The largest Gracie Barra location in the US hosted their belt ceremony today. It was an honor to watch the ceremony from Ulpiano who also owns another location at River Oaks area. They also celebrated their 13th year anniversary today with food from a chef who also does jujitsu and bakery items from Fun Bakery You can tell this jujitsu location has strong leadership with their large groups at these events and loyalty to Ulpiano to continue striving in jujitsu. read more

See all

For the past four years I've been going to this amazing workout place for kickboxing classes and jujitsu. If it wasn't for all the hard work determination and some really strong willed coaches I probably wouldn't be making my way to a brown belt in jujitsu. It's not all about competitions it's also about the camaraderie with my fellow workout partners and supporting each other as we try to level up If you're looking for a new place to train to get better and stronger or just to try some self-defense jujitsu or kickboxing moves, I highly recommend trying out Gracie Barra Westchase. read more

See all

Been to a handful of locations in the general Houston area. All the Gracie Barra facilities are great, but I believe this one is really up there. The instructors slow it down and teach you every detail that comes along with the sport of jiu jitsu. They are also highly competitive, so what better way to learn the sport when you have practically the whole gym taking parts in jiu jitsu competitions. From Ulpiano, Pedro, & Bruno they will all teach and help make you a better sport! read more

Lost 30+ pounds, building lifelong friendships with a diverse community, stronger physically, mentally and spiritually.

Everyone is super friendly and it's a great environment to be in. The professors and coaches are professional and truly want to see you get better. read more

World class Jiu Jitsu / Kickboxing / Wrestling / MMA instruction here! They have something for people of all ages. I've been training BJJ here for 18 months and both of my kids (6 yr old boy and 3 yr old girl) train BJJ here as well. My wife trains kickboxing and BJJ with Coach Servando and Coach Arezou and has made massive fitness gains with their help. I have lower back issues and the training partners and instructors here are super supportive and helpful. I've trained in both group and private class settings here and have never been disappointed. Some reviews say that they're expensive but their tuition is actually about average for a BJJ school. When you consider that the instructors here (Professor Ulpiano has over 25 years experience and is a 4th degree black belt - a rare find) have a lot more experience and credentials than the average BJJ school, they're actually a great deal. 5-stars. Highly recommended!! read more

My kids Joined Gracie Barra last year , the trainer there is good but the problem start when i tried to cancel my kids membership because i planned to move out of the state , i called the office & the ask me to fill a form & explain why i need to cancel their membership , i sent the form and explain to them that i moved to another state , two days later they charge me $272 for each kids which cost me $544 to cancel my kids membership. i called them again & the representative he didnt been helpful and professional that caused to create dispute through my bank about this charge and the escalate this through the creditor , after i wrote the review here in google i get a call from the professor the call ended when he said F- word to me and close the call from his side. The owner is just worried about money and not polite at all & the cancellation police is a joke , don't take your kids there, find another place for them , this place is fraud :( Update: see attached pictures if you don't believe me they charged me $544 and the escalate it the problem to the creditor to pay $634, just to cancel the kids membership , when i try to call the professor he used bad words and end the call. I do my best to communicate and respect but this what i get from them. sad story bad experience. read more

See all

Best decision (9/2020) I've made joining GB-WC. Professor Ulpiano, as well as the other professors, focus on elementary techniques to make you better amongst better competitors. First, you just gotta show up! read more

Top-Rated Jiujitsu School in Houston Texas. It has Excellent Leadership with Top Quality Intructors that are willing to help you grow and progress in your Journey. At first I was nervous , but I have to say GBW friendly staff made it easy for me to start my first class . Professor Ulpiano is the Owner and Head Instructor - He teaches in great detail. This school is for everyone , We have a Strong Team and you make friends for a lifetime. Very Positive Vibe !!!! The Facility is State of the Art using High Quality Disinfectant between classes. Jiujitsu is a Lifestyle !! Bardo Martinez read more

Very decent kickboxing and fist work concepts . They offer kickboxing !!! Check it out . I used a trail to attend for a month and left a few nuggets . Good fun people go here too..... and the kids classes here. They RASSSLERS here read more

My son has been going to Gracie Barra for about 2 weeks now and he loves it. It is a very nice place for children. the instructors really take their time to teach the children discipline and responsibilities. My son asks my everyday is it Monday yet! They have classes for children 3 days a week. They also offer adult classes and a kickboxing and martial arts class at their other gym next door. I wouldn't recommend this place to others. The prices are very expensive but the instructors are so personable. Thanks guys! read more

