Jiu Jitsu in Texas: A Rising Hub of Talent

Apart from Brazil itself, there are certain locations in the world which have become synonymous with world-class Jiu Jitsu. San Diego and New York are two such places. Over recent years, a strong competition scene has been developing in the Lone Star State of Texas, especially during the recent pandemic.

For the past decade, millions of people in America have been migrating to Texas for many reasons: job opportunities, a laissez-faire federal government, a lower cost of living with its low tax rates, and land being cheaper than other popular places in the US. Texas is also home to some of the biggest cities in America—Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio. Most notably for Jiu Jitsu fans, Joe Rogan, BJJ Black Belt, UFC commentator, comedian, and host of every grappler’s favourite podcast, moved to Texas for some of these very reasons.

Some of the best competitors in the world are based in Texas, with exciting talent being developed. Competitions such as Third Coast Grappling and Flograppling's WNO are based in Texas. With the current pandemic and restrictions across the rest of the USA, the IBJJF has been holding numerous events in Texas.

Austin – Brazilian Fight Factory

Headed by Rodrigo Cabral, a black belt under Leo Vieira, Brazilian Fight Factory is a Checkmate Affiliate in Austin, Texas. Rodrigo Cabral is an accomplished competitor, having won the Brazilian nationals and placing 2nd in the World at Masters 1. However, Rodrigo has been hugely successful in producing world-class talent, most notably Kody Steele and William Tackett. Kody Steele is a multiple-time silver medalist at NoGi Worlds and is a Combat Jiu Jitsu world champion. He has notable wins over Edwin Najmi and Alec Baulding. William Tackett has even more superfight wins, ranked 3rd in the world at 185 pounds. Despite being only 19 years of age, he has defeated notable black belts such as Tex Johnson, Felipe Andrew, Manuel Ribamar, and Andrew Wiltse, to name a few.

Houston – Gracie Barra Texas

Headed up by legendary coach Vinicius 'Draculino' Magalhaes, who himself has awarded over 100 black belts. Many come from around the world to learn from him at his school. Other coaches in his school include Brandon Mullins, known for his technical approach to Jiu Jitsu. He is also an accomplished competitor, being an IBJJF European Champion and World Nogi Champion. Other competitors based at Gracie Barra Texas include current IBJJF Pans champion Andressa Cintra and 2019 World silver medalist Lucas Valente.

San Antonio – Rodrigo Pinheiro Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Rodrigo Pinheiro is a World medalist and Brazilian national champion who has built his gym outside San Antonio for over a decade. Recently, two of the world’s premier grapplers moved to San Antonio to teach and train out of an affiliate: one of the top P4P female grapplers, Nathiely de Jesus, and European champion Manuel Ribamar. With those two heading up RPBJJ Boerne, even more world-class Jiu Jitsu has arrived in Texas.

Dallas – Progresso Academy

One of the newer academies on this list, Progresso is an academy run by the legendary European competitor Alexander Trans. Probably the most decorated competitor to come from Europe, Trans is a multiple-time Black Belt World Medalist, Pans Champion, along with European Champ. He recently won the Abu Dhabi King of Mats, where he submitted Roberto Cyborg in the final. The academy itself is purpose-built and is one of the best-looking academies on this list.