Omaha's Premier Jiu-Jitsu Martial Arts School
Find out why so many people in Omaha turn to Gracie Jiu-Jitsu® Omaha for their martial arts training! We offer beginner-to-advanced Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes for men, women, and children. No experience necessary! Get started with our exclusive BJJ online offer.
Learn self-defense in Omaha from the best in the world!
Mat Munchkins Kids Martial Arts (Ages 3-5)
Gracie Bullyproof® Mat Munchkins kids martial arts classes for preschoolers is full of fun games and simple techniques with the objective of building your child's confidence while getting them excited and ready for the transition into the Little Champs (Ages 5-7) classes.
Little Champs Kids Martial Arts (Ages 5-7)
Discover why parents love our Kids Martial Arts Classes in Torrance! Our Gracie Bullyproof® Little Champs program infuses kids with powerful self-defense skills as well as respect, discipline, and focus to help them in school and life.
Jr. Grapplers Kids Martial Arts (Ages 7-12)
Gracie Bullyproof® Jr. Grapplers builds unshakable confidence so that your child can overcome bullying without violence. Parents love our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program in Torrance because it's the perfect blend of self-defense and character development.
Adult Martial Arts Co-Ed Classes
The world's leading Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program for beginners. We offer martial arts classes that are structured and provide a safe learning opportunity for students with no previous experience. Learn the 36 core techniques of BJJ in a fun and cooperative environment.
Women's BJJ Beginner Classes
So much more than a women's self-defense class! Not only will you learn how to use Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to defend against the most common threat scenarios, you will also experience empowerment, fun, and fitness in a safe and supportive environment!
Advanced BJJ Classes for Adults
From blue belt to black belt, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu consists of hundreds of advanced techniques organized into a clearly defined, systematic curriculum called the Master Cycle®. You'll never experience adult martial arts classes that are as structured, safe, and effective as what you'll find in the Master Cycle.
Why Choose Gracie University?
At Gracie University, we believe Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is for EVERYONE, regardless of age,
gender, athleticism, or ability. We are proud to say that we are continuing the legacy
of Grandmaster Hélio Gracie, who believed jiu-jitsu should empower the weak to be able
to defend against the strong. This is why we offer structured martial arts curriculums
specific to the self-defense needs for any demographic or skill level, with programs
created for beginner adults, women, and children.
We take pride in creating a safe, comfortable, and welcoming learning environment for
all students and family members in Torrance. We are passionate about what we do
because we believe confident humans make kinder humans.
- Tim Crane
I am part of the Women Empowered Program which is an amazing community of women. Brian and Nicole have taught me so much and I continue to learn from them technique and situational awareness recognition. Brian brings in his perspective from the law enforcement background and Nicole brings a lot of practical thoughts from a women’s perspective. I look forward to going each week. I now watch the videos available to me to refresh and study before class.
My husband is in the Combatives program and has loved the variety in students who come from all backgrounds and expertise. The studio is focused on techniques based on typical scenarios mimicking real life. Eventually we practice reflex development when we master techniques. It’s a great community full of positive people in a safe environment. I tell everyone I know about them and will continue to support this studio as my own family grows with them. We love Brian and Nicole!!
- Heather Wollenburg
- Janel Reeves
- Mitchell Evertse
Frequently Asked Questions
Most frequent questions and answers about our Children's Martial Arts Program.
Will my child become a bully?
Through our work, we have seen that confident kids make kinder kids. We teach children
how to not only stand up to bullies for themselves, but how to stand up for others. Our
Rules of Engagement teach children to avoid the fight if at all possible by first using
their words, and then telling an adult.
When they do need to resort to physical self-defense, we do not teach children punches
or kicks in the Gracie Bullyproof program, but rather, empowered by Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu,
to neutralize, defend, control, and negotiate if possible.
What do I need to bring to my first kids BJJ lesson?
Upon arriving for your child's first jiu-jitsu class, we will provide a uniform, called a gi,
for them to wear. We recommend wearing comfortable undergarments or leggings, and a t-shirt or
rashguard that they can wear under their gi.
Someone will be there to help you tie your child's belt for the first time!
My child has ADHD. Will martial arts help?
My Child Has ADHD. Is jiu-jitsu for them?
If it's not, Owner and Head Instructor Brian Bonifas is in trouble. He has ADHD too! Coach Brian has a special affinity for the neurodivergent brain. We like to say we are either Brains (neurodivergent) or Hearts (those who love someone with a neurodivergent brain). Coach Brian is the Brain, and Coach Nicole (Brian's wife) is the Heart. Either way, you can rest assured that your child will be welcomed at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Omaha.
So yes! One of the great things about martial arts classes is that it's an individual sport done in
a group environment. We find all our students improve in their focus, self control, discipline
and social skills. But the best part is…. They don't even realize that is what our highly trained
kids martial arts instructors are actually doing. They just think they are having fun!
The best way to find out for yourself is to take advantage of our limited time offer. You'll find
our team so helpful and dedicated to helping your child become the best version of themselves. If
you are concerned about group classes for your child, we also offer private classes until they
feel ready to take on the group class setting!
Kids karate classes vs. kids BJJ classes. Which is best?
Many parents ask, what's the difference between Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Karate classes? While we
believe all martial-arts have value, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has not only been proven to be the
most effective martial art for a smaller person to defend themselves in a real fight for nearly
a century, it also can be the most gentile.
We don't want our kids or students turning into bullies themselves, and we also believe
self-defense should be scalable, depending on the situation. Whereas kids Karate lessons or
Taekwondo classes rely solely on landing punches and kicks, jiu-jitsu for kids focuses on
neutralizing a threat with verbal boundaries, distance management, body control, and
eventual negotiation.
Are parents allowed to watch?
We encourage parents to watch their children in their kids martial arts lessons. We love parents getting involved! Even better… you can join in our martial arts classes for adults, and have yet another thing in common with your little one. We love seeing the bond of families who train together!
My child is not athletic. Will they feel left out?
We believe jiu-jitsu is for children of all skill levels and abilities. Your child belongs here.
Through our kids martial arts classes, we have seen our students improve co-ordination, balance,
motor skills, focus and discipline. Plus, they make lots of great friends!
Our instructors are highly skilled in teaching martial arts to kids. It's their PASSION!