I have had many humbling experiences that have put a smile on my face. this is a place I can go into everyday and know that I will come out better than I came in. Not only in BJJ but as a person. read more

I take my nieces here every week. This place is so clean and new. Great lay out. I was impressed. I watched my nieces through a couple of classes and the teachers are very caring and attentive. Giving each student time and help during their training. I can see more student are joining and the class is double to triple the size it was before. Can't wait to see them in more classes and see what's to come. read more

Ok talk about intense! This place did a cardio kickboxing class and my friends and I had to try it out. Jeff was a great instructor and let us go at our own pace if necessary. He kept us motivated to do more. The drills weren't too complicated if you are new to kickboxing. The space itself is great. One side for kickboxing and another for jiu jitsu. The lockers and restrooms were clean and nice! Great deco for a gym! Haha read more

Great instruction, awesome/clean facility, very good mix of competitors and hobbyists.

This place has the best Açaí in town. Ulpiano is a great professor , he would give you the shirt off his back.

Tried out their Muay Thai and cardio kickboxing classes for a month. Half way through the trial I would have given them 2 stars, but they recently brought in a new Muay Thai trainer and he is fantastic! The old guy seemed uninterested and didn't do any real training or coaching. But I love the energy of their Muay Thai classes now. Paired with their always awesome cardio kickboxing classes and clean, modern facility (with showers), I definitely plan on joining. read more

Very friendly and technical jujitsu place. Once you come, they will welcome you and give you a trial class for free. Then you will find very detail oriented and systematic lessons from globally well known professors. And the students here!!! They have so many students, you can find all different levels of sparring partners. Come and Check it out!!! read more

Gracie Barra Westchase (GBW) is an outstanding martial arts and fitness option for all levels. Professor Ulpiano and the staff are world class people and instructors. The atmosphere created by the instructors, and training partners meets anyone's interests from professional, competition, fitness to recreational levels. GBW offers several classes on any given day, ranging from competition BJJ, Muay Thai, kick boxing cardio, kids, beginner and advanced Brazillian Jiu Jitsu. Give any of the beginner classes a try and I'm sure you'll enjoy yourself. I've seen a lot of lives changed positively at GBW over the past four years. The facilities, outstanding black belt instructors, and great people at GBW make for a fun and encouraging Martial Arts experience. Oss read more

Gym that I would never ever leave! I've tried other gyms in town and out of state but always coming back to Gracie Barra Westchase! This place is like second home, everyone is very supportive and friendly. Lots of Black Belts daily on the mats teaching and training together. Also, Kids programs are amazing if you are looking to get your child into martial arts. read more

World class instruction and facilities in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai and Wrestling, filled with world champions who feel more like extended family. My son has been there for 3 years now. Supportive, developmental environment. Honest, straightforward membership set-up with a freeze option. Can't I give 6 stars? read more

I started going here in November after I bought a Groupon for 10 sessions. The cardio kickboxing classes were so great, that I signed up for membership. The instructors are awesome and give you different routines to do, encourage and motivate you. It's an hour of non-stop workout. Classes are offered each day and it's a convenient location. I definitely encourage you to try the Groupon or a free class. While you can exercise alone at home or a fitness gym, it's not the same as exercising in a group with instructor. You work harder, learn new things and make friends. read more

We joined the school after trying another school previously. Our son is six and in the 2 months at Gracie Barra we have seen such an improvement in his attitude and jiu jitsu. 1. Instruction and instructors - for a guy who could tear your arm off Professor Ulpiano is very warm and kind. He understands how to teach children and somehow knows all the kid's names. He also pays attention to what is happening and one time when my son got into it with another boy in the line up he made sure to take them aside after the class was over and make them hug it out. There are always 3-5 instructors per class helping the kids learn the moves and practicing with them one on one to make sure they understand it. The instructors understand that kids may not have the best attention span and just showing them is not enough. 2. Facilities - Bright, new and clean. Plenty of light and space for the kids. Bathrooms and change rooms are also large and clean. 3. Schedule - he gets to go up to 3 times a week with Saturdays being heavily focused on one on one grappling. Times on the weekdays are a little later, giving parents a bit more time to get there. 4. Curriculum the school follows a standardized curriculum the reinforces concepts and techniques. Children are advanced based on their attendance and attendance is monitored. 5. intangibles - no belt test fees. great attitude fostered among the kids where they end every class with a group cheer, attitude is shared by all parents who clap and cheer for the kids at belt promotions and after they grapple. This school is much further away for us but we are glad we found it. Highly recommended. read more

