OUR TEAM
Joel, Instructor and Founder
Joel began his journey in jiu-jitsu in the summer of 1998 when he first met Relson Gracie. He trained and competed with the Gracie team until he relocated to Houston in 2005 where he continued his training. He has also trained at different schools across the US, and in Central and South America. Before co-founding our non-profit, Joel has taught self-defense classes for community events, private companies, and various types of organizations. He is very passionate about sharing jiu-jitsu and giving back to the community.
Zach, Instructor
Zach is the newest member of our leadership team.
Bio coming soon!
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Andrew and Sarah, Founders
Andrew is a jiu-jitsu black belt who has been training and teaching in gyms all across the country. He came to Houston to work in the Texas Medical Center, and while his scientific work has a large global impact, it has a limited local impact. He wanted to give back to his local community, and with the help of Sarah and Joel, launched Third Ward Jiu-Jitsu.
As both jiu-jitsu practitioner and architect, Sarah brings creative, communal spirit to Third Ward Jiu-Jitsu. She is passionate about sharing an inclusive space with other women and LGBTQ folks, and she seeks to make self-defense accessible to all marginalized communities.
DO YOU WANT TO JOIN OUR TEAM?
Andrew is a jiu-jitsu black belt who has been training and teaching in gyms all across the country. He came to Houston to work in the Texas Medical Center, and while his scientific work has a large global impact, it has a limited local impact. He wanted to give back to his local community, and with the help of Sarah and Joel, launched Third Ward Jiu-Jitsu.
As both jiu-jitsu practitioner and architect, Sarah brings creative, communal spirit to Third Ward Jiu-Jitsu. She is passionate about sharing an inclusive space with other women and LGBTQ folks, and she seeks to make self-defense accessible to all marginalized communities.