For the past few months I have been training here at Anaconda BJJ Barcelona.
I first visited this gym in 2014 and made some good friends in the week I was able to train and kept in touch with some members. After moving to Barcelona for a few months I was still speaking with a few members who then encouraged me to come back and re join the team.
The club is run by Coral belt Mestre Chen Moraes who has been teaching Jiu Jitsu for over 20 years and practicing the art for about double that. A relaxed figure with old school style Jiu Jitsu he is an encyclopaedia of techniques which he has now in fact put into writing for us all to enjoy.
The gym is on Calle Ventallo (Gracia) and is a 5 minutes walk from the nearest metro stop Joanic (Yellow Line) which is easy accessible from the city and its takes me approx 25 minutes to travel from Placa Catalunya.
The main mat for BJJ can fit approx 12 people (6 pairs) comfortably for rolling although any more than that and the mat space is too busy and you end up being involved in other rolls! haha
Classes are run 5 days a weeks with one morning class 3 times a week 11 am - 12 pm and 5 evening classes either between 6 -7:30 pm or 9-10 pm. Currently a new schedule is being reviewed as the students have requested more time on the mats as currently 1-2 hours per night maximum is limiting to higher belts who need as much mat time as possible.
Currently the club has 4 purple belts which are the highest grade apart from Chen himself.
I personally have had the pleasure of learning many new movements and techniques under Mestre Chen as he has a specific eye for finding the most efficient technique for whatever position you are in.
The gym also hosts numerous other martial arts such as Capoeria, Boxing and Hapkido.
Although with low numbers coming in this needs addressed in that the emphasis be back on the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu as well as the timetable being revised for students who want free mat time or somewhere to work out on weekends.
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A subject that has been brought to my attention by members disapproval and that is grading days which require a fee. Belts arent given easily here so after your hard work should you also have to pay a grading fee?
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu belts are earned on the mat and with my friends having trained for years paying a monthly fee of X amount why should they then pay for a grading come the day they have been working hard towards?
I appreciate that authenticity certificates and knowledge given by the professor but this seems a little outdated with members not interested in grading due to this.
I appreciate that authenticity certificates and knowledge given by the professor but this seems a little outdated with members not interested in grading due to this.
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Other than this the club has been kind to me personally and I have a great experience learning under someone with so much knowledge in Jiu Jitsu. It has been a pleasure training with everyone and having the opportunity to help coach and take the warm ups is great for my coaching progression.
I have made great friends with the team and everyone wants to work together to take the club to the next level and improve on things that need addressed for future attendance.
A small hidden gem in Barcelona I would advise the club for any travelling Jiu Jitsu practitioner!
Hope to see you on the mats ! :)
