Built on Brotherhood, Integrity, and Development
At Gracie Barra Holbrooks Coventry, we’re proud to carry on the legacy of Master Carlos Gracie Jr. – a lifetime dedicated to spreading Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu while honouring the roots and traditions of the art.
The values of brotherhood, integrity and development are at the heart of everything we do – both on and off the mats. These principles guide our teaching, our community and our personal growth.
“My life is dedicated to Jiu-Jitsu. My goal was simply to build a brotherhood to lead the expansion of Jiu-Jitsu while respecting the essence of our art. My students are an extension of my family. I want each one of them to achieve their personal best while helping spread Jiu-Jitsu. We must do that honouring the traditions and efforts of those who came before us.”
– Master Carlos Gracie Jr.
At our academy in Holbrooks, Coventry, we live this mission daily – empowering students of all ages and levels to grow in skill, confidence and character.
The Red Shield – Our Symbol of Unity
Our team colour is red. Our symbol is the Red Shield.
Created by Master Carlos Gracie Jr., the Gracie Barra Red Shield unites us with a global community of students, instructors and competitors. It represents excellence, loyalty and the shared identity of Gracie Barra.
The Red Shield stands for:
– Excellence on and off the mats
– Loyalty to our team and values
– Pride in our lineage and purpose
This symbol connects white belts and black belts alike – from first class to competition day. Every time you wear the Red Shield, you’re honouring a legacy passed down from Grandmaster Carlos Gracie, Hélio Gracie, Rolls Gracie and all those who came before us.
“I want red because it represents heart, blood and love. All my students fight with heart, have GB Jiu-Jitsu in their blood, and they love our team… Gracie Barra!”
– Master Carlos Gracie Jr.
Athletic Excellence – EQUIPE GB
Our competition team, EQUIPE GB, is where dedication and discipline shine.
At Gracie Barra Holbrooks Coventry, we see sport Jiu-Jitsu as an opportunity to grow physically and mentally. Whether you’re competing locally in Coventry or representing the Red Shield on a national stage, EQUIPE GB represents:
– Personal discipline and resilience
– Team pride and community support
– Sportsmanship and leadership
– Grace in defeat and humility in victory
Winning isn’t everything – but giving your best effort, supporting your teammates and learning from each experience is what defines true excellence.
EQUIPE GB is more than a team – it’s a mindset.
Gratitude, Legacy and Inspiration
The story of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is one of tradition, innovation and transformation. At Gracie Barra, we proudly carry that story forward – with respect, gratitude and inspiration.
The history lives on our walls and in our hearts:
– Mitsuyo Maeda – the Japanese expert who brought Jiu-Jitsu to Brazil
– Carlos Gracie Sr. – Maeda’s first student and pioneer of the Gracie system
– Hélio Gracie – legendary fighter and innovator
– Rolls Gracie – a visionary who shaped modern Jiu-Jitsu
– Carlos Gracie Jr. – founder of Gracie Barra and the “Jiu-Jitsu for Everyone” movement
By remembering our roots, we honour those who paved the way – and inspire the next generation to grow in strength, character and purpose.
Unity and Pride
How we dress identifies us as a group and reflects the values we represent. The red shirt – with the Gracie Barra Red Shield – is more than a uniform. It’s a symbol of pride, loyalty and unity.
Wearing the red shirt says: “I believe in Gracie Barra.”
It expresses respect, brotherhood, friendship and love for the GB team.
“I want red because it represents heart, blood and love. All my students fight with heart, have GB Jiu-Jitsu in their blood, and they love our team… Gracie Barra!”
-Master Carlos Gracie Jr.
When you wear the red shirt, you carry a tradition on your chest. It connects you to a worldwide family – students, instructors and competitors who share the same mindset, discipline and values.
“When I put the red t-shirt on and drive to the tournament… I automatically become someone stronger, faster and unbeatable… because I know that there will be hundreds of GB brothers and sisters wearing the same t-shirt, representing the same values and supporting me on the battlefield – either competing alongside me or cheering from the stands. That’s Gracie Barra!”
-Professor Philipe Della Monica
From the mats in Coventry to GB schools across the globe, the Red Shield identifies who we are – a united team committed to excellence, tradition and each other.
Join Our Legacy
At Gracie Barra Holbrooks Coventry, we live the values of Brotherhood, Integrity, and Development every day – on the mats, in our schools, and in our lives.
Whether you’re training for fitness, self-defence, competition, or personal growth, when you join Gracie Barra, you’re joining a global family built on tradition, unity, and heart.