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Gracie Barra Cibolo Brazilian Jiu-jitsu & Self Defense
4.9 ★★★★★ 131 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Cibolo, 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
- Women's classes dedicated women's BJJ classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
- 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
- Open mat open-mat rolling sessions for members to practice live — always optional and at your own pace
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule gbcibolo.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 830-832-0195
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 husband and our two kids, ages 8 and 6, started training at Gracie Barra Cibolo six months ago, and we are all extremely satisfied with that decision.”
“Whether your goal is to compete at a high level or simply learn the art of Jiu Jitsu, Zaza is the best instructor you could ask for.”
“From self defense, competing, joining a community, and finding a place you can be yourself.”
“He created an environment that could facilitate all levels and empower individuals with different journeys and goals.”
Other martial arts here
What members say
“If you get the opportunity to train under Professor Zaza, do it!! He is an amazing coach with a wealth of Jiu Jitsu knowledge and great rapport with his students.”
“With the majority of males in martial arts, it can be intimidating, but Professor Zaza provided a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere.”
“With the majority of males in martial arts, it can be intimidating, but Professor Zaza provided a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere.”
“Professor Zaza and the team took my son under their wing and not only taught him the fundamentals of BJJ, but really instilled discipline and respect.”
“In that time I have lost 20 lbs, gained more flexibility, muscle and a life skill I never dreamed of having.”
“Whether your goal is to compete at a high level or simply learn the art of Jiu Jitsu, Zaza is the best instructor you could ask for.”
From the reviews
We have had the pleasure of training under Professor Zaza for the past 3 years. Both of my daughters started their competition journeys because of his leadership. Due to his knowledge and structure in his classes my husband joined, became a blue belt and now helps coach the students.
Professor Zaza is a phenomenal teacher, coach and mentor. I started BJJ 4 years ago under Professor Zaza, I started late in life at the young age of 56. In that time I have lost 20 lbs, gained more flexibility, muscle and a life skill I never dreamed of having.
We were incredibly fortunate to have had Professor Zaza at the Westside Gracie Barra Jiu-Jitsu Academy for 17 years. Throughout his time with us, he has not only proven to be an exceptional instructor but also a strong competitor himself.
Professor Zaza is truly an amazing Professor. He has taught both of our kids for the past 3 years! His skills and knowledge on the mats are super amazing. He takes the time to get to know and understand your kids and shows up for them.
New to BJJ? Start at Gracie Barra Cibolo Brazilian Jiu-jitsu & Self Defense
Gracie Barra Cibolo 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 Cibolo 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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