Our Instructors

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

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

Jiu Jitsu Martial Arts Reno & Sparks5.0

Based on 174 reviews

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.