Complaint Review: Gracie Barra Of Georgia

I've only had the privilege of knowing Professor Fabio Costa for a few months, but none of what this person is saying is true. The only time the professor is not there is when he is competing or doing something to promote the school and the Gracie name and not only do the mention it weeks in advance via e-mails and text messages, but they invite you to go with them. I have my two children enrolled in this school and I will be joining in January as well. I have trained in other schools and have seen some shady things, but thats has not been the case here. I challenge anyone to come for the free week Professor Fabio offers and not feel like part of the family almost immediately.

I used to go to this gym and can back up at least a little of what the person is saying.

The schedule for the classes was not always convienent and they were not always very organized. Sometimes the instructor did not show up to the class (maybe twice), but I'm sure they had a good reason. I did not however have a problem with any of the people there. I really learned alot and would have stayed if I didnt move. Unfortunately this person must have really been burned by the gym and it only takes one bad seed to ruin it for everyone.

The complaint filed against Gracie Barra of Georgia is 100% FALSE!  This is a wonderful establishment where every member of the family can participate and enjoy.  They offer morning, afternoon, and evening classes.  There are many different levels of training as well.  They start at 4-5 years old and go all the way to black belt classes.  They also pride themselves on being available for you to train practically any time you want!  They are open Monday - Saturday with multiple classes all day long, PLUS they allow open mat training between classes. 

In regards to billing, I have never had a problem!  It is handled by an outside agency, and for billing questions, the Financial Corporation that handles this should be contacted...but the General Manager, Marcia, will answer questions as well.  They worked with me when I was having some financial difficulties so that my membership would not be interrupted at all. 

I have NEVER had a problem recieving a return phone call!  They strive to go over and above to meet everyone's needs.  I receive text messages, emails, and Myspace updates on a regular basis.  (Facebook page is in the works...)  I have been notified via one of these methods of upcoming events or any changes.  They even have printed newsletters.  Communication is a plus!!!

The gym has NEVER been closed with no notice.  I was there earlier tonight, and there was a notice on the front door that clearly said the gym would be closed on Monday, in observation of the Labor Day Holiday.  Thats enough notice for me.  Not to mention, I was given a list of the Holidays that the gym recognizes and closes for.   Even when the gym was going through renovations to increase mat space, they held classes in the Golds Gym next door just so they wouldnt have to cancel class.  There are multiple BJJ Trainers, so if someone is out for a tournament or personal reason, there is ALWAYS someone to teach the class. 

This gym is NOT overpriced...actually, they have some of the cheapest rates!  Just for a round number....lets say your membership is $50 a month, but so is the membership at the gym down the street...the difference is you can train at Gracie Barra as many times a week as you want (plus open mat time), where as the other gym might offer 1-3 classes per week.

We all know exactly who posted this complaint.  It was someone who doesnt even live near Acworth.  Her Boyfriend's son takes classes and she was mad that when something arose with the child, the parents were consulted and not her.  She took kickboxing classes for a while, and was totally satisfied...satisfied enough to sign a contract, but when she was not considered a "parent" to the child and the mother was consulted over her, she immediately became disgruntled.  I feel that this was completely reasonable!  A mother DOES come first compared to a girlfriend of the father.  I hate the fact that she has to feel this way.  To me, this is the utmost presentation of respect! 

I know that when I walk into this gym, its a family environment.  The staff even knows the members Childrens names!  They have started having family day with a pizza party every few weeks.  and at tournaments, everyone shows up just to support the people that are competing. 

I have nothing bad to say about this gym at all.  If you dont believe me, try it for yourself!  They offer a week free! 

I have been a student at this school for about 2 years. And I can say that either this person is talking about a different school, or he is outright lying. I just think its interesting that he is to afraid to post his name or contact info. That said, every single point is totally false.

1.) "Not to mention the fact that they are not even listed on the Gracie Website as an official Gracie Barra gym."
Oh really? From http://graciebarra.com/gbcn.php?n=official :

Gracie Barra Georgia / Atlanta
Professor: Fabio Costa
5505 Bells Ferry Rd Suite 220
Acworth, GA 30102
Tel: 404-287-6597
E-mail
Website

2.) "The individuals who run this gym are immature, unprofessional,":
I have never seen anyone treated with any disrespect or anything less than totally professional. The customer service is excellent and they have been more than happy to discuss any business issue, purchases, plan changes, private lessons. Nothing but a pleasure to deal with.

3.) "They also do not provide classes that the average individual can work around."
Huh????  Total B.S.
There are noon classes, afternoon classes and evening classes every day of the week. There is always an instructor there during regular class hours. Professor Fabio Costa (BJJ Black Belt and Pro MMA fighter) is ALWAYS there. If there is some emergency another high level instructor is there to fill in.

