Testimonials

There is a strong community of people who make up the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Aurora family. Our Testimonials page is a source of first-hand insight to what it is like to train at Gracie Aurora. We have accumulated these testimonies from Facebook, Google, and our new video testimonial system which is now available to all of our students. Enjoy!

Written Testimonials

What Do Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Aurora Students Have to Say?

When you start you work on street defense only (Gracie Combatives). I like the fact that this school is not a “sport” school. You will learn the core street defense THEN you can play the fun game of Jiu-Jitsu vs Jiu-Jitsu. Once you complete the core street defense you can move onto Master Cycle (covers Blue to Black belt material). If you have kids there is Bullyproof (kids 5-13). They also have Women Empowered (Addresses the 15 most common threats against women). I’ve tried two other schools and never made it past the 2nd week due to injuries. I’ve been going here for 4.5 months and haven’t been injured once. The drive for me can be 30 mins to over an hour depending on traffic and it’s always worth the drive.
- James C.

I’ve attended Gracie Jiu-Jitsu since June 2019, attending (until recent events) multiple times each week. If I was not totally satisfied with the quality of instruction and my progress and improvement, I would not have continued. I attribute this to the quality of the program and absolutely to the consistent approach of the coaches and their great encouragement. I encourage you to give Gracie Aurora a look and a try.
- David D.

This is an awesome school! Not only Coach Tony, but all the instructors are excellent teachers. They are welcoming, patient, and thorough. The group of students in the Combatives class are all very open and anxious to meet/train with new people. If you want to feel welcome and part of a class that wants to learn, you need to come by for a visit.
- Barry C.

Best self defense school in Aurora. Hands down! Coach TonyD is the freaking man.
- Adrian M.

Family oriented and amazing experience. Kids learn teamwork and coordination.
- Luis A.

My daughter participates here, and she LOVES it. The coaches/instructors here, and i mean ALL of them, are passionate and patient with their craft. Great place for my kid to gain confidence in herself, and respect for others. Don’t think twice about this place. Come join!
- Nick S.

I started here with little experience and fell in love with jiu-jitsu. Tony Debelak and the other instructors do a great job of breaking each move down so we can learn how to do it. There is no drama here. It’s a safe and fun environment to learn in. Come check us out – we’re a great group of people.
- Tammy C.

Very professionally ran class. Tony takes the time to explain the steps of a particular move and why you do each of this steps. He makes you want to get better.
- Jerry S.

The quality of instruction at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Aurora is impressive and effective. I have been training at GJJA for two years. I attribute the progress I’ve made to the instruction of Professor Tony, Coach Teddy, Coach Ben and all of the incredible training partners at Gracie Aurora. Professor Tony’s leadership is top-notch — it permeates the culture of the gym. I love being a member of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Aurora and highly recommend it to anyone interested in studying Jiu-Jitsu. And because Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Aurora is a part of the Gracie Academy system, we have incredible perks like the Gracie University, an online resource that contains video tutorials of every lesson within our curriculum. This means a dedicated student can watch the lesson online before class, attend the lesson at GJJA and rewatch that same lesson to reinforce what was learned. Another great perk is that if you travel to another city with a Gracie Jiu-Jitsu certified training center, you can attend classes there for free (and if you’re so inclined, you can receive credit for that class back at GJJA). I whole-heartily recommend learning Gracie Jiu-Jitsu under the leadership of Professor Tony at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Aurora.
- Jeff F.

I have been involved in the martial arts for 15 years and I have not seen nor experienced a training environment like the one at Gracie Jiu Jitsu Aurora. The curriculum is very foundational to self protection, detailed in it’s presentation and applicable in it’s execution. The instruction is first class. The instructors have a genuine care to make sure the students learn every detail of every technique and remain safe during practice. The students are welcoming and gracious, eager to help their training partners get the most out of each move. Very professional group
- Matt K.

The best place in Colorado to learn real Gracie Jiu Jitsu the way Grandmaster Helio Gracie envisioned it. Rorion, Ryron, and Rener, specially designed these programs to be linear, progressive, and safe which exponentially increases learning curve. The no ego atmsosphere is amazing and makes you feel like family right away. Everyone there is more interested in your Jiu Jitsu development then dominating and tapping you to show how effective their game is, they already know its effective. Try one week at Gracie Aurora CTC and you will see the difference.

- Shane C.

Professor Tony was extremely welcoming when I moved to the area. I was training at a CTC in Alabama and wanted to continue to train under the Gracie style of teaching. I’ve been active Army for 14 years and Tony has
bent over backwards to accommodate private lessons and answering any questions I might have, to include during a deployment to Afghanistan. His team of coaches is among the best and it’s evident that he mentors them to the highest level. I cannot recommend Gracie Jiu Jitsu Aurora highly enough.

- Nick S.

This school is absolutely the best! I really appreciate the authenticity and hard work that coach Tony D. Brings by receiving a black belt directly from the Gracie family. His dedication as a father and background in the military reflects on the mat and great teaching skills. His awesome wife and kids are also involved in the school, so the family atmosphere is very welcoming. Also the other coaches involved in teaching are certified, very knowledgeable and respectful. If you are looking for a school where egos and intimadation are definitely left outside the door, People are social and eager to learn. Then, I highly recommend this school!
- Lupe G.

There are no flaws with the Gracie method of Jiu Jitsu training. I fully appreciate that there is no sparing until the combative class is completed to insure technique that is pure and form that is smooth; also you don’t get choked and hurt and then discouraged. We really enjoy our three evenings a week training and gaining skill that is useful that we can be proud of! I love the group of people that we get to train with and learn from as well. There is true comradery and respect in this gym and unmatched by any other!

- Hallie B.