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Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training at Gracie Barra Alamo Heights
First Class Free

Discover Your Strength.

Alamo Heights families train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with two expert black belt instructors. Your first class is free.

Two Black Belt Instructors 5.0★ · 30 Google Reviews 1,000+ Schools Worldwide Ages 3 to Adult
5 Google Rating
30+ Google Reviews
2026 Established
1,000++ Schools Worldwide

Why Gracie Barra

Two Black Belt Founders

Professors Zaza and Edgar both earned their black belts under Master Tussa Alencar. Over 30 years of combined mat time — you're learning from instructors who've dedicated their lives to this art.

Built for Alamo Heights Families

From Tiny Champions at age 3 through adult evening classes, our programs fit the rhythms of Alamo Heights family life. After-school kids' sessions. Evening adult training. Saturday morning for everyone.

The Proven GB System

The same structured curriculum taught in over 1,000 Gracie Barra schools worldwide. Real progression — every class builds on the last, from your first Fundamentals session through advanced training.

Founding Members Welcome

Brand-new school, established standards. Join while the mats are fresh — small classes, direct attention from both black belt founders, and a community being built one family at a time.

About GB Alamo Heights

“After 15 years on the mats under Master Tussa Alencar, I knew it was time to build something of my own. When I found this space on Austin Highway in Alamo Heights, I saw more than a building — I saw a place where families could discover the same discipline, confidence, and community that Jiu-Jitsu gave me. Together with Professor Zaza, we opened Gracie Barra Alamo Heights to bring the Gracie Barra curriculum to one of San Antonio's most special neighborhoods.”

— Professor Edgar, Founder

Located on Austin Highway in Alamo Heights, Gracie Barra Alamo Heights brings the proven Gracie Barra curriculum to one of San Antonio's most vibrant communities. Steps from Brackenridge Park and the Broadway corridor, our academy serves families across Alamo Heights, Terrell Hills, Olmos Park, Monte Vista, and the Pearl District.

Founded by Professor Edgar and co-founded by Professor Zaza — both black belts under the legendary Roberto 'Tussa' Alencar — our academy combines over 30 years of competition and teaching experience with the proven Gracie Barra curriculum. As part of a network spanning 1,000+ schools across 50+ countries, our students access the most structured, consistent BJJ methodology in the world. Every class builds on the last, from your child's first Tiny Champions session through advanced adult training.

Our programs are built for the 78209 community: youth classes designed to complement the AHISD academic calendar, adult programs for professionals who want serious training with respectful culture, and self-defense courses grounded in real technique. Whether your child needs confidence and focus, or you're a complete beginner curious about the sport, you'll find a welcoming mat and serious instruction.

Alamo Heights families choose Gracie Barra for the same reason families in over 1,000 cities worldwide do: a structured path from white belt to black belt, taught by certified instructors who treat every student like family. Your first class is always free — come see what makes Gracie Barra different.

Gracie Barra Alamo Heights community training together

Class Schedule

Adult BJJ
Kids BJJ
No-Gi
Self Defense
Monday 3 classes
4:45 PM
Little Champions 1 (Ages 5-6)
Kids BJJ
5:30 PM
Little Champions 2 & Juniors (Ages 7-12)
Kids BJJ
6:30 PM
GB1 Adult & Teen All Levels
Adult BJJ
Tuesday 3 classes
4:45 PM
Tiny Champions (Ages 3-4)
Kids BJJ
5:30 PM
Little Champions 2 & Juniors (Ages 7-12)
Kids BJJ
6:30 PM
GB1 Adult & Teen All Levels
Adult BJJ
Wednesday 3 classes
4:45 PM
Little Champions 1 (Ages 5-6)
Kids BJJ
5:30 PM
Kids No-Gi (Ages 7-12)
No-Gi
6:30 PM
GB1 Adult & Teen All Levels
Adult BJJ
Thursday 3 classes
4:45 PM
Tiny Champions (Ages 3-4)
Kids BJJ
5:30 PM
Little Champions 2 & Juniors (Ages 7-12)
Kids BJJ
6:30 PM
GB1 Adult & Teen All Levels
Adult BJJ
Friday 3 classes
4:45 PM
Tiny Champions & Little Champions 1 (Ages 3-6)
Kids BJJ
5:30 PM
Little Champions 2 & Juniors (Ages 7-12)
Kids BJJ
6:30 PM
GB1 Adult & Teen All Levels
Adult BJJ
Saturday 2 classes
9:00 AM
Little Champions 1 & Juniors (Ages 5-12)
Kids BJJ
10:00 AM
GB1 Adult & Teen All Levels
Adult BJJ
Sunday Closed

Our Team

Meet Your Instructors

Professor Zaza, Black Belt 2nd Degree at Gracie Barra Alamo Heights
Head Instructor

Professor Zaza

Black Belt 2nd Degree

2nd Degree Black Belt under Roberto 'Tussa' Alencar, 18 years BJJ experience

Professor Zaza brings 18 years of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu experience to every class at Gracie Barra Alamo Heights. A 2nd-degree black belt under Roberto 'Tussa' Alencar, he co-founded GB Alamo Heights to open a dedicated Gracie Barra academy for San Antonio's 78209 community. Known for his balance of discipline and encouragement, Professor Zaza creates an environment where both kids and adults thrive — whether it's their first day or their thousandth.

