The head instructor of Gracie Barra The Woodlands, Alex Gotay, has earned his black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. It's a milestone that requires talent, of course, and a significant chunk of time—more than ten years, to be exact. Alex and the Gracie Barra team lead students down this path with a four-month fundamentals program, where they learn the principles of effective fighting. Students then enter an eight-month advanced program followed by a capstone black belt program, which draws on elements of MMA and other fighting styles.

The center doesn't just train aspiring black belts, however; many students use Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes as a way to keep fit. The center offers 50+ classes per week in this and other fighting and fitness styles. Muay Thai classes, for example, follow no skill sequence—instead, they help students of all levels avoid the classic pitfall of kicking with both legs at once.