity.
Structural alignment and injury prevention!
A core component of the kids program is teaching structural integrity. The coordination games emphasize proper spinal alignment and the safe placement of limbs. By learning how to fall correctly (breakfalls) and how to distribute their weight through their skeletal structure rather than relying solely on muscular force, young practitioners reduce the risk of injury.
At Gracie Barra Westside, these foundational habits are instilled early. The curriculum ensures that by the time students reach adolescence, they possess a sophisticated physical vocabulary. This allows for a seamless transition into more intensive training phases, as the fundamental principles of leverage and safety have been deeply ingrained through years of structured coordination training.
Getting Started at Gracie Barra Is Easy: SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CLASS!
Gracie Barra Westside: discover superior martial arts training in New Mexico Westside!

Gracie Barra Westside: come to the best jiu-jitsu academy in New Mexico!
Gracie Barra Westside, NM is not just a school for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ); it’s a thriving community grounded in the values of brotherhood, integrity, and personal development. Founded by Master Carlos Gracie Jr., the legacy of Gracie Barra has become one of the most recognized names in the world of Jiu-Jitsu, with its red shield symbolizing excellence, dedication, and the passing of knowledge from the Gracie family to the next generation of athletes.
Under the leadership of Professor Roberto “Tussa” Alencar, a 4th-degree black belt and a world champion in the sport, Gracie Barra Westside offers top-tier instruction and a welcoming environment for students of all levels. With over 16 years of experience in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Professor Tussa has built a strong following in both California and New Mexico, cultivating a community of dedicated practitioners who strive for excellence on and off the mats.
At Gracie Barra Westside, students not only learn the techniques and strategies that define Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu but also develop valuable life skills such as discipline, respect, and resilience. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced practitioner, the focus is always on personal growth, teamwork, and the pursuit of excellence. The Gracie Barra competition team, known as Equipe GB, fosters athletic development and builds pride within the community, offering students the opportunity to compete and excel at the highest levels.
Start your jiu-jitsu journey today: schedule your free class at Gracie Barra Westside!
Gracie Barra is not just about teaching Jiu-Jitsu; it’s about transforming lives through the practice of the art. With a comprehensive approach that includes physical conditioning, mental toughness, and character development, Gracie Barra Westside provides a supportive environment where students are encouraged to reach their full potential.
If you’re looking to get started with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Gracie Barra Westside New Mexico is the place for you. Schedule your free class today and experience the Gracie Barra legacy firsthand. The journey to better health, improved self-defense skills, and personal empowerment starts here at Gracie Barra Westside New Mexico, located at 3200 La Orilla Rd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120.
Getting Started at Gracie Barra Is Easy: SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CLASS!
Gracie Barra Westside: discover superior martial arts training in New Mexico Westside!

Coordination games and learning: The Gracie Barra Westside kids curriculum | Phone: +1 (505) 818-8077
Gracie Barra Jiu-Jitsu West Side Albuquerque New Mexico

Secondary phone: +1 505 818-8077
URL: https://gbwestside.com/
| Thursday | 6:00 AM - 9:30 PM |
| Friday | 6:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | 6:00 AM - 9:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 6:00 AM - 9:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 6:00 AM - 9:30 PM |
