--- title: "When are the No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu classes at Gracie Barra Jiu-Jitsu Thousand Oaks California?" url: https://gbthousandoaks.com/when-are-the-no-gi-jiu-jitsu-classes-at-gracie-barra-jiu-jitsu-thousand-oaks-california/ author: graciebarrajiujitsuthousandoaks date: 2026-05-11T06:01:40-08:00 categories: [When are the No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu classes at Gracie Barra Jiu-Jitsu Thousand Oaks California?] tags: [When are the No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu classes at Gracie Barra Jiu-Jitsu Thousand Oaks California?] --- # When are the No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu classes at Gracie Barra Jiu-Jitsu Thousand Oaks California? # ***When are the No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu classes at Gracie Barra Jiu-Jitsu Thousand Oaks California?*** If you have been spent any time around our academy on Rancho Conejo Boulevard, you know we take a lot of pride in the traditional white and blue kimonos, but there is a specific kind of energy that comes when we strip away the collars and sleeves for our no gi sessions. These classes are usually strategically placed in our weekly schedule to complement the technical foundation you are building in the gi. While the specific days and times can shift slightly as our community grows, we typically dedicate specific evening slots and sometimes weekend hours to no gi training so that our students can experience both sides of the art without having to choose one over the other. [![When are the No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu classes at Gracie Barra Jiu-Jitsu Thousand Oaks California?](https://gbthousandoaks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/add2-19-300x163.png)](https://gbthousandoaks.com/free-trial/) ***[When are the No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu classes at Gracie Barra Jiu-Jitsu Thousand Oaks California?](https://gbthousandoaks.com/free-trial/)*** In my opinion, everyone should be incorporating at least one or two no gi sessions into their weekly routine, especially if you have already spent a few months getting comfortable with the fundamentals. When you don’t have those heavy cotton grips to rely on, the game becomes a lot more about body mechanics, overhooks, and underhooks. It forces you to be more precise with your weight distribution because you can’t just anchor yourself to a lapel to slow things down. I have watched students who felt they were hitting a plateau in their gi game suddenly find a new level of fluidity after a few weeks of no gi. It teaches you how to move your body as a single, cohesive unit, and that translates back to the kimono in a really powerful way. I am often asked if beginners can jump right into the no gi classes, and my persuasive advice is always to check in with the professors first. While the brotherhood and sisterhood in Thousand Oaks are incredibly welcoming, we want to make sure you have a basic understanding of how to protect your joints and how to move safely on the mats before things get a bit more slippery and fast-paced. Once you have that base, no gi is an absolute blast. It is a fantastic workout that builds a different kind of conditioning and a very practical type of [**self defense**](https://gbthousandoaks.com/why-jiu-jitsu-is-the-most-efficient-and-practical-self-defense-method/) awareness. You aren’t always going to be wearing a heavy jacket in the real world, so knowing how to control an opponent by grabbing their wrists or controlling their head is a vital skill. The best way to get the most current timing for these sessions is to grab a physical schedule at the front desk or give us a quick shout. We like to keep the transition between the two styles seamless, so you will often see people finishing a fundamental gi class and then sticking around to pull on their rash guards for the no gi hour. It creates this great atmosphere where we are all learning the full spectrum of [**jiu jitsu**](https://gbthousandoaks.com/belt-promotions/) together. Whether you are looking to compete in submission grappling or you just want to see how your skills hold up without the gi, these classes are where you really start to feel like a complete martial artist. Don’t let the lack of a kimono intimidate you. The same respect and technical focus we have in every other class are just as present when we are training in board shorts and rash guards. It is just another way to challenge your brain and your body while hanging out with a group of people who are all working toward the same goal. Come down to the school and see for yourself why our no gi nights are some of the most popular sessions on the calendar. Gracie Barra [**Jiu-Jitsu**](https://gbthousandoaks.com/jiu-jitsu-nationals-gbto-result/) Thousand Oaks | 1011 Ranc Conejo Boulevard, Thousand Oaks, California 91320, United States 📞 (805) 721-6776 Gracie Barra Thousand Oaks represents a unique intersection in the martial arts world: it is a local, family-oriented academy that operates with the facility standards and championship pedigree of a professional athletic training center. Located inside the renowned Sports Academy (formerly Mamba Sports Academy) in Newbury Park, it offers a distinct “University of [**Jiu-Jitsu**](https://gbthousandoaks.com/jiu-jitsu-nationals-gbto-result/)” experience led by one of the most successful active competitors in the sport’s history. - World-Class Leadership The primary draw for students—from hobbyists to professional fighters—is the caliber of instruction. Professor Gabriel Arges: The academy is owned and led by Gabriel Arges, a 3-time IBJJF Black Belt World Champion. In the BJJ world, this is the equivalent of learning basketball from a current NBA All-Star. His leadership ensures that students learn modern, battle-tested techniques rather than outdated methods. The Romulo Barral Lineage: Arges is a black belt under the legendary Romulo Barral (Gracie Barra Northridge). This connection integrates the academy into a powerhouse regional network, granting students access to elite seminars and high-level training partners from across Southern California. - A Professional Athlete Facility Unlike many BJJ schools located in small industrial warehouses, Gracie Barra Thousand Oaks benefits from being housed within a major athletic complex. The “Pro” Environment: Located at 1011 Rancho Conejo Blvd, the academy is part of a 96,000 sq. ft. facility. It features professional-grade lighting, expansive mat space, and an atmosphere of high-performance athletics. Hospital-Grade Hygiene: Leveraging the standards of the Sports Academy, the mats are kept to a clinical level of cleanliness (“Red Shield” standard), drastically reducing the risk of skin infections common in lesser-regulated gyms. Amenities: Students have access to premium changing rooms, showers, and a pro shop, catering to the “Executive” crowd who need to head straight to work after morning training. - Adult Programs: Structure Meets Intensity The curriculum is designed to accommodate two distinct groups: the working professional who cannot afford to get injured, and the young athlete chasing gold medals. GB1 Fundamentals: This is the safe on-ramp for beginners. There is no live sparring in these classes. The focus is on self-defense mechanics, safe falling techniques (breakfalls), and core positional drills. This structure makes BJJ accessible to doctors, executives, and parents in the Conejo Valley. GB2 & GB3 (Advanced): Once students earn 3 stripes on their white belt, they unlock advanced classes. Here, the focus shifts to the “Arges Style”—dynamic guard play, modern leg locks (like the “Kneebarge”), and the strategic “Physical Chess” required for competition. Competition Team: Under Arges’s guidance, the competition team is one of the most successful in the region. Intense “comp classes” attract practitioners from Simi Valley, Moorpark, and Camarillo looking to test their limits. - The “Future Champions” Youth Program The youth program is a cornerstone of the academy, divided by age to ensure developmental appropriateness. Anti-Bullying Philosophy: The curriculum teaches children to neutralize bullies without violence. They learn to control an aggressor using leverage and pins (“negotiation from the top”) rather than striking, protecting them from both physical harm and school suspension. Age-Specific [**Classes**](https://gbthousandoaks.com/classes/): Little Champions (Ages 3–6): Focuses on motor coordination, listening skills, and “animal movements” to build body awareness. Juniors (Ages 7–9): Introduces technical grappling, partner drills, and the concept of leverage. Teens (Ages 10–15): A critical program for adolescents that combines self-defense with the athleticism of sport BJJ, helping teens navigate social pressure and build a [**health**](https://gbthousandoaks.com/health-and-bjj-after40/)y, disciplined peer group. - Culture and Atmosphere Despite the elite pedigree of its instructors, the culture is famously “no-ego.” The “Red Shield” Etiquette: The academy strictly follows traditional martial arts etiquette—bowing onto the mats, addressing instructors as “Professor” or “Coach,” and respecting training partners. Mentorship: Higher belts (“Big Brothers/Sisters”) are expected to guide and protect lower belts. It is common to see a World Champion competitor helping a Day-One white belt tie their belt. Family-Centric: The schedule often aligns adult and kids’ classes, allowing parents to train simultaneously with their children. Gracie Barra Thousand Oaks offers a premium martial arts experience where “World Class” is a reality, not just a slogan. Whether you are a parent seeking confidence for your child or an adult wanting to learn from a living legend, the academy provides a safe, clean, and highly professional environment to start your journey. Would you like me to find the current class schedule for a specific age group, or would you like directions to the Sports Academy facility? https://gbthousandoaks.com/free-trial/ Gracie Barra [**Jiu-Jitsu**](https://gbthousandoaks.com/jiu-jitsu-nationals-gbto-result/) & Martial Arts Academy Thousand Oaks CA 1011 Rancho Conejo Blvd, Thousand Oaks, California 91320, United States Phone Number: +1 805-721-6776 Office Hours Mon. 09:00 am – 07:30 pm Tue. 09:00 am – 07:30 pm Wed. 09:00 am – 07:30 pm Thu. 09:00 am – 07:30 pm Fri. 09:00 am – 07:30 pm Sat. 09:00 am – 07:30 pm Sun. Closed [![When are the No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu classes at Gracie Barra Jiu-Jitsu Thousand Oaks California?](https://gbthousandoaks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/When-are-the-No-Gi-Jiu-Jitsu-classes-at-Gracie-Barra-Jiu-Jitsu-Thousand-Oaks-California02-300x102.png)](https://gbthousandoaks.com/free-trial/) ***[When are the No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu classes at Gracie Barra Jiu-Jitsu Thousand Oaks California?](https://gbthousandoaks.com/free-trial/)*** [![When are the No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu classes at Gracie Barra Jiu-Jitsu Thousand Oaks California?](https://gbthousandoaks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/add1-19-300x169.png)](https://gbthousandoaks.com/free-trial/) ***[When are the No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu classes at Gracie Barra Jiu-Jitsu Thousand Oaks California?](https://gbthousandoaks.com/free-trial/)*** - [Gracie Barra Jiu-Jitsu Thousand Oaks & Martial Arts CA](https://gbthousandoaks.com/) ### Route Your location: No route could be calculated. ### Gracie Barra Jiu-Jitsu Thousand Oaks & Martial Arts CA 1011 Rancho Conejo Boulevard Thousand Oaks, California 91320 United States (US)Phone: [+1 805-721-6776](tel:+18057216776) Secondary phone: [+1 805-721-6776](tel:+18057216776) # ***When are the No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu classes at Gracie Barra Jiu-Jitsu Thousand Oaks California?***