Gracie Jiu Jitsu South Bend

Gracie Jiu Jitsu South Bend was founded in 2018 by brothers John and Thomas McGuin, both 2nd degree black belts under Ryron and Rener Gracie. After more than a decade immersed in the Gracie system, the McGuins opened their academy to share the self-defense focus of Helio Gracie Jiu Jitsu with the South Bend community. Their approach is shaped by years of direct training with the Gracie family, and the school operates as a certified Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Training Center. The academy’s core programs follow the traditional Gracie curriculum, starting with Gracie Combatives for beginners and progressing to the Master Cycle for advanced students. Adult classes are structured in both gi and no-gi formats, including specialized sessions for sparring, reflex development, and fundamentals. For women, the Women Empowered program is led by instructors Hannah and Sarah McGuin, both purple belts, who focus on teaching practical self-defense skills and fostering confidence. Private lessons and seminars are also available for students seeking focused instruction. Youth are introduced to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu through age-specific classes: Mat Munchkins, Little Champs (5–7), Jr. Grapplers (8–12), and Gracie Teens. Each group is designed to build confidence, discipline, and self-protection skills with methods tailored to developmental stages. The academy welcomes drop-ins during class hours, encouraging newcomers to experience the training firsthand. Gracie Jiu Jitsu South Bend remains dedicated to preserving the self-defense roots of the art while making Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu accessible for all ages in South Bend.

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