As young women in the Houston Galleria area transition into the pivotal years of middle and high school, they encounter a world that is as full of opportunity as it is of social complexity. This period of life demands a unique blend of physical preparedness and unshakeable self-esteem.
While traditional martial arts environments are often diverse, there is a profound and growing recognition of the value found in “Girls Only” training spaces. At Gracie Barra River Oaks, this specialized focus provides a dedicated environment where teenage girls can explore their potential, master essential self-defense, and build a community rooted in mutual empowerment.
Creating a sanctuary for authentic growth!
The teenage years are often marked by a heightened sense of self-consciousness, which can sometimes act as a barrier to trying new, physically demanding activities. A girls-only environment at Gracie Barra River Oaks fundamentally changes this dynamic. By training alongside female peers who share similar perspectives and challenges, teenagers are able to shed the pressures of external social expectations.
This sanctuary allows them to focus entirely on the technical aspects of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu without hesitation. In this space, vulnerability is transformed into strength, and the mat becomes a place where they can push their limits, fail safely, and ultimately succeed with the support of a sisterhood.
Gracie Barra River Oaks: Experience a new beginning on your Jiu-Jitsu journey!

The science of leverage as a personal equalizer!
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is often described as the great equalizer because it prioritizes technical precision and leverage over raw physical power. For teenage girls, who may often feel at a physical disadvantage in certain situations, this realization is life-altering. At the River Oaks academy, students learn that their intelligence and understanding of body mechanics are their greatest assets.
They master the ability to neutralize a larger or stronger individual through positioning and control. This technical mastery doesn’t just provide a physical skill set; it creates a profound shift in self-perception. Knowing that they possess the tools to manage their own physical space fosters a deep, internal sense of security that carries over into their daily lives near the Galleria.
Assertiveness and the power of the voice!
Effective self-defense is a multi-layered discipline that begins long before a physical encounter occurs. The girls-only program at Gracie Barra River Oaks places a significant emphasis on the psychological and verbal components of safety. Students practice the art of boundary setting and assertive communication, learning to use their voices as a primary tool for de-escalation.
By discussing scenarios specific to their experiences as young women, they develop the “situational intelligence” needed to navigate public spaces and social interactions with confidence. This training empowers them to trust their intuition and speak their truth with clarity and authority.
Cultivating leaders for the future!
The impact of training in a dedicated female environment extends far beyond the academy walls. As these teenagers master the challenges of the mats, they are simultaneously developing the leadership skills necessary for adulthood. They learn to be resilient in the face of setbacks, to celebrate the successes of their training partners, and to approach life with a mindset of continuous improvement.
By providing a platform where young women in the Houston Galleria area are the central focus, Gracie Barra River Oaks is helping to shape a generation of confident, capable, and compassionate leaders who are prepared to handle whatever the future holds.
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!
Girls only self-defense classes for teens near Houston Galleria | 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 |