“Whether it’s giving back to local organizations or sharing their love of Jiu-Jitsu with others, they do a fantastic job fostering community connections,” Wilk said in a news release.
Gracie Barra West Lancaster was founded five years ago by husband and wife, Nathan and Evelyn Wilcox. The family-run establishment strives to be a safe and inviting location where students can come to learn self-defense. The studio currently boasts 300+ students and offers classes for kids, teens, and adults, as well as fitness and private training classes.
“Patience, kindness, empathy, as well as resilience and grit were things I learned on the Jiu-Jitsu mats before I was able to apply them in any other aspects of my life,” said Nathan Wilcox, a former correctional officer at Lancaster State Prison with more than 20 years of experience in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. “Through our school we are able to pay this forward by doing for others what Jiu-Jitsu has done for us, which is something I have made my personal mission at Gracie Barra West Lancaster.”
During the pandemic, Nathan and Evelyn held classes online through zoom and worked hard to keep the business open, navigating health department limitations. Gracie Barra West makes a point of giving back to local businesses and organizations, especially during the holidays, and frequently collaborates with the Antelope Valley Black Chamber of Commerce.
There are over 700 Gracie Barra schools worldwide, with each one overseen by Gracie Barra certified instructors. It was originally developed by Master Carlos Gracie Jr., and the key values of the discipline are brotherhood, integrity and development. The teachings, practices, and programs have been passed down to gyms across the world to expand Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and to build a culture and brotherhood.
Nathan and Evelyn Wilcox share four kids, one of whom recently joined the U.S. Coast Guard.
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Mike says
Leave it to a liberal to disparage a hard working couple who created a program that actually gives kids a way to stay off the streets. You think a liberal would appreciate this given their constant virtue signaling. But no. Instead, you disparage these good folks with baseless claims and insults. I suppose not much else can be expected from a convicted felon and his band of flunkies here in the comments section.
Reality has a liberal bias says
Did you vote for Trump and McCarthy or Garcia, Mike?
If so, you gots no room to talk.
It’s that kind of hypocrisy that is killing the republican party. Don’t stop now. One or two more elections and it will be gone.
Bee says
“One or two more elections and it will be gone.“
So will you, lol
Larry says
Which now includes you
Baby J ( BJ) says
Why did this location get this award?
Should went to a business that provides food…. Maintenance…. Equipment… education… homeless assistance…. Drug rehab….special needs help….safety… etc
This place probably makes students sign annual contract and charges couple hundred bucks a month.
Tim Scott says
Undoubtedly they are supporters of the local political machine.
Businessman says
Sad but true, Tim Scott. If you dare to challenge them, they will crush you.
Tim Scott says
Seems odd that with five years in business and 300+ students they don’t have a single review on Yelp. I have to wonder what basis Scott Wilke, Wrecks Parris’ pawn in Sacramento, used to make this selection.
Tim Scott says
Have one thanx. Living it well. How about you?
By the way, do you not find it curios that they have no Yelp reviews? I mean, it’s 2023. Every business I know encourages their happy customers to do reviews.
B says
Yeah it’s 2023 where people use google for reviews, Yelp?
Lol boomer
Tim Scott says
Google? So your generation is feeding the great social media monopolists? Too bad, I was hoping you were uniquely ignorant, not representative.
Frank Rizzo says
Tim just got owned by beecee. Lmao for reals.
Tim Scott says
LOL…Frank, you’ve been desperately sniffing after that tramp for as long as you’ve been posting, so you are in no position to talk about who she owns.
Nerds! says
Yelp….
Lol, wake up and smell the coffee
Tell me you don’t own a business without telling me you don’t own a business.
Wait, I get it, tyrants like Yelp and Tim…
One in the same, I get it now.
Tim Scott says
LOL…I’ve said many times…I’m retired. Been retired since before there was a Yelp.
Bj says
Agreed
AARV John Meyee says
We have Free tickets to Kids Fee Night at the Hanger students of Gracie Batta to watch the Sound Breaker Baseball team.