4.) "When they do show up theres the issue of trying to figure out who is in charge of what.":
Maybe this person is easily confused.
Classes are well supervised and follow the Gracie Barra cirriculum. Classes also have plenty of one-on-one attention from the instructors.

5.) "Also, be prepared for the gym to be closed with no notice".
Totally False. The gym is always open. Even on most holidays. It closed only once for a few days of remodeling we were all given a lot of notice.

6.) "encourages sandbagging in competitions"
Sandbagging? LOL - give me a break. We train hard for competition and make a good showing at every competition. There is no talk of Sandbagging - only sweat and hard work.

This is the most insane, cheap pile of B.S. I have ever seen. Anyone who wants to experience real BJJ just needs to stop by and see. Just be prepared to train hard and have fun.

Matt C.
(((ROR redacted)))

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The original report is totally false.  This is some of the best Jiu Jitsu instruction you can find in the world.  Professor Fabio is known internationally and has promoted over 20 black belts under Master Carlos Gracie Jr.  The school IS listed on the Gracie Barra official website at the following link: http://graciebarra.com/gbcn.php?n=official .  The school is listed under Georgia as "Gracie Barra Georgia/Atlanta" Professor Fabio Costa, the address is Acworth.  Also,  I am a former student who is on hiatus due to personal financial issues.  The staff has been nothing but courteous and helpful.  They are understanding of my situation and offered to freeze my account so that I am not billed during my absence.  As for the price, the price I paid was concurrent with the pricing of all the gyms within 80 miles, (I shopped around). 

I am a member of the gym and have had nothing but positive results working out there. There classes are well run and the instructors and professors are professional, well educated, and experienced in what they do.
You will not get a better education in jiu jitsu than from this gym.
They are revolved around family and respect it is a family run gym for families, every business has some issues every once in a while even big corporations. Is this gym a ripoff not to me. To me its worth the money.

I feel like responding to this original report is almost a waste of time due to the fact that it's claims are completely baseless. I love training at Gracie Barra and the staff/employee student relationship is outstanding. I have been treated like part of the family as is tradition with the Gracie name!

I am a former special ops commando and have trained with many tough fighters but I have to say that I have learned more at this school/dojo than anywhere else. This includes S.E.A.L. Team members SF and Force Recon men I have trained with.

At the end of the day this school is a place of learning, it's fun and you get out what you put in just like most things in life.

Chris "doc" L. 

This gym is the best!  Some of the best BJJ around!  And have always worked with me on billing.     And even know they do not call themselves a MMA gym they have some of the best MMA fighters around!  Come visit if you think otherwise!!!  Never had any problems only great service and great friends from going there!

DP

Gracie Baja

First off, I must say that I am sad to hear that you feel this way about our Gracie Barra school. I am a current student, and I have been training at his school for about 4 months. Needless to say, I am extremely happy with my progress in BJJ and with the professionalism of our coaches.

Professor Fabio Costa (Head coach and black belt) and the management have made me feel very welcome and a part of this family. Organized like a team, fighting like a family is a true statement for this school. Professor Fabio and the other coaches always take the time to explain all the techniques in detail, providing further explanations when needed and are always open for questions.

In regards to our schedule, I am not sure what more I can ask of our school we have morning classes 6 times a week (Monday thru Saturday) and we have evening classes 5 times a week (Monday thru Friday). And, if this is not enough, our school offers private classes as well.

Regarding billing issues, I am sure that if you approach our management they would be happy to assist you in anyway possible. Please keep in mind that billing is done by a 3rd party and sometimes you will have to deal with them directly and not with the school. This is common practice in the health club industry and not something special for our Gracie Barra school.

I would like to thank Professor Fabio Costa and the Gracie Barra School for their dedication, professionalism, and inspiration. Since joining their school, I have a new found love for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Matt Gracie Barra Student

I am appalled by the original "ripped off" complaint about Gracie Barra of Georgia.  I have been a member of this gym at both Holly Springs and Acworth for the past 1 1/2 years.  You title your complaint as "disciminatory".  Perhaps I have misunderstood but I am unaware as to how this could be.  My teammates consist of Hispanics, Vietnamese, Chinese, Laotians, Italians, Russians, Brazilians, Red Necks (humor), Puerto Ricans, and Caucasians to name just a few.  Perhaps I'm missing something here.

As the other rebuttals have indicated, this is a Jiu Jitsu Academy though we also offer the Cardio MMA classes.  Our schedules have remained the same for the past 6 months.  Updated schedules are available online at www.graciebarrageorgia.com/schedule.  Classes are provided in the mornings, afternoons, evenings, and Saturdays.  I would agree that the schedule has changed; however, classes have not been removed.  Classes were added in addition to the ones that were there a year ago. 

If you are an active member attending classes regularly, you would've received newsletters and/or announcements as they are communicated on a regular basis.  Announcements are also posted in the classroom wall. 

