HomeTexasHouston › Third Ward Jiu-Jitsu and Self-Defense

Third Ward Jiu-Jitsu and Self-Defense

4.8 ★★★★★ 24 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Houston, Texas

BJJ gym No-gi Competition team

Plan your first class

  • 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 thirdwardbjj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (832) 413-3502

Hours

Monday 6:45–8:30 PM
Tuesday 6:45–8:30 PM
Wednesday 6:45–8:30 PM
Thursday 6:45–8 PM
Friday 11:45 AM–1 PM
Saturday 11:45 AM–3 PM
Sunday Closed

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 Third Ward Jiu-Jitsu and Self-Defense, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🩳 No-Gi

“Dropped in for a no-gi session.”

All gyms that run no-gi →

🏆 Competition Team 3 mentions

“I went to Third Ward before my bjj tournament to ensure my techniques were par.”

All gyms that run competition team →

🛡️ Self-Defense 4 mentions

“I attended their LGBTQ+ class and had a great first class into self defense.”

All gyms that run self-defense →

What members say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 24 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, high-level coaching 6 mentions

“Fantastic atmosphere, knowledgeable instructors, and very inclusive.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 5 mentions

“I’ve never tried jiu-jitsu before and the instructor was very welcoming and helpful.”

🤝 no-ego, friendly academy 8 mentions

“I’ve never tried jiu-jitsu before and the instructor was very welcoming and helpful.”

📘 strong technique & fundamentals 3 mentions

“I went to Third Ward before my bjj tournament to ensure my techniques were par.”

active competition team 4 mentions

“I went to Third Ward before my bjj tournament to ensure my techniques were par.”

🧼 clean, well-kept mats 3 mentions

“Safe, friendly, very technical and skilled, and nice facility.”

From the reviews

Neat little gym with super humble and nice people. Just started self-defense classes and I'm hooked. Glad to support their mission of serving the Third Ward community and the membership rate was very affordable at $30/month for self-defense classes.

★★★★★ — Maurilio, Jan 2021

Great place and great instructors! I went to Third Ward before my bjj tournament to ensure my techniques were par. The instructors were able to give me great advice and showed me proper etiquette while rolling.

★★★★★ — David, Apr 2021

I enjoyed the ease of participation, and learned about how to engage with different body types while defending myself. Great instructors, and it's an inclusive space. Highly recommend for any level!

★★★★★ — Lei, Jun 2023

Fantastic atmosphere, knowledgeable instructors, and very inclusive. If you're in the Houston area stop by and enjoy a great class!

★★★★★ — Candace, May 2023

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 24 reviews →

Your first BJJ class at Third Ward Jiu-Jitsu and 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.

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 Third Ward Jiu-Jitsu and Self-Defense

2016 Emancipation Ave, Houston, TX77003

Get directions Instagram · Facebook

More BJJ gyms near Houston

10th Planet Jiu Jitsu Houston - Texas

4.9 ★★★★★ 16 reviews

3420 Rusk St, Houston, TX

🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site

Ages 4–13

BJJ gym Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens No-gi Competition team Affiliated expert, high-level coachingwelcoming to beginnersno-ego, friendly academy

under a mile away

Revolution Dojo Houston

4.9 ★★★★★ 216 reviews

319 St Emanuel St, Houston, TX

🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site

Memberships around $300/mo Ages 4+

BJJ gym Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens No-gi Competition team Affiliated expert, high-level coachingwelcoming to beginnersno-ego, friendly academy

Gym offering martial arts, Brazilian jiu-jitsu and Muay Thai boxing instruction.

1.1 miles away

Renzo Gracie EaDo

4.5 ★★★★★ 119 reviews

110 Milby St Ste E, Houston, TX

BJJ gym Kids & teens Competition team Affiliated expert, high-level coachingwelcoming to beginnersno-ego, friendly academy

1.5 miles away

All BJJ gyms in Houston, TX →

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.