Business Details
Your Premier Martial Arts Academy in Houston, TX
At Gracie Barra Champions, we are dedicated to empowering individuals through martial arts by fostering personal growth, discipline, and community. Our academy was founded on the belief that martial arts training extends beyond physical fitnessit builds mental resilience, self-confidence, and lifelong connections. With a team of experienced instructors, including IBJJF-certified black belts and professional MMA athletes, we offer structured programs in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Kickboxing, and Boxing tailored to all skill levels. Our mission is to create a welcoming environment where students of all ages, from beginners to competitors, can thrive. We emphasize core values such as respect, integrity, and perseverance, ensuring every participant feels part of the Champions Family.Through a progressive curriculum and hands-on coaching, we prioritize technical mastery, safety, and personal development. Our community-driven approach extends beyond the mats, encouraging camaraderie and mutual support among students and instructors. Whether your goal is self-defense, competition, or improved fitness, we provide the tools and guidance to help you succeed. With flexible class schedules and a focus on inclusivity, we make martial arts accessible to everyone. Join us to experience transformative training that prepares you for lifes daily challenges.
Services
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Kickboxing
Boxing
Strength & Conditioning
Kids Martial Arts
Competition Training
Highlights and features
- We offer world-class instruction led by IBJJF-certified black belts and professional MMA fighters.
- Our family-friendly environment welcomes students of all ages and experience levels.
- We emphasize fundamentals-first teaching for long-term skill development.
- Our community fosters mutual support and lifelong connections beyond the mats.
- We provide structured programs for self-defense, fitness, and competitive training.
Associations and certifications
- IBJJF
What people say
Top-tier gym culture
Immediately feel like belongs
Worth every penny
Amazing instructors
Supportive team
Services
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Our Brazilian Jiu Jitsu program develops technical proficiency, mental resilience, and physical conditioning through structured classes led by IBJJF-certified black belts. Students learn grappling techniques, positional control, and submission strategies in a safe, progressive environment. This discipline builds self-defense skills, competition readiness, and lifelong character development for adults and children.
Kickboxing
Kickboxing instruction combines Sanshou, Muay Thai, and MMA striking techniques to improve footwork, power, and defensive skills. Classes accommodate all levels, focusing on proper form, pad work, and controlled sparring. Students enhance cardiovascular fitness while learning practical self-defense applications and competitive striking strategies.
Kids Martial Arts
Our youth programs teach children aged 4+ self-discipline, respect, and personal safety through age-appropriate BJJ and kickboxing curricula. Instructors emphasize character development, teamwork, and confidence-building in a structured, fun environment. Classes improve focus, physical coordination, and conflict-resolution skills for young students.
Strength & Conditioning
Strength and conditioning classes enhance athletic performance through high-intensity workouts designed by professional fighters. Sessions include functional training, cardio drills, and resistance exercises to build endurance, power, and overall fitness for martial artists and general fitness enthusiasts.
Competition Training
Competition training prepares athletes for BJJ tournaments, MMA events, and boxing matches through specialized drilling, sparring, and strategy sessions. Coaches provide personalized guidance on weight management, fight planning, and mental preparation to develop well-rounded competitive fighters.
People
Kurt Zettlemoyer
Head Instructor
IBJJF-certified first-degree black belt with 15+ years of martial arts experience. Specializes in family-oriented BJJ instruction, emphasizing discipline and community building through intergenerational training programs.
Aaron Phillips
Kickboxing & No-Gi Instructor
Professional MMA fighter and former Ultimate Fighter Season 29 competitor. Brings elite-level striking and wrestling expertise to our no-gi grappling and kickboxing programs with practical, combat-tested instruction.
Cee Riley
Kickboxing & Boxing Coach
Experienced striking coach with professional competition background. Focuses on technical precision and effective stand-up strategies for both recreational students and competitive fighters seeking to refine their boxing and kickboxing skills.
Questions
What martial arts programs do you offer?
We offer Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Kickboxing, Boxing, Strength & Conditioning, and Kids Martial Arts programs for all skill levels.
Is prior martial arts experience required?
No prior experience is needed. Our classes accommodate complete beginners through advanced competitors with structured, inclusive instruction.
Do you offer free trial classes?
Yes, we provide free trial classes to experience our facility, instructors, and training environment before committing to membership.
What are your class schedules like?
We offer daily classes from early morning to evening, including specialized sessions for kids, adults, and competition training.
Are your instructors qualified?
Our team includes IBJJF-certified black belts, professional MMA fighters, and experienced coaches with proven expertise in their disciplines.
How does your kids program benefit children?
Our youth programs teach self-discipline, respect, and personal safety while improving focus, physical coordination, and confidence through martial arts.
Videos
Reviews (4)
Duc Nguyen
Apr 04, 2021
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Such an awesome learning environment for everyone wanting to learn how to better themselves. I have my son in BJJ, Kickboxing, Wrestling and he loves it. The Professors teaching here have such a love for their craft and it shows in their rapport with the kids. You will NOT regret joining!
James Gilbert
Mar 24, 2021
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Great BJJ gym. The instruction is top notch with Professor Andre and Professor Kurt. The students have a positive mentality and look out for each other's safety. A++
Hector G. Rodriguez
Aug 17, 2020
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Me and my kids love it. We came with different levels of physical condition. We were able to adapt and they were realistic about each of our abilities. My youngest two never been to a gym and weren't sure if this was for them; and now they don't want to miss a day.
Kyndera Keithley
Sep 20, 2019
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Gracie Barra Champions has been such a blessing to the BJJ community in Houston. They undoubtedly hold themselves to the highest standard of comradery, respect and tradition. Professor Santos and Kurt always work hard to ensure that every level feels welcome and excited to train. I highly recommend this location to anyone looking to begin their Ju Jitsu journey, try MMA or take their skills to the next level. You will be pushed and supported in all of the highest ways possible. I am so very grateful to know these people. They have really done a wonderful job of creating a feeling of family in this
