About Us
Regardless of whether you are an adult or a child, the act of striking another person, even in self-defense, can produce a very undesirable picture or cellphone video. Many schools will punish students for striking each other, even if it is in self-defense. While other forms of self-defense and combat sports focus on striking, JiuJitsu is unique in that it allows you to safely control, and if necessary, submit an attacker or opponent without striking them (even if they are trying to strike you). In many cases, this can be done without causing them serious injury. As part of our training, we also teach de-escalation and conflict resolution once an attacker has been restrained.
JiuJitsu is also one of the only combat sports where you will regularly see a person in their 50’s win against a younger, larger, and physically stronger opponent. It is a sport where you will regularly see a 100lb woman submit a 180lb man. It is a sport where a 12-year-old can effectively control a 15-year-old. Additionally, the very nature of the sport allows for JiuJitsu to be trained and practiced safely, even at a very high intensity level. We won’t be kicking pads or breaking boards here. We will be learning how to physically control another human being in a realistic way. You will never wonder if the skills you are learning will “really work”. You will be given the opportunity to safely test them against a live teammate in every class.
Aside from being fun and useful, grappling another human being is a great way to build strength and endurance. You don’t have to be in good shape to get started; but getting started is a good way to get in shape.
Instructors
Coach Zac Paul
OWNER/HEAD COACH
Coach Zac has trained in Muay Thai Kickboxing, Wing Chun Kung Fu, and has a Black Belt in Tang Soo Do Karate. He got into JiuJitsu after being introduced to the Modern Army Combatives system during his time serving in the US Army. After seeing how JiuJitsu can be used to safely bring someone under control in real world environments, he decided to focus his training exclusively on his JiuJitsu journey. Coach Zac also trains under Black Belt Professor Paul Gilman at the Argyle JiuJitsu Academy location.
Coach Elizabeth
Coach Elizabeth is a purple belt in JiuJitsu and coaches our kids and homeschool classes. She has trained and taught JiuJitsu to kids at schools in China as well as Singapore before coming home to Texas. She has 4 kids, and her oldest son trains JiuJitsu with us. She has a passion for working with little ones, and loves having JiuJitsu as part of her fitness lifestyle.
Professor Paul Gilman
Professor Paul Gilman has spent most of his adult life teaching. Having wrestled collegiately, and trained JiuJitsu in South Korea, Philippines, and the US, he decided to open his own JiuJitsu academy in Argyle, TX in 2020. Professor Gilman provides Black Belt oversight for all training at Roanoke JiuJitsu Academy and Argyle JiuJitsu Academy. He currently trains under Professor Raphael Barbosa at Double Five Highland Village.
About Roanoke JiuJitsu Academy
No annual contract required
Free memberships for Police Officer and School Teachers
Unlimited classes and open mats
Free trial classes - As many as you need!
Veteran/Teacher Owned
Family, Homeschool, Christian friendly community
Testimonials
Awesome place and instruction for the whole family! It has become like a second home for us. Very grateful for Coach Zac!
My family loves Roanoke jiu jitsu academy, coach Zach is an awesome teacher and works well with the children, definitely a place the whole family can enjoy together!
Great facility with an outstanding Coach and team! My son has gone every day and moment he could to train he enjoys the atmosphere so much. Highly recommend.