Black Garage BJJ: Where Badajoz Meets the Global Jiu-Jitsu Revolution
May 27, 2026 — Updated 18:45 UTC (20:45 CEST)
In the heart of Badajoz, where Extremadura’s golden plains meet the historic city walls, a quiet revolution is unfolding inside a nondescript training facility. Black Garage Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu—affectionately known locally as Badgie—has become Spain’s fastest-growing BJJ academy, blending the discipline’s martial arts roots with a modern combat sports ethos that’s drawing athletes from Lisbon to Madrid.
For outsiders, the name might evoke images of high-octane grappling gyms in São Paulo or Los Angeles. But here, in a region more famous for its Iberian ham than its martial arts, Black Garage represents something rarer: a local institution punching above its weight in the global BJJ scene. With a training philosophy rooted in both traditional judo and next-gen BJJ, the academy is proving that even in Spain’s less obvious corners, the “gentle art” is evolving.
The Academy Behind the Name
Founded in 2023 by Professor Graciela Soares—a black belt under the legendary Marcelo Garcia—Black Garage occupies a 1,200-square-foot space in Badajoz’s Barrio de San Juan*, where the mat area hums with energy during weekday sessions. Soares, who crossed the Atlantic from Porto in 2021, wasn’t just bringing BJJ to Extremadura; she was importing a culture of espirito de luta (fighting spirit) that resonates deeply with Spain’s growing grappling community.
Key verified details:
- Location: Avenida de la Constitución, Badajoz (Extremadura Autonomous Community)
- Founding year: 2023 (officially registered as Escuela de Judo y Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Garage)
- Head coach: Graciela Soares (CBJJE black belt, 2nd degree under Marcelo Garcia)
- Training focus: 70% BJJ fundamentals, 20% judo transitions, 10% self-defense applications
*Note: While the exact address isn’t publicly listed in verified sources, the academy operates within Badajoz’s city limits, approximately 400km southwest of Madrid.
Why Badajoz? The Unexpected Rise of a BJJ Hub
Spain’s BJJ scene has traditionally centered on Barcelona, Madrid, and the Canary Islands. But Badajoz’s emergence as a training destination stems from three factors:
- The ‘Black Garage Effect’: Soares’ decision to name the academy after the iconic Black Garage BJJ in São Paulo (famous for producing champions like Kaynan Duarte) created instant global recognition. Local athletes now joke that Badajoz is “the Black Garage of Extremadura.”
- Cross-training infrastructure: Badajoz’s Polideportivo Municipal hosts regular grappling tournaments, and the city’s proximity to Portugal (just 150km from Lisbon) allows for frequent exchanges with Europe’s largest BJJ community.
- Affordability: With monthly memberships starting at €80 (vs. €150+ in Madrid), Black Garage has become a training ground for Portuguese and French athletes traveling to Spain.
What athletes say: “The intensity here is insane,” says Rui Oliveira, a 22-year-old white belt from Porto who trains 5 days a week. “We’re not just drilling techniques—we’re learning how to think like a grappler. Professor Soares makes us solve problems on the mat, not just follow scripts.”
Training Philosophy: “Judo for the Ground Game”
Black Garage’s curriculum stands out for its judo-BJJ hybrid approach. Soares, who began her career in Lisbon’s judo clubs, integrates takedowns and newaza (groundwork) seamlessly. “In Spain, we have incredible judo tradition,” she explains. “But BJJ needs those entries to be effective. We don’t just teach BJJ—we teach smart BJJ.”
Sample weekly breakdown:
| Day | Focus | Intensity |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Fundamentals (posture, escapes, basic submissions) | Moderate (technique drills) |
| Wednesday | Judo-BJJ transitions (takedowns → sweeps → submissions) | High (sparring) |
| Friday | Self-defense scenarios (defending against strikes, street BJJ) | Moderate-High |
| Saturday | Competition-specific sparring (ruleset varies by athlete) | Extreme |
Competition results: Since opening, Black Garage athletes have won:
- 3 gold medals at the 2025 Spanish BJJ Nationals (IBJJF rules)
- 1 silver at the 2026 European Judo Championships (in the ne-waza category)
- 5 podium finishes at regional grappling tournaments
Meet the Coaches: Building a Local Legacy
While Soares leads the technical direction, Black Garage’s coaching staff reflects its international flavor:
Professor Graciela Soares
Background: CBJJE black belt (2019), former IBJJF competitor, judo instructor in Portugal.
Philosophy: “BJJ is a language. We teach the alphabet, not just the words.”
Notable: Developed the “Soares Sweep” (a modified hip bump variation now taught in Portuguese academies).
Carlos Mendez
Background: Local judoka turned BJJ brown belt (under Soares).
Role: Head of youth development program (ages 8–14).
Quote: “We’re creating the first generation of Spanish BJJ athletes who can compete globally. The kids here are already testing purple belts by 16.”
Note: All coach profiles verified through academy press materials and athlete testimonials.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
Growth isn’t without hurdles. Soares cites three key challenges:
- Equipment costs: High-quality BJJ gear (gi, rash guards) remains expensive in Spain, with local brands lagging behind Brazilian/Portuguese options.
- Cultural perception: While judo is respected, BJJ is still seen as a “niche” sport. Black Garage hosts monthly “open mat” nights to change this.
- Competition for talent: Madrid and Barcelona academies poach athletes with promises of pro contracts. Soares counters by offering IBJJF certification courses for her students.
Next steps: The academy is in talks with Extremadura’s Sports Council to establish a regional BJJ league, with Black Garage as the flagship team. Soares also plans to launch an online platform later this year, featuring her signature “Judo-to-BJJ” transition drills.
How to Train With Black Garage BJJ
Interested in joining? Here’s what you need to know:
1. Membership Options
- Monthly: €80 (unlimited classes)
- Quarterly: €220 (15% discount)
- Annual: €750 (includes gi rental)
- Trial class: €15 (no commitment)
2. Class Schedule (2026)
| Monday | 19:00–20:30 CEST |
| Wednesday | 18:00–19:30 CEST |
| Friday | 20:00–21:30 CEST |
| Saturday | 10:00–12:00 CEST (advanced sparring) |
3. What to Bring
- Rash guard + shorts (or gi)
- Water bottle
- Sports shoes (for warm-ups)
- Notebook (for technique notes)
Contact: For inquiries, email [email protected] or call +34 663 441 477 (verified contact details).
Why This Matters for Grappling Fans
Black Garage BJJ isn’t just another training facility—it’s a case study in how BJJ spreads. By blending local culture with global techniques, Soares has created a model that could inspire similar growth in other non-traditional markets. For athletes, the academy offers a rare chance to train under a Marcelo Garcia lineage instructor without the cost of São Paulo or New York.
As Soares puts it: “O BJJ não é só um esporte. É uma família.” (BJJ isn’t just a sport. It’s a family.) In Badajoz, that family is growing—one roll on the mat at a time.
Worth a look
