5 Reasons Why Gracie Barra North Salt Lake Is the Best Place for Jiu-Jitsu Near Me
Can you picture your child stepping onto the mat, maybe a little shy, and then a few months later standing taller, more confident, and ready for life’s challenges? Or maybe you are looking for something beyond the ordinary workout, a place that feels like home where you build real skills. Hi, I am Head Prof. […]
How Do Jiu Jitsu Classes for Kids Near You Prepare Against Bullying?
What if Jiu Jitsu could help your child face bullies with confidence and calm? Hi, I am Head Prof. Mark Fonte from Gracie Barra North Salt Lake, and honestly, I have seen the transformation up close hundreds of times. When a shy child tries their first Jiu-Jitsu class, there is often hesitation, but after a few months […]
How the Kid’s Belt System Works in Gracie Barra Jiu-Jitsu
Have you ever watched your child beam with pride just from tying their own belt after a tough class? Hi, I’m Head Prof. Mark Fonte from Gracie Barra North Salt Lake, and I see this moment daily. The truth is, the Jiu Jitsu journey for kids is about much more than earning belts or stripes. […]
Jiu-Jitsu for Real-World Self-Defense: What You Should Know Before You Need It

Hello! I’m Professor Mark Fonte, Head Instructor at Gracie Barra North Salt Lake. If you’re an adult who’s never considered Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as a tool for real-world self-defense, this message is for you. Most people don’t think about self-defense, until a moment arrives when they desperately wish they had. Whether it’s a heated road rage […]
10 Mistakes Every Beginner Makes in Jiu-Jitsu (And How to Avoid Them)

Hello! I’m Professor Mark Fonte, Head Professor at Gracie Barra North Salt Lake. If you’re just starting your Jiu-Jitsu journey or considering signing up for your first class, let me first say: welcome. You’re about to begin one of the most empowering experiences of your life. But like with any new challenge, it’s natural to […]
Jiu-Jitsu: The Best Fitness Alternative for People Who Don’t Like the Gym

Hello! I’m Professor Mark Fonte, Head Professor at Gracie Barra North Salt Lake. If you’ve ever felt uninspired by traditional gym routines, tired of repetitive workouts, or simply not motivated to lift weights and count reps, then this article is for you. Let me introduce you to a better way to stay fit, engaged, and […]
Jiu-Jitsu: The Anti-Bullying Ally Every Parent Should Know About

Hello! I’m Professor Mark Fonte, Head Professor at Gracie Barra North Salt Lake. If you’re a parent of a child between 4 and 15 years old living in North Salt Lake, Bountiful, Woods Cross, or nearby communities, this message is for you. Today I want to share how a Jiu-Jitsu class isn’t just a sport, […]
Jiu-Jitsu vs. Other Martial Arts: What’s the Best Martial Art for Kids in North Salt Lake?

Hello! I’m Professor Mark Fonte, a black belt and the Head Professor at Gracie Barra North Salt Lake. As someone who works closely with families in North Salt Lake, Bountiful, and Woods Cross, I often meet parents looking for a martial art that builds character, confidence, and discipline in their children. With so many choices […]
Forget the Gym: Discover Why Jiu-Jitsu is the Best Workout for People Who Hate Traditional Fitness
If you’re like many of the people who walk through our doors, you’ve probably tried the gym, and didn’t love it. I hear it all the time. You want to get in shape, feel better, and build confidence, but nothing about lifting weights or running on a treadmill really excites you. I get it. That’s […]
The One Activity That’s Transforming Teen Lives in North Salt Lake

If you’re the parent of a teenager in North Salt Lake, Bountiful, West Bountiful or Woods Cross, chances are you’ve already asked yourself: “How do I get my kid off the phone, away from screens, and into something that actually helps them grow?” The answer might be simpler than you think and right near you: […]
Karate vs. Jiu-Jitsu: Which Martial Art Fits You Best? (Honest Breakdown from a Local Expert)

Martial arts can change lives, but choosing the right one for your goals makes all the difference.Hi, I’m Mark Fonte, black belt and head professor at Gracie Barra North Salt Lake. I’ve been teaching martial arts for years, and one of the questions I hear most from new students or parents is this: “Should I […]
Why Jiu-Jitsu Is the Best Choice for Adults 45+: Health, Confidence, and Real Results Near You

Discover the Benefits of Jiu-Jitsu After 45 Hi, I’m Mark Fonte, black belt and Head Professor at Gracie Barra North Salt Lake. If you’ve ever searched “jiu jitsu near me,” wondering if it’s too late to start training Jiu-Jitsu, I’m here to tell you, it’s not. In fact, Jiu-Jitsu might be exactly what you need […]
Myths and Truths About Jiu-Jitsu for Women

What Is Jiu-Jitsu for Women? Jiu-Jitsu for women refers to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) programs tailored to female practitioners. While Jiu-Jitsu is inherently inclusive, classes for women often emphasize techniques, strategies, and situations women might face, especially regarding self-defense. At Gracie Barra North Salt Lake, we foster a welcoming environment where women can build strength, confidence, […]
Gear Checklist for Your First Jiu-Jitsu Class

What Is a Jiu-Jitsu Class? When stepping into your first jiu jitsu class, you’re entering a world of discipline, skill development, and personal growth. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art focused on ground fighting, leverage, and submissions, making it accessible to individuals of all ages and fitness levels. At Gracie Barra North Salt Lake, […]
Judo vs Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Main Differences

Are you curious about the difference between Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)? While both are highly respected martial arts that teach discipline, respect, and effective combat techniques, they diverge in critical ways. At Gracie Barra North Salt Lake, we specialize in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and are here to guide you through understanding these differences to help […]
Private Jiu Jitsu Lessons at Gracie Barra North Salt Lake: Is One-on-One Training Right for You?
If you’ve ever stepped onto the mat for a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class, you know one thing for sure: this martial art is humbling. Whether you’re a total beginner or already belted, there are always new layers to uncover, techniques to refine, and questions to ask. And that’s exactly where private Jiu Jitsu lessons shine. At […]
5 Reasons Why Gracie Barra Is the Best Place for Jiu-Jitsu Classes

If you’re reading this, you’re probably thinking about starting Jiu-Jitsu classes, or maybe you’re looking for a better place to train. Either way, welcome! I’m Mark Fonte, head professor for Gracie Barra North Salt Lake and over the years, one of the things I enjoy most is seeing that spark in a new student’s eyes […]
How Long Does It Take to See Results in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? Expectations vs. Reality

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re either starting your Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey or you’re thinking about it, and wondering how long it takes to start seeing results. That’s a question I get all the time as a coach. And I get it. We all want to know that our time, effort, and energy are […]
Starting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Why BJJ Might Be Easier Than You Think

If you’ve ever found yourself asking, “Is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu too hard for beginners?”, you’re not alone. I hear that all the time from new students walking into Gracie Barra North Salt Lake for the very first time. The truth? Jiu Jitsu is one of the most rewarding martial arts out there, and despite how it […]
Why Jiu-Jitsu for Women Is More Than Just a Workout

Hi, I’m Prof. Mark Fonte, and I’ve dedicated my life to sharing the transformative power of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. When women step onto the mats at Gracie Barra North Salt Lake, they’re not just learning a martial art—they’re stepping into a space where physical strength, mental resilience, and personal growth collide. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for women is […]
