Gracie Barra Clearwater is now enrolling students in its 16-Week Beginner’s Program. These structured lessons take you from the first day “What am I doing here?” lesson all the way to your blue belt ranking.

Now is your chance to try a full week FREE. Click here to sign up »

The St. Petersburg Times and the Tampa Bay Times ran stories on Gracie Barra Clearwater’s Tough Times Training Program.

Laid off? Purge your stress for free at gym

By Dalia Colón, Times Staff Writer

Getting laid off can make you want to choke somebody.

At Gracie Barra Clearwater, that’s okay.

The Brazilian jiu-jitsu academy recently began what it calls the Tough Times Training Program. Anyone who’s been laid off in the past six months is eligible for free classes three times a week. Just provide proof that you’re out of work — a bank statement or letter from your boss — and you’ll get free training for up to six months or until you find a new job, whichever comes first.