OUR SCHOOL
Gracie Barra South Austin is dedicated to enriching the lives of students through the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
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Gracie Barra South Austin was founded in 2011 and is headed by Professor Alexandre Ferreira Santos “Dande”, who as a jiu-jitsu competitor has achieved prestigious titles at Worlds, Pan-American, Brazilian Nationals, and the Brazilian State Championships. Prof. Dande’s dedication, skills and passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) – combined with his back ground in physical therapy makes him one of Gracie Barra’s most sought after instructors.
Gracie Barra South Austin is a part of the Gracie Barra Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Team, which includes more than 1,200 schools on six continents, making it the largest Brazilian Jiu Jitsu team on the planet. As a member of Gracie Barra South Austin, students have the benefit to train at any Gracie Barra Official Location around the world!
Open 7 days a week, we offer various group classes per week taught by numerous instructors who are also decorated competitors in their sports.
Our programs and classes provide ever-evolving teaching and support to our members to help develop students so they may efficiently reach their personal goals, whatever they may be – competition, training as a hobby, improving athleticism and health – all while learning martial art discipline.
We look forward to seeing you on our mats!
ORGANIZED LIKE A TEAM
FIGHTING LIKE A
FAMILY
MEET OUR TEAM
All of our CPR certified instructors are officially certified instructors by Gracie Barra.
Alexandre “Dande” Santos
Head Instructor
5th Degree Black Belt
Professor Alexandre Santos (Dande) has been teaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for over 10 years, both in Brazil and in the USA. As a competitor he has achieved prestigious titles at Worlds, Pan-American, Brazilian Nationals, and the Brazilian State Championships. Prof. Dande’s dedication, skills and passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) – combined with his back ground in physical therapy makes him one of Gracie Barra’s most sought after instructors.
Professor “Dande” was born and raised in Brasilia, the capital of Brazil, where he founded one of the first Jiu-Jitsu schools. He has overseen the growth of schools around the US and students still come from all over the country to train with him in the Austin area.
Lewis McLendon
GB1 and NoGi
Black Belt
Lewis McLedon is a formidable Black Belt under the esteemed guidance of Professor DANDE, having embarked on his Jiu-Jitsu journey as a teenager. His unwavering tenacity and relentless dedication to training and competition propelled him swiftly through the ranks, earning him a well-deserved reputation as a force to be reckoned with in the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
As a NoGi Specialist, Professor Lewis has made an indelible mark on the sport, securing a position within the top 3 of the ADCC Rankings. His impressive portfolio boasts submission victories over numerous legends of the sport, solidifying his status as a dominant presence in the grappling arena. Hailing from Austin, TX, Professor Lewis has not only showcased his exceptional skills but has also etched his name among the best grapplers to have emerged from the vibrant Jiu-Jitsu community of his hometown.
With an unparalleled drive and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Professor Lewis McLedon continues to inspire and leave an indelible mark on the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Cliff Davis
GB1 and GB2
Black Belt
Professor Cliff Davis is a distinguished figure within the realm of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, boasting nearly a decade of extensive training experience that has shaped him into a formidable practitioner and instructor. His notable journey has seen him excel in both Gi and NoGi competitions, with remarkable podium finishes at various IBJJF Opens across the state of Texas, showcasing his exceptional skill and dedication to the art of Jiu-Jitsu.
Renowned for his technical prowess and profound knowledge, Professor Cliff stands as one of the most revered and respected figures among our staff. His adept understanding of Jiu-Jitsu transcends eras, as he diligently studies both the traditional, old-school techniques and the innovative approaches of modern Jiu-Jitsu. This comprehensive expertise positions him as a valuable asset, serving as a dependable bridge between the esteemed Professors of South Austin and the burgeoning new generation of practitioners.
Moreover, Professor Cliff’s impact extends beyond his prowess on the mats, as he has garnered immense adoration from our beginner students. His patient and nurturing approach has endeared him to many, earning him a special place in the hearts of those beginning their Jiu-Jitsu journey under his guidance.
With an unwavering commitment to both the art and its community, Professor Cliff Davis continues to enrich the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, leaving an enduring legacy as a paragon of technical proficiency, knowledge, and mentorship.
Jiu-Jitsu for Everyone
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512 820 4440
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