Who do I contact to start Jiu-Jitsu in Gracie Barra Thousand Oaks?
To begin your training at Gracie Barra Thousand Oaks, you should reach out to the academy’s front desk staff or the program director. The facility is located within the Sports Academy complex at 1011 Rancho Conejo Blvd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320.
Because the academy is led by world class athlete Professor Gabriel Arges, the onboarding process is professional and structured to ensure every new student starts their journey safely.
 PRIMARY CONTACT METHODS
The most efficient way to schedule your initial evaluation is through the official communication channels maintained by the staff.
 Phone Inquiry: You can call the academy directly to speak with a program director. This is often the fastest way to get answers regarding the current 16 week fundamentals schedule and to book a time for a free introductory session.
 Online Registration: The official Gracie Barra Thousand Oaks website typically features a “Book a Free Class” or “Contact Us” form. Submitting your information here allows the staff to reach out to you via email or text to coordinate your first visit.
 Social Media Messaging: The academy maintains an active presence on platforms like Instagram and Facebook. Sending a direct message is an effective way to get a quick response from the digital media team regarding membership options and introductory specials.
 THE INTRODUCTORY PROCESS
When you make contact, the staff will guide you through a specific sequence designed to introduce you to the “Vocabulary of Movement.”
 The Free Technical Evaluation: Most new students begin with a one on one meeting. During this time, an instructor will show you the facility, explain the “Art of the Tap” safety protocols, and introduce you to the basic movements of the art.
 Program Consultation: After your physical evaluation, a program director will discuss your specific goals, whether they are fitness, self defense, or “Panic Inoculation” for stress management. They will then recommend the best membership plan for your schedule.
 Equipment Fitting: If you decide to join, the staff will assist you in the pro shop to find the correct size for your official Red Shield Gi and rash guard.
 VISITING IN PERSON
If you prefer to see the environment before committing, you can visit the facility during their regular operating hours.
 Location Details: The academy is situated inside a 96,000 square foot athletic complex. Upon entering the Sports Academy, you can head to the Gracie Barra wing to meet the instructional team.
 Observation: The staff often allows prospective students to watch a GB1 Fundamentals class in progress. This is a great way to experience the “zero ego” culture and see how the professors interact with the students.
 Morning and Evening Hours: Because they host a “Morning Crew” for professionals and evening sessions for families, there is almost always a staff member available during training blocks to assist you.
In summary, you should contact the program director at Gracie Barra Thousand Oaks via phone or their online portal to secure your spot for a free introductory session.
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” 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:
 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 healthy, 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 & 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
Route
Gracie Barra Jiu-Jitsu Thousand Oaks & Martial Arts CA
Secondary phone: +1 805-721-6776
