Our Academy

Our academy, is located in the DFW Metroplex and specializes in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Grapling and Movement. We prioritize creating a positive atmosphere that promotes learning, longevity, and excellence for every athlete. Our approach is centered around treating each athlete as a professional and striving for peak performance both on and off the mat. Jiu Jitsu is a powerful tool that trains the mind and body to stay present and overcome obstacles. 

The Difference

Our Jiu-Jitsu school is committed to instructing individuals of all ages and abilities in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), a art and self-defense system that originated in Brazil. BJJ emphasizes leverage and technique, allowing practitioners to overcome larger opponents through ground fighting and submission holds. Our supportive community is focused on building confidence and resilience through the development of skills. We prioritize the optimal physical performance and endurance of every athlete through our distinctive methodology. By utilizing our expertise in the biomechanics the body, its ability to adapt and overcome challenges, and mental resilience, we have developed a comprehensive training program for athletes. Our aim is to establish mobility and strength patterns that can be applied to any activity, both on and off the mats.

  • My journey in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has been incredible, and I've been fortunate to learn from some of the best in the industry. I received my purple belt from Romero "Jacare" Cavalcanti and Lucas Lepri, who taught me not only technical skills but also professionalism and coaching.  At Marcelo Garcia's academy, I continued to develop my unique game under the guidance of Paul Schreiner, Jonathan Satava, and Marcelo Garcia himself. Dan Covel's grappling perspective revolutionized my understanding, and I'm honored to be one of his first black belts. Jiu Jitsu has made me a resilient individual, and I opened The Mats to share my knowledge and experiences with others in grappling, strength and conditioning, exercise science, and performance psychology

  • During your first class, we will introduce you to our academy and our community. We do not separate our members based on their skill levels. Everyone trains together. Unlike other academies, we do not believe in establishing a hierarchy that can create a negative atmosphere. At The Mats, we emphasize mutual respect and responsibility towards each other. Our primary focus is to train hard and support our fellow grapplers. We aim to build confidence in our athletes so that they can treat all members, whether new or experienced, with the same level of professionalism and respect.

  • Remember to bring a bottle of water, a properly fitted mouthguard, and a clean rash guard or gi. For your first class, a pair of shorts and a T-shirt would be the perfect attire. If you already own a gi (uniform), you are welcome to bring it with you, or we have them available for purchase at the academy.

  • Absolutely! Brazilian Jiu Jitsu may be the best martial art for women because of its foundational premise to enable a smaller person to control and submit a larger and stronger person. We have women on the mat in every class, including highly accomplished competitors, and we are uncompromising in our commitment to providing the safest and best training environment for all of our female members.

  • Gi is a traditional uniform worn in Japanese martial arts, karate, judo and Japanese jiu jitsu. The BJJ Gi is a similar cut to the judo Gi but it is more fitted to the athletes body. No-Gi classes are conducted without a Gi and typically athletes wear a rash guard and board shorts like grappling specific shorts. We offer both Gi and no Gi classes.

  • The IBJJF has specific timeframes and standards for belt promotion. At The Mats, we adhere to high standards that are clear, measured, and purposeful, not solely based on grappling ability. We prioritize not only Jiu-Jitsu technique but also the development of athletes trained for lifelong fitness and longevity across all sports and pursuits.

  • No. Well, maybe. There is no striking (punching, kicking, or elbowing) in Jiu Jitsu, however, this is a physical sport so it is not uncommon that some part of your body at some point may come in contact with an aberrant knee, elbow, foot, or head. There is the possibility of contact, but not with the intent to do so.

  • At 5 years old! This is at the appropriate time physically and mentally to begin the foundations that are essential to jiu-jitsu.