We had the good fortune of connecting with Ulpiano Malachias and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ulpiano, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
Gracie Barra River Oaks has become more than just a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy—it’s a positive force within the River Oaks community. By offering a safe and welcoming space for people of all ages, it promotes physical fitness, discipline, and mental resilience. Kids gain confidence and learn respect through structured martial arts programs, while adults find stress relief, self-defense skills, and a supportive network.

Beyond training, Gracie Barra River Oaks strengthens community bonds by hosting events, workshops, and charity initiatives that bring neighbors together. It helps foster a culture of health, respect, and personal growth, making River Oaks not only a place to live, but a place where families can thrive and connect.

In short, the academy contributes to the well-being of River Oaks by shaping stronger individuals and building a more united, healthier community.

What should our readers know about your business?
I start my journey as an entrepreneur in California, where he first planted the seeds of his business. In 2010 after my kid born we decided to to move to Texas where my wife family was living. And we open our first location Gracie Barra Westchase, we didn’t have any friends or know anyone here, we put lots of time and hard work and fast grow and stay to expand our small business to a 10.000 sqft location. In 2022 we start to look for a new location on the river oaks area since we believe it’s the prime location in Houston , we finally open the forts in 2023 and since then we love the river oaks comminity, we hope more and more we can attend the kids from river oaks area and eventually have the community embrace our jiu Jitsu life style

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Me and my wife love to go to a dinner in the weekend to support the local restaurants and we really enjoy a good food on my free time , as far visit river oaks district you can’t go wrong several good places and a very pleasant place to walk with the family.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Life is a constantly learning process and everyday we learn something new , as far as mentors i have many people that i look up to to try improve my self also i want thank you To all my students and the parents that trust in our work also my wife Sophia that have a crucial impact on the success of our business also my daughter Lydia and my amazing partner and long time friends Peter.

Website: www.gbriveroaks.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/graciebarrariveroaks?igsh=cTJhMnJwcG9qa2k2&utm_source=qr

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