For many Houston families, the journey to find a martial arts studio that truly caters to all ages can be challenging. The goal is often twofold: to provide children with essential self-defense skills while also offering a welcoming, structured environment where adults can pursue their own fitness and safety goals.
Located conveniently for those in the River Oaks and Galleria vicinity, Gracie Barra River Oaks delivers on this comprehensive need.
What sets a truly family-friendly environment apart is not just the schedule, but the culture. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), the core discipline taught here, provides a foundation of self-defense that is effective for all body types, making it suitable for both young children and parents alike. Our classes are designed to be inclusive, fostering an atmosphere where mutual respect and encouragement are prioritized over competition. This creates a positive space where families can literally grow and learn together.
Gracie Barra River Oaks: Experience a new beginning on your Jiu-Jitsu journey!

For children, training self-defense in a family-oriented setting promotes discipline and enhances focus in a positive social environment. They learn vital skills, such as anti-bullying strategies, that build deep-seated confidence. For adults, the BJJ classes offer a fantastic full-body workout and practical self-defense techniques, all while connecting with a supportive community. It’s an opportunity for parents to pursue personal growth in the same location where their children are developing crucial life skills.
Choosing the right gym means choosing a community. Gracie Barra River Oaks, nestled close to the heart of the Houston Galleria, serves as a hub for families seeking to invest in resilience, fitness, and safety together. It’s an investment that pays dividends in confidence for every member of the family.
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!
Family friendly self-defense gym 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 |