Gracie Barra Orlando is at 4470 35th Street, Suite B, in southwest Orlando. Gracie Barra dates the school to 1994, and its founder has taught in the city for more than 20 years.

The founder is Marcio Simas, a seventh-degree red and black belt. He began in the 1970s at Rolls Gracie's academy in Copacabana, where he earned his blue and purple belts. He earned his brown belt under Rickson Gracie at Gracie Humaitá and his black belt from Carlos Gracie Jr. Simas founded and runs the Florida Federation of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which hosts the Florida State Championships. He also helped bring the IBJJF Pan Americans to Florida in its early years.

Day-to-day teaching is led by head instructor Roger Santos, a black belt from Rio de Janeiro. He started training at age seven and has taught full time, to kids and adults, for more than 13 years since earning his black belt.

The school teaches gi jiu-jitsu on Gracie Barra's curriculum, which runs through fundamentals, advanced and competition levels. It also runs Muay Thai, MMA and self-defense classes. That MMA lineage shows in its alumni: Gracie Barra's news site has covered UFC fighter Jonathan Brookins as a Gracie Barra Orlando athlete. Gracie Barra's page does not list a separate no-gi, women's or kids program, so ask the school if you need one.

Visiting and first class

• Hours: Gracie Barra lists the school as open on weekdays from late morning into the evening.
• Trial and drop-ins: we could not find a published trial or drop-in policy, so contact the school before your first visit.
• Other Gracie Barra schools nearby: Longwood, north of the city, and Space Coast in Titusville both have their own Gracie Barra pages.

Details above were checked on Gracie Barra's school pages and Wikipedia in October 2026. Confirm the current schedule with the school before you go.