Gracie Barra Stafford is located in the Washington DC metropolitan area. We offer quality, professional Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) & self defense instruction in a family-friendly environment. Because we believe that jiu-jitsu is for everyone, we strive ensure a safe training environment for all, regardless of age, gender, or physical limitations. All students receive direct instruction from Prof. Thiago Reinaldo, a 4th degree Black Belt under Henrique Machado. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the most up-to-date information.
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Our Instructors
Prof. Thiago Reinaldo – 4th Degree Black Belt
ICP4, ICP5, ICP6_Revisited, CPR
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 …
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Prof. Jamie Leland – Black Belt
ICP6, CPR
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 …
Coach Mike Leland – Purple Belt
ICP6, CPR
Coach Mike began his jiu-jitsu journey while in the 75th Ranger Regiment 2nd Ranger Battalion where he was exposed to grappling and Army Combatives. After retiring from the US Army in 2017, Coach Mike moved with his family to Stafford, VA, where he began his formal training as a brand new white belt, under Prof …
Coach Ryan Romack – Purple Belt
ICP6, CPR
Coach Ryan, a USMC Veteran, began his jiu-jitsu journey in 2010 in Warren, Ohio, under a Pedro Sauer Affiliate, Team Bundy MMA. It was here that Coach Ryan learned of the benefits of jiu-jitsu to promote balance and mental well being to his life. Due to job-related and military movements overseas, Coach Ryan trained formal …
Coach Clifton Barney – Purple Belt
ICP6, CPR
Coach Clifton is a purple belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu under Professor Thiago Reinaldo. His love for traditional martial arts began as a kid when he started taking karate. The foundation laid during those childhood years made him a lifelong fan of both martial arts and combat sports in general. He tried different sports and other gyms as …
Coach Lorraine Hurtado – Purple Belt
ICP6, CPR
Lorraine, a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Professor Thiago Reinaldo, mother of three beautiful treasures Eviann, Faith and Noah. From a very young age she had an interest in Jiujitsu but she had no place nearby or accessible to start this wonderful adventure. It was then when she moved to Stafford Virginia that her …
Coach Titus Morgan – Purple Belt
ICP6, CPR
Coach Titus began his jiu-jitsu journey while deployed with 1st Raider battalion in 2015 when a fellow Marine, GySgt Cole O’Neil, introduced Coach Titus to jiu-jitsu during a MCMAP (Marine Corps Martial Arts Program) physical training session. These sessions would continue almost daily during the deployment. Each and every session was inspirational and jiu-jitsu …
Coach Jilari Reinaldo – Blue Belt
ICP6, CPR
Coach Jilari is a blue belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu under her husband, Professor Thiago Reinaldo. She discovered jiu-jitsu in 2015, drawn in by her husband’s dedication and passion. Starting her own journey in December 2018, she trained diligently until life took a joyful turn with the arrival of their youngest daughter in May 2019. Returning …
Coach Heather Haas – Blue Belt
Coach Heather is a blue belt who began her jiu-jitsu journey after participating in a Parent and Student class with her 2 boys in the Spring of 2021 at Gracie Barra Stafford. While Coach Heather had no real exposure to martial arts before the class, the experience was such a fun challenge she decided to …
