My daughter is 8 years old and She attends class 4x a week under Coach Marcus Chaves. All coaches are very patient within their teachings and practice the same core values. Very focused on teaching the kids how to gain self confidence, learn self defense, learn to develop respect and to feel respected.Each week I have noticed the strength within my daughter. Not only within her techniques, but an overall development within herself.I highly recommend this company. As mentioned, it is not just a business. But a lifestyle with a family oriented atmosphere.
Highly recommend! The sport itself builds camaraderie, instills humility and discipline, and gives you the confidence of personal self-defense out in the world.The staff is welcoming and laid back and has helped me grow better each and every class.
I’m 43 years old and finally took the plunge. WARNING: BJJ is addictive. If you go, you will be hooked.Professor Thiago is very skilled and communicates very well. Very cool guy. I’m taking private lessons from him as well as with the entire class. Don’t be worried if you are a beginner like me. You will learn! I’m really into it and I can’t recommend enough.
Extremely professional training and perfectly maintained gym makes this one of the best ways to improve overall health and increase stamina. Of course while learning crucial techniques to make sure you’re capable of defending yourself when needed. Highly recommend !
Professor Mendes is a great teacher and helps newcomers with the basics. Great place to make new friends and push yourself out of your comfort zone!
Im brand new to this art. But have experience in others. I know how a good school is run. I judge it in quality of the students, the expectations to put in work, the general attitude that permeates the place and the attention to detail without sacrificing the integration of flow. Add in a healthy observance of etiquette and respecting the training ground. Professor Mendes exemplifies and encourages all of this. Carlos Gracie SATX is cooperative movement to realization of empowerment. See you out there.
True Jiu Jitsu taught by a very knowledgeable professor. The people are amazing, very friendly, Its been the best investment Ive had in martial arts
Where to start ... Conveniently located with plenty of safe parking. I came towards the end of the youth/kids BJJ Class where I witnessed phenomenal instruction from a high level and very technical Purple belt and the Professor. They were able hold the youngsters attention while having fun and staying focused. I stayed & signed the acknowledgment wavier for the upcoming class and was greeted by the professor and his students as I stepped on the mats feeling welcomed to train. If you’re lookin to casually learn solid fundamentals as a hobbyist or looking to test your medal in a competition look no further...
I am a novice and the community made me feel welcome. Professor is very knowledgeable. Everything is nice and clean.
Carlson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is the best hands down. I tried many other school before but none were as welcoming and knowledgeable. I instantly felt a part of the team. I would definitely recommend anyone looking for a good BJJ school to give Carlson Gracie Jiu Jitsu a try.
I came from Carlson Gracie Miami, ended up in San Antonio with the military for two months. Professor Thiago and the entire team welcomed and received me with open heart even though I wouldnt be in town for too long. I was driving across town to make it to training, definitely worth it. Great classes and a great team, they are always down to roll hell yeah. Military & First responders supporter which is a big plus.
Good team, clean school, classic technique; good schedule and times. Everyone is friendly and welcoming. A couple black belts, and several colored belts--lots of experience. Oss!
Great group, academy, and professor.Highly recommend for anyone looking to compete or just wanted to train and learn a new skill.
My husband started Jiu-Jitsu at this school about 2 months ago when we just arrived to SA. He has been extremely happy there. Every night he gets home he talks about how much fun he had, the great people that teach him, and the owners high level of knowledge. I highly recommend this school!
Been training here since January. Professor Thiago is very knowledgeable and edifying. Since January from knowing nothing to now Ive learned so much useful realistic techniques and always look forward to the next training. I wouldnt go anywhere else in SA.
Best instructor, very clean. I’d roll here all day if I didn’t have to work.
When you come to Carlson Gracie BJJ you get everything you thought you would get. And so much more. Thiago is not only a wonderful instructor who will bring the best out of you on any given day. Even after class is over he still continues to instruct more with his students. OSS 🤙🏽
Great academy, very accommodating and welcoming of new students (regardless of skill level). A great team working together to build each other up and get better with each training session. Wide range of class times to accommodate anybodies schedule.
I have been to a lot of Jiu-Jitsu schools that are just businesses and nothing more; this is not one of them. The San Antonio Carlson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu team is a family and welcome newcomers of any skill level with open arms. I feel like Im already apart of the family in the short amount time I have been with these amazing people. I wouldnt recommend any other school. Come train with the best professor and the friendliest/deadliest athletes in the San Antonio area.
