Gracie Barra River Oaks, situated close to the Houston Galleria commercial district, provides a self-defense program focusing on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) for young people across a broad age range, specifically from 6 to 17 years old.
The objective is to teach students functional defense techniques and encourage positive character traits through consistent martial arts practice.
Age-appropriate class structure!
The academy manages the wide age range (6 to 17) by separating students into distinct groups based on developmental stages. This ensures that the instructional content and training methods are appropriate for the students’ size and maturity. Younger children (typically 6–9) concentrate on basic movements, coordination, and rules, while older children and teenagers (10–17) engage with more technical details and practical self-defense scenarios. This organization allows for a more targeted and effective learning experience for all participants.
Focus on non-striking defense strategies!
The core self-defense training at Gracie Barra River Oaks is centered on grappling and controlling an opponent, which aligns with the principles of BJJ. The curriculum systematically teaches students how to handle situations where they might be held or attacked, emphasizing techniques to gain control, escape, and de-escalate without resorting to aggressive striking. These non-striking methods provide students with actionable defensive options suitable for their age and size.
Gracie Barra River Oaks: Experience a new beginning on your Jiu-Jitsu journey!

Building physical and mental endurance!
Consistent attendance in the program significantly contributes to the students’ physical condition. The regular practice of BJJ techniques is a rigorous physical activity that enhances functional strength, flexibility, and overall endurance. Simultaneously, the mental requirements of the discipline—including the need for intense focus, memory retention of sequences, and sustained effort—help to develop mental toughness and resilience. The continuous physical and mental effort is fundamental to the training structure.
Instilling responsibility and respect!
Beyond the physical techniques, the self-defense classes are a platform for teaching vital behavioral skills. Students are held to a high standard of conduct within the academy, which includes demonstrating respect for all instructors and training partners. The structured environment requires adherence to specific rules and procedures, promoting responsibility and discipline. These behavioral components are integrated into every lesson, making them an essential part of the martial arts education.
Gracie Barra River Oaks delivers a comprehensive, age-segregated self-defense program for youth aged 6–17 near the Houston Galleria. The training focuses on practical, non-striking Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu techniques, while also building physical conditioning and instilling core values of respect and discipline.
Getting Started at Gracie Barra Is Easy: SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CLASS!
Gracie Barra River Oaks: Effective martial arts programs for kids of all ages!
Gracie Barra River Oaks: A Premier Martial Arts Academy in Houston!
Gracie Barra River Oaks is a premier martial arts academy located in Houston, Texas. Founded by Professor Ulpiano Malachias, a world-renowned Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioner, the academy offers top-notch training in Jiu Jitsu and mixed martial arts. Professor Malachias has been involved in athletics and martial arts from a young age, beginning with Judo at the age of 4 and then transitioning to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at 17.
Under the leadership of Professor Malachias, Gracie Barra River Oaks has grown and expanded to a new, larger 10,000 sqft location in 2016. The academy offers a wide range of training programs to suit students of all levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners.
One of Professor Malachias greatest achievements is his success as a black belt competitor in the International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) competitions. He has won multiple championships and medals, including the Asian Championship in 2006, American National Championship in 2004, 2005, and 2008, and Pan American Championship Silver Medal in 2010, among others. He is also the 2022 IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship Open Gold Medalist.
Gracie Barra River Oaks: Experience a new beginning on your Jiu-Jitsu journey!
Professor Malachias is committed to continuously improving his teaching skills and his own knowledge and skill in Jiu Jitsu. He is a certified IBJJF referee and has served as a referee in countless IBJJF tournaments, including some widely watched finals.
At Gracie Barra River Oaks, students have access to over 700 Gracie Barra Schools worldwide, professional-quality Jiu-Jitsu gear, and online resources to further their training. The academy promotes a holistic perspective to Jiu-Jitsu, including physical and mental wellness. All GB Schools are supervised by a Gracie Barra certified instructor, who supports students and helps each one achieve their potential through challenging training programs. Each class at Gracie Barra River Oaks is customized to offer maximum benefit for the students in attendance.
In summary, Gracie Barra River Oaks is a world-class martial arts academy with a strong commitment to excellence and dedication to Jiu-Jitsu. With Professor Ulpiano Malachias at the helm, students can expect top-notch training and support in their journey to becoming skilled practitioners of Jiu Jitsu and mixed martial arts.
Gracie Barra River Oaks: Effective martial arts programs for kids of all ages!
Houston Galleria youth self-defense classes: Ages 6–17 Welcome | Phone: +1 (281) 974-2544


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Gracie Barra Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in River - Oaks Texas
Email: info@gbriveroaks.com
URL: https://gbriveroaks.com/
| Monday | 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 6:30 AM - 9:00 PM |
| Thursday | 6:15 AM - 9:00 PM |
| Friday | 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM |