Gracie Barra Rohnert Park Testimonials

Enrique

Assistant Faculty Member

“I have been training BJJ with professor Bill for over 3 years now the reason why I'm still around (and I'll probably be for a long time) is because I do believe that the Gracie Barra system and the way professor bill teach BJJ are one of the most successful and effective systems for training and teaching martial arts.

I also believed that BJJ is the most effective and realistic among all martial arts. It gives the practitioner a set of skills that can be used inside the school as well as outside since the first day of training. The school also provides a welcoming and friendly environment so that the student doesn't feel intimidated about training even with no previous experience. There's no restrictions or prerequisites to start training BJJ and anyone can do it. So what are you waiting for...?”

Paul and Family

Assistant Faculty Member

“I would like to start by saying I am very proud to be apart of the Gracie Barra Family! My family and I ( wife, daughter and son ) all train Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. I have been training for close to 2 years now, I really enjoy all of the people that train at the academy, everyone is helpful to each other. Jiu-Jitsu to me is a big stress reliever and the academy has a very positive vibe. I really like having Prof. BIll as my instructor he is very straight forward with teaching and this makes learning very easy. Not only is he a great instructor but he is a great friend to me and my family.

My kids also have a lot of respect for Prof. BIll and Prof. Fabianna, They have taught them a lot about respect, discipline and self confidence. My kids really enjoy the classes ( they train two times a week) We have seen a big change in our kids attitudes and self confidence.

My wife has also recently started training, She really enjoys the classes. My wife is happy that we have found a sport that we can all enjoy as a family. I recommend anyone who wants to learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to come train with us. Everyone at the academy is great and a good bunch of people that I will say are like family. Take care and see you on the MAT.”

Kyle

Assistant Faculty Member

“When I first walked into Gracie Barra Rohnert Park I wasn't sure what to expect. I have had bad experiences with martial arts gyms in the past, but when I met Professor Bill I knew this was different than any school I had ever visited before. His love and passion for the art was so real that I knew that this was where I wanted to be.

I had been a heavy smoker for over 13 years. I tried numerous methods to quit, including classes, gum's, patches and even being hypnotized, with no success. My first day at GBRP was an eye opening experience. I could barely make it through the warm up, and had to stop half way through the class because of exhaustion. That night I threw away my last pack of cigarettes and I am proud to say that I have been smoke free since. I truly believe that Professor Bill and the Gracie Barra family in Rohnert Park saved my life. I have now been training a little over six months, I have lost over 25 pounds and have made it through the fundamentals program and now train in the advanced classes also. I hope to compete soon and represent the Gracie Barra Family and Professor Bill with pride and honor.

I would highly recommend Gracie Barra Rohnert Park to anyone who is looking for a change in their lives. It will challenge you, not only physically but mentally as well. Professor Bill is the real deal.”

Elliott Hastings

Assistant Faculty Member

“Gracie Barra Rohnert Park is a great school. The benefits that I receive are not only the physical aspect of training like the techniques, workout and the self defense, but also the perspective on life and the self respect that comes from training here. The Gracie Barra system is the best system in all of martial arts and we are lucky enough to have one here in Rohnert Park with a two time world champion as our Professor. I love the environment here, everybody is respectful. I would highly recommend this school for kids, Teens, women, adults, everybody.”

Miguel Inong

“ When my cousin called me to tell me that he had joined GBRP, I was excited. I had been very curious about the school but wasn’t sure what to expect. Meeting with Professor Bill eased my concerns and got me really excited about enrolling in the class. Prior to joining GBRP, I exercised regularly (running, swimming, and weight training), but had lost that spark and fever for training. The school is great. The class has large variety of people to train with and the best instructors I have ever experienced. All of the coaches are very professional, technical, and personable in their instruction of classes. It’s a very comfortable learning environment and having so many different people to learn and train with makes the classes fun.

At this point in my career, I had started losing flexibility and agility. Even after running, swimming, and weight training every day, I was still feeling uncomfortable bending over to tie my shoes or just getting up of the floor. Since training with GBRP, I have gotten back all of my agility, flexibility, and spark for training again. I look forward to classes every day. Training with GBRP has helped me become more focused in my daily life.”

