ABOUT GRACIE BARRA MONTREAL
Nestled in the heart of Montreal, Gracie Barra Montreal stands as a beacon of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu excellence, embodying the vision of “Jiu-Jitsu for Everyone.” Founded by world-renowned Prof. Bruno Fernandes, our academy has grown from a single mat space in Griffintown into the headquarters for nine thriving Gracie Barra schools across Quebec. Whether you’re a young beginner discovering discipline through play, a dedicated competitor chasing podiums, or a professional seeking balance in a high-stakes world, our doors open wide to welcome you into a transformative journey.
Our History: From Humble Beginnings to Provincial Powerhouse
The story of Gracie Barra Montreal begins with Prof. Bruno Fernandes, a 6th-degree black belt under Carlos Gracie Jr. and a four-time IBJJF World Champion. Born in Rio de Janeiro in 1978, Bruno ignited his passion for Jiu-Jitsu at age 11, where he honed his craft alongside elite grapplers. Balancing rigorous medical studies—earning his MD, PhD — Bruno moved to Montreal in 2005 for advanced research and eventually became an Assistant Professor at McGill University in Ophthalmology and Pathology.
By 2010, driven by a desire to recreate the supportive environment that shaped him, Bruno opened Gracie Barra Montreal as the very first Gracie Barra school in Quebec. The academy quickly became a hub for aspiring grapplers in a region where BJJ was still emerging. What began as part-time coaching to supplement his academic life evolved into a full-time calling, as Bruno witnessed the profound impact of Jiu-Jitsu on students’ confidence, health, and resilience.
Over the past 15 years, Gracie Barra Montreal has flourished, expanding to become the headquarters for Quebec’s Gracie Barra network. Today, in 2025, we oversee nine locations—from our flagship in Montreal to outposts in Brossard, West Island, Laval, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Montreal-Ouest, Saint-Laurent, and beyond—serving thousands of students annually. This growth reflects not just numbers, but a commitment to Master Carlos Gracie Jr.’s philosophy: structured, inclusive training that builds champions of character.
Championship Legacy: Forging Winners On and Off the Mats
Gracie Barra Montreal has cultivated a legacy of excellence, graduating nearly 100 black belts under Prof. Bruno Fernandes’ guidance. A four-time IBJJF World Champion himself, Bruno’s competitive achievements set a high standard for our academy. His leadership has shaped a program that produces not only skilled grapplers but also resilient individuals who excel in local, national, and international competitions.
Our alumni include UFC legends like Georges St-Pierre, who earned his black belt here, and Rory MacDonald, alongside top contenders such as John Makdessi, and Mike Ricci. These fighters highlight our deep ties to MMA, while countless other students—both competitors and hobbyists—carry forward a tradition of technical precision, strategic mastery, and mental toughness. Our curriculum, rooted in Gracie Barra’s global standards, ensures every student is equipped to succeed, whether pursuing gold or personal growth.
A Diverse Community: Jiu-Jitsu for Every Body and Soul
Gracie Barra Montreal thrives on diversity, drawing a vibrant tapestry of students from all walks of life. Our mats welcome kids as young as four in Little Champions programs, fostering focus and anti-bullying resilience; teens building leadership through Juniors classes; women empowered in GBF sessions; and men and women alike—hobbyists seeking fitness and stress relief, or elite competitors sharpening for the cage. With over 1,000 global locations, our family spans cultures, ages, and goals, creating bonds that extend far beyond training hours. This inclusivity mirrors Prof. Bruno’s belief in Jiu-Jitsu’s communal power, as shared in his TEDx Talk: collaboration elevates everyone. From corporate executives finding clarity amid chaos to families training together post-COVID, our community embodies growth through shared struggle and triumph.
Flexibility and Global Opportunities: Train Your Way, Anywhere
Life moves fast, and so does our schedule. With multiple daily classes across Gi, No-Gi, kids, and specialized sessions, Gracie Barra Montreal schedule offers unmatched flexibility—morning flows for early risers, evening drills for night owls, and weekend classes when work gets most of you during the week.
As part of the Gracie Barra network, members enjoy seamless access to train at any of our nine Quebec schools or 1,000+ worldwide affiliates, ensuring your progress never pauses, whether traveling for work or competing abroad.
Shaping Quebec’s BJJ Landscape: Ties That Bind
Prof. Bruno’s influence ripples across Quebec’s Jiu-Jitsu scene, where a significant portion of today’s academies trace roots back to Gracie Barra Montreal. As the highest ranked Jiu-Jitsu educator in Quebec, Bruno has mentored countless black belts who now lead their own schools, fostering a lineage of excellence. From coaching MMA superstars in their early careers to today’s wave of homegrown champions, Bruno’s emphasis on positive role models and innovative teaching has elevated standards province-wide. Many Quebec BJJ hubs maintain direct ties through alumni instructors, shared seminars, and collaborative events, making Gracie Barra the foundational force in our region’s grappling renaissance.
In the words of Prof. Bruno Fernandes: “Jiu-Jitsu isn’t just a sport—it’s the Ikigai that aligns passion, purpose, and community.”