THE MATS | North Richland Hills BJJ

About The MATS Academy –
Our Mission & Team

Two people practice grappling on a mat; one person holds the other in a headlock position while both wear athletic clothing, showcasing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in North Richland Hills, Texas.

AT THE MATS

OUR MISSION

is to provide outstanding Jiu-Jitsu that builds resilient humans—on and off the mats. We envision a community where Jiu- Jitsu shapes the mind, body, and character of entire families, helping them grow resilient and become their best selves.

AT THE MATS

WE CULTIVATE

Skill. Confidence. Resilience. Growth. Respect.

Man in a white martial arts gi with a black belt stands confidently, hands gripping the collar. Emblem patches adorn the gi.

Coach Cardo

Originally from Garden City, NY, Coach began training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in February 2007 and has been on an incredible journey ever since. Along the way, he’s had the privilege of learning from some of the best in the world. He earned his purple belt under Romero “Jacare” Cavalcanti and Lucas Lepri, who instilled in him not only technical skill but also professionalism and a passion for coaching.

At Marcelo Garcia’s academy, Coach further developed his game with guidance from Paul Schreiner, Jonathan Satava, and Marcelo Garcia himself. Later, Dan Covel’s unique grappling perspective transformed his understanding of the art—and Coach is honored to be one of Covel’s first black belts.

For Coach, jiu jitsu has been more than just a martial art—it’s built resilience, shaped his mindset, and inspired him to open The Mats Academy. His goal is to share not only his grappling knowledge but also his background in strength and conditioning, exercise science, and performance psychology.

Beyond the mats, Coach is also a prenatal and pediatric nervous system-based chiropractor, helping children thrive through optimizing the brain-body connection. (Learn more at http://www.folctx.com).

Favorite submissions? In the gi, the classic cross collar choke. In no-gi, a tight darce.

A smiling coach wearing a black jiu-jitsu gi standing in front of a large sign that says 'THE MAT' Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy.

Coach Trevor

Originally from Chicago, Trevor made his way to Dallas in 2017 and found his passion for jiu jitsu a few years later, starting his training in March 2020. When he’s not on the mats, you’ll usually find him outside with his wife and son or out on the field playing soccer.

For Trevor, jiu jitsu is the ultimate lifelong challenge—there’s always something new to learn, refine, or improve. He loves how the art pushes people to their very core, building confidence, resilience, and determination along the way.

Coaching is especially meaningful to him because of jiu jitsu’s tradition of passing knowledge down from one generation to the next. Trevor enjoys sharing what he’s learned with those just starting their journey and watching students grow in skill and mindset.

And if you ask him about his favorite technique—any kind of triangle is at the top of his list!

A smiling woman coach in a black jiu-jitsu gi holding a purple belt, standing in a training studio with a white wall in the background, The Mats.

Coach Megan

Originally from Tampa, FL, Megan began her jiu jitsu journey in 2018 at Gracie Apollo Beach. Outside of training, she works with Fellowship of Israel Related Ministries.

For Megan, jiu jitsu is so much more than a workout—it’s a journey of growth. The art has taught her how to face failure, push through challenges, and break through mental blocks. On the mats and in life, jiu jitsu has given her the confidence to stand tall, keep moving forward, and fight through whatever comes her way.

As a coach, Megan loves guiding students not only in technique but also in building strength, resilience, and self-belief. She sees coaching as an opportunity to help people grow both physically and mentally, finding confidence that carries beyond the academy.

Her favorite techniques? Wrist locks and head-and-arm chokes—all day long!

Coach Oscar

Proudly from DFW with Honduran and Mexican roots, Oscar started training jiu jitsu about 2.5 years ago. Off the mats, you’ll often find him playing pickleball or sharpening his mind over a game of chess.

Jiu jitsu quickly became a passion because, to him, every roll feels like a chess match—strategic, challenging, and full of problem-solving. He loves the grind of training, knowing that while it can be tough in the moment, the results are always worth it.

As a coach, Oscar enjoys breaking down moves in a way that’s clear and accessible, aiming to leave a lasting mark on each student’s jiu jitsu journey.

Favorite submission? A darce, without a doubt.

Visit us

8701 N. Tarrant Parkway, Suite 100B
North Richland Hills, TX 76182

Phone

(817) 456-7890

THE MATS ACADEMY
A weekly schedule for a gym or martial arts school, detailing class times, days, and types of classes like Adult, Kids Striking, Foundations No Gi, Chess, Youngling, Grom, and Open Mat, along with age and equipment requirements.
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ADDRESS: 8701 N. Tarrant Pkwy, 100 North Richland Hills, TX 76182
PHONE 682-214-0094

Our Mission

Our mission is to provide outstanding Jiu-Jitsu that builds resilient humans, on and off the mats. We envision a community where Jiu- Jitsu shapes the mind, body, and character of entire families, helping them grow resilient and become their best selves.