There are no shortcuts in learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, so you can’t waste any minute with the wrong techniques or unqualified instructors. Knowing that, Gracie Barra Texas offers highly trained and certified instructors teaching off an unique system of curriculums tailored for different ages and BJJ experience levels. From self-defense to competition training, from white belt to black belt, from 4 years old and older, Gracie Barra has your back.
6th Degree Black Belt
Professor Vinicius Draculino Magalhaes is the head instructor of Gracie Barra Texas and Gracie Barra – BH Schools. Prof. Draculino‘s personality, enthusiasm, integrity, charisma and leadership make the essence of GB Texas and GBBH and touch all those around him. A great competition background in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Submission Wrestling and MMA qualifies him as one of the best featherweight competitors in BJJ history. He holds many titles such as: a 4-time Pan American Champion, 1 time no gi pan American champion- 2008, 2 Times Brazilian national champion, 2 Times Silver medalist at the world BJJ championships, MMA lightweight champion in Brazil, Strike Force Feather weight Winner and Abu-Dhabi veteran.
Besides these titles held as a competitor and fighter, Professor Vinicius is considered one of the best instructors in the BJJ world. Among his students, you will find world champions, Pan Ams, national BJJ champions, more than 500 Black Belts, MMA and Grappling champions spread all over the World. Professor Vinicius is also a Lawyer in Brazil and graduated from the UFRJ (Federal University of Rio De Janeiro) which is one of the top three Law schools in the country.
With more than 30 years of teaching experience, he is a primary example of a man who is fully dedicating his life to his children, his wife, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Gracie Barra and its members. “I joined GB because some of my childhood friends were training there and I saw how confident, fit and brave they became.,” Draculino said. “The family atmosphere of the school was at is amazing. I have my blood family and my Gracie Barra family!
You can count that Professor Draculino will be by your side. This is a life long Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey and he is here to help in any way he can.
Professor Brandon Mullis boasts over 21 years of dedicated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training and earned his black belt in 2006. His journey began in the 8th grade when his father enrolled him in wrestling. After high school, he transitioned to Judo, eventually discovering Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu while attending college. In 2000, Professor Brandon’s path crossed with Professor Draculino at a seminar in Lubbock, TX, marking the start of a long and impactful relationship. He joined Gracie Barra Texas in 2010.
With a wealth of experience, Professor Brandon has taught, trained, and competed globally. Starting as a purple belt, he has accumulated over 15 years of teaching experience. His pursuit of excellence in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has taken him to Brazil and Japan, enriching his understanding of the art. Professor Brandon is a featured instructor in two Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructional DVD sets and has authored a technical book detailing the techniques and strategies from his competitive career.
As a committed lifelong student of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Professor Brandon is dedicated to mentoring students at Gracie Barra Texas, both on and off the mats. His passion lies in sharing the vast knowledge he has accumulated and assisting each student in reaching their personal goals.
Major Accomplishments at Black Belt:
– 2014 World Masters Champion (IBJJF)
– 2013 European Champion (IBJJF)
– 2011 No-Gi World Champion (IBJJF)
– 2010 No-Gi World Champion (IBJJF)
– 2010 U.S. Open Champion
– 2009 No-Gi Pan American Champion (IBJJF)
– 3x Texas State Champion
Professor Roberto “Berto” Rivas serves as the Head Instructor for Kids at Gracie Barra Texas and is a prominent figure within our school. With multiple IBJJF Houston Open titles and a victory in the Third Coast Grappling Super Fight at the Black Belt level, he has made a significant mark in the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community.
Roberto’s journey in Jiu-Jitsu began during his college years in 2010. After his very first class, he was captivated by the sport and committed to attending every session, despite the club’s limited schedule. His enthusiasm was so great that he soon introduced his younger brother, who was 16 at the time, to the art.
His connection to Gracie Barra was influenced by his first coach, Omar Sanchez, who had signed up at the local Gracie Barra in Webster. The welcoming atmosphere and the high level of training at Gracie Barra made Roberto feel at home instantly. The supportive yet challenging environment fostered his growth and solidified his dedication to Jiu-Jitsu.
