Our Instructors

Join the only Brazilian-born, Brazilian-trained Jiu-Jitsu instructor in Reno and Sparks, NV

Our Instructors

HEAD INSTRUCTOR

Alexandre Garcia — 3rd Degree Black Belt

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

Alexandre Garcia was born on October 28, 1975. Raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Alexandre was always very interested in learning martial arts. At age 9, he started taking Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes. That was Alexandre’s first contact with Jiu-Jitsu.

Alexandre attended a seminar hosted by Royler Gracie and found that one of Royler’s students, Professor Marcão, had opened a school nearby where he started training immediately. He earned his Black Belt in Brazil under the Gracie family.

Alexandre moved to the U.S. in 2002 and eventually settled in Reno. He served as the head Jiu-Jitsu instructor at UFC champion Ken Shamrock’s Lion’s Den before opening his own academy. Alexandre has won several tournaments in both Brazil and the United States.

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.

WHAT STUDENTS SAY

Trusted by Hundreds of Northern Nevada Families

Gabriela C.
1 week ago
I love it! It's friendly—they teach the kids and are patient with them. My children love it.
Reilee J.
2 weeks 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!
Kristy S.
2 weeks ago
My daughter loves jiu jitsu! We go to classes at both the Reno and Sparks locations and love the all the instructors and the family feel.
Nichole M.
2 weeks ago
JJ has helped my girls build their confidence, not just in JJ but in other activities and sports as well. The instructors are attentive and supportive, I love that they are strict but gentle. Highly recommend!
angeline L.
2 weeks ago
My son has been doing jiu jitsu since December and he really loves it. He’s more confident and focused, and the coaches are great with the kids. He even tries his moves on me when we get home 🤣 We’re really happy with the experience.
Karie K.
2 weeks ago
My kids love coming to class. They giggle and learn amazing technique. I have 3 kids and they all love it!
Shravan K.
2 weeks ago
My son enrolled here about a month back and while it took him a couple of classes to warm up, he really loves the classes now. Professor and coaches are lovely to work with and excellent with kids...highly recommend
Kristy S.
2 weeks ago
My daughter started jiu jitsu classes and she loves it! The staff are all very friendly and Alex is great with the kids. The place has a family feel which is nice, too.
Jonalyn Q.
2 weeks ago
The coaches and professor are very kind, attentive, and nice people. They really care about the kids. They also keep the place very clean.
Cody H.
2 weeks ago
Great place to learn jiu jitsu
Daniel M.
3 weeks ago
Stopped into train at Gracie Humaita Reno while traveling for work and it was the best experience I ever had visiting a Jiu jitsu gym. Professor Alex was very warm and welcoming. He made me feel as if I’d been training with him for 10 years. Not only was he first class in customer service but instructed really clear and professional. He made sure everyone was safe but also training hard. Attentive to every student and their comprehension of the skills of the day. If I were going to move to Reno this is the gym/team I would immediately sign up to be a part of. When I’m in Reno again, it’s a no brainer I will be dropping in again. This is the gym to be at for world class Jiu jitsu. 🤙🏼
preethi V.
1 month ago
This is an excellent jiu-jitsu program for kids. The coaches are knowledgeable, attentive, and really know how to keep children engaged while teaching valuable skills. I love how they emphasize discipline, respect, and self-confidence along with training. The environment is friendly and welcoming. couldn’t ask for a better place!
Josh L.
2 months ago
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ We couldn’t be happier with our experience at Gracie’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This place is the real deal. Coach Alex is one of the best instructors I’ve seen. He has a rare ability to connect with kids. He expects respect and discipline, but balances it perfectly with a great sense of humor that keeps them engaged and excited to be there. The kids are learning real skills while genuinely having a great time, which is not easy to pull off. What stands out most is the culture. It is positive, structured, and focused on growth, both on and off the mat. You can tell they are not just teaching jiu jitsu, they are building confidence, character, and accountability. I am especially grateful we found this place. It has become more than just a gym for our family. Other family members train here as well, and it is something we all look forward to. That says a lot. If you are looking for a place that will challenge your kids, build discipline, and still make it fun, this is it. Highly recommend.
LJ B.
2 months ago
Professor Alex has the most legit and best school in town! Absolute pleasure training at the gym! Give it a shot, you won’t regret it.
Elisabeth S.
2 months ago
A melhor academia de luta em Reno , ambiente familiar , limpo, organizado , exelentes professores ! 🇧🇷
Elisabeth S.
2 months ago
