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Classes
Gracie Barra offers progressive Jiu-Jitsu training for students of all ages and skill levels. Whether you're just beginning your journey or already an experienced practitioner, our structured classes are designed to support your development every step of the way.
Gracie Barra Kids
Our GBK Program introduces children to Jiu-Jitsu in a fun, safe, and age-appropriate classes - building confidence, discipline, and respect through structured curriculum. It focuses on self-defence, takedowns, and ground techniques.
Jiu-Jitsu Fundamentals
The GB1 Program is the foundation of Jiu-Jitsu at Gracie Barra. Originally called the "Fundamental Program," it offers structured training in self-defence, core techniques, and the philosophy of Gracie Barra. Designed for beginners, GB1 builds strong technical skills and prepares students for progression to advanced levels.
Advanced Jiu-Jitsu
The GB2 Program builds on fundamentals with advanced techniques, complex drills, No-Gi training and live sessions - preparing students for GB3. Eligibility requires at least 3 stripes on a white belt, which requires a minimum of 4 months of training.
Expert Jiu-Jitsu
The GB3 Program is the ultimate level of training at a GB school and challenges students, increasing the complexity of the drills, and the intensity of the training session. It is open to blue belts and above.
Jiu-Jitsu for Women
The GBF Program offers a supportive and inclusive introduction to Jiu-Jitsu for women, focusing on core techniques while building confidence and preparing students to progress into more advanced classes like GB1, GB2 and GB3.
Private Classes
Private classes offer one-on-one training tailored to your goals - whether it's refining techniques, preparing for competition, or accelerating progress. With personalized training schedules and focused feedback, students of all levels gain deeper insight into their Jiu-Jitsu journey.
Begin your Jiu-Jitsu Journey with Gracie Barra
Book Your Free ClassInstructors
At Gracie Barra, our instructors are more than coaches — they are mentors, role models, and passionate leaders committed to the personal growth of every student. Each certified instructor upholds the highest standards of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instruction, following a proven teaching methodology rooted in safety, discipline, and respect. With years of experience on the mats and a deep connection to the Gracie Barra values of brotherhood, integrity, and development, our team is dedicated to helping students of all ages and skill levels achieve their goals in a supportive and inspiring environment.
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Professor Jonathan Machado
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Nathan Miller
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Kirsten Allen
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Ritchie Conley
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Jose Arias
Professor Jonathan Machado
First Degree Black Belt
ICP 2025, CPR
Professor Jonathan Machado is Head Instructor at Gracie Barra Jefferson City. His main goal is to keep the legacy alive by teaching Jiu Jitsu to anyone willing to learn. The professor is a more reserved and quiet person but he loves to compete! Competing beside his students, he loves the adrenaline and challenge of the fight. Professor Jonathan and his wife Joana (brown belt) can always be found together on and off the mats.
Nathan Miller
Purple Belt
ICP 2025, CPR
Coach Nathan Miller was born and raised in Jefferson City where he met his wife and now has two kids. Nathan always wanted to compete in wrestling, but the Russellville school system did not offer that so when the Gracie Barra school opened it gave him the opportunity to fulfill that dream. He was also wanting something that his son, who has Autism, could participate in and use for self-defense. Now it has become a family affair with his wife and daughter training as well.
Kirsten Allen
Brown Belt
ICP 2024, CPR
Coach Kirsten Allen grew up outside of Nashville, Tennessee where she lived half of her childhood. She attended a Private Christian school and was very active with her school and church. Coach Kirsten played softball and enjoyed mountain biking as well as hiking with family and friends nearly every weekend. After moving to northeast Missouri, she started horseback riding lessons which lead to training horses.
Coach Kirsten trained at Gracie Barra Hannibal for four years after searching for a fun way to exercise. She accepted an assistant instructor position soon after the opening at Gracie Barra Jefferson City. When not on the mats teaching students you can find her and her family hunting, hiking, cooking, or taking any sort of outside adventure!
Ritchie Conley
Purple
ICP 2025, CPR
Coach Ritchie Conley is a graduate of Jefferson City High School, Class of 2006, where he played several sports including Wrestling. Ritchie married his wife Hannah in 2010 and they have 2 children (Clara & Remi), both who train as part of the Gracie Barra family. Ritchie graduated from University of Louisiana at Monroe with a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication, Master’s degree in Communication, and Master’s degree in Teaching (English).
Jose Arias
Brown
Coach Jose Arias was born and raised in the Dominican Republic. He was part of the Dominican Republic’s national swimming team, leading him to compete in the Atlanta Olympic trials for swimming. Coach Jose moved to the United States in 1999 where he found his second outlet for competition. He trained MMA from 2003-2006 finishing a 4-0 career in amateur cage fighting. Coach Jose can be found spending time with his son and daughter.
Enhance your training beyond the mats! Access GB Online for exclusive video instruction, techniques, and training resources anytime, anywhere.