Classes

Professor Thiago Reinaldo, a 4th Degree Black Belt under Professor Henrique Machado, is the head instructor at Gracie Barra Stafford, as well as a central figure in the Brazilian jiu-jitsu community in Virginia. His journey in BJJ began in the 1990s, ignited by the legendary Royce Gracie’s performances in the UFC, leading him to train at ASLE, now known as Gracie Barra Amazonas, in Manaus, Brazil.

In 2017, Professor Thiago moved to Virginia to help start the very first Gracie Barra academy in Virginia.  There, he worked passionately and tirelessly, playing a monumental and instrumental role in starting and establishing Gracie Barra Stafford. He has served as its head instructor since its founding in 2018. 

Professor Thiago’s career has been marked by success both as a competitor, garnering numerous national and international medals, and as a passionate instructor, shaping the futures of many students. His approach to teaching integrates his rich competitive experience with a deep understanding of BJJ’s transformative potential. Professor Thiago views Brazilian jiu-jitsu not just as a martial art, but as a vital tool for personal and collective growth. His commitment to “Jiu-Jitsu for Everyone” is evident in his efforts to offer programs accessible to all ages and skill levels, focusing on the holistic development of each student.

Professor Thiago’s lineage traces back to Mitsuyo Maeda and Carlos Gracie and is a testament to his deep roots in the art. His achievements, ranging from the IBJJF Master International to the American National Jiu-Jitsu Championship, underscore his status as a champion fighter. He continues to inspire and develop talent at Gracie Barra Stafford, fostering a community driven by integrity, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Through his leadership and dedication, Professor Thiago exemplifies the core values of brotherhood, integrity, and development, making Gracie Barra Stafford a beacon for those seeking to learn and grow in the art of Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

Lineage: Mitsuyo Maeda > Carlos Gracie > Reyson Gracie > Osvaldo Alves > Henrique Machado > Thiago Reinaldo

Professora Jamie, a dedicated black belt under Professor Thiago Reinaldo, is both an active competitor and professor at Gracie Barra Stafford. Her journey into Brazilian jiu-jitsu began in 2017, following a lifelong interest in martial arts that was never realized until almost 30 years later.

The turning point came in 2016 when she sought a way for her son to learn self-defense amidst concerns about violence in his school. Discovering online videos of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, she was immediately captivated by its effectiveness and enrolled her three children at Gracie Barra Clarksville. Inspired by watching her children train, she soon joined them on the mats, marking the beginning of a profound personal journey.

Just a few months after receiving her blue belt from Professor Deanna Yohe at Gracie Barra Clarksville, Professora Jamie’s family relocated to Stafford, VA. In her search for a Gracie Barra academy where she could continue her training, Professora Jamie quickly realized that there were none in the entire state of Virginia. Determined to continue her training under Gracie Barra, she decided to start one herself. In 2018, Gracie Barra Stafford was founded, the very first in Virginia.

Professora Jamie began her training under Professor Thiago Reinaldo as a 1-stripe blue belt and following his promptings to challenge herself, she began her competition journey in earnest as she neared her purple belt. Since then, she has earned medals at both national and international levels, showcasing her skill and dedication to the art, a testament to Professor Thiago’s dedication to develop and inspire his students.

As professor, Jamie plays a pivotal role in shaping both the kids’ and adult programs and regularly leads the GB1 Fundamentals and women’s GBF classes. Her passion is to pass down to others the knowledge and skills that were passed down to her by Professor Thiago, strongly believing that “we are stronger together” – that by helping even just one student grow and improve, others will also grow and improve as a result of it. When one grows stronger, together all will grow stronger.

Professora Jamie’s story is a testament to the transformative power of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, illustrating how it can inspire, protect, and empower individuals and families alike.

Lineage: Mitsuyo Maeda > Carlos Gracie > Reyson Gracie > Osvaldo Alves > Henrique Machado > Thiago Reinaldo > Jamie Leland

Coach Ryan Romack is a brown belt at Gracie Barra Stafford and a proud USMC veteran. He began his Jiu-Jitsu journey in 2010 in Warren, Ohio, under Team Bundy MMA, a Pedro Sauer affiliate. Jiu-Jitsu quickly became a powerful tool in his life, promoting balance and mental well-being.

Between military deployments and relocations, Ryan trained inconsistently until moving to Virginia in 2016. He resumed his training at One Spirit Martial Arts in Herndon under Professor David Porter and Master Pedro Sauer, where he built a strong foundation in base, posture, and movement.

In 2019, Coach Ryan and his daughter joined Gracie Barra Ashburn, training under Professors Charles Gomes and Glaucia Braga. He earned his blue belt in October of that year.