First and for most I want to thank professor Thiago for allowing me the chance to train at his academy as I was visiting from the Seattle Wa. Professor Thiago welcomed me with open arms and was extremely friendly. The first thing i noticed is how extremely organized and clean the facility was, I was impressed and at the same time reassured that all precautions were taken for cleanliness and sanitized (a big deal for anyone during the pandemic). My next observation was how the students interacted with one another along with a mutual respect regardless of belt color, this is apparent and a great reflection of professor Thiago’s leadership within his academy. I would recommend this gym to anyone thinking about wanting to start or continue their bjj journey without question. This Academy is creating something special in the San Antonio area! 🤛🏽Thank you again for your hospitalityRick zamora
Clean, team Atmosphere! Great place to learn from a Master!!
Carlson Gracie Jiu Jitsu has been a great addition to my life. the energy, enthusiasm and overall positive atmosphere is by far their greatest asset. The amount of talent they have is inspiring and despite that talent, the people are there to encourage growth and wisdom. Im glad I joined. Thiago Mendes is an inspiring professor and extremely humble and motivating.
This place has great environment and is awesome for anyone, especially a beginner like me.
What can I say, Carlson Gracie San Antonio welcomed me with open arms awesome knowledgeable Professor Thiago very helpful to all his students... If your looking for great jiujitsu gym dont past this chance up come by and check it out you wont regret it...Blessed to be at Carlson Gracie
Welcoming environment as a new member of the gym. Everyone is friendly and willing to help out whenever someone is struggling. The professor is extremely knowledgeable and more then willing to assist the members of the gym.
I joined along with two of my kids to pursue a hobby that had long interested me, and we couldn’t be happier with our choice in this gym. Kids have made new friends and are growing skills and discipline. I’m totally hooked on the new hobby and have made several new friends myself, plus I get a killer workout in the process. Prof Thiago takes training seriously and provides seasoned black belt level instruction, but also has a laid back personality and the culture in the gym is very relaxed. Professor and other members were quick to welcome me. The training partners are great. There is no ego, only good people who want to learn.Highly recommend this gym!
Great teamwork in a clean, fun and positive environment.
I joined this gym soon after it opened. I was excited to practice Jiu jitsu again. The location was also very convenient. I signed up online, agreeing to what I thought was a typical gym contract. I was very wrong. I will address later in the post. I met with the instructor who told me early morning classes and evening classes would be added to align with my schedule. That never happened. Classes were only mid-day and early afternoon. With the limited classes, I attended infrequently. After a few months, I then encountered some unexpected financial constraints. I communicated my issue with class times and my constraints to the instructor over email. He basically said “tough luck.” I needed to cancel and that’s when I was told that according to my contract, there was no cancellation policy. Yes, you read that correctly...they actually state in the contract that it cannot be canceled under any circumstances. I pleaded but to no avail. He then proceeded to charge my credit card nine times. Im assuming it was his way of collecting upfront. Luckily, my bank reversed this ridiculousness. Fast forward several months, he’s trying to collect $1500 via a debt collector and recently filed a small claims lawsuit. This guy doesn’t know how to run a business and it shows. I know he didn’t go downtown to file a claim only on me, so I wonder how many other people got duped by the “cancellation policy.” I respect him as an instructor, but as a business man he is far from professional.
My kids train here and they absolutely love it! It gives them something to look forward to every day to run around and get their energy out with their friends. It has already helped so much with their discipline and self confidence. Highly recommend!
I’ve been a student for a month, and I love how clean and sanitized the school and mats are. The professor is very professional and knowledgeable. He always demonstrates how the techniques are supposed to be executed. There are classes twice a day, which helps those that aren’t always able to attend evening classes. I really liked that I was able to attend a free class to try it out before joining, and it really sealed the deal. Really great school, professor and teammates!!
Highly recommend to anyone looking to train Jiu Jitsu. Professor Thiago is highly knowledgeable and attentive to everyone whether you’re a white belt or an experienced practitioner. Everyone is great and welcoming and they don’t hesitate to give constructive feedback.