Professor Edgar, Black Belt 1st Degree at Gracie Barra Alamo Heights

Professor Edgar

Black Belt 1st Degree

Founder

1st Degree Black Belt under Roberto 'Tussa' Alencar, 15 years BJJ experience

Professor Edgar founded Gracie Barra Alamo Heights after 15 years dedicating his life to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. A 1st-degree black belt under Master Roberto 'Tussa' Alencar, Professor Edgar brings technical precision and a genuine passion for teaching to every session. His vision: a place where Alamo Heights families can discover the discipline, confidence, and community that Jiu-Jitsu builds.

Our Students

What They Say

“My daughter recently started jiu-jitsu classes at Gracie Barra Alamo Heights, and the experience has been great so far. The instructors have been amazing with her, very patient, attentive, and encouraging as she learns. They take the time to work with each student, which really shows in how comfortable and confident she feels. The environment is very supportive and welcoming, especially for kids who are just starting out. My daughter genuinely looks forward to her classes and is excited to keep going. I'm really happy we chose this place and would definitely recommend it to other families.”

Janice Torres

Google Review

“If you're looking for a great place to start your Jiu-Jitsu journey there's no better school. Great environment, great instruction and great community. The energy and environment is perfect for beginners and more advanced students. The coaches accumulated have over 50 years of experience training and decades worth of teaching. The kid classes are structured to ensure a safe and fun environment for all ages and all levels of athletic abilities. Stop by and try a class or two meet the team and meet the students and see how well you'll fit.”

Benito Almaguer

Google Review

“Outstanding instructors. Whether the class size is big or small, kids or adults, they keep the energy up and motivating and fun. Can't wait for more class times to become available. For now, definitely worth coming in the late afternoons and evenings until then!”

Maya Dita

Google Review

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and who is it for?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a grappling-based martial art that uses leverage, positioning, and technique to control or submit an opponent — regardless of size or strength. At Gracie Barra Alamo Heights, we train adults, kids as young as 3, and women looking for practical self-defense. No prior experience is needed. The Gracie Barra curriculum is structured so that complete beginners learn alongside experienced practitioners in a safe, controlled environment.
What should I expect at my first class?
Arrive about 10 to 15 minutes early at 1464 Austin Hwy, Suite 100, San Antonio. The front desk will get you checked in and answer any questions. Wear comfortable athletic clothing — shorts or sweatpants and a t-shirt. Professor Zaza or one of the coaches will walk you through a warm-up, demonstrate techniques step by step, and pair you with an experienced training partner. There is no pressure to spar on your first day. Your first class is free.
What do I need to wear to train?
For your first visit to Gracie Barra Alamo Heights, any clean athletic clothing works — a t-shirt with shorts or sweatpants. If you decide to continue, you will need a Gracie Barra gi (uniform) for gi classes, or a rash guard and grappling shorts for no-gi sessions. The front desk can help you get fitted and order the right size.
How much do classes cost?
Gracie Barra Alamo Heights offers several membership options depending on how often you want to train and which programs you join. Your first class is always free — no commitment, no obligation. After that, call us at (210) 864-7909 or stop by the academy to discuss which plan fits your schedule and goals. We are happy to walk you through everything in person.
Where is the academy and is there parking?
Gracie Barra Alamo Heights is located at 1464 Austin Hwy, Suite 100, San Antonio, TX 78209 — near Austin Hwy near I-410. Free parking in the plaza lot. We serve families from Alamo Heights, Terrell Hills, Olmos Park, and Monte Vista, and the surrounding area.
What age groups do you offer classes for?
We have programs for every age. Tiny Champions is for children ages 3 to 5. Little Champions covers ages 6 through 9. Juniors & Teens is for ages 10 to 14. Adult classes start at 16 and up, with no upper age limit. Professor Zaza and the coaching staff at Gracie Barra Alamo Heights tailor instruction to each group so everyone trains at the right level. Call (210) 864-7909 to find the right class for you or your child.

SpecialOffers

First Class Free

Experience a real Gracie Barra class — no commitment, no obligation. See why families across Alamo Heights choose our two-black-belt academy.

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Your first class is free. No experience needed.

Gracie Barra Alamo Heights

1464 Austin Hwy, Suite 100, San Antonio, TX 78209

Near Austin Hwy near I-410

Free parking in the plaza lot.

Get Directions

Gracie Barra Alamo Heights

1464 Austin Hwy, Suite 100, San Antonio, TX 78209

Near Austin Hwy near I-410