What is Gracie Jiu-Jitsu?

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is a complete self-defense system that has been taught to hundreds of law enforcement agencies and thousands of civilians in the United States and all around the world. It emphasizes simple movements, practical techniques and realistic scenarios.
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is the official hand-to-hand combat system of the United States Military and law enforcement agencies all around the country.

Is this the right school for me?

Before joining any school ask yourself what are your goals and objectives. Today many Martial Arts have developed competitive sport organizations, Gracie/Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is no different. If your goal is learning self-defense make sure you find a school that focuses on realistic street scenarios rather than a club that prepares athletes for point tournaments.
As Grand Master Hélio Gracie says," Jiu-jitsu is first and foremost an art of combat, all the improvements that I made were with the goal of maintaining that objective" consequently our school's mission is to provide the most effective self-defense instruction in the world by giving students the elements to defend themselves in real life, no rules, no points situations. The practice of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is an excellent physical recreation where every single muscle from head to toe is called into active use.
If you are looking for a family oriented, clean, respectful and noble environment where you will learn Traditional Gracie Jiu-Jitsu at its purest form the Valente's Gracie Miami is the right school for you.

Is there a difference between Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?

No. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. The Gracie family is the Brazilian family responsible for the creation of the Martial Art named Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. The late Carlos Gracie Sr. learned Japanese Jiu-Jitsu and opened the first Gracie Academy. His younger brother Hélio Gracie adapted those ancient Asian techniques, creating what is known as Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. Today this fighting system from Brazil is being taught all around the world due to the courage, hard work and sacrifice of the Gracie Family and their loyal students. The name Gracie Jiu-Jitsu credits the art's Japanese roots while recognizing the family responsible for revolutionizing this millinery art and sharing it with the world. Calling it Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is not only the correct way but also a form of gratitude. Today, the major difference of Gracie/Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu styles lies between Helio Gracie's Traditional Gracie Jiu-Jitsu for self-defense and Sport Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu designed for point competition. As a student, make sure to verify the credentials, lineage, and background of your possible instructors.

Is Gracie Jiu-Jitsu effective against multiple opponents?

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu gives students the best possible chance when facing an attack by one or more opponents. The overwhelming superiority demonstrated by Royce Gracie in the Ultimate Fighting Championship created a misconception, Jiu-Jitsu is a complete fighting system and not an exclusively ground grappling art. A Traditional Gracie Jiu-Jitsu practitioner learns strikes, which include techniques with the elbows, hands, feet, head, and knees. Students learn that the optimum self-defense strategy is to maintain a safe distance from the attacker. This battle tested method teaches defenses against the most common street attacks, the majority standing, which quickly neutralize aggressors. The practice of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu clarifies a long lasting myth, real life fights are not like scenes from Martial Arts movies where protagonists KO dozens of "bad guys" one after the other. Consequently, a Gracie Jiu-Jitsu practitioner possesses the most realistic chances of safely overcoming a multiple opponents attack.

Is training safe?

Student safety is a primary concern during all classes. The completion of the Fundamentals curriculum reduces the possibility of injury to a minimal level. The practice of GJJ at our center is safe and sound. Grand Master Helio Gracie’s teaching methods constantly emphasize the importance of keeping students out of harm’s way. Accidents may happen, however, lack of seriousness during training and the resultant careless application of technique or counter-technique contribute greatly to injury. Careless practice is disrespectful to the spirit of Traditional Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.

How should I learn the art?

To learn the ABC's of any subject requires a certain amount of hard work; but it is necessary. Very much is it so in respect of Traditional Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. The fundamental techniques of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu are of the highest importance since they indicate the principles on which the whole of the art is based. When the fundamentals are neglected the learner gets nowhere.
All practitioners should realize that it is better to learn the basic techniques and principles well than to over saturate the mind with hundreds of subsidiary techniques that cannot possibly be mastered in one lifetime.
Frequent practice is essential if efficiency is to be gained. The key to learning Jiu-Jitsu is repetition. The ultimate goal is to condition your sub-conscious with Jiu-Jitsu.

Can anyone learn Gracie Jiu-Jitsu?

Men and women, girls and boys, may quite safely take on the learning of Traditional Gracie Jiu-Jitsu even though they have little or no previous experience with any vigorous or antagonist activity.

As a Physical Exercise?

As a means of physical exercises it has no superior. Every single muscle from the neck to the toes is called into active use, and certain sets of muscle are not unduly exercised to the neglect of others, as happens with so many sports.

What if I'm not flexible?

Jiu-Jitsu works with your body as it is. The techniques stretch and flex, taking your body to new physical limits. Going to your own "personal edge," you obtain all of the benefits.

Is it a cardiovascular workout? Can I lose weight?

With persistence and dedication, you can lose inches while developing muscle tone over the entire body as well as increasing endurance of the heart and lungs.