# The MATS Jiu-Jitsu Academy > We do more than teach submissions, we build strong humans. Gi and No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu for kids ages 3 and up and adults, in North Richland Hills, TX. The MATS Jiu-Jitsu Academy is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy in North Richland Hills, TX. Address: 8701 N. Tarrant Parkway, Suite 100B, North Richland Hills, TX 76182 Phone: (682) 214-0094 Email: themats.academy@gmail.com ## Pages - [Home](https://themats.academy/): overview, schedule, coaches, FAQ, free first class booking - [Programs](https://themats.academy/programs/): every program with ages, class times and what to expect - [Hatchlings BJJ](https://themats.academy/programs/hatchlings/): Ages 3 to 4. Learning to Listen & Move - [Groms BJJ](https://themats.academy/programs/groms/): Ages 5 to 7. Where Little Kids Learn Big Lessons - [Younglings BJJ](https://themats.academy/programs/younglings/): Ages 8 to 13. Tough Kids. Big Growth. Real Skills. - [Adult BJJ](https://themats.academy/programs/adult-bjj/): All ages and levels. Come for the Technique. Stay for the People. - [Women's BJJ](https://themats.academy/programs/womens-bjj/): Women of all levels. Strength. Skill. Safety. Sisterhood. - [Open Mat](https://themats.academy/programs/open-mat/): Open to the community. An Open Invitation to Train - [Private Lessons](https://themats.academy/programs/private-lessons/): One-on-one and small groups. Go Deeper. Sharpen Faster. ## Weekly Schedule - Monday: 5:30 PM Younglings BJJ (Ages 8 to 13); 6:30 PM Adult BJJ - Tuesday: 8:00 AM Adult BJJ; 12:00 PM Adult BJJ; 5:30 PM Groms BJJ (Ages 5 to 7); 6:30 PM Adult BJJ - Wednesday: 5:00 PM Hatchlings BJJ (Ages 3 to 4); 5:30 PM Younglings BJJ (Ages 8 to 13); 6:30 PM Adult BJJ - Thursday: 8:00 AM Adult BJJ (No-Gi); 12:00 PM Adult BJJ (No-Gi); 5:30 PM Groms BJJ (Ages 5 to 7); 6:30 PM Adult BJJ (No-Gi) - Friday: 4:30 PM Chess; 5:30 PM Younglings BJJ (Ages 8 to 13); 6:30 PM Adult BJJ (No-Gi) - Saturday: 9:30 AM Hatchlings BJJ (Ages 3 to 4); 9:30 AM Kids Striking; 10:30 AM Adult Striking; 1:00 PM Foundations (No-Gi) - Sunday: 3:00 PM Open Mat ## Coaches - Coach James Cardo (Black Belt), head coach - Coach Megan (Purple Belt) ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is the difference between Gi and No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu? Gi Jiu-Jitsu is practiced in the traditional uniform, which is similar to a judo uniform but more fitted. You can use the fabric for grips, control, and submissions. No-Gi is practiced in a rash guard and grappling shorts, so the focus shifts to body positioning, movement, and grips on the body instead of fabric. We teach both because training in both formats builds a complete grappler. ### Do I need experience to start? No. Most people who walk through our doors have zero background in martial arts. Our coaches meet you where you are and help you grow from there. ### What should I wear and bring to my first class? Comfortable athletic clothing with no zippers, metal, or pockets, and a water bottle. Many students start in shorts and a T-shirt for their first class and build from there. ### What age can my child start? Kids can start as young as 3 years old in our Hatchlings program (ages 3 to 4). Groms is for ages 5 to 7, and Younglings is for ages 8 to 13. ### Do women train here? Absolutely. Our women train in all classes, from beginners to competitors. We take great care to keep the training environment respectful, clean, and supportive. ### What is open mat? Open mat is an unstructured session on Sundays at 3:00 PM. There is no lesson plan and no coach leading from the front. You choose your partners and what to work on. Bring both Gi and No-Gi gear. ### Can I take private lessons? Yes. We offer one-on-one and small group sessions with Coach Cardo or a coach of your choice, as a single session, a short series, or an ongoing supplement to classes. ## Free First Class Your first class is simple: we'll get you moving, show you the basics, and pair you up so you can learn by doing. No experience needed, no stress. Just step on the mat and we'll take care of the rest. Book at https://themats.academy/#trial