Amazing staff, very professional. The professors are great and it’s definitely beneficial that they are world champions. It helps my kids strive to be disciplined. They really help push & develop new skills in the kids & it’s a very family friendly environment. We enrolled our son first, but seeing how great the professors were, our daughter wanted to join shortly after. Both professors are very patient with each kid’s individual needs.
First session at Gracie Barra the lead instructor Pedro demonstrated a choke on me and subsequently broke a bone in my neck, the Hyoid to be specific. Now difficult and uncomfortable to swallow properly. You’d think being a instructor/teacher they would be careful not to injure someone severely on their first day - now it’s a 6 month healing process for me to swallow and move my head normally.The only reason I am writing this is I had sent them a cordial email detailing what happened and asked they take it into account when training new students as I wouldn’t want this to happen to anyone else. But they never so much as sent me a response so I am posting this review. Don’t care much about the broken bone but the lack of communication is not professional
I had the opportunity to visit this school and to meet Prof. Pedro and Prof. Jessica. Despite them being World Champs, they were down to earth, nice and friendly. I really liked that they had a fundamentals class and a separate advance class going on at the same time. In the fundamentals, the instruction was focused on introductory level positions that followed a sequence that was easy to understand as a beginner... The gym has really nice mats and the locker rooms even had showers!.. I cant recommend this place enough!
So far I cant say good enough things about this place. The instructors are great with my kid. Hes shy and they one perfectly how to handle him to convince him to participate. So far, great place!
The instructor is very efficient at at explaining technique and correcting any minor detail in the students mistakes that can help them effectively land said technique in a fight or competition. The staff is very friendly and I felt at home even as just a visitor. If you want to learn high level jiu jitsu. This is the place.
I am not impressed. The reviews are a reflection of the owner pushing the students, in his cult like environment, to write positive reviews.I trained here when I was visiting from New York. I was mostly ignored. The instructors spend time on their cell phones, not actually teaching. During my time, I saw the instructor hug females and slide his hands to their backside. He is also know to have affairs with his students, married or not. One student confided in me, but she left the gym this week. Both her husband and kids also trained at this gym. The owner was removed from California for similar issues at a gym there.I would have posted sooner, but he only offered me a refund if I did not post. He has one of his students, who is also an attorney, threaten legal action when he is upset. However, his friend is not licensed in New York.The female instructor is also married, but has a new situation with one of the men in the kickboxing class.There is also a bullying factor if you do not go along with the majority. He pushed one of his own instructors out of his gym for a situation that appears to be slave labor. He has yelled at students, including the children. It is not a good environment for learning and upholding jiujitsu principals.Before falling for the World Champion pitch, check which belt level and the bracket for the competition. The only world champion status that matters is at black belt. He does not have this title at black belt.Do your research, dont rely on fake reviews. Not all gyms are equal.
This training facility is an absolute hidden gem. It is full of disciplined practitioners and highly awarded instructors. Not only is Professor Pedro Araujo a 4 time world champion, he is a master of the art of Gracie Barra BJJ, which makes him a highly effective teacher. He makes complex techniques and skills simple by breaking them down and sharing the key actions. Other things that are great about this place are the cleanliness, showers, and community. Everyone is supportive and friendly despite what you may think of a gym like this. I highly encourage anyone at any level to come give this place a try.
Awesome GB gym & it was great open mat, everyone was welcoming and helpful. The entire gym was clean & well kept and looked like a great place to workout everyday! The bleachers and kid friendly area near the mats was a great setup too!
Life-changing experience.
Been training here for over 3 years and I would HIGHLY recommend GB Heights to anyone. Great coaches and great atmosphere no matter if your interest is competing or you just want to learn and get fit. The gym and facilities are always clean and Im happy with how theyve handled the Covid-19 situation. I plan to train here for as long as I can!
My son has been going to Gracie Barra since it opened. We were looking for a sport that my 11 yr old son would actually want to partake in as we had tried other sports like football and baseball and he never really took a liking to. When he first started, he was not used to a lot of physical activity and his self confidence was not the best. At times he really had to push himself to finish the classes and would doubt whether he could keep doing the sport. Professor Pedro always encouraged him, kept pushing him to do more and reassured him that he could do the class and that it would get better. Within 6 months, his mindset had completely changed, had more energy and was excited to see that his whole physique had changed. He walks around with a self confidence that he had never had. It has now been 2 1/2 years, my kid is now 14, and in the adult classes. He makes sure to go to as many classes he can, has made great friends and has learned so much from Professor Pedro who he truly respects and admires. He is an instructor that has a lot of patience, is wonderful with kids and is truly passionate about what he does.
