Over the past week, the concerns related to the Covid-19 outbreak have continued to increase.

The number of cases continues to grow in many regions around the world.

Although the data continues to show that 80% of people will only have minor symptoms, the fast rate of contamination of Covid-19 presents the real possibility of a health care system overload.

Unfortunately, the only proven method to effectively slow down the spread of a virus that has no vaccine is social distancing. China has been able to successfully implement mandatory social distancing policies, which led to a significant decline in new cases.

The graphic below will help you understand the current dilemma.

The mantra is simple; we all need to do our part to help in “flattening the curve.” “Any lessening of spread will help health systems remain functional.” – Caitlin Rivers, Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security.

Gracie Barra is a force against the spread of Covid-19. Our top priority is the health and safety of our team members. As a global team, we must also do our part and contribute to “flattening the curve.”

However, we cannot allow this pandemic to prevent us from continuing to work towards our mission of bringing Jiu-Jitsu for Everyone. We understand that, especially in times like this, you and your family need Jiu-Jitsu to stay healthy, both physically and mentally. Our goal is to keep a highly positive and uplifting environment so that all of our team members have something positive to look toward to daily! We want to be the constant in your days that feel very unsure at the moment.

Starting Monday, March 16th, we will be limiting our school’s activities to distance learning over the internet for two consecutive weeks, at which point we will evaluate what federal and local health officials are recommending or mandating before bringing back group classes.

We are super excited to bring the Gracie Barra Virtual learning experience to you and your family. We are joining forces with GB Online to provide a wide array of Jiu-Jitsu learning experiences along with using effective digital learning platforms that will include:

a. Unlimited access to GB Online Training Programs

1. GB1 Online with our founder, Master Carlos Gracie Jr.

2. GB2 Online Gi with World Champion, Professor Victor Estima;

3. GB2 Online No-Gi with World Champion, Professor Roberto (aka Tussa) Alencar

4. GB2 Online Takedown with Judo and BJJ Legend, Professor Henrique (aka Sensei) Machado.

5. GBK Online with the best youth professors of Gracie Barra.

b. Unlimited access to GB Online live virtual classes with many of the top Gracie Barra Instructors in the world. Schedule to be released soon.

c. Unlimited access to our own school’s Facebook Live Classes. Schedule to be released soon.
You will be credited for attendance while learning virtually through a curriculum-based test when you return to regular group classes.

While the Covid-19 outbreak develops, we will continue to adapt to bring Jiu-Jitsu to your daily life while keeping your health and safety our top priority.

We will continue to monitor the situation, and let you know when we intend to resume regular training at our school. Now, more than ever, we need your trust and support in our work. The situation is concerning, but it will pass. On behalf of us, and our team, we ask for your continued support to help us weather this storm.

Lastly, we want to let you know that we truly understand that you and your families are going through a period of uncertainty and adjustment, as our family and our team members are as well. We deeply appreciate your understanding, patience and support during this time. We cannot emphasize how much many of your messages of support have meant to us! We are feeling very grateful for each one of you receiving this.

If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to reach to us. We are confident that, together, we can come out of this in one piece and become stronger as a result. We want to do whatever we can to not only continue to bring value in the form of Jiu-Jitsu and GB Community, but to support you off the mats as well.

Wishing you health and peace,

Gracie Barra Deerfield Team