Gracie Barra Harrogate, Apperley Bridge & York March Newsletter
Hi Everyone
It’s been a busy couple months so far in 2026 - from incredible competition efforts, GBK interclubs and new for March, the launch of our new GBF programme at Gracie Barra York, we’ve kick started the year in full swing across all of our academies!
We’ve got plenty coming up over the coming weeks, so keep an eye on our social media channels and check out some big dates for your diary below:
Braulio Estima Seminar at Gracie Barra York: Friday the 17th April at 6pm
We’re so excited to host Gracie Barra York’s first seminar, and the special guest doesn’t get much bigger than Professor Braulio Estima!
Braulio Estima is one of the most accomplished and respected figures in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a multiple-time world champion known for his technical precision, innovative mindset, and clear teaching style. His seminars are a rare opportunity to learn directly from an elite competitor who has mastered both fundamentals and advanced systems, especially in areas like pressure passing and submissions from dominant positions.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned practitioner, training with Braulio gives you practical details you can immediately apply to your game, along with insights into mindset, strategy, and high-level competition preparation.
Tickets are available for £50 - book yours here or through your GymDesk app.
Upcoming Interclubs
Gracie Barra York Adults Interclub: Sunday 7th June
Gracie Barra Harrogate Kids Interclub: Sunday 12th July
After receiving so much great feedback from our GBK Interclubs, we’re returning with an adults interclub this June! This time, we’ll be welcoming students from all of our academies to Gracie Barra York for an opportunity to try your skills against new opponents in a friendly and supportive setting.
Continuing the success of our GBK interclubs, we’ll be following up with another on the 12th of July at Gracie Barra Harrogate
Book in now via the GymDesk app for £15 per person!
Upcoming Academy Closures
Bank holidays are fast approaching and our academies will be closed for Easter Weekend as well as the late May Bank Holiday. Keep an eye on our Whatsapp groups for adult open mats, which will be scheduled in closer to the time.
New Monthly Competition Training for the GB HABY Community
Following the success of our recent inter-clubs, we are excited to launch our Monthly Competition Classes, led by Professor Luke and Coach Aza.
As a coaching team we have goals of developing a stronger competition presence in the region and by working together across our schools we believe can offer the best opportunities to existing and new athletes. We all know the benefits of competition, far exceed simply winning medals.
These monthly sessions will rotate across our schools each month, offering a unique opportunity for the wider GB HABY community to cross-train and sharpen their skills in a focused environment.
How is this different from a regular class?
• Strategic Focus: Deep dive into game planning and specific rule sets (by age/rank).
• Elite Environment: Train in a high-motivation room where everyone shares the same competitive goals.
• Fresh Challenges: Test your skills against new training partners from our other locations.
Who is this class not for?
Our philosophy is Jiu Jitsu for everyone and we believe we offer that opportunity across the board. However competing is a commitment from the individual to give something a little more in terms of the time and focus required to accomplish competetive goals. Technical ability and fitness can be developed throughout the process but be sure we can structure the best classes possible participants should as a minimum:
- be training at least twice per week regularly.
- have trained for a minimum of 6 months.
- be coachable and focused in regular classes
The First Session: Sunday, 22nd March
Location: GB Harrogate
Cost: £15 per person (via Gymdesk)
• Kids (Ages 7+): 09:00 – 10:30 (limited to 30 kids)
• Adults: 11:00 – 13:00 (limited to 40 adults)
You can book from within the gymdesk app by navigation to Harrogate location and the date.
Alternatively you can follow the links below.
Kids:
https://gracie-barra-harrogate.gymdesk.com/book?date=2026-03-22&s=1468440&schedule=8671
Adults:
https://gracie-barra-harrogate.gymdesk.com/book?date=2026-03-22&s=1468441&schedule=8671
Any spare spots will be offered to GB Roundhay after March 8th.
Professor Luke and Professor Lewis will be releasing some more content around the plan for the team and goals as a group shortly!
If you have any queries as to whether this class is suitable for you or your child then please reach out.
