The initial introduction to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) at Gracie Barra Westside in Albuquerque, New Mexico, follows a specific operational procedure.
Understanding the sequence of events and the requirements of the facility ensures that the student can transition into the training environment efficiently. The following details outline the standard protocols and activities a child will encounter during their first session.
Arrival and facility orientation!
Upon entering the academy, new students and their guardians undergo a registration process. This includes the completion of necessary documentation and a brief tour of the facility. The orientation covers the layout of the changing rooms, the designated seating areas for parents, and the rules regarding the mat space.
Safety and hygiene are primary concerns. Students are required to remove their shoes before stepping onto the mats and must ensure their training uniform, known as a Gi, is clean. For the first class, if a student does not yet own a Gi, the academy often provides a loaner uniform to ensure the child can participate in the drills safely.
The beginning of the session: Formal protocols!
Every class at Gracie Barra Westside starts with a formal lineup. Students arrange themselves according to their current rank and experience level. This segment of the class establishes the discipline required for the session. The lead instructor initiates a bow as a sign of respect to the practitioners and the lineage of the martial art.
Following the lineup, the class transitions into a warm-up phase. These exercises are not random; they consist of movements specific to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, such as forward and backward rolls to develop spatial awareness. Hip escapes to practice ground mobility. Breakfalls to learn how to contact the mat without injury.
Start your jiu-jitsu journey today: schedule your free class at Gracie Barra Westside!

Technical instruction and drills!
The core of the class involves the demonstration of specific techniques. The instructor selects a theme—such as a specific guard pass or a defensive posture—and breaks it down into individual steps. New students are typically paired with an experienced partner or an assistant instructor. This allows the beginner to observe the correct application of the technique at a slow pace.
The drilling process is repetitive. Students practice the movement multiple times to begin the process of muscle memory development. During this time, instructors circulate throughout the mat area to provide manual corrections to the student’s posture and grip placement.
Controlled interaction and conclusion!
In the final portion of the class, students may participate in situational drills. For a first-time student, this does not involve full-contact sparring. Instead, it focuses on “positional” work, where the child attempts to apply the day’s lesson in a semi-active scenario. This allows the child to experience the physical resistance of a training partner without the intensity of a high-speed match.
The class concludes in the same manner it began. Students line up, receive any final announcements from the instructor, and perform a final bow. This signifies the end of the formal training period and allows the instructor to provide feedback to the parents regarding the child’s first performance.
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!

Your child’s first BJJ class: What to expect at Gracie Barra Westside | 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 |
