Home to one of the world’s most respected grappling teams, Carlson Gracie BJJ Team San Antonio brings top-tier Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu near me to the local community. More than just a gym, we foster a lifestyle built on discipline, respect, and camaraderie. Our family-friendly environment nurtures strong bonds between students and professors, creating a welcoming space for beginners, competitors, and hobbyists alike.
We offer daily classes in both Gi and No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu classes, inviting everyone to step onto the mat and experience the art of Jiu-Jitsu firsthand. Beyond competition and technique, we emphasize BJJ as a powerful tool for Jiu-Jitsu for self-defense, fitness, and personal growth. Whether your goal is to lose weight, gain confidence, or sharpen your skills, Carlson Gracie BJJ Team San Antonio is the perfect place to begin your journey.
At Carlson Gracie San Antonio, we offer specialized programs designed for all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re a child building confidence, a teen or adult seeking personal growth, or someone looking for one-on-one instruction, we have the perfect program for you.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu empowers kids with confidence, discipline, and self-restraint, teaching them to handle conflict calmly. It prevents bullying by fostering resilience, respect, and controlled self-defense, shaping stronger, more self-assured children.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu offers practical self-defense skills to protect yourself and your family from real dangers. Beyond safety, it provides an intense full-body workout, pushing you both physically and mentally while building confidence, resilience, and discipline.
Private lessons at Carlson Gracie San Antonio, led by Black Belt 3rd-degree IBJJF Medalist Prof. Thiago Mendes, offer personalized training, scheduling flexibility, and detailed technique refinement in Gi, No-Gi, or self-defense. Book your session today!
Biography
Born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Professor Thiago Mendes discovered Jiu-Jitsu as the perfect outlet for his energy and discipline. His father, a decorated member of the Brazilian Marine Corps, sought a way to channel Thiago’s restless spirit, first introducing him to Karate and Judo. However, it wasn’t until he found Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in 2002, training under the former Gama Filho team in Rio de Janeiro, that he truly found his passion.
After years of dedication, Thiago earned his black belt in January 2014—an achievement that marked the beginning of a new chapter. That same year, he moved to Dubai, where he spent three years training the United Arab Emirates Army, teaching BJJ fundamentals for beginners and advanced practitioners among National Emirati Service members. His journey took him across the world, training in different countries and experiencing diverse martial arts cultures.
Eventually, after years of teaching Jiu-Jitsu in San Antonio at another gym, he knew his true calling was to create a space of his own—one where he could share his passion and experience with students on a deeper level.
Now, as a proud American citizen, Professor Thiago Mendes continues to pass down the legacy of Jiu-Jitsu, blending old-school traditions with modern training methods to build a strong, disciplined, and respectful community.
Rank: Black Belt, Third Degree
Lineage: Mitsuyo Maeda → Carlos Gracie → Carlson Gracie → Ricardo de la Riva → Emilio Carlos → Thiago Mendes
Try a FREE class and experience world-class training in a supportive environment. All skill levels welcome!
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a full-body workout that naturally promotes weight loss while building strength, endurance, and flexibility. Unlike traditional exercises, BJJ keeps you engaged with technique and strategy, making workouts feel effortless. Many athletes start for fitness but stay for the love of the art.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is one of the most effective self-defense systems, teaching you how to control and neutralize opponents regardless of size or strength. You’ll learn essential skills like positional control, ground survival, and submissions designed to immobilize joints or render an opponent unconscious if necessary.
Unlike striking-based martial arts, BJJ emphasizes technique, leverage, and strategy, allowing you to defend yourself effectively without relying on brute force. Whether for real-world self-defense or competition, Jiu-Jitsu equips you with the confidence and ability to stay safe in any situation.
View our class schedule and find the perfect time to train. Book your free trial today!
For your first class, wear comfortable athletic clothing—such as a t-shirt and shorts (without zippers). If you continue training, you’ll need a Jiu-Jitsu Gi for traditional classes or rash guards and shorts for No-Gi training.
Not at all! Our classes are designed for all fitness levels and experience levels. Whether you’re a complete beginner or have trained before, we’ll guide you at your own pace.
Consistency is key! Training 2-3 times a week is a great start for beginners. As you progress, you can adjust your schedule to match your goals, whether for fitness, self-defense, or competition.
Yes! Our Kids Jiu-Jitsu program focuses on technique, discipline, and controlled training in a safe and supportive environment. Instructors ensure kids learn self-defense while developing confidence and respect for others.
Gi Jiu-Jitsu involves wearing a traditional kimono (Gi) and focuses on grips, chokes, and control using the uniform. No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu is practiced in rash guards and shorts, emphasizing speed, mobility, and grip fighting.
Absolutely! We offer a FREE trial class for local residents Monday through Thursday. Just schedule in advance through our contact form and experience Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu firsthand!
