GRACIE BARRA
The Gracie Family
Carlos Gracie Jr. was born in January 17, 1956 and grew up heavily influenced by his family of fighters. In close sync with the life philosophy and teachings of his father Carlos Gracie Sr., “Carlinhos” as he’s known to friends and family, grew up observing and learning from some of the most influential figures his family has ever produced: Carlos Gracie Sr., Helio Gracie and Rolls Gracie.
In 1986, Carlos Gracie Jr. founded the first Gracie Barra school, in the city of Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro. From that one location, he created the most expansive BJJ organization in the world, with offices in the USA, Brazil, Australia and Europe. Gracie Barra now operates 1,000+ schools on 6 continents around the globe.
Gracie Barra Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Gracie Barra Newtown provides Brazilian jiu-jitsu instruction in a structured environment, following the Gracie Barra Code of Conduct and Gracie Barra Etiquette. Our school provides Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu programs, which are fit for students of all different knowledge levels.
We offer both private and group classes that focus on character growth and self improvement, and we believe that the techniques and values learned in our programs can better your life, on and off the mats.
Our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Instructors
Professor Ricardo Almeida
Regional Chief Instructor, Gracie Barra Newtown
In 1992, a 15-year old Ricardo Almeida walked through the doors of the original Gracie Barra and began his journey under the tutelage of Master Carlos Gracie Jr., ultimately becoming the first student to receive his black belt from Master Renzo Gracie in NYC. 30 years later, Professor Ricardo Almeida is among the most accomplished grapplers to ever make the transition from Brazilian Jiu Jitsu into Mixed Martial Arts.
Ricardo is a veteran of the Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC) and Pride FC as well as winning the coveted King of Pancrase title in Japan in 2003. He has gone on to coach some of the most accomplished champions in Mixed Martial Arts like Frankie Edgar, Eddie Alvarez, Corey Anderson and many more. He is also multiple times ADCC medalist, National Brazilian Champion, No Gi World and Pan Am Champion.
Today, Professor Ricardo oversees a new generation of Grapplers and Fighters in the Mercer-Bucks area under Gracie Barra with Gracie Barra Princeton, North Princeton…and now Gracie Barra Newtown.
Professor John Wilpert
Chief Instructor – GB Newtown
I have been training in Brazilian jiu jitsu for the past 15 years with amateur mma and competitive grappling experience. I have trained with the highest levels of athletes in mixed martial arts and have been a training partner of former UFC and current bellator fighter Corey Anderson for the past few years. At the age of 15 I discovered professor Ricardo Almeida’s school and have only been training under his tutelage since I started this journey. Brazilian jiu jitsu started as a hobby for me and as the years went on it became a huge part of my life.
Without any hesitation I can truly say Brazilian jiu jitsu made me into the person I am today, it changed everything in my life physically and mentally. My mentality became more optimistic and inspired me to always keep myself in shape since I started training and I couldn’t imagine my life without it. My goal in teaching Brazilian jiu jitsu is to change peoples lives, inspire them to become the best versions of themselves and always make people feel welcome at my academy.
Coach Mike Gonzalez
Coach – GB Newtown
I’m cowboy coach Mike, I am a fun, passionate, and driven coach committed to helping people build strength, confidence, and resilience. As an Army combat veteran, BJJ coach, certified personal trainer, 500-hour yoga instructor, and entrepreneur, I bring leadership, energy, and purpose to every person I work with
Coach Stacy Gonzalez
Coach – Gracie Barra Newtown
I am Coach Stacy, a spirited and engaging fitness instructor. I have been working in athletics here in Newtown for over 25 years. With a healthcare education in nursing, I am also a certified personal trainer and 200-hour yoga instructor. I incorporate this knowledge into building effective exercise programs and enjoy helping my students’ progress.
Coach Nathan Espinosa
Coach – Gracie Barra Newtown
With 16 years of amateur fight experience and over 20 years dedicated to training and coaching in Muay Thai and American Kickboxing, Nathan brings a deep passion and wealth of knowledge to our school. He has had the privilege of teaching both kids and adults at every skill level and is proud to have served as a trainer and cornerman for competition kickboxers, as well as professional and amateur MMA fighters, throughout his journey in martial arts.
Nathan’s top priority is always instilling the correct techniques and mindset necessary for success in Muay Thai. Every class is designed not only to build skill, but also to deliver a great workout that’s engaging, fun, and rewarding. He is genuinely excited to join the outstanding coaching staff at Newtown Gracie Barra and looks forward to contributing to the community’s growth and achievements.
PD Michelle Wilpert
Program Director – Gracie Barra Newtown
I joined GB in 2022 after making the leap from the medical field to work alongside my husband, Professor John Wilpert – and I haven’t looked back since. What started as a career change quickly turned into a passion for building a strong, supportive, and fun community.
As Program Director, I love creating an environment where everyone feels welcome, motivated, and part of something bigger. When I’m not at the gym, you’ll probably find me with an iced latte in hand (yes, even in the winter), soaking up the sun at the beach or traveling!
Professor Tushar Nene - in memoriam
Instructor – Gracie Barra Newtown
Tushar Nene began his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey at RABJJ (Newtown 1) over 10 years ago under Professor Ricardo. A former Judo practitioner, he had a deep appreciation for training in the gi and developed a strong technical focus in this area.
He was deeply committed to supporting student growth and was known as a captivating teacher. Tushar was especially passionate about helping children develop into confident leaders and thoughtful members of their communities.
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