Master Cycle

Beyond Gracie Combatives belt, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) consists of hundreds of advanced techniques organized into a clearly defined, systematic curriculum called the Master Cycle. The Master Cycle’s unique structure simplifies the journey to black belt by organizing all of BJJ into into seven positional chapters (Mount, Side Mount, Guard, Half Guard, Back Mount, Leg Locks, Standing), each of which is studied for several months before moving on to the next chapter.

If you've achieved the rank of Gracie Combatives belt or higher in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and you would like to continue on the path to BJJ black belt in a safe, structured, and friendly learning environment, the Master Cycle is for you!

Review/Warm-Up
Every Master Cycle lesson begins with a 15-20 minute review/warm-up period during which you will review previous lessons or explore techniques you may have learned online through Gracie University. During the review period, we encourage you to collaborate with your training partners and ask questions of the instructors.

Technical Instruction
After the review, the instructor will present 2-3 new techniques from the current chapter of study. Then, you will practice the techniques with a cooperative partner until the movements become natural.

Focus Sparring
At the end of class, you will have a chance to test your skills against a variety of training partners in a variety of controlled training exercises, such as: Rapid Mastery Drills, Focus Sparring Exercises, and Fight Simulation Drills. Safety is the primary concern during these sparring exercises, and any students who do not train in a safe and productive manner will not be allowed to participate. Sparring is 100% voluntary for Master Cycle students.

Free Online Access
As an active member of the Master Cycle program at any Certified Training Center, you qualify for a free subscription to Gracie University Online, which gives you unlimited online access to the Master Cycle video-based curriculum. Use this resource to review past lessons, learn new techniques, and prepare for future belt tests 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, from any computer or mobile device! 

10-Day Free Trial at Any CTC!
Most BJJ schools limit new students to one free trial class. We offer new students a 10-day risk-free trial that includes a free uniform and unlimited access to all of our group classes. We’re confident that the curriculum, the camaraderie, and quality of the instruction will exceed all your expectations. If that’s not the case, just let us know, and we will never charge you a penny (all we ask is that you return the free uniform that we provide you). To take advantage of our 10-day free trial, simply contact the Certified Training Center nearest you, and we’ll schedule your first class today!