Summer Camps for Kids at Gracie Barra Highland Village

Since Gracie Barra Highland Village is a newly established academy (having opened its doors in late 2025), the upcoming summer of 2026 will likely mark its inaugural Summer Camp season.

While specific dates are often released in the spring, Gracie Barra academies follow a standardized global format for their camps. You can expect their camps to be modeled closely after the “GBK Vacation Camp” structure used worldwide, focusing on “Bullyproofing” and fun physical activity.

Here is a detailed preview of what these camps typically entail, based on the Gracie Barra standard.

1. The Theme: “Bullyproof” & Confidence

Unlike a general sports camp where the goal is just to “tire kids out,” Gracie Barra camps have a specific educational goal: Anti-Bullying.

 Verbal Defense: A major portion of the camp is usually dedicated to Verbal Jiu-Jitsu. Kids role-play scenarios where they learn to use their voice (“Stop! Leave me alone!”) and posture to deter bullies without physical fighting.

 Non-Violent Control: They learn the core BJJ philosophy: if a physical altercation is unavoidable, the goal is to control the bully safely (holding them down) rather than hurting them with punches or kicks.

2. Typical Daily Schedule (Sample)

Camps are generally run as week-long sessions (Monday–Friday) and are often half-day programs (e.g., 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM or 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM).

 9:00 AM: Drop-off & Warm-up Games: High-energy games like “Tag,” “Dodgeball,” or “Bulldog” to burn off morning energy.

 9:45 AM: Technique Session 1: Learning a specific self-defense move (e.g., “How to escape a headlock”).

 10:30 AM: Snack Break: Kids rest and hydrate (parents usually pack a peanut-free snack).

 11:00 AM: “Mat Chat” (Character Building): A sit-down discussion about values. Topics often include Respect, Brotherhood, and Discipline.

 11:20 AM: Jiu-Jitsu Games: Fun, grappling-based games like “Crazy Horse” (balance) or “Sumo” (leverage).

 12:00 PM: Parent Pick-up.

3. Who Can Attend?

 Open to Non-Members: One of the best features of GB camps is that no prior experience is required. Your child does not need to be a current student or own a Gi (uniform) to attend.

 Age Range: Typically open to children ages 4 to 12. Students are usually split into groups by age/size to ensure safety (e.g., 4-6 year olds on one side, 7-12 on the other).

4. What They Will Learn (The Curriculum)

 Stranger Danger: Basic awareness of how to create space if a stranger approaches.

 Ground Safety: How to fall without hitting their head (breakfalls) and how to stand up safely if pushed down.

 Teamwork: Many drills are partner-based, requiring kids to work together to succeed, fostering new friendships outside of their school circles.

5. Logistics & Gear

 Uniform: For summer camps, the strict uniform policy is often relaxed. Kids can typically wear comfortable athletic clothes (t-shirt and shorts). If they are already members, they may wear their Gi or No-Gi rash guards.

 What to Bring:

 Water bottle (labeled with name).

 Snack.

 Sandals/Flip-flops (for walking from the mat to the bathroom).

6. Why Parents in Highland Village Choose It

 Screen-Free Zone: It guarantees 3–4 hours of intense physical activity away from iPads and video games.

 Trial Run: It is the perfect way to “test drive” martial arts. If your child enjoys the camp, you can be confident they will enjoy a full membership.

 Safety: The camp is run by the same certified instructors (ICP certified) who run the regular classes, meaning the supervision is professional and safety-conscious.

 How to Register for Summer 2026

Because this will be their first full summer, spots may fill up quickly with current members.

 Watch the Website: Keep an eye on the “Events” or “News” section of [graciebarrahighlandvillage.com](https://graciebarrahighlandvillage.com).

 Contact Direct: Since schedules are usually finalized in April or May, it is best to call (972) 439-7411 or visit the front desk at The Marketplace to get on the “Interest List.”

🥋 Gracie Barra Jiu-Jitsu Highland Village: A Comprehensive Profile

Gracie Barra Highland Village is a top-tier martial arts academy located in Highland Village, Texas, serving the communities of Highland Village, Flower Mound, Lewisville, and Lantana. As an official franchise of Gracie Barra (GB)—one of the largest and most respected Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) organizations in the world—this academy adheres to high standards of instruction, safety, and curriculum.

Here is a detailed breakdown of everything you can expect from this specific academy.

1. Philosophy and Mission

The academy operates under the global Gracie Barra motto: “Jiu-Jitsu for Everyone.”

