The year was 1993 in November when a man with a slight frame named Royce Gracie caught the eyes of many young people looking for an outlet. He introduced Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) to the masses when he faced some of the biggest and baddest men in the world in the UFC. We all watched the same thing and what we saw was a guy that weighed half the weight as many of his competitors submitting those men with techniques we had never seen before. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was at the forefront now and its popularity took off.
Today, MMA has grown in popularity and BJJ has grown right along with it. This form of martial arts even has its own promotions with cash prizes like the Eddie Bravo Invitational and KASAI Elite Grappling to name a couple. Whether you are in it for the competition or you are in it to start leading a healthier lifestyle, there is something for you in Jiu-Jitsu. The next step is finding a gym to train out of and that isn’t the easiest thing to do as there are many to choose from. There are some big names and there are some smaller gyms and there isn’t enough time in the day to visit all of them.
This being said, we want to help you narrow down your search by letting you know about the great BJJ schools in the greater Dallas area. We hope this list will make your decision a little bit easier. So, enjoy our list of BJJ schools and if you want to be added to this list, reach out to us.
Cobra Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
1441 Coit Rd
Plano, TX 75075
(972) 863-1555
cobrabjj.com
There are a few reasons you might want to join the team at Cobra Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This might be for fitness, you may want to join their competition team or you might want your kid to be involved.
First off, the team at Cobra Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu offers a great outlet for physical activity. The improvements that you will make in class with your fitness will be obvious very quickly. You are able to test you limits on a daily basis and improve your overall health by doing so. Jiu-Jitsu is for every fitness level and the more in shape you are, the more you are going to be able to accomplish but for those that are new, just doing the warm ups and a little sparring is going to get you on your way to being healthier.
If you have a little experience under your belt or you’d like to start fast in the competition team, Cobra BJJ has a very fierce team that is also very active in the international, national and local scene in terms of tournaments. There are several world champions on the roster and you will get the opportunity to see what it takes to become a champion.
The kids’ program is top notch as well so if you are looking to get involved in any of these capacities, reach out to the team at Cobra BJJ.
Gracie Gym Richardson
819 W Arapaho Rd Suite 24c
Richardson, TX 75080
(469) 904-0677
graciegymrichardson.com
The Gracie Gym in Richardson offers some great instruction by some quality coaches. The offer Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to North Dallas, Richardson and the surrounding areas. They provide detailed and personal instruction of BJJ for people of all skill levels and ages, making it easy to comprehend and practical to use. The self-defense notions associated with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu are designed specifically show a smaller person how to defend themselves against a much bigger opponent by using technique and leverage. BJJ teaches people how to fight off the ground and submit people through submission holds. As most fights end up going to the ground, it is imperative that you know how to navigate these situations.
That being said, you are going to be training with a lot of great people as well as quality coaches and students. The head coach here is Alex Faria. Faria started training Jiu-Jitsu in 1992 in Rio de Janeiro under the legendary José Leão Teixeira. However, he ended up moving to London to train with one of the best BJJ competitors to ever step foot on the mats, Roger Gracie. Professor Faria earned his black belt in 2009 from Roger Gracie and became the head coach at his school. Now he is in Texas passing down these techniques that served Roger Gracie so well.
Faria and his world-class team would love to have you stop by. We have a feeling it won’t be the only time you visit.
Caio Terra Academy Irving Texas
612 Valley Ranch Pkwy S
Irving, TX 75063
(972) 674-9770
bjjirving.com
CTA Irving is an affiliate of the Caio Terra Academy and is a great place for your whole family. No matter the age or experience level, you will be welcomed with open arms to a place that provides a judgement free and safe place for those who want to improve their lives through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
The team at CTA Irving is led by Professor Collin Grayson. Grayson is a 2nd degree black belt under Caio Terra and has been training BJJ for a total of 16 years. Collin opened his first BJJ academy in 2005 in Rockwall, Texas. Because of the fun he was having and his belief that Jiu-Jitsu can change the lives of everyone that trains, he opened up the Caio Terra Academy in 2014 and has been the headquarters for the Caio Terra Academies in the greater Dallas area.
Collin was an avid competitor and still does when he gets the chance. He has many victories and some under each belt on his way to earning his black belt. Even though he still loves to get out there and test his skills, teaching his students is Professor Grayson’s first priority.
If you are in the area and want to learn under a Caio Terra black belt, give CTA Irving a call.
Star Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
3730 N Josey Ln Suite 114
Carrollton, TX 75007
(214) 727-9550
starbjj.com
No matter your reason for wanting to join a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu school, Star Jiu-Jitsu can provide what you are looking for. This goes for those that looking to lose some weight to get in better shape and live a healthier lifestyle or become a world champion. Star Jiu-Jitsu should be the place you choose if you are looking to accomplish any of the above goals.
