ABOUT GRACIE BARRA MONTREAL-OUEST

Bringing a World-Class Legacy to the West End. Welcome to Gracie Barra Montreal Ouest. We believe that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is for everyone—regardless of age, fitness level, or background. We opened this facility to bring the highest standard of martial arts instruction directly to the heart of Montreal West, NDG, Côte-Saint-Luc, Lasalle, and Lachine.

Nestled in the heart of Montreal-Ouest, Gracie Barra Montreal-Ouest stands as a welcoming home for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, embodying the vision of “Jiu-Jitsu for Everyone.” Founded in 2017 by world-renowned Prof. Bruno Fernandes as part of Quebec’s growing Gracie Barra network, our academy has become a cornerstone of the Montreal-Ouest community. Whether you’re a young beginner discovering discipline through play, a parent seeking quality family time on the mats, or a professional looking for balance in a high-stakes world, our doors open wide to welcome you into a transformative journey.

Our History: From Humble Beginnings to Provincial Powerhouse

The story of Gracie Barra Montreal begins with Prof. Bruno Fernandes, a 6th-degree black belt under Carlos Gracie Jr. and a four-time IBJJF World Champion. Born in Rio de Janeiro in 1978, Bruno ignited his passion for Jiu-Jitsu at age 11, where he honed his craft alongside elite grapplers. Balancing rigorous medical studies—earning his MD, PhD — Bruno moved to Montreal in 2005 for advanced research and eventually became an Assistant Professor at McGill University in Ophthalmology and Pathology.

By 2010, driven by a desire to recreate the supportive environment that shaped him, Bruno opened Gracie Barra Montreal as the very first Gracie Barra school in Quebec. The academy quickly became a hub for aspiring grapplers in a region where BJJ was still emerging. What began as part-time coaching to supplement his academic life evolved into a full-time calling, as Bruno witnessed the profound impact of Jiu-Jitsu on students’ confidence, health, and resilience.

Over the past 15 years, Gracie Barra Montreal has flourished, expanding to become the headquarters for Quebec’s Gracie Barra network. In 2017, recognizing the demand for Jiu-Jitsu in Montreal-Ouest’s communities, Prof. Bruno opened Gracie Barra Montreal-Ouest, bringing world-class instruction to the neighborhoods of Montreal-Ouest, NDG, Lachine, and surrounding areas. Today, in 2025, we oversee ten locations—from our flagship in Montreal to outposts in Brossard, West Island, Laval, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Montreal-Ouest, Saint-Laurent, and beyond—serving thousands of students annually. This growth reflects not just numbers, but a commitment to Master Carlos Gracie Jr.’s philosophy: structured, inclusive training that builds champions of character.

Our Mission in the Community 

Gracie Barra Montreal-Ouest opened its doors in 2017 at 14c Av. Westminster N., answering a growing demand for accessible, high-quality Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Montreal’s western communities. What started as a welcoming space for local families quickly evolved into something special—a tight-knit academy where parents and children train side-by-side, and where Jiu-Jitsu becomes a shared family journey.

By 2019, the academy’s rapid growth necessitated expansion, doubling our mat space to accommodate the flourishing community. Today, GB Montreal-Ouest stands as a family-oriented institution deeply woven into the fabric of Montreal-Ouest, NDG, and neighboring areas. Our strong kids programs draw suburban families seeking more than just martial arts instruction—they find a supportive environment where children build confidence, discipline, and friendships that extend beyond the mats.

What sets Montreal-Ouest apart is our commitment to family engagement. Parents don’t just drop off their kids; many train alongside them, taking advantage of family packages that make Jiu-Jitsu accessible to entire households. Every Saturday morning, our free parent-child class brings families together on the mats, creating bonds through shared learning and playful rolling. And when parents need a night out, our Friday evening social and recreational activities for kids offer a safe, fun environment—giving families the flexibility they need while keeping everyone connected to our community.