I took a drop in class with my brother when we visited Houston and it was a fantastic class. It had a little bit of everything, good warm up, stretching and nice work. The coach (I forget his name) held pads for me for a bit and it was magic. Coming from NYC, it's so nice to see a big gym that was so clean and well set up. I hope I'll get the chance to take another class when I go to Houston again. read more

Gracie Barra Westchase is an amazing martial arts and fitness gym for everyone. I have wanted to get back into competitive sports ever since I stopped in college. One of my friends was able to convince me to give Brazilian Jiu jitsu a try. They gave out a free week to try out there Brazilian Jiu jitsu adult class. They currently provide other classes and programs like Brazilian Jiu jitsu (Gi, no Gi) for adults and kids, Muay Thai training, cardio Kickboxing, wrestling, and women's self-defense classes. They have a full schedule of al these classes Monday through Saturday. From the minute I walked into the gym I was greeted and felt welcomed by multiple staff and the professors that teach the classes. I was given a loaner gi for the class and was shown what I needed to do to start. Once the class started, they had a higher belt guide me through warmups and after we started more in-depth learning, again they partnered me up with a higher belt. I felt that they wanted to help the lower belts and the newcomers. I cannot remember the last time that I had worked out that hard. Everyone that was there was very encouraging and help push others around me and myself to keep working hard and not give up during the class when things were getting hard. It felt amazing after the class was over, I knew I was coming back again. After the first class was over, I spoke with the staff again and they were able to explain every detail that a membership would provide and all the payment details. I signed up right then and there. Yes, the class may be a little expensive for some people. But I think with everything you can get from the cost of the membership that it is well worth the price. The gym is definitely top notch. Clean gym, changing rooms for men and women. The front entrance area provides seating and there are also bleachers along the side for parents to watch their kids as they have class. The mixed martial arts area is behind the Brazilian Jiu jitsu area with clean and great condition of equipment. Professor Ulpiano, Professor Inacio, and Professor Reuben are great teachers an amazing front-desk staff and they answered all my questions and concerns that I had. Since I started, every class has proven that the training partners and other have helped me learn a ton, it really goes to show the kind of the people that go to this gym. It shows that this isn't just a gym but a family that trains together and wants everyone to become better. My experiences at Gracie Barra Westchase shows that not only am I getting quality training in multiple martial arts like Brazilian Jiu jitsu and wrestling or Muay Thai but getting to learn from others grow as a person to better myself. I believe that I have been forever changed for going in that faithful first day and now I'm going on two years and can't wait for class everyday after work. If I have any advise for anyone looking to improve their health, wanting to learn something new, wanting to get back into fighting shape then I cant express it enough how much I would want you to try Gracie Barra Westchase. read more

Great community with very friendly and knowledgeable staff ready to help you to the next level!

My Fiance and I went to the Cardio Kickboxing class thru Classpass. We both got butt kicked but loved the class! This place is very professional and you can tell people in there are very seriouse about what they are doing. The studio is clean and nice. We will definitely go back!! read more

After almost a year at GB, I had really good experience learning jiu jitsu, but they don't know how to be professional when you need to cancel your membership. read more

I took Muay Thai classes here for about six months . During that time, there 3 instructors changes making it very difficult to learn the basics (since they are teaching completely techniques without any hand off between the instructors). When I went to cancel my membership due to increase in work and school, they encouraged me to freeze my account instead with a promise of a credit whether I choose to cancel or renew at a later date. When I return to cancel after the account being auto renewed, they refused to provide the credit as promised and I had to pay 3 months of unused membership. Keep in mind they require 2 months of additional membership to cancel, so be sure to add that into the total cost when you sign up! read more

My family couldn't be happier with our choice! Late 2012 we were on a search for a new martial arts academy after the one my kids had attended closed their doors. We tried one academy for 2 month and were EXTREMELY disappointed. Then we were referred to Gracie Barra- Westchase and we have been enrolled ever since. My boys (6 and 7 years) now have found a mentor in their coaches and learn about anti-bullying. We feel loved, appreciated and cared for at GB- Westchase. We are family now! read more

Four months later my son and husband both still love it. My boy just turned four and is discovering new skills and a LOT of pride. He enjoys learning therefore he is listening and even practicing his skills outside of class. I don't know many institutions that can motivate a four year old to "train" like that. Thanks Ulpiano and team! read more

Great place to train in jiu jitsu! Professor Ulpiano and Professor Inacio are great instructors and are very good at pointing out the details in the techniques/drills. Give it a try! read more

Just started here a few weeks ago and so far I'm loving it! Love the multiple class times and the instructors are great!!!

