• The Gracie Barra "LEO-360" is a customized training and coaching platform for Law Enforcement Officers. Utilizing a team of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Health and Wellness professionals, Gracie Barra provides a multi-disciplinary approach to being your best self.

  • Contact Us

    email info@gbprinceton.com or call Coach Mike Leonardi @ 646-229-2182.

    For General Inquiries, please fill out the form below.

  • the history of Gracie barra

    our founder: master carlos gracie jr.

    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 over 600 schools around the globe.

    Gracie Barra Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

    Gracie Barra Princeton 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 unique approach

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    Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Training

    Equipping our officers with world-class use of force and defensive tactics

    • Break-falls/Technical Lifts/Bridges/Hip Escapes/Mount Escapes
    • Stand up from Guard/Sweep from Guard
    • Closed-Distance Defense (Strikes, Headlocks, Double-Legs, etc.)
    • Safe Clinches/Takedowns
    • Ground Control
    • Guard Breaks/Guard Passing
    • Joint Locks/Submissions From Guard
    • Side-mount Control/Joint-Locks/Submissions
    • Advancing to Mount Position/Back Control
    • Weapons Retention
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    your whole self is your best self

    Physical, Mental and Social Health

    Being your best not only requires moving regularly and fueling your body with the right nutrients, but maintaining emotional balance while building healthy relationships with others.

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    A 360 degree approach

    It ALL Matters

    Based on decades of professional education, research, clinical experience and sustained results, LEO-360 was specifically designed with the fundamental understanding that your physical, social and mental health are deeply intertwined and dependent on one another.

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    a coordinated team

    To help Restore, Perform, Fuel, Balance and Lead

    Addressing one or two facets without the rest is just a fraction of the solution. We believe addressing your whole self leads to greater results in each area and the sum as a whole. Those areas and professionals are:

    • Restore -  Licensed Physical Therapist
    • Perform - Certified Personal Trainer 
    • Fuel - Certified Nutrition Coach
    • Balance - Licensed Mental Health Counselor
    • Connect - Leadership Coach
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    The Hybrid model: best of both worlds

    Online and/or In-Person

    Our lives are complex with schedules that don't always align with a brick and mortar location. Utilizing both online coaching, classes and resources with in-person connection and services opens the door for more options, productivity and greater results.

  • our 360 model

    1

    orientation

    We take a deep dive to explore all the features and functions of the LEO-360 program.

    2

    custom program design

    We develop a holistic program that fits YOU and your needs/goals!

    3

    live and online classes

    Access live and/or online, interactive classes where you'll come face to face with our team of certified instructors!

    4

    A plethora of resources

    You'll have a library of workouts, live Q&As, workshops, articles, tips, videos and so much more!

    5

    weekly check-ins

    Your personal accountability coach will be checking in frequently to talk, strategize and provide necessary support.

    6

    custom Packages

    If you need more 1 on 1 time with one of our licensed/certified professionals, or just something "different," we're here to help.

  • Meet Your Personal Team

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    Head Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Instructor

    Professor Nick "Turtle" Manela

    Professor Nick "Turtle" Manela is a Mixed Martial Artist, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt and the chief Instructor at Gracie Barra Princeton under Professor Ricardo Almeida. Since the age of 4, Professor turtle has been training in various martial arts and self-defense systems including BJJ, Muay Thai, Wrestling, Tang Soo Do and others.

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    Program Director & Coach

    Michael Leonardi

    Michael Leonardi has spent the last 15 years serving multiple coaching and administrative roles within the health, fitness and wellness community.

     

    Michael co-founded and spent over a decade building a multi-location physical therapy and performance brand called Activcore while also spearheading the North American distribution of a clinical tool and education program called Redcord.

     

    During this time, Michael earned multiple certifications in fitness, including his personal trainer certification through the National Academy of Sports Medicine and spent years coaching clients and traveling the country training other instructors in Redcord's curriculum.

     

    Michael's latest venture as a franchisee and certified instructor under the Gracie Barra Brazilian Jiu Jitsu brand has allowed him to continue working with clients and students in various areas, including fitness, brazilian jiu jitsu, leadership and accountability

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    Certified Strength & Nutrition coach

    Joe Villegas

    Joe has spent the last 10+ years working with thousands of clients ranging from retirees, strength athletes, active duty military, as well as professional UFC fighters. Joe joined the Me360 Team as a way to give back and help others cut down on the amount of time they would otherwise spend to get the results they've always dreamed of. Joe takes a hands on, scientific based approach to training and nutrition.

     

    Credentials:

    • CrossFit Level 2 Trainer (CF-L2)
    • Precision Nutrition Level 2
    • Lockhart & Leith Level 2 Weight Cut Specialist
    • Functional Movement Systems Level 2
    • USAW Advanced Sport Performance Coach
    • CrossFit Strongman
    • CPR/AED
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    Licensed Physical Therapist & Strength Coach

    Dr. Adrienne Jensen, DPT

    Adrienne Jensen is a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS).

     

    Besides athletics, Adrienne has a special interest in orthopedics and breast cancer rehabilitation. She holds a Bachelors degree in Health and Exercise Science from The College of New Jersey, as well as a Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy from Arcadia University, ranked among the top 10 PT schools in the country. She also has advanced post-graduate training in breast cancer rehab through the Physiological Oncology Rehabilitation Institute (PORI).

     

    Credentials:

    • PT (Physical Therapist)
    • DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy)
    • CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist)
    • Certified Breast Cancer Rehabilitation Therapist from PORi
    • TPI (Titleist Performance Institute) Certified
    • SFMA (Selective Functional Movement Assessment) Certified
    • FMS (Functional Movement Systems) Certified
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    Licensed Mental Health Counselor

    Kelly Corbitt, LCSW

    Kelly Corbitt is a psychotherapist and a yoga/meditation teacher. Kelly earned her M.S.W. from New York University's School of Social Work. She holds a B.A. in Psychology and Theatre Arts from Muhlenberg College and is a registered instructor through Yoga Alliance. She has worked in a variety of settings including residential facilities, schools, in-home therapy settings and currently private practice.
     
    Deeper clinical work helps clients address struggles with depression, anxiety, trauma processing and life transitions and stressors. Kelly finds that a collaborative and supportive relationship with a therapist can assist clients in their path toward mutually agreed upon goals.
     
    Credentials:
    • MSW (Masters of Social Work)
    • LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) in Pennsylvania and New Jersey
    • New Jersey Certified School Social Worker
    • E-RYT (Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher)
    • RPYT (Registered Prenatal Yoga Teacher)