Star Jiu-Jitsu gives you the chance to take classes in different fighting styles and any person of any age or skill level can participate. It is a great place to begin your journey into BJJ whether you are going to try to just lose weight, learn a self-defense, or try to compete.
They are located in the middle of the DFW area and are conveniently open every day of the week because they understand that everyone has a busy schedule and can’t come on certain days. The goal is to make it easy on the student to show up and build good habits. From early bird classes to ones that are later at night, there is something that will work for you. No matter when you come or what class you choose to attend, the instructors have committed themselves to making sure every student has a fun and safe experience while at Star Jiu-Jitsu.
Alex Martins Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
2318 Beatrice St #A
Dallas, TX 75208
(214) 587-8203
alexmartinsbrazilianjiujitsu.com
The mission for the team at Alex Martins Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is to train the mind, body and spirit through the highest quality BJJ coaching that can be offered. The team here sees BJJ as a vehicle for developing as a person and making the family spirit stronger. Training here goes being just winning medals or the idea of competing. Is about training hard and learning something that will help you to become the best version of yourself.
Alex Martins is the owner and head instructor at AMBJJ. His martial arts training started back in 1997 when he was 17 years old when he lived in Manaus, Brazil. This was under the instruction of Master Faustino Piña. Now Alex is a 3rd degree black with over 18 years of experience under his belt. He has many years of competition under his belt so he knows what it takes to make a champion. However, in order to be a champion, you have to bring your fitness to the next level and Alex knows what it takes to reach that point as well. His enthusiasm and motivation on the mat have translated into his instruction so if you want to know what it is like to train with a world class BJJ practitioner, stop in to AMBJJ today.
Marcelo Garcia Jiu-Jitsu of Dallas
4219 Bryan St
Dallas, TX 75204
(214) 546-7379
marcelogarciadallas.com
Marcelo Garcia Jiu-Jitsu located in Dallas, TX is associated with the legendary Marcelo Garcia. He is headquartered in New York City and has some of the best instructors and competitors under his belt. This happens to be the case with the Dallas location and their head coach and owner, Rob Ables. He offers some of the best Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instruction in the greater Dallas area for men, women and children of all ages, fitness types and experience level. All the techniques taught here are Marcelo Garcia approved so you know you are getting the most current and efficient techniques in BJJ today.
Professor Rob Ables is a 3rd degree black belt under the legendary Marcelo Garcia. He has trained in the gentle art for over 19 years and started his journey after he was already a lifelong martial artist and black belt in Karate. When you train at Marcel Garcia Jiu-Jitsu in Dallas you can expect to be taught by Professor Rob Ables no matter if you are in the beginner class or the advanced class. Even though he is serious about Jiu-Jitsu and the training, his coaching style is fun and captivating so if this sounds like something you could get involved in, give them a call or stop by.
RCJ Machado Jiu Jitsu Lake Highlands
10675 Northwest Hwy
Dallas, TX 75238
(214) 221-1977
rcjmjjlakehighlands.com
If you have been waiting to take control of a life that seems to be spinning out of control, there are lots of ways to do it but if you are in the Dallas area and have been considering joining a martial arts school, you can kill two birds with one stone because starting a new martial art is a great way to learn a self-defense and become a better version of yourself.
The team at Dallas Martial Arts wants to stress five reasons to join them.
First of all, you will gain confidence. This is a tough sport so, if you decide to join and are able to push through, you will learn about parts of yourself you didn’t know existed. You will learn how far you are able to go and still feel good. You will be able give yourself a pat on the back because of the hard work you put in. Secondly, you will enjoy better focus in life. Because of how technical this sport is, you will have to pay attention and this translates over into other parts of life. Next, you will get in shape. This is a no brainer because you are going to work hard and if you keep showing up, it is bound to happen. The final two reasons are that you have a great time and be part of a great community. So, stop in there and say hi.
Gracie Barra Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
2812 Trinity Square Dr #106
Carrollton, TX 75006
(469) 744-0806
gbcarrollton.com
The Carrollton Gracie Barra is one of the newest Gracie Barra schools in the nation. It joins a group of schools that are over 400 in number in the world. This is an exciting time for the greater Dallas area because Gracie Barra has a long history of great Jiu-Jitsu and world champions. At Gracie Barra Carrollton, you will learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in martial arts environment that is structured to set you up for success. They follow Gracie Barra Etiquette and the Gracie Barra Code of Conduct. This means you are going to be joining a school with years of experience in producing high level Jiu-Jitsu practitioners.