I have been taking the kickboxing classes with Sam for about a month and really enjoy it. The classes are structured so newcomers and advanced students can learn at the same time. The atmosphere is very friendly and encouraging. The cardio class will kick your a$$.
Friendly, clean, professional and just overall great establishment with reasonable pricing!!!!! From the moment we walked through the door the staff was awesome. We will continue to come here.
I have been attending Kickboxing and Muay Thai classes at Gracie Barra Heights for a few months now. Sam is a great coach who is very professional and knowledgeable about the sport. I have nothing but good things to say about the people I have met in the classes and how great the classes are. I highly recommend anyone to come try out any of the striking classes.
GB adapts to conditions and provides an engaging, high energy virtual class for kids. GB community shines through virtually. We miss coming to the gym, but we appreciate the huge effort and enthusiasm. Keep it up!
Ive been attending BJJ classes at Gracie Barra Heights for the past year, and Im extremely happy with coach team, both in the high quality of the clases, how they structure the curriculum and the class frequency. I would also like to stress how clean the gym is.
Professional and knowledgeable staff with a very clean facility with showers and a very friendly environment great for family and competitive grapplers
Both of my elementary-age children have attended classes here 4-5 days/week for over a year and a half, and they absolutely love it! The classes are challenging, and Professor Pedro has high expectations of his students. BUT he does a great job of recognizing that each kid is different, and all he asks is that they try their best. He and his staff are there to help with the technical aspects. My daughter has gained tremendous confidence in herself in all aspects of her life and continues to acquire skills that will serve her well in the future. My younger son has an outlet for his energy and appropriate awareness about the limits to how and when he uses his body. Both kids have made some great friends from the neighborhood as well. This is a direct result of Professor Pedros attention to the community that he is creating at the gym. He provides free Parents Night Out opportunities a few times a year and plans various holiday activities for kids and families also. Every time we go to class I have to drag my kids out of the gym, which in my opinion says a lot of good things about a place! Highly recommend!
Professor Pedro is a great instructor that takes the time to break down the techniques and ensures that everyone understands. If you have questions he is always willing to answer them and show you what you can do to improve. He is very patient with his students while still maintaining a high standard for them. A fantastic and clean gym. The gym even has a shower that is fully stocked with towels, soap, shampoo and conditioner. I enjoy training here every chance I get!
I had a great time on my visit to Gracie Barra heights. I was in town on business and dropped in to get some mat time. The team welcomed me in and I actually got to spend an hour with professor Edgard one on one. Again, excellent instruction from Gracie Barra and feels like family no matter where you go.
I love this place, Professor Pedro is an incredible instructor. I learn at a fast pace working with him and he is extremely detailed. The facility is beautiful and super clean! I highly recommend Gracie Barra Heights!
The atmosphere is friendly and inviting showing not only professionalism but also a fun and educational setting. Such a great experience.
Instructor and other students were welcoming and friendly. Made me feel as I was a member of the team even though I was a stranger passing through. Very glad I stopped in and would highly recommend as a nice place to train. Thanks again.
Kids classes are great, wonderful instructors and facility
Its a two-way street with a student growing and level of instruction matching the rate of advancment- this is a subtle, gradual, profound, and relative relationship between receiving instruction, learning and getting instruction thats just right for the student. No matter what we think we know having a beginners mind is key and this means taking whatever is available from each lesson, each day. There is always something more to learn at Gracie Barra.
Really good professional, nice recommendation.
I cannot praise this gym enough! Professor Pedro is so great with my children, he is very professional and very patient. There is such a wonderful atmosphere here and I can honestly say this gym has been a blessing. My children and my husband train here and they absolutely love it. Every single member of the staff here is attentive, knowledgeable, professional, and they all seem to genuinely care about everyone’s progress and well being. Best.Gym.Ever.
What a beautiful school! I had the pleasure to teach and train at Gracie Barra Heights and loved everything about it. Professor Pedro is amazing with the kids and put a lot of work into this place. Clean, safe, cozy and fun to be.