This means the school is not an intimidating “fight club” for professional cage fighters. Instead, it is an educational center designed to make BJJ accessible to toddlers, teenagers, working professionals, and seniors alike. The goal is personal development through martial arts, focusing on:

 Self-Defense: Real-world protection.

 Wellness: Physical fitness and mental health.

 Community: Building a positive social environment.

2. Program Structure

Gracie Barra Highland Village utilizes a standardized, week-by-week curriculum. This means a student knows exactly what they are learning, and if they visit another GB school, the instruction remains consistent.

1. Future Champions (Kids Program)

This is a cornerstone of the Highland Village location, given the family-oriented demographics of the area.

 Little Champions I (Ages 3–6): Focuses on “mat awareness,” coordination, following instructions, and basic body movements. It is heavily game-based to keep toddlers engaged.

 Little Champions II (Ages 7–9): Introduces technical Jiu-Jitsu. Students learn escapes, controls, and the Gracie Barra Anti-Bullying system (verbal de-escalation and non-violent control).

 Juniors & Teens (Ages 10–14): A more mature curriculum that prepares students for the adult program. It focuses on fitness, discipline, and complex problem-solving.

1. GB Adult Program

The adult curriculum is split into tiers to ensure safety and proper progression.

 GB1: Fundamentals (White Belts): The entry-level program. It focuses on self-defense, safety, and the core principles of BJJ (base, posture, leverage). There is usually no full-contact sparring (rolling) in the first few weeks to prioritize safety.

 GB2: Advanced (Blue Belt & Up): Once the basics are mastered, students move to GB2. This class involves more complex techniques, combinations, and live sparring (“rolling”).

 GB3: Black Belt Program: Designed for advanced practitioners to refine their style, flow, and transitions.

1. Private Training

For students who want to accelerate their learning or work on specific weaknesses, the professors at Highland Village offer one-on-one private lessons.

3. The Class Experience

A typical 60-minute class at GB Highland Village follows a rigid structure:

1. Line Up: Students line up by rank (belt color) and bow in to show respect.
2. Warm-up: 10–15 minutes of calisthenics and BJJ-specific drills (shrimping, breakfalls).
3. Technique: The Professor demonstrates a technique (e.g., an escape from the mount) and explains the leverage points.
4. Partner Drills: Students pair up to practice the move.
5. Specific Training | Rolling:

 Beginners: Positional training (starting from a specific spot and resetting).

 Advanced: Free sparring.

6. Bow Out: Class ends with a formal dismissal and handshake line.

4. Facility and Standards

Gracie Barra Highland Village maintains the “Premium School” standards required by the franchise.

 Hygiene: The mats are sanitized professionally every day. Personal hygiene (clean Gi, trimmed nails) is strictly enforced.

 Uniforms: Students are required to wear the official Gracie Barra Uniform (Gi). This fosters a sense of equality and team unity—on the mats, a CEO and a student are equals.

 Atmosphere: The facility is designed to be bright, clean, and welcoming to families. It typically includes a lobby for parents to watch their children train.

5. Instructors and Lineage

The instructors (Professors and Coaches) at GB Highland Village are certified through the Gracie Barra ICP (Instructor Certification Program).

 This ensures they are not just good fighters, but trained teachers who know how to handle safety, first aid, and pedagogy.

 The Texas region of Gracie Barra is historically very strong, influenced heavily by high-level Brazilian professors who settled in the Dallas/Houston areas. The instruction at Highland Village reflects this high-level lineage.

6. Benefits for Highland Village Residents

 Community Connection: It serves as a “third place” (outside of home and work/school) for residents of Highland Village and Flower Mound to socialize.

 Bully Prevention: For local school-aged children, the program provides confidence and tools to handle social and physical aggression.

 Stress Relief: For working adults, the intense focus required in BJJ acts as a form of “moving meditation,” clearing the mind of work stress.

7. Getting Started

The enrollment process at Gracie Barra Highland Village is standardized:

1. Free Introductory Class: New students are almost always offered a free trial class to experience the culture.
2. Introduction: You will likely meet with a Program Director who will give you a tour, explain the schedule, and discuss membership goals.
3. The “Red Shield”: Upon signing up, you receive your uniform and are welcomed into the team.

Gracie Barra Jiu-Jitsu Highland Village is a structured, safe, and family-centric martial arts academy. It combines the rigorous physical training of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with a supportive community atmosphere, making it a popular choice for families in the Denton County area.

Gracie Barra Jiu-Jitsu Highland Village

Informations

ADDRESS

200 Marketplace Ln, Suite 205, Highland Village, TX, United States, Texas

PHONE

+1 (972) 439-7411

Summer Camps for Kids at Gracie Barra Highland Village