INSTRUCTORS

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INSTRUCTORS *

ADULT BJJ

  • PROFESSOR FADI

    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

    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

    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

    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.

  • VINICIUS SOUZA

    Professor Vinnie

    Black Belt

    Trained 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.

MAUY THAI / KICKBOXING

  • PHILIPPE

    Coach Philippe

    Muay Thai Coach

    Training Background:

    Extensive training and experience in Muay Thai

    Received his Monkal from Samuel "Sammy the Bull" Mongoni

    Emphasizes adaptability in striking styles, allowing students to develop their own unique approach to Muay Thai

    Coach Philippe is a dedicated Muay Thai coach at Renzo Gracie The Woodlands, known for his mastery of "the art of eight limbs." His teaching philosophy centers around adaptability, encouraging students to develop a striking style that works best for their body type, natural movements, and personal strengths.

    A pivotal moment in Coach Philippe's career was receiving his Monkal from Samuel "Sammy the Bull" Mongoni, a mark of honor and recognition in the world of Muay Thai. This achievement reflects his dedication to the discipline and his respected standing within the Muay Thai community.

    With a strong emphasis on striking fundamentals, Coach Philippe teaches students how to utilize punches, kicks, elbows, and knees effectively. His classes focus on precision, power, and fluid movement, with an emphasis on practical application for both self-defense and competition. His sessions include drills, pad work, and live sparring to ensure students build both technique and confidence.

    Unlike a one-size-fits-all approach, Coach Philippe encourages individuality in each student's striking style. He fosters an environment where students can explore their unique rhythm, footwork, and timing, ensuring everyone feels empowered to grow at their own pace. His thoughtful coaching methods are designed to help students of all levels — from complete beginners to experienced fighters — master the essential techniques of Muay Thai.