INSTRUCTORS

Professor Fadi

4th Degree Black Belt under Renzo Gracie

Trained Under: Royler Gracie (8th Degree Coral Belt under Rorian Gracie) and Rosendo Diaz (6th Degree Black Belt under David Adiv)
Professional Background: Chemical Engineer (CHEM E), MBA, PMP

Professor Fadi began his journey in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2010 with a passion for mastering the art of grappling. Guided by mentors Royler Gracie and Rosendo Diaz, his journey was marked by relentless pursuit of excellence, technical precision, and the desire to share knowledge with others. Over time, he earned his 4th-degree black belt under Renzo Gracie, one of the most respected figures in the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

With a background as a Chemical Engineer, MBA, and PMP, Professor Fadi takes a logical and methodical approach to teaching. His instruction is known for being clear, detailed, and practical. As an instructor at Renzo Gracie The Woodlands, he creates an environment where students feel supported, challenged, and inspired to achieve their personal best.

Professor Todd

4th Degree Black Belt under Renzo Gracie

Trained Under:

Carlos Machado (8th Degree Coral Belt under Carlos Gracie Jr.)

Vinicius Magalhães (Draculino) (6th Degree Black Belt under Jean Jacques Machado and Carlos Gracie Jr.)

Gustavo Machado (5th Degree Black Belt under Roberto Correa)

Chad Robichaux (4th Degree Black Belt under Carlson Gracie Jr.)

Rafael Lovato Jr. (4th Degree Black Belt under Saulo Ribeiro)

Rafael Lovato Sr. (4th Degree Black Belt under Saulo Ribeiro)

Mike Bejoc (3rd Degree Black Belt under Gustavo Machado)

Professional Background: Pilot for a major airline

Professor Todd began his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey with a deep desire for personal growth, strategy, and technical mastery. His path led him to train with some of the most influential figures in Jiu-Jitsu, including Carlos Machado, Draculino, Rafael Lovato Jr., and Rafael Lovato Sr., among others. Their influence helped shape his technical skills, discipline, and teaching philosophy.

After years of dedicated training, Professor Todd achieved his 4th-degree black belt under Renzo Gracie, solidifying his status as one of the highest-level instructors at Renzo Gracie The Woodlands. His career as a pilot for a major airline complements his calm and strategic approach to Jiu-Jitsu instruction. He is known for his patience, attention to detail, and ability to help students of all levels develop a deeper understanding of Jiu-Jitsu principles.

Professor Brian

3rd Degree Black Belt

Trained Under: Carlos Gracie Jr. and Renzo Gracie
Professional Background: 20-year Veteran of the United States Army

Professor Brian began his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey with a passion for discipline, strategy, and self-improvement. His path led him to train under the guidance of Carlos Gracie Jr. and Renzo Gracie, two of the most iconic figures in the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Their mentorship had a profound impact on his technical skill, leadership, and approach to teaching.

With over two decades of service as a veteran of the United States Army, Professor Brian embodies discipline, mental toughness, and resilience. His experience in the military gave him a unique perspective on the importance of preparation, adaptability, and patience — all qualities he brings to his Jiu-Jitsu instruction.

Today, as a 3rd-degree black belt, Professor Brian is a vital part of the coaching team at Renzo Gracie The Woodlands. He is known for his leadership, clear instruction, and ability to inspire students to reach their full potential. His classes emphasize technical mastery, perseverance, and mental strength, making him a favorite among students of all ages and skill levels.

Professor Eddy

3rd Degree Black Belt (since 2012)

Trained Under: Alexandre Soca (6th Degree Black Belt under Carlos Gracie Jr.)
Professional Background: Houston Police Officer

Professor Eddy began his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey with a relentless drive to master self-defense techniques, improve his physical fitness, and challenge himself mentally. His training under Alexandre Soca, a 6th-degree black belt under Carlos Gracie Jr., had a profound influence on his technical approach to Jiu-Jitsu. Under Soca's guidance, Professor Eddy earned his black belt in 2012 and has since advanced to become a 3rd-degree black belt.

In addition to his role as a Jiu-Jitsu instructor, Professor Eddy serves as a Houston Police Officer, where he applies the principles of situational awareness, discipline, and conflict resolution on a daily basis. His law enforcement experience gives him a unique perspective on real-world self-defense applications, and he incorporates this knowledge into his classes.

Known for his patient and structured approach, Professor Eddy creates a learning environment where students feel safe, supported, and challenged. His instruction focuses on the development of practical self-defense skills, mental toughness, and confidence. Students of all ages and experience levels benefit from his wealth of knowledge, technical precision, and passion for the art of Jiu-Jitsu.

1st Degree Black Belt
Alex Garcia is a seasoned martial artist and a dedicated instructor at Renzo Gracie The Woodlands. A black belt under Tom Dinklage—who earned his black belt under Travis Tooke—and a 1st-degree black belt under the legendary Renzo Gracie, Alex has honed his skills through years of rigorous training and competition.

With over a decade of experience in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Alex has not only developed technical expertise but also a deep understanding of teaching methodologies that resonate with students of all levels. His passion for the sport is evident in his commitment to fostering a welcoming and growth-oriented environment on the mats.

Alex's competitive background and dedication to his craft make him a key part of the coaching team, inspiring students to push their limits and achieve their personal best in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Black Belt

Black Belt Under:

Eduardo Santoro (5th Degree Black Belt)

Fernando Batista (4th Degree Black Belt)

Black Belt From: Isaque Bahiense

Vinicius Souza began his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey with a passion for technical mastery and competitive excellence. His journey was shaped by years of training under world-class instructors, including Eduardo Santoro (5th Degree Black Belt) and Fernando Batista (4th Degree Black Belt). These mentors played a crucial role in shaping his technical foundation, competitive mindset, and ability to analyze every aspect of the art.

After years of hard work, dedication, and competition, Vinicius was awarded his black belt by Isaque Bahiense, one of the most accomplished modern competitors in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. His training style emphasizes sharp attention to detail, methodical problem-solving, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

As a coach, Vinicius Souza is known for his ability to push students beyond their limits while maintaining a positive and encouraging learning environment. His passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is evident in his instruction, where he focuses on precise technique, fluid movement, and tactical strategy. Students of all skill levels benefit from his thoughtful, detail-oriented approach, and his influence can be seen in the growth and success of his students at Renzo Gracie The Woodlands.

Black Belt
Nathan Bates is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and a valued coach at Renzo Gracie The Woodlands. He earned his black belt under the esteemed Raul Jiminez and Luis Diaz. Raul Jiminez is known for his technical precision and contributions to the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community, while his son, Roberto Jiminez, is a world-class competitor celebrated for his aggressive and dynamic grappling style, often dominating in high-level competitions.

With a passion for teaching, Nathan leads both adult and kids classes, inspiring students to grow in their martial arts journey through his expertise and supportive coaching style.

In addition to his coaching, Nathan is a 3D design engineer, a certified personal trainer, and a nutritionist. His unique combination of skills allows him to emphasize not only technique and strategy on the mats but also holistic health and fitness.

An active competitor, Nathan continually sharpens his skills, bringing the latest techniques and insights from competition to his students. His dedication to excellence both on and off the mats makes him an integral part of the Renzo Gracie coaching team.