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About Us
At Gracie Barra Sandweiler, we believe Jiu-Jitsu is for everyone.
We provide a friendly, safe and disciplined environment where children and adults can develop physically, mentally and emotionally.
As part of the world-renowned Gracie Barra organization, our methodology is structured to guide you from beginner level to advanced — with respect, teamwork and personal growth at the core of our philosophy.
What Our Students Say
Programs
Kids (Ages 7–10)
Fun and educational introduction to movement, discipline and basic Jiu-Jitsu.
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Juniors (Ages 11–15)
Confidence-building training with technical development, discipline, respect and physical fitness.
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Adults
Train for self-defense, fitness, confidence and Jiu-Jitsu skills — whether you're a total beginner or advanced athlete
No-Gi
Fast-paced grappling focused on modern techniques and athletic development without the traditional uniform.
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Private Lessons
Personalised, one-to-one training (in groups up to four people) designed to accelerate progress and improve technique.
Competition
Intense training with advanced drills, takedowns, and strategy to boost skill, stamina, and a winning mindset.
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Instructors
Meet Our Expert Instructors
André Gonçalo
Head Coach
"When I was young, I felt like I didn't fit into any sport (unlike most of my friends) and this affected my self-confidence. At 16, I discovered Jiu-Jitsu through a friend, and everything changed right from my first class. I immediately felt that this was the ideal sport for me, and that this was the answer to my insecurities. On November 24, 2009, I joined Gracie Barra and began my journey alongside this fantastic team, always with the well-defined dream of earning my black belt, a recognition that came on November 5, 2020. Surrounded by incredible and inspiring people over the years, I have maintained my focus on my main objectives: to become a better person, to believe in myself, in my physical and mental capabilities, and to absorb knowledge in this martial art so that one day I can share it with others who share the same passion."
Eugénio Ribeiro
Coach
Throughout my life, I have always been curious about martial arts. I experimented with different styles, but one stood out above all: jiu-jitsu. My first contact with this gentle art happened about 25 years ago. Even though I didn’t continue at the time, that early experience left a strong impression — a seed that would grow years later.
In 2015, I returned to jiu-jitsu with true commitment. Since then, I’ve been training consistently, applying its principles not only on the mats but also in everyday life. Jiu-jitsu became more than a sport for me; it became a path of discipline, resilience, and personal growth.
Today, it is a fundamental part of who I am — shaping how I handle challenges, how I think, and how I evolve as both a martial artist and a person.
André Lima
Instructor
I started training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2015, when I was 17 years old — and just six months later I stepped into my first competition. I immediately fell in love with the competitive side of Jiu-Jitsu. That experience shaped my path, pushing me to dive deeper into the sport and eventually leading me to pursue academic studies in this field.
Today, I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Science and a Master’s degree in High Sports Performance. My goal has always been to understand the body, performance and training at the highest level — not only for my own evolution, but also to help others grow on the mats.
I began teaching Jiu-Jitsu in 2019, while I was still a blue belt, and the passion for teaching has only grown since then. Jiu-Jitsu has been a constant in my life, guiding both my athletic and academic journey, and I’m committed to sharing that knowledge and enthusiasm with every student who steps on the mat.
Frequently asked questions
