Welcome to Carlson Gracie Napa Valley 

MARINHO BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU AND SELF DEFENSE.

Discover the best Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Academy in Napa! Located at 901 Trancas Street, Carlson Gracie Napa Valley offers top-notch training for children, youth, and adults of all ages. Led by the highly skilled 6th-degree black belt Professor Marinho, our academy is dedicated to teaching Brazilian Jiu-jitsu and self-defense techniques.

Experience a clean and welcoming environment with ample parking space. Our facility features a high-quality Fuji mat, ensuring a safe and comfortable training experience. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced practitioner, our classes cater to all skill levels.

Join us at the heart of Napa and embark on a journey of self-improvement, physical fitness, and personal empowerment. Start your Brazilian Jiu-jitsu training today at Carlson Gracie Napa Valley!

Kids 4 – 7 Ages old:

Carlson Gracie Napa Valley is delighted to announce new classes designed for children aged 4 to 7, scheduled every Tuesday and Thursday from 5:00 pm to 5:45 pm. These classes highlight the fundamental principles of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, providing an engaging experience through interactive games and activities. The primary aim is to foster essential skills in children, including motor coordination, cardiovascular fitness, focus, reasoning, and courage. Additionally, the classes aim to instill crucial foundations such as self-defense and bullying prevention. Core values like respect and discipline are also integral to our teaching approach. Secure a spot for your child’s trial class today. 

Youth Brazilian Jiu-jitsu & Self Defense :

Explore the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and self-defense in the class designed for children and teenagers aged 7 and above at Carlson Gracie Napa Valley. Our unique approach is focused on teaching young individuals the authentic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu experience.

At this stage, after having experienced the playful phase of Jiu-Jitsu, classes are entirely dedicated to BJJ and self-defense. Additionally, we incorporate games that stimulate reasoning, physical conditioning, focus, and strategy, making the learning process a dynamic and engaging experience. We are committed to developing technical skills, promoting physical fitness, and, at the same time, instilling values such as discipline and respect.

Classes take place every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 5:00 PM to 5:45 PM. Join us on this journey of learning and empowerment at Carlson Gracie Napa Valley!

BOOK TRIAL CLASS ( FIRST TIME VISITORS ONLY. MUST BE LOCAL RESIDENT. BY APPOINTMENT ONLY VIA EMAIL)

Professor Marinho

Professor “Marinho”  Vauvenargues Vicentini, a 6th-degree Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Master Carlson Gracie, was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and has been residing in Napa for the past four years. He earned his black belt directly from Master Carlson Gracie in April 1999, a rare honor reserved for only a select few athletes.

From 1993 to 2000, Marinho taught at the renowned Carlson Gracie Club in Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, further solidifying his expertise in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), self-defense, Judo, and MMA over a span of 30 years. During this time, he also served as the Head of Defense Tactics and Jiu-Jitsu at the Federal Police Academy in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 1999 to 2015.

With 16 years of experience as a head instructor at the Federal Police Academy, Marinho made the decision to relocate to Napa, California, along with his family. Prior to settling in Napa, he traversed the globe, coaching and supporting numerous MMA and BJJ champions. Marinho is delighted to contribute his world-class martial arts expertise to the Carlson Gracie Napa Valley Academy, becoming an integral part of the thriving and diverse Napa community.

Both the Academy and Professor Marinho share a commitment to fostering a positive learning environment for students of all ages, emphasizing self-empowerment, family values, and a genuine homage to authentic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.