It all started in November of 1993 when a man named Royce Gracie caught the attention of young people everywhere looking for an outlet for their athleticism in grappling. This is the time when Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) was really first noticed for the efficient martial art that it is. This frail, skinny Brazilian man fought some of the toughest men on the planet in a Gi submitted everyone he faced. It was a great time for the world of martial arts. Watching such a slight man defeat giants gave us all hope.
Moving on to current times, MMA is bigger than ever and BJJ has become far more popular. It’s become so popular that there are promotions specifically for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. That being said, many people are looking for a place to train. We don’t blame you. It is a great martial art that that helps you to learn many lessons both physically and mentally. The only problem is deciding on a place to go. Because of how popular the sport has become, BJJ schools are popping up all everywhere. There are plenty of options which makes the decision even more difficult.
This being said, we wanted to make your search a little bit easier by compiling this list of respected BJJ schools in the greater Austin area. We hope this list will help you to determine good place to start in your search. Enjoy our list of BJJ schools and if you want to be on our list, let us know.
Paragon Jiu-Jitsu Academy
6800 West Gate Blvd #116
Austin, TX 78745
(512) 909-5200
paragonaustin.com
Paragon Jiu-Jitsu is the brainchild of Ricardo “Franjinha” Miller. He is known as one of the best coaches in the world and has groomed several world champion BJJ athletes. They are well known for being great competitors and teaching some of the most efficient Jiu Jitsu in the world. Franjinha passed down this world ethic to his black belt Robert Dembeck.
Dembeck is the head BJJ coach at Paragon Austin and has a list of accolades for himself including winning the 2016 gold in the IBJJF San Antonio Open, 2015 American National Champion in NoGi and bronze in the Gi just to name a few.
All that being said, Dembeck still makes time to teach his students and to make sure they are comfortable while they are in the gym. There are programs for beginners, advanced practitioners and a great kids’ program. So, no matter how much experience you have or if you want to get the whole family involved in something great, give Paragon Jiu-Jitsu a chance.
Mario Esfiha Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Austin
1921 Cedar Bend Dr Unit 146
Austin, TX 78758
(512) 225-4844
mebjj.com
Mario Esfiha Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Austin is led by the man himself, Mario “Esfiha” Queiroga. Mario is a 5th degree black belt in BJJ and is a cofounder of the Brasa BJJ team that has been around since 2003.
Esfiha has been training since he was 14 years old. He was welcomed into the well-known Corpo Quatro academy in Rio de Janeiro and go his nickname because he loved to eat a pizza that was called Esfiha. The name ended up sticking and now he known as one of the best instructors around. In addition to teaching, he still competes and has a many victories under his belt.
Now Mario can be found in Austin, TX teaching full time at Mario Esfiha Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The goal that Mario and his team have is to pass on the philosophy of the BJJ and show others how to use this wonderful martial art and sport to become the best version of yourself. He looks forward to sharing what he knows with students of all skill levels including professional fighters and beginners alike. This will all take place in a supportive and friendly atmosphere where hard work and teamwork are instilled in every person.
Gracie Barra North Austin Jiu-Jitsu
8868 Research Blvd #608
Austin, TX 78758
(512) 921-4950
gbnorthaustin.com
Gracie Barra in North Austin provides a place to learn world class Jiu-Jitsu for students of all levels and backgrounds. You can regularly find families, fighters, new students and children all training under the same roof together. When you learn Jiu-Jitsu at Gracie Barra Austin, you will take on a lot of great qualities including fitness, self-defense and character development.
All of the classes taught at Gracie Barra North Austin are associated with the same program that Master Carlos Gracie Jr. started to meet the specific learning needs of students of all skill levels, ages and gender. The progress oriented, clean and friendly atmosphere allows the people that train to have a warm, inspirational and challenging experience that will keep all the students coming back.
This school is for the student who values respect, martial arts, wellness, discipline and is looking to embark in a healthier lifestyle. Anyone can lead a lifestyle of the one they talk about. This goes for people that have never trained a day in their lives or the people that want to sharpen their BJJ skills by training with some of the best athletes in Austin. This program is perfect for anyone so stop in and check them out.
Aces Jiu Jitsu Club
2200 E 7th St #B
Austin, TX 78702
(512) 730-1161
acesjiujitsuclub.com
Aces Jiu-Jitsu Club was founded by BJJ champions Mikal Abdullah and James Wilson back in September of 2013. Their goal was to spread this beautiful martial art to the public and make a positive impact on the local community.
The vision for the Aces Jiu-Jitsu Club is to offer a traditional and modern environment to learn world class Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. The team here at Aces is interested in teaching you the kind of Jiu-Jitsu that is practical and ready to help you if you have an issue out in the streets. This has to be said because many people teach Jiu-Jitsu with a focus on the sport and scoring points. This isn’t to say that sport Jiu-Jitsu isn’t effective in the streets because it is, it’s just not the focus.