After relocating to the Quantico area, Coach Ryan joined Gracie Barra Stafford in July 2021. He was promoted to brown belt in December 2024 and continues to train and teach alongside his daughters, who are active in the Little Champions programs.

Coach Ryan believes in the power of Jiu-Jitsu to strengthen families, build discipline, and create lifelong bonds on and off the mat.

Lineage: Mitsuyo Maeda > Carlos Gracie > Reyson Gracie > Osvaldo Alves > Henrique Machado > Thiago Reinaldo > Ryan Romack

Coach Mike Leland is a brown belt and ICP 2023 certified instructor at Gracie Barra Stafford. He discovered Jiu-Jitsu during his time with the 75th Ranger Regiment, 2nd Battalion, where he trained in Army Combatives and grappling.

After retiring from the U.S. Army in 2017, Coach Mike moved to Stafford, Virginia, and began his formal training as a white belt under Professor Thiago Reinaldo. Inspired by his wife’s passion for Jiu-Jitsu, he embraced the lifestyle as a shared family journey.

He currently teaches the 6am GB1 Fundamentals class and continues to train regularly. Coach Mike brings discipline, consistency, and a deep respect for the art to every class he leads.

Lineage: Mitsuyo Maeda > Carlos Gracie > Reyson Gracie > Osvaldo Alves > Henrique Machado > Thiago Reinaldo > Michael Leland

Coach Clifton Barney is a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Professor Thiago Reinaldo and an ICP certified instructor at Gracie Barra Stafford.

His passion for martial arts began in childhood through karate. The discipline and foundation built during those early years stayed with him, shaping his love for martial arts and combat sports.

After moving to Stafford in 2019, he noticed the Gracie Barra sign and decided to try a class. From that moment on, BJJ became a daily commitment and a true lifestyle.

In June 2023, Coach Clifton completed his instructor certification and began assisting in the Little Champions 1 program. He later became an instructor for the 6am GB1 Fundamentals classes.

Just five months into his journey, Coach Clifton began representing Gracie Barra Stafford in competitions. He believes Jiu-Jitsu is not just a sport but a way to help others grow—on and off the mats.

Lineage: Mitsuyo Maeda > Carlos Gracie > Reyson Gracie > Osvaldo Alves > Henrique Machado > Thiago Reinaldo > Clifton Barney

Coach Lorraine Hurtado is a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Professor Thiago Reinaldo. She began her Jiu-Jitsu journey in 2020, just four months after giving birth to her third child.

Her passion for the art began while watching her oldest son, Eviann, train at Gracie Barra Stafford. Seeing his growth in confidence, focus, and self-defense inspired her to take the first step. Today, her entire family trains at the academy, including her husband and their three children: Eviann, Faith, and Noah.

Coach Lorraine is an instructor for both kids and adult classes. She brings warmth, discipline, and positive energy to the Little Champions programs and the GB1 Fundamentals classes. Her love for Jiu-Jitsu and for helping others is felt by every student she teaches.

She started competing while still a white belt and has participated in multiple IBJJF tournaments, including Master Worlds and PAN. Her most recent achievement was a bronze medal at the 2025 IBJJF PAN Championship in the light-featherweight division.

For Lorraine, Jiu-Jitsu is more than a sport. It is a way to grow mentally, physically, and emotionally. As a mother, athlete, and instructor, she strives to be an example on and off the mats. Her mission is to inspire others to believe in themselves and embrace the journey, no matter when or how it begins.

Lineage: Mitsuyo Maeda > Carlos Gracie > Reyson Gracie > Osvaldo Alves > Henrique Machado > Thiago Reinaldo > Lorraine Hurtado

Coach Jilari Reinaldo is a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under her husband, Professor Thiago Reinaldo. Introduced to the art in 2015, she began her own journey in December 2018, inspired by her husband’s dedication on and off the mats.

After welcoming their third child in 2020, she returned to training in late 2020 and has been consistent ever since. Balancing life as a mother of three with her commitment to Jiu-Jitsu, she exemplifies discipline and perseverance.

Jilari trains and teaches alongside her entire family at Gracie Barra Stafford. She and Professor Thiago Reinaldo share the mats with their three children, creating a strong family bond through the art. She serves as an instructor for both kids and adult programs, where her calm leadership and caring approach support students of all ages.

She began competing in 2022, earning silver at the IBJJF Washington DC Open, followed by podium finishes at the Orlando Summer Open and the New Haven Open. Jilari sees every challenge as an opportunity for growth, both as a student and as an instructor.

For her, Jiu-Jitsu is more than a martial art. It is a lifestyle, a way to grow as a person, and a powerful tool for bringing families together on the mats.

