Gracie Barra River Oaks Kids & Homeschool Jiu-Jitsu Programs
Gracie Barra River Oaks, 4310 Westheimer Rd #240, #240, Houston, TX 77027
About
Gracie Barra River Oaks Kids & Homeschool Jiu-Jitsu Programs offers Jiu-Jitsu, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, self-defense, and Homeschool Jiu-Jitsu for children and teens. The program takes place in a clean, spacious, world-class modern facility with lots of classes, including Kids and Homeschool Jiu-Jitsu options. Each class at Gracie Barra River Oaks is customized to offer maximum benefit for the students in attendance.
• Ages: 5–17 years old
• Schedule: Class options include an early morning class at 6 a.m.
The Kids’ jiu-jitsu classes are described as providing a safe and stimulating environment and are described as instilling discipline, focus, and physical fitness in a fun and supportive setting. The Homeschool Jiu-Jitsu Program is described as a complete option for kids and teens to build discipline, confidence, fitness, and self-defense skills in a safe, structured environment with professional coaching, and as being described as perfect for complementing homeschooling with physical activity and life skills. The academy offers structured programs for men, women, teens, and children, with classes available throughout the week to accommodate busy schedules, and students enjoy access to over 700 Gracie Barra schools worldwide, professional-quality Jiu-Jitsu gear, and online resources to further their training.
The programs are led by experienced, skilled, and passionate black belt instructors. The head Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor and owner is Professor Ulpiano Malachias, founder of Gracie Barra River Oaks / Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & Mixed Martial Arts. Ulpiano and the GBW team expanded to a new, larger 10,000 square foot location in the summer of 2016 to continue to grow the academy offerings and legacy for his students. Professor Ulpiano Malachias is a certified International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation referee and has served as a referee in countless IBJJF tournaments, including some widely watched finals.
Professor Ulpiano Malachias’ main achievements as an IBJJF black belt include: Asian Champion (2006); American National Champion weight division (2004, 2005, 2008); American National Champion Open Division black belt (2008); Pan American Championship Silver Medal (2010); Pan American Championship Bronze Medal (2011, 2005, 2004); World Nogi Bronze Medal black belt (2008); European Championship Bronze Medal (2007); European Championship Silver Medal (2009); Houston Open Champion (2013); Houston Open Silver Medal (2014); Houston Open Silver Medal Open Division (2014); Dallas Open Silver Medal (2011); Dallas Open Championship Bronze Medal (2013, 2014); and IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship Open 2022 Gold Medal.
Gracie Barra states that it is one of the most trusted names in martial arts today, and that its values, commitment to excellence, and dedication to Jiu-Jitsu have set it apart as a leader in the Rio Rancho martial arts community. Gracie Barra also states that it promotes a holistic perspective to Jiu-Jitsu, including physical and mental wellness.
Parents and students describe the facility and instruction in multiple Google reviews. One reviewer writes, “Best facility for ever! Both of my boys go here…best coaches that truly cares.” Another review describes it as an “Amazing place to learn and train BJJ! Clean, spacious facility with free valet parking and lots of classes (fundamental, advanced, Women’s, Kids, etc). And of course the instruction by Professor Ulpiano and the instructors is nothing short of world-class. Lots of individual attention given to all students, whether serious competitor or hobbyist.” Other reviewers describe the gym as “a safe space for everyone to learn bjj,” praise the “clean facilities and great coaches,” and call the instructors and facility “amazing.” One reviewer notes that it is a “World class gym with world class instructors” and mentions that this is Professor Ulpiano’s second location in Houston. Another reviewer highlights that “They have an early morning class at 6 a.m.” and calls it “A world-class modern facility with the best teachers of jiu-jitsu in the Houston area.”
Last updated July 23, 2026.
• Ages: 5–17 years old
• Schedule: Class options include an early morning class at 6 a.m.
The Kids’ jiu-jitsu classes are described as providing a safe and stimulating environment and are described as instilling discipline, focus, and physical fitness in a fun and supportive setting. The Homeschool Jiu-Jitsu Program is described as a complete option for kids and teens to build discipline, confidence, fitness, and self-defense skills in a safe, structured environment with professional coaching, and as being described as perfect for complementing homeschooling with physical activity and life skills. The academy offers structured programs for men, women, teens, and children, with classes available throughout the week to accommodate busy schedules, and students enjoy access to over 700 Gracie Barra schools worldwide, professional-quality Jiu-Jitsu gear, and online resources to further their training.
The programs are led by experienced, skilled, and passionate black belt instructors. The head Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor and owner is Professor Ulpiano Malachias, founder of Gracie Barra River Oaks / Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & Mixed Martial Arts. Ulpiano and the GBW team expanded to a new, larger 10,000 square foot location in the summer of 2016 to continue to grow the academy offerings and legacy for his students. Professor Ulpiano Malachias is a certified International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation referee and has served as a referee in countless IBJJF tournaments, including some widely watched finals.
Professor Ulpiano Malachias’ main achievements as an IBJJF black belt include: Asian Champion (2006); American National Champion weight division (2004, 2005, 2008); American National Champion Open Division black belt (2008); Pan American Championship Silver Medal (2010); Pan American Championship Bronze Medal (2011, 2005, 2004); World Nogi Bronze Medal black belt (2008); European Championship Bronze Medal (2007); European Championship Silver Medal (2009); Houston Open Champion (2013); Houston Open Silver Medal (2014); Houston Open Silver Medal Open Division (2014); Dallas Open Silver Medal (2011); Dallas Open Championship Bronze Medal (2013, 2014); and IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship Open 2022 Gold Medal.
Gracie Barra states that it is one of the most trusted names in martial arts today, and that its values, commitment to excellence, and dedication to Jiu-Jitsu have set it apart as a leader in the Rio Rancho martial arts community. Gracie Barra also states that it promotes a holistic perspective to Jiu-Jitsu, including physical and mental wellness.
Parents and students describe the facility and instruction in multiple Google reviews. One reviewer writes, “Best facility for ever! Both of my boys go here…best coaches that truly cares.” Another review describes it as an “Amazing place to learn and train BJJ! Clean, spacious facility with free valet parking and lots of classes (fundamental, advanced, Women’s, Kids, etc). And of course the instruction by Professor Ulpiano and the instructors is nothing short of world-class. Lots of individual attention given to all students, whether serious competitor or hobbyist.” Other reviewers describe the gym as “a safe space for everyone to learn bjj,” praise the “clean facilities and great coaches,” and call the instructors and facility “amazing.” One reviewer notes that it is a “World class gym with world class instructors” and mentions that this is Professor Ulpiano’s second location in Houston. Another reviewer highlights that “They have an early morning class at 6 a.m.” and calls it “A world-class modern facility with the best teachers of jiu-jitsu in the Houston area.”
Last updated July 23, 2026.
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