“If God is for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31

★ Northern Nevada’s #1 Rated Martial Arts Academy

Gracie JIU-JITSU Martial Arts for Kids & Adults

2 Locations in RENO & SPARKS, NEVADA

If you’re looking for Jiu-Jitsu or martial arts classes near Reno or Sparks, Nevada, Gracie Humaita is Northern Nevada’s highest-rated academy with two locations serving the entire region. Whether you’re an adult looking for self-defense or a parent searching for kids’ jiu jitsu near you, we have a program for your entire family.

*Professor Alexandre Gracie is now a 3rd Degree Black Belt.

★★★★★5.0 Stars
430+ Google Reviews

20+

Years Experience

430+

5-Star Reviews

2

Locations

4+

Ages Welcome

Elite Martial Arts School in Reno & Sparks, NV

Looking for a top-rated martial arts school for kids, teens, and adults near Reno or Sparks? Gracie Humaita offers Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Self-Defense, and Martial Arts classes for all levels, from beginner to competition-ready training.

We offer one membership and access to both of our two convenient locations in South Reno and Sparks. With over 10 years of serving Northern Nevada, 430+ Google reviews, and a 5.0-star rating, we are the region’s highest-rated martial arts school.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is widely recognized as one of the most effective martial arts for real-world self-defense. Unlike traditional martial arts schools that rely on size and strength, our BJJ curriculum teaches self-defense through leverage and technique — effective for anyone, regardless of age or athletic ability.

What You'll Experience:

  • Master proven self-defense techniques from the authentic Gracie lineage
  • Build unshakable confidence through jiu-jitsu martial arts training
  • Enroll your child in our kids jiu-jitsu program (ages 4–13) in Reno or Sparks
  • Get in incredible shape while learning valuable combat skills
  • Train for competition (optional) in elite-level Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
  • Access both locations with one membership — train in Reno or Sparks

Get Started Today: 3 Introductory Classes for just $30!

We offer 3 introductory jiu-jitsu classes or private classes for both adults and kids. Sign up today to get access to both of our Reno and Sparks locations!

We Are Family-Owned & Operated Under The Gracie Family Lineage

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OUR PROGRAMS

A Word From UFC Legend Royce Gracie

From absolute beginners to competition-level athletes, we have a class designed for your goals. All students get access to both Reno and Sparks locations.

Adults 16+

Adult Jiu-Jitsu - Ages 14 +

Learn authentic Gracie self-defense through leverage and technique. Gi and No-Gi classes available for all experience levels at our Reno and Sparks academies. Ages 14 and up. Try It Out For $30 →

Ages 4–15

Kids & Teens Program - Ages 4-13

Build confidence, discipline, and anti-bullying skills in a safe, structured environment. Separate jiu-jitsu classes for kids ages 4–9 and 10–13 in Reno and Sparks. Try It Out For $30 →

1-on-1

Private Lessons - Adults Only

Accelerate your progress with personalized instruction from Professor Alexandre Garcia. Perfect for beginners or advanced students preparing for competition. Book a session →

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HEAD INSTRUCTOR

Professor Alexandre Garcia

3rd Degree Black BeltBrazilian-Born & TrainedGracie Humaita CertifiedUFC Coach (Ken Shamrock)

Professor Alexandre Garcia is a third-degree black belt who earned his rank in Brazil under the Gracie family. Born and raised in Rio de Janeiro — the birthplace of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu — Alexandre began training at age 9 and brings over 20 years of experience to the mat.

He trained under Professor Marcão, a direct student of Royler Gracie, and is a competition-proven fighter with tournament wins in both Brazil and the United States. He also served as jiu-jitsu coach for UFC legend Ken Shamrock at the Lion’s Den.

As Northern Nevada’s only Brazilian-born, Brazilian-trained Gracie black belt, Alexandre leads Reno’s original Gracie Humaita academy — carrying the lineage of Helio Gracie and the Humaita tradition.

THE GRACIE Humaita DIFFERENCE

Why Local Families Choose Us?

Gracie Humaita Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Martial Arts of Reno & Sparks is more than a gym — we’re a family-owned martial arts academy carrying the authentic Gracie lineage, training adults and kids in or near Reno and Sparks, NV.

Authentic Gracie Lineage

Learn from Northern Nevada's only Brazilian-born, Brazilian-trained Gracie instructor. Our curriculum comes directly from the Gracie family — no watered-down versions.

Highest-Rated in the Region

With 430+ Google reviews and a 5.0 -star rating, we're the most reviewed and highest-rated martial arts and jiu jitsu school for adults and kids in all of Northern Nevada.

Two Convenient Locations

Train at both our South Reno and Sparks academies with one membership. Flexible schedule with classes 6 days a week for kids and adults.

Real Self-Defense That Works

BJJ focuses on leverage and technique — not brute strength. Effective for anyone regardless of size, age, or athletic background.

