The Houston Galleria area is a vibrant center of activity, and parents throughout River Oaks and the surrounding neighborhoods are constantly seeking meaningful activities for their children.
The ideal extracurricular program is one that not only engages a child physically but also builds the foundation for strong character and genuine confidence. This is precisely the promise of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) at Gracie Barra River Oaks.
BJJ offers an unparalleled approach to children’s self-defense. Unlike martial arts that rely heavily on striking or size, BJJ focuses on grappling and leverage. This makes it uniquely effective for children, teaching them how to safely control a situation and neutralize a threat without needing to be the strongest person in the room. This focus on technique over brute force is the cornerstone of empowerment, ensuring that every child, regardless of their build, learns to navigate physical conflicts with skill and poise.
Gracie Barra River Oaks: Experience a new beginning on your Jiu-Jitsu journey!

The benefits of this training extend far beyond the technical aspects of self-defense. Consistent time on the mat at Gracie Barra River Oaks instills invaluable life skills. Children learn the critical importance of respect—for their instructors, their training partners, and themselves. They develop discipline through structured training and goal-setting as they progress through the belt system. This environment cultivates a mindset of perseverance, teaching young students that overcoming challenges requires consistent effort and dedication. These lessons in focus and resilience are tools they carry with them into the classroom and into every future endeavor.
For local families, the convenience of finding this caliber of instruction close to the Houston Galleria Mall is significant. Gracie Barra River Oaks provides a safe, clean, and modern facility dedicated to world-class instruction. Choosing this path for your child is an investment in their physical well-being and their mental fortitude, giving them the essential tools to be confident, capable, and safe as they grow.
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!
Martial arts & self-defense for kids near Houston Galleria Mall | 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 |