The Brazilian Jiu Jitsu experience I have experienced at the Carlson Gracie gym is bar none.I entered the sport with approximately zero prior experience, alright, full disclosure, no previous experience; yet, it has already begun to transform my life. I only joined because my brother had already joined, and after extensive research claimed it was the best option in San Antonio.I showed up day one, not knowing what to expect and was immediately invited into the strong family culture of the gym. Despite, gasping and moaning at every warm-up exercise that my body had consistently rejected post high-school. My brother was re-assigned, and I decided to stick it out, which was no small feat given the amount athleticism I had sacrificed, in my perceived effort to excel at a desk job.Perhaps, the greatest irony, is that the more Jiu Jitsu I learned, the better my job performance!If you’d like to come out for the free trial day, then by all means do, but I strongly encourage potential new students to fully respect the culture that this particular gym has cultivated. A large number of white belts, mixed with a healthy number of higher level practitioners creates the perfect learning environment. While every member I’ve come across could easily submit a new student, the focus is not only on competition, but personal development. I think the saying goes, “ Talk softly, but carry a big stick”.Being the greatest gym in San Antonio is a real challenge, but with the number of home grown champions in this gym, the Carlson Gracie gym would put any other San Antonio jiu jitsu effort to shame!
This is a great place to learn, the atmosphere is great, the professor is amazing and intelegent, the people are great
After moving around and being out of jiu jitsu for a while, I decided to try a class here and was greeted by a great atmosphere and great people. Definitely some of the best training experience I’ve ever had. Super friendly and professional and definitely one of the best gyms in San Antonio. Proud to be a part of this family of warriors Thiago has built.
Well run school for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu regardless of your physical limitation or level of expertise. Most schools forget your name once you sign up, but not this place. The professor as well as your fellow practitioners have created more than a school of martial arts. It’s a place where you are part of a family. Your problems off the mat are just as important as on the mat because one effects the other. This is not Coba Kai.
Carlson Gracie San Antonio provides a challenging workout in an environment that’s welcoming for all people with any background. The instructor is very committed to his teachings and ensuring everyone understands each movement prior to moving on to the next lesson. Jiu Jitsu is one of, if not the best, full body workout that also provides you with a skill that may one day save you or someone else’s life. Proud to be a member of the Carlson Gracie legacy.
As a bjj black belt already and new to San Antonio area and after trying multiple academies, I did my research and all I needed was one class to catch the vibe and insturcuton to become part of the carlson gracie team 🤙🏽
Best bjj gym in San Antonio! Everyone is very welcoming and kind. No matter your experience, Professor Thiago is very patient and helpful in becoming a better student and person. Highly recommend everyone to come check out the gym.
I just started training a few months ago, and I know I found the best gym in town. It’s an honor to be apart of this close-knit family where everyone is treated with respect. Professor Thiago is our friend and mentor, and I recommend this gym to everyone looking for great instruction
Professor is top notch with PROVEN records. The community is awesome, very welcoming and always helpful. There are some warriors in here too and they will help sharpen you! Thankful to have found Carlson Gracie San Antonio
This place is awesome being new to jiujitsu and never practicing it since ive been here I’ve learned so much it’s a great work out everyone is so nice and understanding you never have to fear of getting hurt because al thought it’s a contact sport you can tell right away safety is their number 1 priority.
Amazing gym very new and clean, positive environment, lots of fun and great training
This academy is phenomenal. Ive been doung jiu jitsu for quite a while and the quality of instruction is world class. Professor Thiago is an incredible teacher and he cares about everyones development. The academy has an extremely welcoming atmosphere also. I can say that i am grateful to be part of the Carlson Gracie SA team.
Highly recommended for top tier Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Master Thiago is great!
Excellent gym to learn and train BJJ for all levels. The instructor works with everyone learning individual names and progress while keeping with the traditional values of family and respect. Positive attitudes from students, good communication concerning hours of operation etc, central location, and clean, open space with lots of room for training. Training schedule is consistent but flexible based on popular student demand and includes youth and all levels, gi and no gi, and open mat. I highly recommend this gym to anyone interested in learning or advancing in BJJ.
I have nothing but great things to say about this school! The professor is very experienced and has a great ability to teach people new to jiu jitsu. All the students I’ve met so far are great. Everyone is understanding of your skill level and will help you grow !Can’t wait to learn more
We absolutely love our Jiujitsu classes! My boy and girl learn so much more than martial arts here. Discipline. Camaraderie. Listening. Exercise.Thiago is firm but friendly.Great benefit to have Monday through Thursday available every week, to attend every (or any) day.Highly recommended.
Great value for a highly knowledgeable and patient instructor. I’ve been training here for almost a year and will definitely be renewing. I wouldn’t train anywhere else
The gym is awesome, clean with friendly people. The environment is welcoming, and Professor Mendes is extremely knowledgeable and pushes you to be your best.
It is rare to find an academy that is so welcoming and a Professor that works so hard to train and inspire his students. Professor Thiago is by far one of the best coaches and mentors I have had. He constantly pushes and builds his students up and has a positive and uplifting attitude every single day. It doesn’t matter if you have never set foot in a academy or if you’re an experienced martial artist; Professor Mendes and the team will make you feel like you’re part of the family. I’m proud to be a student @Carlson Gracie.
I love this gym and this family we’ve created. It’s affordable, brand new mats and new facility, always clean. Best gym in San Antonio.
Best gym I’ve trained at. Fantastic coaching and great atmosphere for improving your game — you get the vibe of strong competitors working alongside hobbyists in a supportive environment. Another plus is that the mats always seem super clean. Can’t recommend enough.
My daughter has been training here for 6+ months now and she loves it! Professor is great with the kids class
I have been training here for 2 months now. The owner/professor Thiago is invested in helping his students succeed and has helped me prepare to compete in my first tournament next month. Great place to learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Ive trained quite a bit of Jitz over the years. Professor Mendes really knows the nuances and makes sure his students do as well. Secondary to his skill, and almost just as important, is that the students are there to learn. I havent found a single person whos training with ego. The environment of the school is friendly, fun, and the school itself is super clean. I just enrolled my 7 year old. That says a lot about how much I trust Professor and the students. If youre looking to start or continue your training, theres no better place in this area.
Im a 48 year old veteran and joined this gym a few months ago as a beginner. Professor Thiago welcomed me with open arms from day one and has been my support and motivation ever since.
There are so many things I like about this bjj academy! Great parking. Just right mats. Plenty of pricing options. First class free. Super clean!! No big egos. Classic Carlson Gracie! Hobbyist or fighter youll like it!
Best Jiu Jitsu spot in San Antonio. Real work no Play Play! & very clean amidst pandemic ! Professor is great well 🤟🏽🤟🏽💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽
Carlson Gracie SA is awesome!!! Thiago is friendly and a great teacher that cares about you development. I have been looking for a school with a great family atmosphere and a passion for detailed grappling techniques and concepts. Thiago does a great job teaching techniques but also explains the principles of why they work. I was so impressed that I also signed up both of my kiddos!! Look no further you have found your home! OSS...…….
I joined Carlson Gracie about 2 months ago, and all I can do is wish I joined sooner! Professor is very knowledgeable and will bring the best out of you.The environment of the gym is friendly and welcoming!I feel no need to look for another instructor or gym for BJJ, Professor Thiago Is Quality Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.!
I am new to the area and wanted to continue under the Master Carlson Gracie banner, Carlson Gracie San Antonio did not disappoint. They have a very clean facility with showers, extremely well kept mats(and great matspace), wifi, and even a tv that plays grappling events. Prof. Thiago has a great team that I am glad to now be a part of. The students are just as eager to learn as he is to teach. Thank you CGT San Antonio for welcoming me into the fold.
My husband and I couldn’t have picked a better place to put our son in Jiu Jitsu. Everyone is very welcoming and professional! If you are looking to put your child in Jiu Jitsu this is the perfect place for them!
I’ve been training at Carlson Gracie San Antonio under Professor Thiago for almost a year. Immediately he and other members of the team were inviting, helpful and supportive. It’s a great place to learn and grow with an amazing group of people!
Great gym with incredible instruction and attention to detail. Quality Brazilian Jiu Jitsu from a super knowledgeable Professor. School is always immaculately clean and the whole team there is super nice to me as a new member.
Ive found my San Antonio jiu jitsu home! Professor has created an environment where if youre a beginner, hobbyist or competitor all are welcome and receive outstanding training! Everyone is friendly and respectful and egos are left outside the gym. come train!
Was recommended by a buddy of mine and already see it’s a Great BJJ gym whether you’re a hobbyist or competitor. Professor Mendes is a good dude and everyone encourages/pushes you to get better! Glad to have joined Carlson Gracie SA!
I went to Carlson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu for my free trial class, and signed up right after class. The gym is clean and really nice, with showers in the bathrooms. The other guys I trained with made me feel part of the team from the very start. Professor Mendes Is very knowledgeable, and runs a great gym.
Great place for beginners! The instructor is patient with his students and professional. Family oriented and a great place to grow!
Highly recommend everyone to check out the gym and join our team! It is a great environment with awesome people as well, from everyone on the team to our Professor Thiago. CG San Antonio has a lot of offer to everyone, no matter their experience level.
Highly recommend!! Awesome environment! and great patient teaching by Professor Thiago. Everyone is very welcoming and all there to learn, no matter the age or level.
I am new to the Carlson Gracie Gym but I feel like family already . Professor Mendes takes his time in explaining everything and also treats everyone with great respect!!!
Feel right at home !
