Gracie Barra Hastings is a renowned martial arts school located in Hastings, New Zealand. Run by Professors Paul and Ali, a husband and wife team, the school prides itself on providing top-quality training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. With a strong commitment to inclusivity, Gracie Barra Hastings offers classes for individuals of all ages and skill levels.
Professor Paul, a fourth-degree black belt, is one of the most highly ranked Jiu Jitsu practitioners in Europe. With over twenty years of experience in training and teaching Jiu Jitsu, he serves as the Head Instructor at the academy. Professor Paul's passion for the martial art started after witnessing Royce Gracie's victory at UFC 1, and he has since achieved numerous accolades, including winning gold at the European Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Championship and the English Open Championship. He is also a veteran of the TUFF Invitational and Polaris events, as well as one of the first fighters to represent Gracie Barra in the MMA cage.
Professor Ali, a second-degree black belt and a qualified teacher, brings over 20 years of teaching experience to the school. Alongside her full-time career, she has dedicated herself to Jiu Jitsu training and was awarded her black belt in 2017. As the head instructor for all the children's programmes, Professor Ali has played an integral role in developing women's self-defence classes and integrating Brazilian Jiu Jitsu into the physical education curriculum in various schools.
At Gracie Barra Hastings, safety and professionalism are paramount. Both Professors have completed the Gracie Barra Instructor Certification Programme and hold Level 3 First Aid training. The academy is fully insured, and all instructors and coaches possess enhanced DBS certificates. Moreover, Professor Ali is fully Safeguarding trained and serves as the Designated Child Protection officer at the academy.
Gracie Barra Hastings firmly believes that Jiu Jitsu is for everyone, regardless of age or background. They offer classes for children ages 3-17, as well as adult classes suitable for individuals of all ages. In fact, their oldest student is currently 77 years old! The academy is known for its clean, safe, and friendly environment, and they encourage anyone interested to visit or contact them for more information.
For those looking for more personalised training, both Professor Paul and Professor Ali offer 1-2-1 or small group sessions. Whether you're a beginner looking to learn the basics or an experienced practitioner aiming to refine your skills, these sessions provide an excellent opportunity for individualised guidance and attention.
If you're interested in experiencing the benefits of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for yourself, Gracie Barra Hastings offers a free trial class. Don't miss the chance to join a supportive community and embark on an empowering martial arts journey. Contact Gracie Barra Hastings today to book your free trial class.