Gracie Barra Springfield is the only GB school in Springfield. It joins a legacy of over 600 Gracie Barra Brazilian jiu-jitsu schools worldwide.
Gracie Barra Springfield provides Brazilian jiu-jitsu instruction in a structured environment, following the Gracie Barra Code of Conduct and Gracie Barra Etiquette. Our school provides Brazilian jiu-jitsu programs, which are fit for students of all different knowledge levels.
We offer both private and group classes that focus on character growth and self improvement, and we believe that the techniques and values learned in our programs can better your life, on and off the mats. Learn more about our programs here.
For any questions feel free to fill out the form below and someone from the Gracie Barra Springfield team will contact you soon!
Our Weekly Schedule
Our Instructors
Professor Marcos Barros
ICP4, ICP5, ICP6, CPR
Professor Marcos Barros is the Head Professor at Gracie Barra Springfield. He was born in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and trained under the instruction of Master Carlos Gracie Jr. and Professor Marcio Feitosa. He began his teaching career at the Headquarters in Rio de Janeiro under Master Carlos. In 2005, Professor Marcos began teaching in the …
Professor Tom Heath
Professor Tom began his journey in 2015. He found a passion for Jiu-Jitsu and was completely mesmerized by the art. His free time was spent training Jiu-Jitsu for many years and in 2022 was awarded a Black Belt by Professor Marcos Barros, a 5th Degree Gracie Barra black Belt. He has embraced by the Gracie …
Professor Billy Wilder
Professor Billy began focusing strictly on jiu-jitsu in 2015. He brought years of experience with him into jiu jitsu being a veteran and training in various forms of martial arts his entire life. During his youth, Professor Billy trained karate, judo, taekwondo, kickboxing, aikido, boxing, and wrestling. He was able to transition his previous experience …
Professor Roger Smith
Professor Roger started training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 2014 because of his interest in self defense. Roger has always had a love for martial arts. As a youth, he was involved in Okinawan Karate and some of his favorite memories are learning Hapkido with his dad and great uncle. Professor Roger has several years of …
Professor Russ Farris
ICP5, ICP6
Professor Russ Farris started training in 2014. He had always heard about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu but was a little shy about trying it. At the urging of one his good friends who happened to be a black belt, he set out to try and fell in love with the art. Professor Russ sought out the chance …
Coach Steffen Smith
Coach Steffen began learning the art and skill of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Professor Marcos “Marcão” Barros in 2020 after joining Gracie Barra Springfield.Having previous experience coaching and competing in strength endeavors, Coach Steffen not only found a new outlet for sharing knowledge, but also a new purpose to steer and influence the world and …
Coach Dave Dennis
Coach Dave was first introduced to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu via his grandchildren, who were students of the skill. After being witness to their development on the mats, and the influence the art had off the mats, Coach Dave decided to step onto the mats himself. Dave spent many years wrestling and the love for grappling …
Coach John Dixon
Coach John began learning the art & skill of Brazilian Jui Jitsu in 2019. Introduced by his friend Professor Tom, he quickly found a passion that fully engulfed him in the BJJ lifestyle. Coach John didn’t begin Jiu Jitsu until in his 50’s and believes it’s never too late to take on the Jiu Jitsu …
Coach Jim Grimaldi
Jim Grimaldi is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Purple Belt under 5th Degree Black Belt, Professor Marcos Barros. An avid competitor, Coach Jim has had success at the highest level, becoming an IBJJF World Champion, Pan-American Champion, and U.S. National Champion. Coach Jim began grappling at a young age. He was a competitive wrestler for many years …