The coaching staff at Aces is led by Coach Mikal Abdullah. He and the other coaches offer programs for the entire family. Their staff is welcoming to beginners, advanced practitioners and kids of all ages. Any athletes involved in Muay Thai, MMA or BJJ can get better while training at Aces but the true love of the team here at Aces is to teach people self-defense so they can feel better about themselves and safer when they are out in the world.
Vandry Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
12001 Oak Knoll Dr #2
Austin, TX 78759
(512) 585-1289
austinbjj.com
There are plenty of great instructors in the Austin area for BJJ but not many come as qualified as 6th degree BJJ black belt William Vandry. He, along with his qualified group of coaches, want to invite you to train in one of the most progressive and fun Jiu-Jitsu environments in the greater Austin area. Vandry received his black belt from the Machado family under Carlos Machado and the brothers that live in Brazil. Vandry is one of the first of four Texas black belts under Machado and was an active competitor in BJJ.
They offer an atmosphere where you will be inspired to learn. This comes from the high quality instruction that you will be getting and the feeling you get when you walk into the school. Everyone at Vandry Brazilian Jiu Jitsu comes in with the attitude of being ready to work but also making sure that newcomers feel safe and comfortable while helping one another to improve both mentally and physically.
If you have been thinking about joining the BJJ revolution, give the team at Vandry BJJ a chance to earn your trust.
Integração USA – Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
1600 W Stassney Ln c
Austin, TX 78745
(512) 697-9746
ijjatx.com
The team at Integração Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Austin, TX is the first American location for this brand. It was founded in Santos, Brazil in 1995. Gabriel Martins is the head coach at IJJ and when you train there you will learn solid fundamentals mixed with the more modern and efficient techniques that have been coming out and seen all over the world.
They provide a safe and comfortable training environment for our students while emphasizing camaraderie and respect for all of your teammates. Spectators and parents are welcome to the relax in the café at Integração Brazilian Jiu Jitsu where they can enjoy free Wi-Fi and coffee while other family members or children train.
Professor Gabriel Martins is a black belt competitor who has faced many of the top BJJ athletes in the world. Over the many years he has been involved in BJJ, he has trained with some of the top Jiu-Jitsu athletes in the world and has developed a real love for passing on what he knows to the other people that that train with him. His credentials are top notch so you can rest assured that will be learning the kind of Jiu-Jitsu that will win you championships if you choose to go in that direction.
Gracie Humaitá Austin
1701 W Ben White Blvd #163
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 814-0800
ghaustin.com
The Gracie Humaita academy in Austin is a place to be for some of the best competitors and teachers in the greater Austin area. The mats here serve as a laboratory and classroom in equal parts. This is a place where you will get unparalleled coaching in the basic ideas of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu while also always testing what you’ve learned through dedication and hard work.
This Gracie Humaita in Austin is old school. They are believers in not taking any shortcuts to get to where you are aiming to go. They know that the rewards are everlasting and immense for those that are willing to sacrifice their time and look at that time as an investment in themselves. It is because of this that the team at Gracie Humaita in Austin is constantly devoting their time to building a school that offers anything you might need in a BJJ school. They know that it takes effort, patience and commitment but they know they have all of the above. What they do need are people that have the same vision.
So, if you are ready to make the commitment to a life changing process, visit the guys at Gracie Humaita as soon as possible.
Claunch Academy of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
12233 R.R. 620, suite # 109
Austin, TX 78750
(512) 297-0529
claunchacademyofbjj.com
The Claunch Academy of BJJ is an officially recognized IBJJF BJJ school that can be found in the heart of Austin, TX. They are able to service the Leander, Cedar Park and Austin communities with a dedication to making everyone that trains there a better version of themselves.
The head coach at Claunch Academy of BJJ is Jason Claunch who is a 2nd degree black belt under the Brasa flag. Professor Claunch got his black belt from three time World Champion Mario Queiroga back in 2011 and he is an affiliate of the Mario Queiroga BJJ Network. That being said, if you are looking for top level instruction in a facility that instills respect and discipline into the people that come, check these guys out.
The focus here is to develop the skills necessary to be able to protect themselves out in the real world. The curriculum taught here at the Claunch Academy of BJJ is comprehensive and organized in the traditional techniques and philosophies of Jiu-Jitsu.
Cooper MMA
13776 US-183 #122
Austin, TX 78750
(512) 335-0800
coopermma.com
The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Program at Cooper MMA is second to none and the curriculum has a focus on the student’s ability to use leverage, dominant body positioning and technique to control your opponent while on the ground no matter how strong they are or how big they are. What this does is allow the smaller person to be able to defend themselves against people that are much bigger than them.
