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Carlos Machado Jiu Jitsu Lake Highlands

4.9 ★★★★★ 115 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Dallas, Texas

BJJ gym Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens Competition team

Plan your first class

  • Free trial or intro class most gyms welcome new members with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
  • Beginner-friendly all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
  • Kids & youth classes kids and youth BJJ classes (ages 3–17) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • Women's classes dedicated women's BJJ classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
  • Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule marciosantosjiujitsu.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (214) 221-1977

Hours

Monday 9 AM–8 PM
Tuesday 6 AM–8 PM
Wednesday 9 AM–8 PM
Thursday 6 AM–8 PM
Friday 10 AM–8 PM
Saturday 7 AM–1 PM
Sunday 10 AM–2 PM

Hours shift for holidays, seminars, and open-gym times — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The classes they run

BJJ classes on the schedule at Carlos Machado Jiu Jitsu Lake Highlands, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids BJJ 15 mentions

“Once I visited this place, I knew this is where I wanted my kids to be, it is a fun, safe environment where all the staff is friendly and they really love what they do.”

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Teens BJJ 3 mentions

“My oldest is in the teens class and my youngest trains capoeira there.”

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🏆 Competition Team 3 mentions

“He has trained countless students over the years, including celebrities and high-level competitors, yet remains incredibly humble, kind, and approachable.”

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🌱 Beginners 5 mentions

“Whether you’re a beginner or advanced, the quality of instruction and the positive atmosphere make training here a fantastic experience.”

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What members say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 115 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, high-level coaching 3 mentions

“The curriculum always feels fresh because of the passionate and knowledgeable instructors at the school.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 8 mentions

“Whether you’re a beginner or advanced, the quality of instruction and the positive atmosphere make training here a fantastic experience.”

🤝 no-ego, friendly academy 16 mentions

“Once I visited this place, I knew this is where I wanted my kids to be, it is a fun, safe environment where all the staff is friendly and they really love what they do.”

📘 strong technique & fundamentals 8 mentions

“Professor Santos tries to structure each class to the level of students that come in so everyone can learn a new technique or grow one that they already know.”

🧒 strong kids program 4 mentions

“I am grateful to the instructors, I have seen how my kids confidence and self esteem have greatly improved.”

active competition team 3 mentions

“He has trained countless students over the years, including celebrities and high-level competitors, yet remains incredibly humble, kind, and approachable.”

From the reviews

Carlos Machado is truly one of the greatest to ever do it. His impact on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu — especially in the South — is undeniable. Without his leadership and dedication to growing the art, the BJJ scene in this region wouldn’t be what it is today.

★★★★★ — Deandre, Feb 2026

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Carlos Machado Jiu-Jitsu Academy is exceptional! This is one of the best Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academies I’ve ever experienced. Carlos Machado’s teaching style is outstanding, blending deep technical knowledge with a supportive and motivating environment.

★★★★★ — Lucas, Dec 2024

Great family, safe place to train amazing martial arts instructor in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Capoiera. Staff is friendly, warm and welcoming.

★★★★★ — Michele, Mar 2021

Professor Santos and his coaches are the nicest and most experienced people I have met in a long time. They listen to their students and take the time to understand and help each one individually. The class mix is excellent with having higher and lower belts always in attendance.

★★★★★ — Caroline, Jan 2024

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 115 reviews →

New to BJJ? Start at Carlos Machado Jiu Jitsu Lake Highlands

Carlos Machado Jiu Jitsu Lake Highlands comes up as a beginner-friendly gym — noted on their own site. If you've never rolled or set foot on a mat, that's exactly who a good beginners program is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit or flexible to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and coaches scale the intensity to you. Second, you won't be thrown into hard rolling — reputable gyms build fundamentals (positions, escapes, and basic submissions) for weeks, live rolling eases in gradually, and tapping early keeps every roll safe. Third, all levels really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners or fundamentals class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out, and leave your ego at the door. Most gyms are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.

Check beginner classes on their site

Your first BJJ class at Carlos Machado Jiu Jitsu Lake Highlands

Nervous about walking into a BJJ gym for the first time? Almost everyone is, and good coaches expect beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, then drilling basic positions and escapes with a partner — not hard sparring. Rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: athletic wear you can move in (or a gi if you have one); you'll train barefoot on the mats. What to bring: water and a mouthguard if you have one — many gyms lend a loaner gi for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own gi (or a rashguard and shorts for no-gi) and a mouthguard. Live rolling eases in gradually, once your fundamentals are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the coach. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.

BJJ is a contact sport. Ease in, tap early and often, listen to your coaches, and if you have any injuries or health concerns, mention them before class and check with a doctor if you're unsure.

Where to find Carlos Machado Jiu Jitsu Lake Highlands

10675 E NW Hwy Ste 2900, Dallas, TX75238

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and member reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this gym? Claim your listing — it's free.