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Gracie Barra Santa Barbara
4.9 ★★★★★ 104 Google reviews · Kickboxing gym in Santa Barbara, California
Martial arts school for self-defense, judo, MMA & more, including after-school programs for kids.
Plan your first class
- Free trial or intro class most gyms welcome new members with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
- Beginner-friendly all fitness levels welcome, including total beginners — no experience needed, and you get in shape by training, not before
- Cardio kickboxing classes high-energy cardio kickboxing on the bags and pads — a fun, sweaty workout built for fitness and weight loss, at your own pace
- Kids & teen classes kids and teen kickboxing classes — built around confidence, focus, and fun
- Women's classes dedicated women's kickboxing classes — a welcoming space to start out and train
- Private lessons one-on-one coaching available — a focused way to start or to work around a busy schedule; ask about availability and rates
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves in the ring — amateur kickboxing, muay thai, or K-1
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule gbsantabarbara.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (805) 456-0803
Hours
| Monday | 12–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 6:30 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 12–8 PM |
| Thursday | 6:30 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 6:30 AM–7 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–12 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“In addition, when my son had issues with bullying, Professor Rodrigo pulled him aside to offer his support and advice, something I will never forget!”
“Excellent instructors for Brazilian jiu jitsu, Muay Thai, and MMA.”
Other martial arts here
“Excellent instructors for Brazilian jiu jitsu, Muay Thai, and MMA.”
“Excellent instructors for Brazilian jiu jitsu, Muay Thai, and MMA.”
“Of all the sports and activities we had our kids enrolled in here in town, none stand up to the kid’s jiu jitsu program at GB Santa Barbara.”
“I was looking for a place to train, and teach my daughters self defense.”
What members say
“Both Professor Rodrigo and Coach Ighor have been amazing to learn from, and are great just to be around.”
“The coaches are exceptional, always pushing us to be our best while fostering a supportive and welcoming environment.”
“I recommend this school to anyone who is looking for a way to improve their self-confidence and get a good exercise while making new friends!”
“They create a safe, welcoming environment where every student feels supported, respected, and motivated to improve.”
From the reviews
Martial Arts can be intimidating, right? The team at Gracie Barra Santa Barbara makes sure that never happens! They welcome you in right away, are always looking after all students making sure they get the drills right and don't get hurt as well.
I can not say enough about Gracie Barra, and all that is offered there! It's more than just a place to take my son for a bit.. there are real connections, interactions, and experiences that help shape the person he is becoming. He has a lot more confidence, seems more self assured, and sets goals for himself...
Great martial arts academy. I myself am a student there and I can say that the professors and coach are very friendly, supportive, encouraging, welcoming, and amazing mentors but maintain necessary discipline.
I am the dad of an 8-year-old boy and 6-year-old girl. I’ve trained at a few different places in my life, and have been witness to many different martial arts programs for kids. The best that I know of is GB Santa Barbara. I write this as we say goodbye, because we are moving out of town.
New to kickboxing? Start at Gracie Barra Santa Barbara
Gracie Barra Santa Barbara comes up as a beginner-friendly gym — noted on their own site. If you've never thrown a punch or a kick, that's exactly who a good beginners class is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit or coordinated to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and coaches scale every drill to you. Second, you won't be thrown into hard sparring — reputable gyms build the basics (stance, footwork, and punches and kicks on pads and bags) first, and any contact eases in gradually under a coach's control. Third, all fitness levels really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners or fundamentals class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out. Most gyms are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.
Your first kickboxing class at Gracie Barra Santa Barbara
Nervous about walking into a kickboxing gym for the first time? Almost everyone is, and good coaches expect beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, then drilling the basics — stance, footwork, and punches and kicks on pads or a heavy bag — not hard sparring. Go at your own pace and rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: comfortable athletic clothes you can move and sweat in, and supportive trainers. What to bring: water, and hand wraps and gloves if you have them — many gyms lend loaner gloves for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own gloves and wraps (and shin guards once you start sparring). Sparring is optional and eases in gradually, once your basics are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the coach. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.
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