Lineage: Mitsuyo Maeda > Carlos Gracie > Reyson Gracie > Osvaldo Alves > Henrique Machado > Thiago Reinaldo > Jilari Reinaldo

Coach Heather Haas is a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at Gracie Barra Stafford. She began her journey in the spring of 2021 after joining a Parent and Student class with her two sons. Although she had no martial arts background, the experience was so impactful that she committed to training and hasn’t looked back.

As a woman, she was also drawn to the self-defense aspect of Jiu-Jitsu and how it could help build her confidence and sense of safety. With a background in competitive sports like soccer and volleyball, she quickly found a deep connection with the physical and mental challenges Jiu-Jitsu provides.

Coach Heather teaches both kids and adult classes at Gracie Barra Stafford, sharing her love for the art with students of all ages. She coaches the Little Champions 1 and 2 programs and loves watching her students develop new techniques, discipline, and confidence. On the mats, she brings energy, care, and encouragement to every class.

Jiu-Jitsu has become more than just a sport for her. It has helped her manage stress, stay focused, and find community in her training partners, who have become like family. She sees each training session as an opportunity to grow stronger-physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Lineage: Mitsuyo Maeda > Carlos Gracie > Reyson Gracie > Osvaldo Alves > Henrique Machado > Thiago Reinaldo > Heather Haas

Coach Ben Haas is a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at Gracie Barra Stafford. He began his Jiu-Jitsu journey in the spring of 2021 after joining a Parent and Student class with his two children. His background in martial arts started earlier, while living in Okinawa, Japan, where he studied Okinawan Karate for three years before becoming a wrestler in high school and college.

For Coach Ben, Jiu-Jitsu is the perfect balance between mental discipline and competitive challenge. He is passionate about constant growth and enjoys sharing that journey with his teammates on and off the mats.

Coach Ben is an instructor in the Little Champions 2 program. He takes pride in helping kids develop confidence, skill, and self-belief. He sees the potential in every student, regardless of size or strength, and works hard to make sure each one sees themselves as a true champion.

Training alongside his wife, Coach Heather Haas, and their children, Jiu-Jitsu has become a shared family lifestyle that continues to inspire and motivate him every day.

Lineage: Mitsuyo Maeda > Carlos Gracie > Reyson Gracie > Osvaldo Alves > Henrique Machado > Thiago Reinaldo > Ben Haas

Coach Daniel Barron began his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey at Gracie Barra Stafford, VA, under the guidance of Professor Thiago Reinaldo, shortly after retiring from the United States Marine Corps. His passion for the art was reignited when he watched his son train, stirring memories of his own early jiu-jitsu experiences during informal sessions with the United Arab Emirates Presidential Guard in 2018.

Motivated by a deep desire to mentor and inspire the next generation, Coach Daniel has dedicated much of his focus to instructing children, believing strongly in the transformative power of jiu-jitsu for young minds and bodies. In March 2025, he completed the Gracie Barra Instructor Certification Program, a milestone that reflects his commitment to teaching with integrity, discipline, and technical excellence.

In July 2024, Coach Daniel earned a silver medal at the IBJJF Virginia Open, placing 2nd overall in his division as a white belt. He was subsequently promoted to Blue Belt in December 2024 by Professor Thiago.

Known for his dedication, discipline, and passion for both learning and teaching, Coach Daniel brings a unique blend of leadership, experience, and heart to every class he leads.

Lineage: Mitsuyo Maeda > Carlos Gracie > Reyson Gracie > Osvaldo Alves > Henrique Machado > Thiago Reinaldo > Daniel Baron

Coach Brent McKeag is a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Professor Thiago Reinaldo and an ICP certified instructor at Gracie Barra Stafford.

His passion for martial arts began in childhood through Taekwondo and Wrestling. The discipline and camaraderie he gained during those years carried into his service as a U.S. Army Military Police K9 officer, where he served for eight years and earned a Purple Heart for injuries sustained in Iraq.

In 2022, while driving through Stafford, he noticed the Gracie Barra school and enrolled his three children. After seeing their growth and achievements, he decided to join as well. Within six months, BJJ became a daily commitment and a life-changing journey. Through consistent training, he overcame service-related injuries and transformed his health, going from 260 pounds and a size 40 waist to 200 pounds and a size 34.

In August 2024, Brent completed his instructor certification and began assisting with the Little Champions 1 and 2 programs. He later started teaching GB1 Fundamentals classes. Just four months after beginning his journey, he also began representing Gracie Barra Stafford in competitions.

Coach Brent believes Jiu-Jitsu is a powerful tool for personal growth, helping individuals build confidence, resilience, and discipline, while also inspiring those around them to grow stronger together.

Lineage: Mitsuyo Maeda > Carlos Gracie > Reyson Gracie > Osvaldo Alves > Henrique Machado > Thiago Reinaldo > Brent McKeag