Amazing/clean facilities, world class instructors, ability to make lifelong friends, excellent workout! I have felt welcomed here from day 1 and would recommend this gym to anyone who wants to try something new, practice jiu jitsu, better themself, meet people, make friends! You might even learn a Portuguese word or two which is a bonus! Professor Pedro and his team are THE BEST!
I thought I was in good shape. Got my behind kicked in cardio kickboxing class. Loved it. Great place. Great people. Go try one of their classes. They will NOT disappoint. Thank you.
Choosing Gracie Barra Heights as my academy has been a blessing. Professor Pedro and Professor Ed are amazing instructors with World Champion knowledge. On the mats we receive complete attention from the beginning of training till the time we walk out the door. Nothing negative can be said about this gym or the Professors.
Our kids really enjoy the individual competition. The instructors are excellent and promote discipline and perseverance. The facility is really nice and clean and everyone there gives off a big family vibe.
Very welcoming and open environment. Clean and modern facilities. Great instruction by both Professor Pedro and Professor Ed.
Amazing staff and structure. The staff cares about you and takes your goals like its theirs. Structure provides us all the support. A perfect place for all different ages. I couldnt be more satisfied.
I signed up three weeks ago and have the utmost respect with gratitude to the coaches. The service and attention to better self-esteem, defense, and getting fit has improved tremendously. I can not wait to see the results in 90 days. The coaches show determination and push you to your full potential - regardless of age/size/sex. It is all about YOU! Thank you Gracie Barra Heights!
Professor Pedro is a highly technical athlete and knows exactly how to pass all his knowledge along to his students. Every time I’m in the area I make sure to save some time and learn from him. The students at the school are also very welcoming. Would recommend for sure.
Awesome first day. Everyone was welcoming. I was happy to give the other more knowledgeable students submission practice. Lol. Hopefully I won’t be a grappling dummy forever. Excellent workout for those tired of the same old mundane exercises.
Top notch instruction by top notch staff. Professor Pedro creates an environment that is family friendly as well as mentally and physically challenging. Highly recommend to anyone looking to change their life for the better!
An Excellent training facility. Also my daughter enjoys going there. She has learned alot and has made many new friends. I would definitely recommend this place.
Great gym with amenities that allow me to train at lunch and shower up, then go back to work.Professors and other students are top notch and respectful. Highly recommended!
Clean and inviting facility. Professional, knowledgeable and friendly staff. Great learning environment for children.
Awesome gym that is well kept. Owner and staff are professional. I have been there for over two years and everyone there great to be around! Would highly recommend!
I’ve been attending the strength and conditioning class since September and have seen been impressed with the staff and program! Always challenged by the class, and encouraged by the results I’ve seen. Would definitely recommend to anyone!
I only spent 2 months here, had to move due to work but this academy is awesome. Professor Pedro is a great teacher and super technical I wish I could continue. Every academy I go to now is measured up to the standard of GB Heights.
Professor Ed is a great teacher and a very nice person!
Competent teachers and excellent structure. Recently I moved from Brazil and was very well received at the gym. Place where discipline, loyalty, overcoming, courage and family feeling are nailed. Oss!!
Its a great exercise for our rambunctious 6 year old and the excercises that are used have also helped our daughter who was receiving physical therapy for 2 years be released after joining Gracie Barra Heights for 6 months.
This academy is the best to bring your child to teach him/her to focus and to have discipline apart from jiu jitsu. And Best to not give up on him/herself, because like Professor Pedro said, I will not give up on him. And that is was is important to a parent. Thank you guys for helping my son.
I am having the best experience in my life at this place.Competent teachers and excellent atmosphere. I strongly recommended this place !
Im so glad to find an instructor, Professor Pedro Araujo, who has been there and done that with his extensive and successful competition experience to guide and train me. Whether you are coming to get into shape, for self defense, or are a die hard competitor, you are gonna find superb facilities (one of the best if not THE best in the Houston area with shock absorbing flooring, showers, towel service, laundry service,) world class instruction, and coaching. The coaching staff is very friendly and professional, and they work very hard to make sure you get the most out of your experience here!