WHAT STUDENTS SAY

Trusted by Hundreds of Northern Nevada Families

Kathleen D.
1 week ago
We had the opportunity to drop in while we were in town, and we couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Walking into a new gym can be intimidating for a child, but the coaches and students immediately made us feel welcome. The coaches took the time to include everyone, offered excellent instruction, and created a positive environment where the kids could learn, work hard, and have fun. It was obvious they genuinely care about every child who steps on the mats, even those who are just visiting. We’re so thankful they welcomed us for a class and treated us like part of the team. We’re grateful for the hospitality and look forward to dropping in again the next time we’re in town. If you’re looking for a place where kids are supported, challenged, and encouraged, we highly recommend stopping by.
Omar E.
1 month ago
This place is great. Nice people and nice team. They know what they are doing.
Kathy K.
1 month ago
Great teaching and atmosphere
destiny E.
1 month ago
My daughter’s love the class and all the coaches and professor. You can really see how good the coaches and professor is with all the kids. I definitely recommend this place to everyone I know
Emily R.
1 month ago
My son can be super shy to start but the staff has been so kind and welcoming. The coaches a GREAT with kids and can help with any newcomer who may be nervous. Thank you Coach Katie, Sam, Rich and Professor Alex!!
Adam K.
1 month ago
I cannot say enough good things about Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in Sparks! My 5 and 7-year-old daughters are absolutely loving their classes here. The instructors are phenomenal—they are incredibly engaging, patient, and helpful with the younger kids. They know exactly how to keep the lessons fun and exciting while still teaching valuable skills and building confidence. It is such a welcoming environment, and seeing my girls look forward to every class is amazing. If you’re looking for a great martial arts school for your children, I highly recommend Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Sparks!
Ricardo S.
1 month ago
Great experience my little sister goes here and loves it
Ninalani G.
1 month ago
👍🏾
John B.
1 month ago
Professor Alexandre was very hospitable. Instruction was clear and the atmosphere was very welcoming. I had a wonderful time training. Will come back next time I am in town.
Alexander W.
1 month ago
I've been training here for a few months and have really enjoyed my experience. The instructor is knowledgeable, patient, and explains techniques in a way that's easy to understand. The atmosphere is welcoming, and everyone is respectful and supportive, which makes it a great place to learn whether you're new or experienced. I've made a lot of progress in a short time and always look forward to coming back. I highly recommend this school to anyone interested in learning jiu-jitsu.
David W.
1 month ago
I’ve had an amazing experience training at this BJJ gym in Sparks. From day one, everyone has been incredibly welcoming, and the coaches do a great job of making beginners feel comfortable while still challenging more experienced students. The instruction is clear, the atmosphere is respectful, and every class pushes me to improve both physically and mentally. The facility is clean, the training partners are supportive, and you can tell everyone genuinely wants to help each other get better. If you’re looking for a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gym in Sparks, I can’t recommend this place enough. It’s been one of the best decisions I’ve made, and I always look forward to coming back to train.
Ingrid R.
1 month ago
Discipline for kids , good environment and a good sensei.
Holly K.
1 month ago
My daughter loves here
Joao Gabriel Andrade B.
1 month ago
Best place to train Jui-jitsu in Reno. Highly qualifield instrutors. Congratulations
Alan L.
1 month ago
Very welcoming and feels like home thank you to all the professors for making it a great experience. 10/10
Lauren S.
1 month ago
Really enjoyed this class! would strongly recommend hands down best coach in sparks
Mac V.
1 month ago
Attended this school recently and the environment was encouraging and engaging. Will be back on the mats asap!
NIa E.
2 months ago
My husband found this nice clean jiu jitsu place on yelp and we both loved how the professor is very strict on rules and all about respect in every aspect! I also love how very clean he keeps his place. The instructors are very hands on and not afraid to let them know they are doing it wrong and teaching them the right way! Always a full class:)
Rahul S.
2 months ago
Professor Alex Garcia is amazing with the kids. This is a great school for a kids to learn and train.
LJ B.
2 months ago
Can’t say enough how amazing this place is! Professor Alex is so good with the students and has amazing energy and always takes care of his people! Can’t recommend it enough!
Dylan L.
2 months ago
Great school,Family environment good for all ages. I strongly a diverse this place run by the Gracies
James J.
2 months ago
Coach Alex and Rick are amazing with our daughter who is 4 years old. Very patient and our daughter has learned so much in just a few months!
Reilee J.
2 months ago
Coach Alex and Coach Rich are amazing with kids! My 4 year-old daughter has been attending for 3 weeks now and absolutely loves it. Definitely give the 3 day trial class pass a try!
Kevin T.
2 months ago
Best JiuJitsu Ever my kids love it!
Katie W.
2 months ago
Alex is a great professor! He’s has a lot of knowledge! you can see he truly has a passion for teaching, and is very nice to everyone. Would recommend him to everyone.

COMMON QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art that teaches self-defense using leverage and technique instead of strength. It focuses on controlling and submitting opponents on the ground, making it effective for real-world situations. At our Reno and Sparks academies, we teach authentic Gracie BJJ — the same system used by police, military, and MMA fighters. Visit our blog for training tips and BJJ insights.

BJJ is ideal for beginners because you can train at full resistance without getting punched or kicked. You learn real self-defense from day one, and the “tap out” rule means you control how hard you train. Most of our students start with zero experience — try 3 introductory classes for $30 to see for yourself.

Never. We have students in their 40s, 50s, and beyond. BJJ relies on leverage and technique — not speed or athleticism — so it’s one of the few martial arts you can start at any age and still become highly effective. Our adult BJJ classes in Reno and Sparks welcome all fitness levels.

Absolutely! Our kids’ programs accept ages 4+ with separate classes for 4–9 and 10–13 year olds. Parents consistently report improvements in confidence, discipline, focus, and anti-bullying skills. We offer kids BJJ at both our Reno and Sparks locations.

We offer 3 introductory classes for just $30. After your trial, unlimited training at both our Reno and Sparks locations is only $140/month — making us one of the most affordable academies in Northern Nevada without sacrificing quality. Contact us for details.

For your first class, regular workout clothes work perfectly. Once you’re ready to commit to training, you’ll need to purchase a gi (BJJ uniform) — the team can recommend the best options when you join. Check the class schedule and book your first class.