It is expected for Professor Fabio as a Black Belt to participate in Gracie Barra sponsored competitions either as a competitor or a referee.  These are expectations for all Gracie Barra Black Belts as I appreciate it.

The management at the Academy realizes that it's a tough economy and they are doing their best to accomodate members who are in tough financial situations.  The rates offered at this school is competitive with other Academies within Georgia yet lower than the rates at other schools in the United States.  I'm not trying to influence or convince you otherwise.

The program provided at this facility revolves around a solid framework.  Our Academy revolves around a team and a family.  As you can see for yourself, we as a team and family will always protect our reputation, our family, and last but not least, our sport.

I am shocked that the gym I train at and consider a second home is being portrayed in this way.

I have been training at this gym and with Professor Fabio Costa for around 1-1/2 years now and could not ask for a better place to train. Plain and simple jiu jitsu has changed my life. Since starting training I have quit smoking, quit drinking, lost around 40lbs and am currently in the best shape of my life.

As far as the claim that the school encourages "sandbagging"....that is completely false. As a matter of fact I requested to be kept at a lower belt for "one last competition" but had my request denied by Professor Fabio, got promoted, and had to compete at the next level up. Looking back I see that was the right thing to do and was done in the name of good sportsmanship.

Another claim the original post makes is that we are a "MMA gym that offers Brazilian Jiu Jitsu" which is also false....Gracie Barra is strictly a place to learn Brazilian Jiu jitsu. It is true we have a few fighters or people who on occasion will practice some MMA techniques but in no way are we, or do we claim to be a MMA gym. As far as the jiu jitsu instruction, it is second to none. Professor Fabio was awarded his black belt by Master Carlos Gracie Jr. and is known in the jiu jitsu community as a top notch competitor and a 1st class teacher. If for any reason the school is not listed on the GB website one can rest assured we are listed in GRACIEMAG and are as legit as you will find in GA.

The original poster claims that the school "is only open in the evenings"....another false statement. The school offers classes morning, noon and night. The only day without a listed class is Sunday but Professor Fabio has been kind enough to offer me a private lessons on Sundays in the past simply to accomodate my schedule.

Our motto is "organized like a team, fighting like a family" and when training at this gym that is the feeling you will get. Everyone there is helpful, and since starting there last year I have forged friendships with more than a few of the other jiu jitsu players.

In closing, I would just like to say If youre looking for a place to train jiu jitsu, whether it is for competition, fitness, or just for a new hobby., you will not find a better place to train or a better group of people to train with. I would also encourage anyone interested in jiu jitsu to take advantage of a few free trial lessons to see what we are all about

First off I would like to say that it saddens me that you feel this way about my school, Gracie Barra of Georgia. I am currently a student at this school and have nothing but great things to say about it. I have been attending classes for close to 9 months and I train as often as I can. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has literally changed my life around and I would like to thank Professor Fabio Costa (awarded black belt by Master Carlos Gracie Jr. himself), management, and our other instructors.

Everyone involved in keeping the school running treats everyone with respect and caters to every students needs to the best of their ability. We always make sure potential and existing students are learning the art, having fun, and being treated with respect. Like a family we may joke around and kid with each other but we know that when we're inside the school we came to learn. We are not listed on the official Gracie Barra list and I was informed by management that they have been working with the individual who takes care of that to get it resolved. We are an official GracieMag Associate and our school is listed there.

Our schedule is very flexible. We offer morning, evening, and private training classes. Our schedule can be found in the school and on the website. Professor Fabio has many friends in the Jiu Jitsu and MMA community and he sometimes supports local and distant events for coaching or refereeing. If he has to leave the school for a period of time he always has an instructor to teach his class. He even invites us to go to represent the school in different events and tournaments he's supporting. It's not unheard of for any instructor in any Martial Arts program to support an event local or distant.

Gracie Barra of Georgia is not a MMA gym. Professor Fabio Costa teaches Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at our school. It has been proven time and time again that Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is one of the best forms of self defense in the world today and that's why it's so popular in the MMA community. Professor Fabio Costa promotes Jiu Jitsu as a form of self defense, stress relief, building self confidence, and a great way to get in shape.

I have competed in three competitions since training at Gracie Barra and Professor Fabio never encourages any one to compete to win medals for the school. I love to compete and my appetite for competition is big, but that's just me as an individual. He supports anyone that wants to compete and cheers us on at competitions. He honestly is only interested in every individual student's progression in the art. We as a family help each other with the techniques shown to us by our professors to become better.

I am more then happy to pay for the instruction given at Gracie Barra of Georgia because it's worth every penny to learn from the best and a professor that cares. I encourage anyone to take advantage of our trial sessions to get a feel of what Jiu Jitsu is all about, you won't be disappointed.

-Marcus A.
Gracie Barra