Gracie Barra River Oaks provides a specialized physical education program focused on self-defense for children in the Houston Galleria and River Oaks region.
The curriculum centers on the mechanics of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a martial art that prioritizes ground-based grappling and defensive positioning over striking. This program is designed to provide children with functional physical skills while maintaining an environment that facilitates high engagement and activity.
Technical skill acquisition for pediatric students!
The instruction at Gracie Barra River Oaks involves the systematic breakdown of defensive movements. Children are taught how to neutralize physical threats by utilizing body weight and leverage rather than relying on raw strength. The technical syllabus includes learning how to maintain balance when pushed, how to regain a standing position from the ground, and how to apply holds that restrict an individual’s movement without causing injury.
Every class follows a specific pedagogical structure. Instructors demonstrate a technique, and students repeat the movement with a partner. This repetitive practice is essential for developing the motor skills required for self-protection. The skills taught are objective and measurable, allowing students to see their progress as they move through different levels of technical difficulty.
Gracie Barra River Oaks: Experience a new beginning on your Jiu-Jitsu journey!

Integration of physical activity and engagement!
The Gracie Barra River Oaks program incorporates high-intensity workouts and interactive activities in every session. These activities are designed to improve the physical attributes of the students, such as coordination, agility, and cardiovascular endurance. The “fun” component of the curriculum is derived from the interactive nature of the drills, where students use the techniques they have learned in controlled, game-like scenarios.
This method of instruction ensures that children remain physically active throughout the duration of the class. By participating in these structured activities, students develop a baseline of physical fitness that supports their overall health. The environment is supervised to ensure that all interactions between students remain within the parameters of the safety guidelines established by the Gracie Barra organization.
Gracie Barra River Oaks is positioned to serve families within the Houston Galleria and Uptown business corridors. The facility features a large mat space and a viewing area for parents. Its location allows for easy access from major roads, making it a viable option for after-school physical training.
The schedule provides various time slots to accommodate the needs of families living in the surrounding metropolitan area. Because the school is situated near significant residential and commercial centers, it acts as a hub for children from various local schools to gather and participate in a standardized self-defense program. This geographic convenience is a primary factor for many parents seeking consistent physical education for their children in the central Houston area.
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 self-defense for kids: Real skills, real fun | 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 |