Meet Alec Gillies of Gracie Barra La Canada Flintridge

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alec Gillies.

Hi Alec, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Alec Gillies, I am 27 years old, and I am the head professor and owner of Gracie Barra La Cañada, a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu school. I began training at Gracie Barra Pasadena when I was just 8 years old under Orlando Sanchez. After Orlando won ADCC in 2015, he opened this school, and at 16, I had the opportunity to begin coaching kids’ classes under him. I immediately fell in love with teaching, and coaching became a passion that has shaped who I am today. When Orlando passed suddenly, the chance to carry on his legacy and preserve this school presented itself. It felt like something that was always meant to be, to keep his energy and spirit alive in a place he cared for so much. Since then, we have worked hard to build a school that is welcoming to everyone, a true sanctuary where people can feel safe, supported, and connected. At Gracie Barra La Cañada, we are strong advocates for making Jiu Jitsu accessible to all. Orlando was dedicated to helping anyone who wanted to train, and he was also a big advocate for mental health values that I have made it my mission to carry forward. As a former EMT, Jiu Jitsu was my outlet after experiencing some very difficult moments, and it became the same for my wife while she was in graduate school, just like so many of our members. Today, we continue to uphold that vision by creating an environment where people can heal, grow, and thrive both on and off the mats. We are also proud partners of the WeDefy Foundation, which sponsors Veterans who train while managing PTSD. It is an honor to support this mission and provide a safe space for every single person who walks through our doors.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t always been a smooth road. Some moments felt bumpy and uncertain, but looking back, I feel like every experience I’ve had has led me here, even if I didn’t see it that way at first. I started coaching as a teenager, and over time, more opportunities came my way, including becoming the program director at a gym in downtown Los Angeles. When that school closed during COVID, it felt like a big setback and really forced me to redirect my path. That’s when I became an EMT and set my sights on joining the fire department. It was meaningful work, but also heavy at times. Jiu-Jitsu became even more important to me during that period. I still found ways to train during that time whenever possible, and it helped me process what I was going through on the job. In a way, training was what kept me grounded and gave me balance through some of the toughest moments. Looking back now, it feels like everything came full circle. All of those challenges, losing opportunities, working as an EMT, and training through hard times prepared me for where I am today. And being back here, at a school that has been such a big part of my life for as long as I can remember, has allowed me to grow into the person I was meant to be.

We’ve been impressed with Gracie Barra La Canada Flintridge, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At Gracie Barra La Cañada, we really are a school for everyone: kids, adults, beginners, competitors, you name it. We’ve got kids as young as three years old on the mats, and our oldest member is 66, so it truly is a place where all ages and all levels can come train. One of the things I love most is our kids’ program. We split the classes by age so each child gets what they need, and we put a big emphasis on confidence building and anti-bullying. I’ve seen kids come in super shy and quiet, and after a few months of training, they’re standing taller, speaking up, and carrying themselves with so much more confidence. Parents often tell us their kids have completely come out of their shells, not just in Jiu Jitsu, but in school and in life. That transformation is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do. The same goes for adults. A lot of our members had never done a sport before they stepped on our mats, and now they’re thriving. Some love the challenge of preparing for tournaments, while others just come in for a great workout and to have fun. Either way, it’s about finding your place and enjoying the journey. Something that really sets us apart is how open and welcoming our environment is. We love having people from all different backgrounds train here, and one of my favorite traditions is our weekly open mat. We invite people from other gyms and affiliations to come train with us, which creates this awesome community where everyone shares what they know and helps each other get better. What I’m most proud of is that our school has become more than just a place to train, it’s a community and a safe space. Along with myself, I have seen people create friendships that will last a lifetime! Whether you’re here to build confidence, compete, or just get moving and have fun, you’ll find a place here with us.

What’s next?
Looking ahead, our biggest goal is to continue growing our school. We’re slowly outgrowing our current location, and one of the things I’m really looking forward to is moving into a larger space where we can welcome even more members and support everyone at every stage of their journey. A big part of that vision is also helping our students who want to compete reach the level they aspire to. We love being part of that growth and success. On a more personal note, my wife and I are expecting our first child, which is such an exciting new chapter for us. One of my dreams is to one day be able to pass the school on to our daughter, so she can grow up with this community that has meant so much to both her mom and me. Having the chance to build something that can be both a home for our members and a legacy for my family is truly what I look forward to the most.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.gb-lacanada.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gblacanadaflintridge/?hl=en
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/gracie-barra-la-canada-flintridge-la-ca%C3%B1ada-flintridge-2