You will be led by Professor Valerio Mori Ubaldini. Ubaldini is an Italian born BJJ black belt that has been training since 2008. He won his first tournament at the age of 14 while competing with the adults and earned his black belt in only 8 years. He was training under Victor Estima and Jefferson Moura. Professor Valerio has many accolades in terms of competition, but he takes the most pride in helping his students get better at the art of Jiu-Jitsu and continue to improve their lives.
If you are looking for a safe, fun and clean environment to train in, visit the Gracie Barra team.
Brazilian Top Team North Dallas
670 N Coit Rd #2373
Richardson, TX 75080
(214) 498-7437
bttnorthdallas.com
At Brazilian Top Team in Richardson, Texas you will learn all aspects of the Jiu-Jitsu and also have the chance to learn mixed martial arts as well. The academy was founded by Murilo Bustamante, Ricardo Liborio, Mario Sperry and Luis Roberto Duarte in April of 2000. Carlson Gracie Academy was home to all four of these men at one point and have added to what they had learned over the years by making a curriculum that will serve veterans and beginners alike.
This team is very close and still considers Chute Boxe their rival. Their lineage is of the Muay Thai variety. Having said that, you will feel the closeness at BTT Richardson when you train here. The team atmosphere is great and you will enjoy a safe and clean environment that promotes creativity and hard work.
BTT Richardson is run by Professor Leonardo Machado. Machado is a 2nd degree black belt under Ricardo Marques who resides in Juiz de Fora. He’s trained over 15 years and has been a blackbelt since 2014. He loves sharing what he knows with his students so, stop in and see if it is a fit for you and the family.
Mohler MMA
2909 Canton St b
Dallas, TX 75226
(214) 738-0640
mohlermma.com
Mohler MMA was opened in 1993 by Professor Allen Mohler with the idea of creating a school where members of all talent and fitness levels can train like a champion in a world-class training center. Professor Allen Mohler has a love for teaching his students and he spends the time to make sure he is creating programs that will benefit his students. To see his students reach their BJJ goals is what every coach wants to see. Whether you are new or a veteran, young or old, you will have a place at Mohler MMA
At Mohler MMA, they offer many martial arts programs that work for people of all ages and experience. These programs include Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Wrestling, Mixed Martial Arts, Muay Thai, and Boxing. The students that train at Mohler MMA are able to choose any of the courses there is to take but make no mistakes about it, their BJJ program is one to check out. You are going to see fast gains and feel better about yourself so stop in.
Aloisio Silva Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Irving
2700 N O’Connor Rd Suite 128
Irving, TX 75062
(817) 437-1155
Silva BJJ Academy is waiting on you to make the first move. Their mission as a business and martial arts location is to not only see you improve physically, but as a person as well. The coaches at Silva BJJ are well versed in what they do and have many years combined in experience in martial arts.
Learning the basics of BJJ and Judo is only the beginning to your journey when you train at Silva BJJ. There are many benefits to be had when training here at Silva BJJ. The programs that are offered here are specifically created to promote stress relief, increased energy levels, confidence and enhanced mental focus. With all of these positive benefits, you will also be learning an extremely efficient and useful martial art that will keep you safe in many situations that you might not have been otherwise. The skills and lessons that you will learn when you train at BJJ Silva will benefit you for the rest of your life.
All this said, the doors are open for anyone that wants to give BJJ a shot. The environment is safe, fun and promotes a friendly atmosphere.
Ricardo Demente Abreu BJJ
4020 W Plano Pkwy
Plano, TX 75093
(469) 573-3385
Ricardo Demente Abreau BJJ is a place to go if you are looking for a change in your everyday life. Are you tired of the same feeling of not having anything to look forward to or test yourself? If this is the case, you might be missing stimulation both physically and mentally. This is where Ricardo Demente Abreau BJJ comes in. This school is great for people that want to train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu no matter your age or experience level. As great as these programs are for adults, the kids’ program is second to none in the Dallas area and you will see this if you let your child try BJJ.
When your child trains at Ricardo Demente Abreau BJJ, you are going to see an improvement in all facets of their lives. From physical abilities to the more important, mental stimulation. Your child will become a more confident and “bully-proof” version of their selves. To see a kid blossom from a shy kid with no self-esteem to a kid with confidence and a smile is the mission of the team at Ricardo Demente Abreau BJJ.
Ricardo Demente Abreau has been training Jiu-Jitsu since he was 14 years old in Sao Paulo, Brazil. While Jiu-Jitsu at the UFC Gym in Albuquerque, he realized his passion for doing so. This is when he decided to go out and open his own gym. Now you can experience the high level of BJJ that is taught at Ricardo Demente Abreau BJJ.