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Gracie Barra Alamo Heights - Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Self-Defense
5 ★★★★★ 33 Google reviews · BJJ gym in San Antonio, Texas
Part of Gracie Barra
Affiliated academy — reviews and the gym's own info point to a recognized BJJ lineage or affiliation (think Gracie Barra, 10th Planet, Renzo Gracie, Alliance, Atos or Checkmat). If lineage matters to you, ask which affiliation the academy belongs to and under whom the head instructor earned their black belt.
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 3–14) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Private lessons private, one-on-one coaching available — a focused way to start or to work around a busy schedule; ask about availability and rates
- No-gi no-gi grappling classes — training in a rashguard and shorts, with faster scrambles and a natural bridge to MMA
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule gbalamoheights.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 210-517-0621
Hours
| Monday | 10 am–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 10 am–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 10 am–8 pm |
| Thursday | 10 am–8 pm |
| Friday | 10 am–8 pm |
| Saturday | 9 am–12 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“My daughter recently started jiu-jitsu classes at Gracie Barra Alamo Heights, and the experience has been great so far.”
“Instilling a fighting spirit to compete at the highest levels and also to have respect for others and there competitors as well.”
“Zaza is great at breaking down techniques and helping students of all levels grow and build confidence.”
Other martial arts here
What members say
“Professor ZAZA and Gamboa are incredible instructors with outstanding knowledge and professionalism that will take your goals to another level.”
“He is an excellent instructor who creates a positive and welcoming environment while maintaining high-level training.”
“He truly cares about each student and takes the time to connect with them, which made all the difference for our family.”
“At Gracie Barra Alamo Heights and Cibolo, coaches not only teach techniques but also mentor, motivate, and support personal growth.”
“Professor Zaza made such a lasting impact on our kids through his perfect balance of discipline and encouragement.”
“Instilling a fighting spirit to compete at the highest levels and also to have respect for others and there competitors as well.”
From the reviews
I highly recommend this jiu-jitsu gym to all who may be interested in starting out in jiu jitsu and to those who are perhaps looking for a new gym to continue their training. They offer outstanding programs for both adults and children.
Gracie Barra Alamo Heights has been a great place for my family. Professor Edgar and Professor Zaza have had a big impact on my life, but more importantly on my kids’ lives.
Professor Zaza made such a lasting impact on our kids through his perfect balance of discipline and encouragement. Not only did they grow in their jiu-jitsu skills, but also in confidence, respect, and mindset.
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.
New to BJJ? Start at Gracie Barra Alamo Heights - Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Self-Defense
Gracie Barra Alamo Heights - Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Self-Defense 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.
Your first BJJ class at Gracie Barra Alamo Heights - Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Self-Defense
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.
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🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site