Best place to roll in town!
Kids|Adults|Beginners Brazilian Jiu-JitsuFamily-orientedJudgment Free ZoneAnti-bullying and Self Defense programFirst class is Free 🎉
Highly recommend
Great night of training. I came in from out of town and everyone was super nice and welcoming.
I thoroughly enjoyed my first class, and I signed up for continual smoke sessions.The reasons why I chose Carlson Gracie over the multitude of other BJJ dojo’s in the San Antonio area was because its a fairly new gym with a BB Professor that is straight forward and willing to work with my disability. I also enjoyed the comradarie, and the grit.I would highly recommend Carlson Gracie BJJs to all that are willing to get after it.
I joined Monday and have attended three excellent classes ( two gi, one no-gi) I highly recommend this school. Professor Mendes is an amazing teacher, he makes sure you get it. The academy is top notch, and clean from top to bottom. After 40 years in the standup arts I knew BJJ was needed, I chose right in selecting Carlson Gracie BJJ. This school is ROCK SOLID !!!!
I have been searching for a jiu jitsu school for over a year here in San Antonio and have been disappointed to say the least. I came across Carlson Gracie recently and decided to sign up my kids and I couldn’t be any more satisfied. Professor Thiago provides top notch expertise and skills that I am highly impressed with. My family is beyond happy with the school and the professionalism.
Professor Thiago is an amazing and patient instructor. He works well with my two boys and offers a wealth of knowledge. I highly recommend this program for kids as well as adults!
In one short private lesson I learned more technique than in 6 mos of MMA training
Wonderful gym and welcoming environment. Professor Thiago is passionate about his craft and his students development. I highly recommend.
Awesome training environment. Outstanding instruction.
Great gym and great professor! I would recommend to anyone interested!
I’m honored to be apart of such a great legacy & historic lineage. Owner/Professor Thiago Mendes is a great mentor and a very detailed oriented instructor, just what you need to make your game strong and technical.
Highly recommend coming to train at Carlson Gracie jiu jitsu SA, its an honor to be a student of professor Mendes hes one of the most thorough and patient instructors Ive had the opportunity to learn from and genuinely wants to teach and have you be successful in training and competition. Everyone is very welcoming and willing to help, and most importantly this is a no politics gym where youre seen as just a number, everyone encourages each other to train and learn.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu roots / Self Defense
Couldn’t ask to train with a more awesome group of people.
Never have I trained BJJ before always been a fan and respected the art, so when finally deciding which gym to join I searched every BJJ gym within a 50 mile radius but when I found and did my research on Carlson Gracie the Lineage and meeting the Professor Thiago Mendes no other gym or Professor has been so welcoming patient and motivating then Thiago the only regret I have is not starting sooner.....osss!!
Carlson Gracie Jiu Jitsu: San Antonio Team is amazing. I’ve never trained in this beautiful art before but with the opportunity presented itself with Carlson’s I was welcomed in like family. This is truly a judgment free zone due to being overweight their daily workouts and routines have helped me see the bigger picture in life and helped me get back on track with losing weight. Professor Thiago Mendes is an amazing teacher, he explains everything very well and shows you step by step on the process of this beautiful art. Come on down to Carlson Gracie Jiu Jitsu San Antonio and learn first hand about this beautiful art and become one of the family the schedule is on the website as well as their rates. Hope to see y’all there! Osss!!
So recently I did a thing. Got back in to bjj training after being away from it for like 7 years. There were contributing factors on why I had to walk away from it. I was in a negative relationship. There was no communication in the gym. The rates per month went up like 20%. I rarely had seen the professor. When I did see him. He would scowl at my metal band shirts Id changed into after training. It was very unwelcoming. Fast forward seven years. To a few weeks ago. Just by chance I find a gym no open yet. The owner and I begin chatting. Being an experienced martial artist and fit nerd I decide to give this new gym a try. Something I hadnt experienced in the past was a Professor who is personable. Who turned out to be a great guy. He even welcomed me to the team specifically @carlsongraciejjsatx Its been a minute since I had worn a Gi. Im having a great time and I look forward to what is next. #warriorspirit #fightingback #nerdfit #pigfit #martialway #bushido #unconventionaltraining #bjj #mma #judo #juijitsu
Excellent team and legacy. Bulldog linage with a personal interest in his students.
Thiago is a patient and motivating professor, he truly loves BJJ and it shows through his training
Five stars
Excellent teamwork Mr. Mendez is very professional as is Coach Marcus, thanks for his work and the atmosphere with his teammates is very good.
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