Our goal is simple: to help you become the best version of yourself. Whether you are a parent looking for a structured, anti-bullying program for your child, a professional seeking stress relief and functional fitness, or someone wanting to learn practical self-defense, our academy provides a safe, welcoming, and ego-free environment to reach your goals. We are more than just a gym; we are a brotherhood and sisterhood rooted in mutual respect.

Under Prof. Bruno Fernandes‘ continued guidance, GB Montreal-Ouest maintains the technical excellence and championship pedigree of the Gracie Barra network, while cultivating a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere where every family feels at home. Whether you’re a competitive athlete or a parent seeking quality time with your children, Montreal-Ouest offers a path forward—together.

Championship Legacy: World-Class Leadership, Local Focus

Gracie Barra Montreal Ouest operates under the direct guidance of Professor Bruno F. Fernandes—a multiple-time World Champion, 6th-degree black belt, and coach to elite athletes like Georges St-Pierre. While our curriculum is internationally renowned and globally proven, our daily focus is strictly local. Our dedicated coaching staff is passionate about breaking down complex techniques so that beginners and advanced students alike can thrive on the mats.

A Diverse Community: Jiu-Jitsu for Every Family

Gracie Barra Montreal-Ouest thrives on the vibrant diversity of our suburban community. Our mats welcome kids as young as four in Little Champions programs programs, fostering focus and anti-bullying resilience in a supportive environment where friendships flourish. Parents training alongside their children create unique bonding experiences, with many families making Jiu-Jitsu a shared lifestyle rather than just an activity. Teens build leadership through Juniors classes, while adults—from busy professionals seeking stress relief to dedicated hobbyists chasing personal growth—find their place in our relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

With over 1,000 global Gracie Barra locations, our family spans cultures, ages, and goals, creating bonds that extend far beyond training hours. At Montreal-Ouest, this inclusivity takes on a distinctly family-oriented character. Whether you’re a corporate executive finding clarity amid chaos, a parent discovering Jiu-Jitsu through your child’s passion, or families training together as a way to stay active and connected, our community embodies growth through shared struggle and triumph. This is Jiu-Jitsu for everyone—especially for families growing together.

This inclusivity mirrors Prof. Bruno’s belief in Jiu-Jitsu’s communal power, as shared in his TEDx Talk: collaboration elevates everyone. From corporate executives finding clarity amid chaos to families training together post-COVID, our community embodies growth through shared struggle and triumph.

Flexibility and Global Opportunities: Train Your Way, Anywhere

Life moves fast, and so does our schedule. With multiple daily classes across Gi, No-Gi, kids, and specialized sessions, Gracie Barra Montreal-Ouest schedule offers unmatched flexibility—morning flows for early risers, evening drills for night owls, weekend classes for busy professionals, and our signature free Saturday morning parent-child class for families. Whether you’re balancing work, school pickups, or family commitments, our schedule adapts to your life.

As part of the Gracie Barra network, members enjoy seamless access to train at any of our nine Quebec schools or 1,000+ worldwide affiliates, ensuring your progress never pauses, whether traveling for work, visiting family, or competing abroad. Your Montreal-Ouest membership opens doors across the globe.

Shaping Quebec’s BJJ Landscape: Ties That Bind

Prof. Bruno’s influence ripples across Quebec’s Jiu-Jitsu scene, where a significant portion of today’s academies trace roots back to Gracie Barra Montreal. As the highest ranked Jiu-Jitsu educator in Quebec, Bruno has mentored countless black belts who now lead their own schools, fostering a lineage of excellence. From coaching MMA superstars in their early careers to today’s wave of homegrown champions, Bruno’s emphasis on positive role models and innovative teaching has elevated standards province-wide. Many Quebec BJJ hubs maintain direct ties through alumni instructors, shared seminars, and collaborative events, making Gracie Barra the foundational force in our region’s grappling renaissance.

In the words of Prof. Bruno Fernandes: “Jiu-Jitsu isn’t just a sport—it’s the Ikigai that aligns passion, purpose, and community.”

Start Your Jiu-Jitsu Journey Today  

The hardest part of Jiu-Jitsu is simply walking through the door. We invite you to experience the Gracie Barra difference for yourself.