The Gracie Academy in
Torrance, California is a wonderful place to learn. The programs and
instructors are all first-rate, but the physical location is also
top-notch.
Outside, they have a
parking area. It isn't really all that big, but it is well laid out.
There is a hedge of bamboo planted to soften one side that is a
concrete wall. There is a steel fence protecting things, and a gate
that they close at night.
Good, but not really
enough parking by any stretch of the imagination. Being a
detail-oriented family they do not leave their students scrambling
out on the street for parking, and making enemies of the surrounding
neighborhood.
Up the street there is a
church. It also has a parking lot. Being a church, they don't need
this area except on Sundays and for special events. The Gracies have
made some kind of arrangement with the church for the use of their
parking lot. Likely, this significantly helps out the Church financially,
and Gracie students always have a place to park nearby.
The building itself isn't
huge either, and is a strange, five-sided shaped.
Inside they have managed
to pack everything that they need without cramping things up.
The reception area is
nicely designed, and give a very good first impression. It is all
stone counters, nice flooring, and other quality materials and
aesthetics. It gives off a spa-type vibe rather than a boxing-gym
aura. Along one wall is a display of some of the Gracies' clothing
line. Rather than coming across as tacky, it seems impressive that a
martial arts school would have such an extensive line of quality
goods.
Hidden away behind the
counter is the office zone, where the entire Gracie on-line presence
is managed, along with the organization of their merchandising. I
suspect that this is the one area where the Gracies scrimped on
space, but none of it is in public view.
Off to one side is a small
museum display of Gracie awards and memorabilia. They are a proud
bunch and this is where their history is explained.
The change rooms are
adequate, and continue the spa-like atmosphere. Everything is
scrupulously clean. There is almost always somebody cleaning
something. The shower is large and towels are provided.
There are two or three
small, private lesson rooms. They measure about 12 by 15 feet, which
is perfectly adequate.
The main mat is where they
have tried to direct every inch of possible space. It is where the
magic happens. I have paced it off to be about 50 by 90 feet. The
floor is well padded, as are the wall up to about 8 feet. Along the
shortest wall is a series of carpeted benches for spectators.
I don't know who is
responsible for the design, but they have done an excellent job.
The end result is a
classy, enticing facility that also perfectly fulfills its function
as a training centre.