Ambiente familiar , agradável , limpo e organized , além disso os professores são ótimos e muito atenciosos com os alunos ! Ótimo preço na mensalidade. ❤️
zachary B.
2 months ago
This place is amazing. Great owners and very knowledgeable. I wouldn't recommend anywhere else to go train. Do yourself a favor and check it out
Sabi A.
2 months ago
My family has been coming here for a long time! My niece started here when she was very little and now my son and I come here! Coach Alex is a wonderful teacher and an amazing person! Through all of our ups and downs Alex has always had out backs. All of the teachers are kind, personable, patient, and warm hearted ❤️ I would suggest any person to come support this local business who treats you like family, always.
zachary B.
2 months ago
I am just getting started and I can't say enough good things. Alex is amazing and really knows his stuff. If you are on the fence just try it. You wont regret it
Michael J.
2 months ago
Love this place! The professor and the students alike are incredibly welcoming. These are the sorts of folks who will explain how they did the thing you’ve never seen before so you can try it next time.
Doug P.
2 months ago
Alexandre Garcia is an outstanding professor. 3rd degree black belt. You will get your training with experience. The coaches are also amazing. My son amd I have learned so much with Gracie.
ridepiece
2 months ago
Very organized and clean on the business side. Our son tried one training was sold. They are teaching him all of the important things in life at his young age (5). They are helping us build a great human.
Anne M.
2 months ago
Gracie Humaita Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is awesome, my son loves it here! Alex and the coaches are super knowledgeable, disciplined, and really care about helping the kids improve. You can tell they take pride in teaching the art the right way. The environment is positive, motivating, and respectful, which makes it a great place to train. I’ve been really impressed with the discipline and dedication from the instructors. Highly recommend if you’re looking for quality training and great leadership
Marianne D.
2 months ago
Great place. My daughter is learning life skills and it’s peace of mind for me that she will know defensive moves in any situation. The professor and teachers are very positive and motivational.
Aaron W.
2 months ago
Love the energy at this school! Students roll hard, are respectful, safe, and dedicated to the art. I’ve had amazing improvement. Can’t beat professor Alex Garcia. The man knows his craft and is a superb teacher for both self defense and competition, beginner through expert. Reno is lucky to have this great place to up your BJJ game. Highest recommendations!
Alexander W.
2 months ago
I’ve trained at this Gracie Jiu-Jitsu school for a few months and it’s a great experience. The instructor has a lot of energy but is very kind, which makes a big difference when you’re learning. He takes the time to explain techniques clearly and makes sure everyone understands, no matter their skill level. You can tell he cares about helping people improve and feel confident on the mat. The school and its students are also very welcoming. Everyone is respectful and supportive, so it never feels intimidating even when you’re new. The teaching is solid and you can tell it comes from a real Gracie foundation—very focused on technique, control, and understanding the details. I’ve learned a lot in just a few months and I always look forward to training. I highly recommend this school for jiu jitsu.
Jervyn S.
2 months ago
I've been training here for 8 years and the coaches have been instrumental in my growth on and off the mat. The instruction is top-notch and everyone, from white belts to advanced students, gets real attention and genuine feedback.
Luciana L.
2 months ago
My child has had a wonderful experience at Gracie Humaita Jiu Jitsu. Professor Alex and all coaches are extremely knowledgeable, kind, and very patient with the kids. They create a positive and supportive environment where children can learn discipline, confidence, and respect while having fun. It’s also a very family-oriented place, which makes it feel welcoming for everyone. I highly recommend it to any parent looking for a great place for their child to learn Jiu Jitsu!
Clay C.
2 months ago
Great place for self defense and a family atmosphere.
Nicholas B.
2 months ago
Training under Alex was one of the most positive JiuJitsu experiences I’ve had. His knowledge of jiu jitsu is deep, and he has a great way of breaking things down so that both beginners and experienced students can understand and apply the techniques effectively. What really sets him apart is his attitude and personality. He brings a great energy to every class and creates an environment that is enjoyable. He has a great sense of humor, keeps the atmosphere positive, and genuinely cares about the people he teaches! He’s the kind of coach who is not only skilled but also kind, generous with his time, and invested in helping his students grow. I had the opportunity to compete under him on multiple occasions, and I always felt very well prepared going into tournaments. His coaching, guidance, and attention to detail made a huge difference in my confidence and performance!