The Houston Galleria area contains specialized facilities for the practice of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, with Gracie Barra River Oaks serving as a central point for family-oriented martial arts.
The institution provides separate but related programs for children and adolescents. These programs focus on the acquisition of physical defensive skills and the improvement of physiological health through systematic training.
Technical instruction for children!
The children’s program at Gracie Barra River Oaks is centered on the fundamental mechanics of body control and ground-based defense. Instruction involves the repetition of movements designed to neutralize a larger individual. Children learn to use their entire body weight to apply pressure or create space. The curriculum excludes striking, focusing instead on joint manipulation and positional dominance. This training requires participants to follow a specific set of protocols, which includes bowing to the mat and responding to verbal commands from the instructor. The physical activities include drills that increase cardiovascular output and refine gross motor skills.
Gracie Barra River Oaks: Experience a new beginning on your Jiu-Jitsu journey!

Defensive training for adolescents!
Teenagers participating in classes at this location encounter a more complex set of technical requirements. The curriculum for this age group includes the transition from standing positions to the ground and the application of submission holds. Training sessions are divided between technical demonstrations and live sparring. During sparring, adolescents test their ability to apply escapes and controls against a partner who is providing physical resistance. This environment allows for the practical assessment of a student’s ability to remain calm and apply technical knowledge during a physical struggle. The intensity of the training is scaled to the developmental capabilities of the teenage body.
Logistical integration for families!
Gracie Barra River Oaks facilitates participation for families in the Houston Galleria vicinity by organizing class times that accommodate school and work schedules. The facility is equipped with specialized mats to reduce the impact of falls and a designated area for observers. For families with multiple children in different age groups, the school provides a structured environment where siblings can train simultaneously or in back-to-back sessions. This arrangement allows for a consistent schedule of physical activity. The shared experience of learning a technical skill set provides a common activity for family members within the same geographic area.
Physical and social outcomes!
The primary result of consistent attendance in the kids and teens programs is the development of functional self-defense capabilities. Students gain an objective understanding of their physical limits and the mechanics of human movement. Beyond the physical techniques, the school environment enforces a hierarchy based on experience and belt rank. This structure requires students to demonstrate respect for instructors and peers, regardless of the outcome of a sparring session. The training results in increased physical strength, improved flexibility, and the ability to execute defensive maneuvers in high-pressure situations.
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 and self-defense for children and teenagers at the Galleria de Houston | 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 |