Morgan Gordon

“ Making the choice to train at Gracie Barra Rohnert Park is probably one of the best, most fulfilling choices I have ever made in my life to date. I have always been intrigued by BJJ, and the way the Gracie family has mastered the art. I was fortunate enough to have found GBRP though a friend. I immediately set up my intake interview, and have since became a permanent part if the academy...

I had never trained martial arts before, but I have played almost every sport possible since my childhood, including about 3 years of boxing training. Having no martial arts experience was definitely a challenge, but the staff at GBRP made me feel right at home! There are many programs available, and regardless of your skill level, there is a place for you at GBRP.

Now, I must give credit where credit is due..

GBRP is lead by our Professor, Aparecido Faria Bill. Professor Bill as we know him is a VERY successful BJJ competitor, and is an equally impressive teacher of the art. Everyone at GBRP is extremely fortunate to have someone like him to look up to. Being a 5 time Brazilian champion and a 2 time World champion, he is most definitely the real deal! His positive attitude is contagious, and his entire staff reflects that greatly! Training with GBRP has not only changed me physically, but mentally as well. It is truly a discipline that encompasses all aspects of life; Mind, body, and spirit. I look forward to continue growing with the GBRP family, and would highly recommend it to anyone!”

Steve Werner

“ I have been training at Gracie Barra Rohnert Park for about 2 years and it has become a complete lifestyle change for me. I came to the academy with little knowledge about Jiu Jitsu and a lot of stress in my life. From day one, my life began to change. Professor Bill helped me become stronger both physically and mentally through his wisdom and experiences in life and Jiu Jitsu. Thanks to him, I have become more confident in myself and have developed a work ethic that has made me successful both on and off the mat.

Whether you have competed for years in martial arts or have never done any form of self defense, there is a place for you in this academy. Through an amazing Professor and coaching staff , you will learn the martial art that has been proven to be the most affective form of self defense in the world. In the process you will get in better shape, meet new friends and have a great time. Come in and see for yourself.”
-Steve Werner

Riley Matson

“ Riley is 11 and has been at your Gracie Barra Rohnert Park Jiu Jitsu academy for a year and a half. He has grown and learned a lot in that time. I have seen my sons strength, respect and focus mature through his Jiu Jitsu practice. Riley has raced Outlaw Go Karts since he was 5 years old. He recently moved up to the 500 class. This motor is much bigger than his 250 and he has said numerous times he would not have the strength to race both karts if it weren't for his Gracie Barra Jiu Jitsu training. Riley is a rookie in this 500 class and has already won trophy dashes, heat races and main events. This is a huge accomplishment especially for his age. (He races against ages 15-48) Riley has put the Gracie Barra Rohnert Park Jiu Jitsu sticker on both his karts as he feels the training has improved his strength and racing. Thank you for having my son as one of your students. See you on the mat!”
Lorraine Matson
for Riley Matson

William and Family

“I have always been apprehensive about training at a martial arts school.  It was always a little intimidating not knowing how intense and potentially dangerous the training environment would be.  I lost those concerns as soon as I met Professor Bill.  I started training with Professor Bill in March of 2008.  I knew immediately that Gracie Barra Rohnert Park had something special to offer and I was hooked.  There are so many benefits to training at Gracie Barra Rohnert Park that I really don't know where to start.  The physical conditions and the techniques learned seem like they would be the most obvious but, it is really a lot more than that.  Jui Jitsu has a strange way of calming me.  I can go to class after having a bad day and my day always gets better.  I'm sure the friendly environment has a lot to do with that.  Professor Bill's friendly attitude is contagious and can be seen in everyone that I have had the opportunity to train with.  It creates a personal relationship between the students who train here.  It really is a family environment. 

It requires a certain amount of trust to train with others who could potentially hurt you.  It takes even more trust to let someone train your child.  My son Brady started training with Professor Bill about six months ago.  I am continually amazed at the communication skills that Professor Bill and Professor Fabiana have with children.  After the first few classes I started thinking, I wish my son listened as well at home as he did at class.  There was such a noticeable increase in his attention span, focus and self control.  The changes were not limited to just when he was training but quickly became apparent at home and school.  His teachers have noticed these improvements as well.