With the knowledge that most fights that people encounter end up going to the ground and since you are down there, you might as well learn the most effective self-defense system in the world. The reason this martial art is so important to know is because it doesn’t matter how big or strong you are, all that matters is your leverage and skill level.
Sean Cooper is the head coach and owner of Cooper MMA and is a 3rd degree BJJ black belt under Master Cleber Luciano. Cleber is a 5th degree black belt under Royler and Rickson Gracie and if you’ve heard of the Gracie family, those are two of the toughest members.
Give the team at Cooper MMA a visit if you have any interest in joining their Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program. It’ll be a decision you will never regret.
JJ Machado Austin Jiu-Jitsu
11210 US-290
Austin, TX 78737
(512) 956-0898
jjmachadoaustin.com
The team at JJ Machado teaches world class lessons in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu which revolve around the principles and teachings of the well-known Master Jean Jacques Machado. It doesn’t matter what your goals are. You might want to get involved in BJJ to compete, learn self-defense or just get in better shape. Whatever the reason might be, there is something for you here.
The coaches that instruct at JJ Machado BJJ are seasoned black belts that have a great deal of experience in both coaching and competing. With the amount of experience this team has comes a deeper knowledge of the martial art. The team at JJ Machado is committed to sharing their knowledge so you can achieve all of your self-defense and fitness goals.
The head coach and owner of JJ Machado is Professor Todd White. The family at JJ Machado offer a safe, clean and creative environment to learn Jiu-Jitsu with a group of people that are supportive and welcoming. If you want to find out what the hype is all about, we suggest stopping in and checking it out for yourself. You won’t regret the time spent on the mats.
Brazilian Top Team Austin
9313 Anderson Mill Rd
Austin, TX 78729
(210) 986-3000
bttaustin.com
At Brazilian Top Team in Austin, Texas you will learn all aspects of the BJJ and also have the opportunity to learn MMA as well. The academy was founded by Murilo Bustamante, Mario Sperry, Luis Roberto Duarte and Ricardo Liborio in April of 2000. All four of these men are former members of the Carlson Gracie Academy and have improved upon what they have learned over the years by creating and developing new training techniques for BJJ, mixed martial arts and submission grappling.
This team is very tight and still has a rivalry with Chute Boxe, who’s lineage comes from Muay Thai. That being said, you will feel the camaraderie at BTT Austin when you step foot inside these doors. You will experience a team atmosphere, some of the best training partners in Texas and a curriculum that stems from the legendary lineage and tradition that BTT started back in Brazil.
The BTT in Austin has a very successful and active BJJ competition team that has won many titles in IBJJF tournaments as well as local competitions every month. If you are looking for a place to train seriously and make big strides in your life both physically and mentally, look no further than BTT Austin. You will learn under the guidance of Ruy Frade.
V.O.W. BJJ
5555 N Lamar Blvd c109
Austin, TX 78751
(512) 814-0183
vowbjj.com
V.O.W. or Village of Wolves is operated and owned by Ryan Villalobos. Ryan is a long time martial artist and his name is well-known and associated with the evolving and quick rising sport of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Ryan is also known for his approach to teaching which could be described as showing students practical, efficient and effective movements in the Gi and NoGi as well as teaching breath techniques for focus and recovery. His coaching approach is about the body and mind. With his openness to techniques and his relentless style, Ryan gets excited about passing on his knowledge to students of every age and skill level.
Villalobos’s love for BJJ started to increase as he began to form a chess like approach to BJJ. This is an ever evolving sport and if you are going to try and train, you want to do it with someone that is keeping up with the modern direction that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is headed in. His infectious passion for this martial art and the laid back vibe at the gym makes for a great experience for anyone that want to try this great sport.
That being said, if you are trying to be a champion or find a new way to get healthy, the team at V.O.W. has a program for you.
Rubicon Training Center
4402 S Congress Ave
Austin, TX 78745
(512) 712-8450
rubicontc.com
When you come to Rubicon Training Center to learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, you will be doing so under the guidance of Professor Ronny Lis. Professor Lis is a 4th degree black belt in BJJ under Master Deoclecio Paulo. He earned his black belt in 2005 and has been sharing his knowledge with his students ever since. In addition to being a successful BJJ player, he is also a professional MMA fighter with more than 10 years of experience in coaching.
Before moving to the United States, Ronny Lis had successfully opened and taught at five different BJJ academies. The students that come to Rubicon Training Center vary in ages and he has students from 4 years old to 60 years old. This martial art is literally for everyone. No matter how much experience you have or how old you are, you can get so much out of learning Jiu-Jitsu and the team at Rubicon Training Center want to prove it to you.
Ronny is the offspring of a remarkable Brazilian martial arts tradition and he can trace his heritage all the way back to Mitsuyo Maeda who was the pioneer of Jiu-Jitsu and introduced the art to the Brazilians.
Stop by Rubicon Training Center if you are in the area.