I've recently returned to GB after a month long hiatus and I was reminded of why I continue to come to this gym. I tried out a cardio class in January with a Groupon and met Oss and survived his class. I then joined as regular for Muay Thai working with Ali Salami and number of students who genuinely enjoyed the workout, the environment and the people. The place is cleaned frequently and you get used to the smell of hard work after a few visits. Changing room is decent, plenty of mat space and each coach had their own music style for workouts; it is never loud and gets you pumped. The staff is awesome including the coaches and guests who have piloted a class. Servando is extremely helpful and he along with the other coaches truly care about the people who walk through the door. It's family. I've only participated in cardio and MT, watched a few wrestling classes and BJJ, but I'm sticking to what I know. They recently started a kids' class for muay Thai and this is truly a place for you , young or old if you have a goal to achieve, whether it is fitness, preparing for a fight, or just needing some self discipline and stress relief. Show up prepared for class, be nice, be willing to sweat and you've found yourself a home, not a gym. Note: no water fountains, only vending machine. They also offer a free class for first time people just call ahead and parking can get crazy on weekends because of The Egg and I, but you rarely circle for more than a few minute. read more

Both of my sons go here for kickboxing and Brazilian ju jutsu and they have both gotten very good here, they have classes mostly everyday and from 5 to 6. They also have great coaches and professors . I would highly recommend Gracie Barra! read more

One of the best schools in Houston, great instructors, and great classmates. No Mat bullies here, everyone is very friendly and understanding to newcomers. They have a very flexible schedule which gives you no excuses to not make it to class. read more

The environment is very warm, supportive and encouraging, the coaches are amazing and my kids feel they are supported to learn, overcome their challenges and have fun! We are happy :) read more

I have been practicing and competing in BJJ and MMA for over 10 years and I have trained at several schools due to moving for my career. There are BIG differences in schools and very few have the number, level, and variety of students/classes that GB Westchase has. They have patient, interactive, and positive instructors for the kids' classes. They have a high level of discipline and structure not found in a lot of BJJ schools. Also, my daughter has started training here and she loves it. The cost is VERY reasonable and you get access to not only GB Westchase but Gracie Barra schools all over! I choose to pass 2 other BJJ schools and go to GB Westchase - it's that good! read more

I've been training here in BJJ for a couple of years and I believe that we have some of the best coaches in Houston! I'm looking forward to continuing my training for years to come! read more

I can't say enough nice things about this place. I always wanted to try something like this but was too afraid to try. In mid-May I went in to check the place out and met Coach Arezou. She was awesome! She told me what I needed to do and how much everything was and really sold me on it. I left and went to a conference that next week, but I couldn't get Gracie Barra out of my head and decided while I was out of town to take the plunge and do it. I went back on a Friday morning where I met Niles and he, too, was just amazing. I had my free class that very day with Professor Reuben. I had never had anything kick my butt like that class. I was exhausted. I was worked out like I had never been worked out before. But I felt AMAZING. I wanted more. That's the thing about this martial art. It'll push you to the limit and wear you out, but your mind and spirit want you to get back on that mat because there is just so much to learn. I signed up that day. Professor Ulpiano, Professor Inacio, and Professor Reuben are amazing teachers who push you to get better. Coach Arezou (who teaches at the school) Niles, and Coach Servando (who also teaches at the school) are an amazing front-desk staff and answer every single question and concern that I have. The training partners are a godsend and have really helped me along this early part of my Jiu Jitsu journey. I could go on and on, but I will say this. The highlight of my day is going to GB Westchase to train. I've been doing it for a month now and I have a new confidence about myself, I have more energy, I have already lost 12 pounds, and I feel amazing. I can't wait until my daughter gets old enough to start training. Do yourself and favor and give this wonderful school a try. You won't regret it. read more