Coach Jose Arias

ICP6_Revisited, CPR

Assistant Instructor and Program Director
Purple Belt

Coach Jose was born and raised in the Dominican Republic. He loved to stay active and 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 amteur cage fighting. He found Jiu Jitsu in 2006 with American Top Team but could no longer train after moving to Jefferson City. 

Coach Jose’s passion for Jiu Jitsu never faded and was ecstatic to find a home with Gracie Barra, right after it opened! His wife and two children now train and love Jiu Jiutsu as much as he does. His lifelong dream has always been to coach and has found a passion for teaching his favorite sport. Learning about the Legacy through the Instructors Certification Program only deepened his appreciation for Gracie Barra. Coach Jose now loves to pass on that legacy to others. 

Coach Jose has joined Gracie Barra as full time instructor and program director in the summer of 2021.