Gracie Barra Queen Creek Jiu Jitsu and Self Defense

Gracie Barra Queen Creek Jiu Jitsu and Self Defense opened in 2023 under the guidance of Head Instructor Nikola Dramicanin. Located on Hunt Highway, the academy brings together five black belts and a total of 11 coaches, delivering instruction grounded in the Gracie Barra global curriculum. Students from Queen Creek, San Tan Valley, and Johnson Ranch train side by side, benefiting from a coaching staff experienced across all levels and age groups. As a sister school to Gracie Barra Ocotillo, practitioners also have access to additional high-level black belt instructors, deepening the range of perspectives available on the mats. Training at Gracie Barra Queen Creek is organized around a structured progression that serves children as young as three through adults pursuing competition or fitness goals. The kids’ programs break down into age-specific classes, starting with Little Champions I for ages 4 to 6, focusing on fundamental positions and cooperative drills, and advancing to Juniors & Teens classes that emphasize tournament preparation and discipline. An anti-bullying curriculum is woven into every kids’ session, teaching students to manage conflict verbally before resorting to physical control. Adults follow a stepwise path from fundamentals to advanced classes, incorporating live rolling, wrestling and judo takedowns, and varied coaching styles to refine individual game plans. Classes run six days a week with early morning, afternoon, and evening sessions to fit diverse schedules. Family training is a hallmark here, with over half the memberships held by families who often train back-to-back, including a dedicated Parents & Kids class on Saturdays. The academy’s location features free parking and wheelchair accessibility, making it convenient for local families and visitors. Gracie Barra Queen Creek also welcomes active military, veterans, and law enforcement personnel, offering specialized ground control techniques suited to tactical needs.

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