Roberto joined Gracie Barra Texas as a front desk staff member, and within six months, he began assisting Professor Draculino with the kids’ classes. He is deeply grateful for his role, stating, “I am incredibly fortunate to have the position I have. Helping kids gain confidence, strength, and resiliency through this wonderful art we call Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is truly rewarding”
Professor Andressa Cintra began her Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey in 2010 at the age of 15 in a small city in southern Brazil. As the only girl on the mat at the time, she faced significant challenges, but her inherent athleticism and newfound discipline through Jiu-Jitsu transformed her life in remarkable ways.
Despite the initial difficulties, the rigorous training only fueled her passion for the sport. Professor Andressa’s dedication has since propelled her to become one of the leading female black belts in the world. Her impressive list of titles includes:
– 5x Adult Black Belt GI World Champion
– 2x Adult Black Belt No-Gi World Champion
– Pan American Champion (Adult Black Belt)
– 2x Black Belt Adult Brazilian National Champion
– 4x South American Champion (Color Belts)
– American National Champion (Adult Black Belt)
– And many more prestigious accolades
At Gracie Barra Texas, Professor Andressa brings her passion and expertise to both the adult and youth competition teams. She is committed to teaching and sharing the art of Jiu-Jitsu, which has profoundly impacted her life, with the next generation of practitioners.
Professor Lucas Valente’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey began as a child at Gracie Barra BH, Professor Draculino’s primary school in Brazil, influenced by his uncles who were long-time students of Draculino.
After a highly successful career as a colored belt, Lucas transitioned to coaching while continuing to excel on the mats. His dedication and skill led him to achieve black belt status in the USA, where he quickly rose to prominence in the lightweight division. Notably, he is recognized as one of the top-ranked black belts globally at the adult level. His competitive accolades include:
– No-Gi Adult Black Belt World Champion
– Gi Adult Black Belt Brazilian National Champion
– 3x Adult Black Belt Medalist (one silver, two bronze) at the IBJJF Gi World Championships
– 2x Adult Black Belt Medalist (one silver, one bronze) at the IBJJF Pan Ams Championships
In addition to his competitive achievements, Professor Lucas is deeply passionate about teaching. He has produced two highly successful BJJ instructional series with BJJ Fanatics, both of which have become best sellers. His commitment to the growth and development of students and teammates at Gracie Barra Texas is unwavering, as he strives to bring out the best in each individual every day.
Professor Ricardo Rivas began his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey at the age of 16. He and his brother would wrestle around the house without much knowledge of the art until his brother started taking classes at a local college. This initial exposure led them to enroll at Gracie Barra under Professor Draculino, where they dedicated themselves to training whenever possible. As their skills and commitment grew, so did their responsibilities within the school, gaining Professor Draculino’s trust and respect.
Ricardo reflects on his role, saying, “Being an instructor at this academy is a blessing. One of the best aspects is getting to know all of the students who continue to come through our doors.”
Main Accomplishments:
– IBJJF Pans No-Gi Medalist (2017)
– IBJJF Pans No-Gi Medalist (2018)
– Amateur MMA Record: 2 – 1
Professor Juliana de Lima Carneiro, known as “Ju Thai,” is a 2ndDegree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, a Muay Thai Kru under the legendary Kru Bob Perez, and a seasoned mixed martial artist. Her impressive career includes fights for top organizations such as the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), Invicta FC, Brasil Fight, and numerous other events.
Juliana began her professional MMA journey in 2010 in Brazil. During the initial three years of her career, she remained undefeated with a record of 5 wins and no losses. In addition to her success in MMA, she has competed in Muay Thai and Jiu-Jitsu tournaments, securing the Masters IBJJF Brown Belt Pan Ams title.
“My passion for teaching and the opportunity to share my knowledge and experience with others is incredibly rewarding,” says Juliana.
As the Head Muay Thai Instructor and GBF program Professor at Gracie Barra Texas, she has played a crucial role in the growth and development of the Muay Thai program at the school.
Professor Isai Cabrera is a first-degree black belt under Draculino with 15 years of training experience and a decade of teaching. His competitive accomplishments include multiple victories at the Houston Open across various belt levels, a runner-up position at the American Nationals, and an undefeated amateur MMA record. He currently holds a 2-1 professional MMA record.
As an instructor, Professor Isai teaches Gi BJJ, No-Gi BJJ, and MMA, catering to all levels and age groups. His diverse experience and dedication to the art make him a valuable asset to our team.