100% recommend this place! My husband, our 14 year old daughter and I attended the All Levels class in the middle of the day. We were welcomed warmly by Frank who answered our questions, signed us in, and set us up with gis. I feel very fortunate to have had Pedro as our instructor. This was my first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class and so I was definitely nervous. After Pedro demonstrated, everyone partnered up to practice the technique. My daughter and I worked together, taking turns arm barring each other. Since we are both novices, we went slowly, but it was challenging mentally and physically. While we were working, Pedro monitored all the pairs giving pointers to help individuals find success. From time to time, he stopped the entire class to point out what we are doing incorrectly and the small adjustments needed to complete the submission. He explained the details of each technique so well that even an inexperienced student like myself was able to successfully arm bar her opponent--which in my case was my daughter :D We also worked with other students in the class. The drills were challenging, but it moved so quickly that I forgot that I was rolling around on the mat with a stranger. Everyone is there to improve and to help others improve. We really enjoyed our first class and will be visiting again during our summer long stay in Houston.
The instructors at Gracie Barra care passionately about students development whatever ones experience or age, and are cutting edge experts bar none. It is a distinct pleasure to participate in this program and I would encourage any who are interested to come see for themselves.
Loved this place. So grateful that I was able to come train!
This gym has a very good structure. The professors, class schedules and location are very good as well. The environment is very friendly. Brazilian jiu jitsu and strength & conditioning classes are great. I really recommend this place.
I’ve been here for 2 years and absolutely love it!! Such an amazing coaching crew and nice facility!! I consider it my second home!!
I started at the gym almost two years ago. My intention was to get into shape and learn self defense. I’ve come away with much more. If you are willing to commit yourself to it, you will find Jiu Jitsu can enhance your quality of life. GB Heights is a great place to do it. Professor Pedro is not only a very accomplished competitor, but fantastic instructor. Can’t say enough....
My friends and I were visiting from out of state and had an awesome experience! Professor Pedro Araújo is an amazing instructor.
We have been attending classes regularly 3-5x week for the past year and a couple months for our now 5 year old. Meeting Professor Pedro was an accident that I am forever thankful for. Our son David was 4 when he entered the kids class. He has grown and developed physically and mentally this past year with the help of Professor Pedro. Pedro is a 4X World Champion and great with kids! If you want to push yourself and learn Jiu Jitsu in one of the cleanest gyms I have ever been in, this is your place. A special shout out to Sam. Sam trains a crossfit style kickboxing class. I attend his private classes where he challenges me to push further each time. I leave in a pile of sweat and sore the next day....and keep coming back for more. If you are ready to get fit- take a class from Sam or join a class he hosts. Youll be glad you did!
Great evening strength and conditioning class for all levels. Not intimidating atmosphere, but tough workout always and results are seen.
Well-equipped gym, friendly environment, high level of BJJ. Highly recommended.
This place is amazing! Professor Pedro is fantastic with the children. My, gradeschool aged, daughter has been going for over a year now and she absolutely loves her professors and has fallen in love with Jiu-Jitsu. Professor Pedro is calm yet stern and respectful with the children and they exude confidence and drive in his class! This place comes highly recommend if you are looking somewhere for your child to thrive and find themselves!
Love the kids classes here. My kids love it and the teachers are great even with my wild child boys.
Great place to train. Everyone has been friendly and helpful. Great place for adults and kids.
High quality techniques being taught in a friendly atmosphere.
I have been coming here for a month and absolutely love it. The hardest part was walking in the first day, after that I look forward to the next class even if my body isnt! Prof Araujo is accomplished and a great teacher. If you are thinking you may want to give BJJ a try but are too overweight/busy/insert excuse, dont think about it, just come in. I walked in with a nice sized beer gut and am steadily losing weight every week.
This place is greatMy son had a good and productive timeAll the instructors are very attentive
Absolutely adore this place, looking foward to signing up for BJJ at Gracie Barra. The heights location is full of wonderful kind people and are extremely accommodating to all fitness levels
I started bjj and had been training for about 3 months, but my game stopped improving. I attended a seminar here and, after witnessing the quality of instruction, signed up the next day. I have been steadily improving ever since my first day. Prof Araujo will definitely take your game to the next level!Awesome community in the gym as well.
Great academy. I worked there, best energy ever! Professor Pedro very nice guy, very technical, world bjj champion ! I recommend gracie barra heights 👊🏼👊🏼
Awesome professors (4x world champ) who are great teachers, great striking coach, nice people, clean mats & locker rooms. To quote the gym motto dont settle for average, dont join an average gym - if you have any interest in BJJ/Muay Thai/MMA this is where you need to be!Also, free Portuguese lessons while training!!
