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Midtown MMA Houston
4.7 ★★★★★ 93 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Houston, Texas
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.
Brazilian jiu-jitsu & Thai kickboxing are the specialties of this all-ages martial arts academy.
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 7–13) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- 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 midtown-mma-houston.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (281) 974-4499
Hours
| Monday | 1–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:30 AM–1 PM, 3–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 1–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 1–8:30 PM |
| Friday | 11 AM–1 PM, 3–7 PM |
| Saturday | 10:30 AM–1 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“The quality of jiu-jitsu taught here is exceptional, blending traditional fundamentals with cutting-edge techniques.”
“There is a positive, supportive attitude among coaches and students that’s great for adults and kids alike.”
“Because of the welcoming nature of the professors and upper belts, we have a great mix of belts, genders, ages and weekend warriors v competitors.”
“The moment you step in, you’re welcomed into a vibrant, supportive culture that makes everyone—beginner or seasoned practitioner—feel right at home.”
Other martial arts here
“This is my first time to Muay Thai, or any martial arts, and have been training here for just over a month.”
“I've been training BJJ with Professors Martinez and Farius at Midtown MMA for a little under a year now and it has been one of the most fun experiences of my adult life.”
“They’re also affiliated with Six Blades and Judo and Wrestling friendly.”
“They’re also affiliated with Six Blades and Judo and Wrestling friendly.”
What members say
“Coach Chris is an excellent instructor who gives practical tips that make the moves useful right away.”
“The moment you step in, you’re welcomed into a vibrant, supportive culture that makes everyone—beginner or seasoned practitioner—feel right at home.”
“The moment you step in, you’re welcomed into a vibrant, supportive culture that makes everyone—beginner or seasoned practitioner—feel right at home.”
“The instruction here is precise, detailed, and methodical; something you should look for in a gym however difficult it may be to find.”
“Because of the welcoming nature of the professors and upper belts, we have a great mix of belts, genders, ages and weekend warriors v competitors.”
“They’re also affiliated with Six Blades and Judo and Wrestling friendly.”
From the reviews
This is my first time to Muay Thai, or any martial arts, and have been training here for just over a month. The gym and team are incredible. I felt welcomed from the very first class. I was initially nervous to start but everyone at the gym made me feel at ease.
This is a wonderful gym! I shopped around looking at different gyms before landing on Midtown MMA, and I could not have made a better choice. I chose them over some closer options because I felt so welcomed.
Thank you for the warm welcome and generosity Professor @chris_bjj_martinez ! 🙇♂️ You have an awesome facility and team! Love the community you built @midtown_mma_houston and @sixbladesbjjmidtown 🥋 @julieanndenestrosagarcia and I enjoyed the lesson you taught tonight Truly honored meeting you sir 🙇♂️❤️ Thank you for…
While I have not trained or been to this school I did have the pleasure of meeting the owner at Jujitsu World League in Houston over the weekend. My son competed against two of his students. My son is a talker and I watched as Professor Chris talked with him and engaged him like he was one of his students.
New to BJJ? Start at Midtown MMA Houston
Midtown MMA Houston comes up as a beginner-friendly gym, going by their listing and members’ reviews. 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 Midtown MMA Houston
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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