Gracie Barra Princeton Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Self Defense

Gracie Barra Princeton Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Self Defense brings the legacy of Carlos Gracie Jr. and the Gracie Barra system to Lawrenceville, New Jersey, with a focus on structured, traditional gi-based Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Led by Professor Edward Bisono, who grew up in nearby Trenton and competed at the highest levels through every belt rank, the academy draws on deep roots in both the local area and the wider Gracie Barra network. Professor Bisono began coaching under Ricardo Almeida after just a year of training and has taught kids and adults ever since, emphasizing not only technical skill but also confidence and character—values he credits to his upbringing and the transformative potential of Jiu-Jitsu. The leadership team also includes Professor Wojtek Ratkiewicz, a black belt known for his teaching passion and technical game, and owner Mike Leonardi, who has steered the Mercer/Bucks region’s Gracie Barra presence. Classes at Gracie Barra Princeton follow the structured Gracie Barra curriculum, which is designed to guide students from their very first class through to advanced ranks. The academy offers separate programs for adults, children, and women, with all-ages fundamentals at the core. Kids’ classes are a central focus, taught with an emphasis on positive discipline, engagement, and building life skills alongside practical self-defense. Adult classes include both fundamentals and higher-level instruction, following the traditional gi format that defines the Gracie Barra approach. Training is offered in both group and private settings, and open mat sessions are available for students looking to test and refine their skills in a less formal setting. The facility is wheelchair accessible, and drop-ins are welcome for both kids and adults. With a staff that includes regional directors, competition team coaches, and dedicated program directors, the school maintains a strong connection to the global Gracie Barra lineage while actively shaping the next generation of practitioners in central New Jersey.

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