Open a Gracie Foundation Academy
Everything an instructor needs to teach Gracie Jiu-Jitsu properly: certification, the full curriculum, the video library and the support of the founding academy.
Why affiliate
Don't start from scratch. Start from a foundation.
Opening a martial arts school is hard. Working out what to teach, in what order, how to grade, how to keep beginners safe and how to keep them coming back takes years. We have spent a decade doing exactly that, and it is all written down, filmed and tested.
An affiliate academy carries the Gracie Foundation name and teaches the Gracie Foundation curriculum. In return we hold you to the same standard we hold ourselves: certified instructors, DBS checks, insurance, safe classes and no ego on the mat.
What you get
The complete package
The curriculum
Gracie Fundamentals (23 lessons, 40 techniques), Intermediate (25 classes, Gi and No-Gi), Advanced (seven positional chapters), Standing Self-Defence for every belt, BullySafe for four age groups and LadySafe for women. Lesson plans, calendars, attendance cards and belt-test standards.
The video library
Every lesson filmed. Your students get it free as members, so they arrive prepared and leave able to revise. You get the instructor course videos.
Instructor certification
The Instructor Certification Programme: an enhanced DBS check, the instructor's manual, the course videos, a four-day training event and an assessment. Certified instructors are listed on this site.
Brand and presence
Use of the Gracie Foundation name and logo, a listing on the academies page with your own page, trial bookings routed to you, and shared events and seminars.
Character Development & KidSafe
The six-chapter Character Development programme, Gracie Game Day, the Rules of Engagement and Gracie KidSafe, ready to run for your children's classes.
Support
Direct access to Ben and the founding academy's instructors for grading, curriculum questions and how to run the business side, from the trial process to memberships.
Instructor Certification Programme
| Entry rank | Blue Belt and above |
|---|---|
| Fee | £350 |
| Includes |
|
| Assessments | 2 per year at the founding academy in Watford |
| DBS | Required. If the check raises concerns, access is refused and a partial refund covers the unused parts of the fee. |
| Retests | A new fee applies for a retest. This is an in-depth course and needs real study to pass. |
How it works
Four steps to opening day
- Enquire. Tell us about yourself, your rank and lineage, and where you would like to open. Ben replies personally.
- Certify. Complete the Instructor Certification Programme: DBS, manual, videos, the four-day event and assessment.
- Set up. We help you plan your timetable, trial process, pricing and equipment, and give you the curriculum and video library.
- Open. Your academy goes on the map, trial bookings flow to you, and you teach with the network behind you.
Get in touch