How GB Texas Became the Top 1 Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Texas

The Turning Point: Master Draculino’s Arrival in 2008

Before 2008, Jiu-Jitsu in Texas was still in its developmental stages. There was undeniable passion, but it often lacked the professional structure and direct technical lineage from the original sources in Brazil.

This changed drastically when Master Draculino—now a 7th Degree Coral Belt and already established as one of the greatest champion-makers in the world (having built the GB empire in Belo Horizonte, Brazil)—decided to bring Gracie Barra to Texas.

He didn’t just open a neighborhood gym; he established the Gracie Barra Headquarters in the state. His arrival immediately elevated the standard of instruction, introducing a professional methodology, structured curriculums for all ages, and a level of technical detail that the region had rarely seen before.

Elevating the Standard of the Entire State

The presence of Gracie Barra Texas created a positive ripple effect across the state. As a leading academy in the region, we pioneered several fronts that helped popularize the sport:

• Professionalizing Instruction: We proved that Jiu-Jitsu is for everyone. We were among the first to implement structured classes for children starting at 4 years old (Little Champions), exclusive self-defense programs for women, and classes tailored for adult beginners, removing the stigma that Jiu-Jitsu was only for “fighters.”

• A Breeding Ground for Champions and Professors: The mats at GB Texas in Webster became a magnet for talent. Under Master Draculino’s guidance, the academy developed and attracted elite athletes, culminating in our current team of instructors featuring multiple Adult Black Belt World Champions (such as Lucas Valente, Andressa Cintra, and Brandon Mullins). Many of the successful academy owners today took their first steps or refined their game right here.

• Supporting Law Enforcement: Since 2008, Gracie Barra Texas has taken on the responsibility of training our local heroes. Our ongoing work with police officers, firefighters, and military personnel has helped showcase the effectiveness of Jiu-Jitsu for real-world control and safety.

Beyond Jiu-Jitsu: Elite Muay Thai Infrastructure

While our roots are deeply embedded in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, our vision for martial arts excellence does not stop at grappling. We understand that a complete martial artist also benefits from elite striking skills.

That is why Gracie Barra Texas is also home to a world-class Muay Thai program. We have spared no expense to build what is widely recognized as one of the best Muay Thai facility infrastructures in the country. With professional-grade heavy bags, expansive striking areas, and top-tier conditioning equipment, our students learn the “art of eight limbs” in an environment that rivals top professional training camps, all under the same roof as our legendary Jiu-Jitsu program.

What Makes Gracie Barra Texas Stand Out?

Many academies offer great training, but Gracie Barra Texas is consistently recognized as one of the premier academies in Houston and Texas for undeniable reasons:

1. Unmatched Leadership on the Mat: We are uniquely positioned in the region by being led daily by a Coral Belt Master. The opportunity to learn directly from a living legend of the sport is a rare privilege.

2. Proven Results (Over 18 Years): From day one in 2008, our team has accumulated countless titles in the world’s biggest tournaments (IBJJF, UFC BJJ), both in the youth divisions and at the highest adult professional level.

3. A World-Class Facility: Between our massive grappling mats and our elite Muay Thai structure, we offer safety, impeccable hygiene, and one of the most professional environments for both families and high-performance athletes.

4. An Unbreakable Community: More than medals, our true legacy is our impact on the community. We have transformed thousands of lives in Webster, League City, and Houston, helping students build confidence, improve their health, and form lasting friendships.