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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 Greg Shepherd
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Coach Joey Shepherd
Professor Greg Shepherd
1st Degree Black Belt
Gracie Barra ICP Certified Instructor, CPR Certification, IBJJF Competition Rules Certified, AGF Referee, Fuji BJJ Referee
Professor Greg began training in Jiu Jitsu in 2011. Originally from Maryland, Greg excelled in football and baseball through high school and college. After moving to the St Louis area, Greg finished college at UMSL while also earning All-American honors as a relief pitcher. He got his son interested in Jiu Jitsu shortly after he started and his son Joey is now a brown belt after serving in the Marine Corps.
Rankings
• 1st degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
• IBJJF Master Worlds Purple Belt Bronze 2017
• Multiple time IBJJF Open Gold Medalist
• Multiple time AGF Tournament Medalist
Coach Joey Shepherd
Brown Belt
Gracie Barra ICP certified, CPR Certification
Coach Joey started his jiu jitsu journey at 11 years old thanks to his dad looking for a fun way to stay in shape. He immediately fell in love with the sport and has aspirations to compete at the highest level and one day open his own academy. In 2019, Coach Joey enlisted into the Marine Corps and spent 4 years as a radio operator attached to the infantry. Coach Joey returned to Missouri in 2023 to continue his journey of teaching and competing in Jiu Jitsu.
Rankings
• Brown belt in Brazilian Jiu jitsu
• IBJJF Worlds bronze medalist in 2018
• Multiple time IBJJF open Medalist
• Multiple time AGF tournament medalist
Enhance your training beyond the mats! Access GB Online for exclusive video instruction, techniques, and training resources anytime, anywhere.