Murrieta-Born Jiu Jitsu Academy To Open Third Location

Gracie Temecula Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy, formerly doing business under the Gracie Barra Brazilian Jiu Jitsu name, is adding a third location to its roster in addition to its Murrieta and Hemet schools.

In business for nine years in the Temecula Valley, owner and lead instructor Ricardo Guimaraes and wife Suzanne will open the 6,000-square-foot Gracie Temecula South on June 27 at 32827 Temecula Parkway.

The couple said they are excited about the new option for students, as once tuition is paid at one location, students are free to take classes at any of the three gyms.

Ricardo, 46, a second-degree blackbelt and the 2007 PAN AM champion, was taught the Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu style growing up in Brazil.

And Jiu Jitsu is what he knows best. As one of the oldest forms of martial arts, Jiu Jitsu was orginated by Buddhist monks in India, prior to 2,000 B.C. It was to defend themselves without the use of weapons. The discipline spread to China and eventually Japan.

In the early 1900's, the discipline was introduced in Brazil by Japanese Jiu Jitsu champion Mitsuyo Maeda, who taught the sport to the son of Scottish immigrant and Brazilian politician Gastão Gracie. Carlos Gracie then taught it to his four brothers, and Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Brazilian was born and spread worldwide.

Upon moving to Murrieta from San Diego in 2002, Ricardo landed at Temecula Valley Jiu Jitsu on Ivy Street in Murrieta, teaching the Gracie Barra technique.

While Ricardo and his wife have been longtime owner/operators of the Academy, now located at 26855 Jefferson Ave. Suite E in Murrieta, the couple recently decided to branch off from the Gracie Barra name for legal reasons.

Thus Gracie Temecula was born with a newly-designed logo and name, and the instruction remains the same.

"So when I promote my students to black belt, and if they are interested in pursuing martial arts, we will partner up and plan to open more locations," Ricardo said.

Gracie Temecula offers Jiu Jitsu classes for children 5 and up, as well as for adults.

Gracie Temecula is dedicated to stopping bullying in schools and social situations  by giving them confidence to deal effectively with bullies and promote peaceful resolutions.

Classes offered include beginner's, advanced, kids and private lessons. The Academy also offers NO-GI/Submission, without the traditional kimono. Wearing shorts and a T-shirt, NO-GI allows for faster, more dynamic style of fighting.

The Academy is truly a family affair. Suzanne is usually the first person students see when entering the front door. The couple lives in Murrieta with their two children, and are actively engaged in the community.

Contact Gracie Temecula at their Murrieta location at 951-970-2043, or visit their website at Jiujitsuacademy.com.