A great gym at a great location. Coach Sam is awesome and pays attention to each students technique in the kickboxing classed. Both BJJ professors are one of the best instructors I’ve had in my bjj journey. My knowledge in BJJ has definitely improved from my previous gym. Professor Pedro is passionate about BJJ and helps his students in ever way possible to improve their game. Overall a great gym.
Professor Pedro is an excellent instructor. He spends a lot of time perfecting his students’ technique and the results of his instruction are evident in the skill level of his students.
We love GB Heights! Professor Pedro is amazing with the kids, and they learn to master the fundamentals of jiu jitsu. Challenging workout for adults, too, and Pedro is always trying to improve his gym to make it the best experience for his clients. Goes the extra mile for his students and families to make them feel part of the GB community. I recommend for anyone looking to start their kids in a jiu jitsu program or if you are looking for yourself—it’s the best!
I’ve built my self up and never gave up I love it here but hard workouts
First and foremost when you enroll at GB Heights, not only are you joining a BJJ academy but you are becoming apart of a warm family. Number one hands down best Ju Jitsu Academy for adults and children. My family has attended this academy for almost two years. Professor Pedro and the rest of the GB Heights staff are amazing. The facility feels like a five star hotel compared to some of the other Ju Jitsu gyms I have visited in the past. The locker rooms are always clean. The men’s locker room has two showers with complimentary towels.My two young children attend this academy and Professor Pedro has done an amazing job with them. He brought out the confidence in my children. My children absolutely adore him. I highly respect Professor Pedro’s style of teaching the children. He is stern yet respectful and compassionate with them.The adult Ju Jitsu class is extraordinary. I have learned a great deal from my time here. As a beginner in BJJ I felt comfortable and accepted immediately at this academy. The fundamentals class is fun and informative.Aside from Ju Jitsu Professor Pedro goes above and beyond BJJ to help his students. Professor and the rest of GB heights staff take it upon themselves to host Parents night out events, Halloween and Christmas Parties. Professor even hosted our daughters Birthday Party at the Academy. My family is so grateful.Professor Pedro has stated numerous times that we the students at Gracie Barra Heights are his family and that is how my family feels about the GB Heights staff.
Very good place to start bjj journey, clean and nice.
Was visiting for one week, amazing atmosphere, great people and superb workout.
Highly recommend it to anyone looking for a top tier academy. Great instruction and a welcoming atmosphere.
Gb Heights has been an amazing experience, Professor Araujo is very knowledgeable and the community is very welcoming and a great place to learn. I am three months into this journey and very happy with my choice of coming to study under Professor Araujo.
In my opinion, Gracie Barra Heights is the best BJJ establishment in Houston. In all aspects professor Pedro maintains the highest standards all the time. In these crazy times of COVID pandemic he went far and beyond to provide all necessary measures to ensure safe training environment for all students: Face masks are required to enter the building, upon entrance students temperature is being checked. All students are provided with hand sanitizers. There is an option for non-contact class where students train with wrestling dummy’s. Remote online classes are available as well. After every class the mats in the room are being disinfected. It is really impressive to see such dedication to health and safety of the students. Professor Pedro treats his students as family!Gracie Barra Heights is a really great academy. Professors Pedro Araujo, Edgard Bortoletto and Jessica Flowers are doing a really outstanding job of not just creating a BJJ school, but building an extended family of people united by the common goal - the goal of becoming better versions of themselves through the power of jiu jitsu.Your trial class is free - you have nothing to loose. Do yourself a favor - just come and the only regret you are going to have: that you didnt come here sooner!
Taking up the practice of jiu-jitsu has been one of the best decisions of my life.Since I started a year and a half ago, I go to the gym at least three times per week, and I have gained fifteen pounds of muscle since I started.The professor at the gym, Pedro Araujo, gives excellent instruction and is devoted to the success of his students.I know that without the art aspect of jiu-jitsu I would not be able to get myself out the door to practice. But every day I am learning something new and growing with my teammates in knowledge and competence in the art.If you are the type of person who has a hard time exercising without a goal then jiu-jitsu may be just right for you. I highly recommend Gracie Barra Heights.
Incredible Experience - Absolute highest recommendation.
Great sense of community at this gym.
Learning every chance I get
Great community, great instructors!
Professional, welcoming, and patient.
Great instructors!
Pedro is the bomb!
Excellent gym, clean and with great teachers.
Professional teachers, pleasant environment, everything clean. I recommend it to everyone.
Excellent gym, I recommend everyone. Great professionals.