I was taught as a child to respect women.  It is important to me that my children learn this lesson also.  Although it has never been an issue, I like that my son has had the opportunity to train with Fabiana.  He is very impressed by her ability and he is aware that girls can be as tough as (or tougher than) boys.  There is no doubt that gender equality exists at Gracie Barra Rohnert Park.  I think this is equally beneficial to the young girls in the kids class.

I am thankful that my family and I have the opportunity to train at such an amazing school.  I know Jui Jitsu will always be a big part of my life.  Gracie Barra Rohnert Park is a great place for people of any ability to learn Jiu Jitsu as well as many other life lessons.  Thank you Prof. Bill and Prof. Fabiana for all that you do. WIlliam”

Jeremy and his Wife

“I was first introduced to the effectiveness of Brazilian jiu jitsu when I watched the first ufc fights in the early 1990's. In 1996 I began a career in law enforcement and quickly learned that people regularly resist arrest. In 1997 a survey of Los Angeles police officers that had been involved in hand-to-hand combat with suspects, reported that 85% of the altercations went to the ground. From what I had seen in the ufc fights, the experience I had gained arresting resistive suspects and knowing that 85% of physical altercations go to the ground, jiu jitsu seemed an excellent self-defense system for law enforcement. Not only for the protection of the officer but also the combative suspect. Because the techniques in Brazilian jui jitsu allow you to quickly gain control of the suspect, therefore decreasing the length of the altercation, it not only decreases the likelihood of injury to the officer but to the suspect as well.

I began sporadically attending jiu jitsu seminars specific to law enforcement and learned some basics of the art. I also learned that I wanted to know more, but had trouble finding a school that I felt comfortable with. In early 2008, a colleague told me about professor bill's school in Rohnert Park. He could not say enough about how he was enjoying the classes he was attending.

In March of 2008 I met with professor bill to see if I would feel comfortable training at his school. It did not take long to realize that professor bill was philosophical and regarded jiu jitsu as much more than a combat sport or a self-defense system. Professor bill regards jiu jitsu as a vehicle in which life skills are forged. Professor bill spoke of how jiu jitsu strengthens community, gives focus and self esteem to at risk youth, develops determination, it develops respect for others and oneself, you learn that in helping others you help yourself. Professor bill also spoke of the psychological and physical benefits of training in art of jiu jitsu. How in today's fast paced world jiu jitsu provides stress relief and exercise.

Professor bill informed me that several law enforcement professionals were attending his school and reiterated what I believed already, that jiu jitsu is very applicable to gaining quick control of a combative suspect.

I began attending classes that march. Since then I have seen or experienced all the benefits of jiu jitsu that professor bill spoke of and more. When I first started training with professor bill all I wanted was to gain the knowledge necessary to survive a critical incident with a combative suspect. While I am learning those skills, I am also learning much more than I anticipated, skills that have improved my quality of life.

I am proud to convey that my five and a half year old daughter has just begun attending the kid’s classes. I am proud to convey that she is learning those same life skills and applying them. My daughter looks forward her classes with an enthusiasm that I have not seen in her for any other sport.

I recommend professor bill's school; there is much to gain here.”

Mark

“I recommend Gracie Barra to anyone from kids to senior citizens that want to develop both mentally and physically by training in the best martial art available.

The training at Gacie Barra is systematic, fun and challenging. All classes are taught by Professor Bill, a world champion in BJJ, or a qualified assistant. Professor Bill is careful to train and match students according to experience, age, size, etc. Classes always start and end on time.

Professor Bill and his staff are really nice, decent people. The attitude at Gracie Barra is friendly and everyone is treated with respect. Classes start with a bow and end with handshakes and a bow. I sincerely look foreword to attending my Jiu Jitsu classes and I know you would too.”

Richard

“I have always enjoyed jiu-jitsu and the fact that it involves both your mind (strategy) and your body (technique).  But not until I started training at Gracie Barra Rohnert Park did I experience the added benefit of great instruction, quality training partners in a comfortable environment.  I would recommend GBRP to anyone.”