Sarandë, Albania
Gracie Barra Sarandë Albania
Officially Licensed Gracie Barra Affiliate Academy in Albania
Train authentic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Professor Dorian Lapaj, the first Albanian BJJ black belt (4th degree), in a licensed Gracie Barra academy built for adults, kids and families in Sarandë.
A Licensed Gracie Barra Academy in Albania
Real Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, taught with a real Gracie Barra lineage — right here in Sarandë.
Martial Arts Training in Sarandë
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, self-defense, striking and conditioning for every member of the family.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Gi & No-Gi)
Traditional gi and modern no-gi BJJ for adults, following the Gracie Barra belt system.
Kids BJJ
Confidence, discipline and anti-bullying skills for young students in a safe, fun environment.
Women's BJJ
A dedicated women's program focused on self-defense, fitness and community.
Kickboxing
High-energy striking classes for fitness, technique and stress relief.
Muay Thai
The art of eight limbs — striking, clinch work and traditional pad training.
MMA & Self-Defense
Practical self-defense and mixed martial arts fundamentals for all levels.
Meet Professor Dorian Lapaj
Dorian Lapaj has taught Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA in Albania since 2003, when he founded the country's very first BJJ school in Sarandë. That school grew into today's officially licensed Gracie Barra Sarandë academy. In recognition of his years on the mats, Dorian became the first Albanian to be awarded a BJJ black belt — now a 4th-degree black belt, awarded by Master Carlos Gracie Jr. and Professor Victor Estima of Gracie Barra.
Read Dorian's StoryOur Core Values
The three principles Gracie Barra academies around the world train by — and that guide every class in Sarandë.
Integrity
We train and compete with honesty and respect, on the mats and in daily life — the same standard Professor Dorian Lapaj has upheld since founding Albania's first BJJ school in 2003.
Development
Every student follows the structured Gracie Barra belt curriculum — a clear, continuous path of technical and personal growth from first class to black belt.
Brotherhood
Gracie Barra is a family, not just an academy. Our Sarandë mat is a close-knit community where kids, adults and families support each other on and off the mat.