About Us

My kids (5 and 7) have been going to Rafael Formiga Jiu-Jitsu Academy for about 3 1/2 months and this place is fantastic. Classes start with a warm-up that varies each day, with the warm-up mixing in stretching and conditioning as well as learning more skilled movements. The class then shifts to the demonstration and replication of a move that builds throughout the week. Then the kids roll numerous times with different opponents every single class. They get paired with kids at their level and kids that will push them harder. The instructors do a great job monitoring the kids to ensure they are on-task and working hard and also not being too aggressive when paired with a less skilled opponent. This is important as even the young kids are taught and work on chokes and submissions. What's most impressive is that Professor Formiga teaches the classes the vast majority of the time and works with every child there. He'll even roll with the kids periodically when there is an odd number (seeing my 5-year old trying to submit him is surely a sight to see). And when he's out, he has skilled instructors fill in who are also great with the kids. If you have kids that want to learn Jiu-Jitsu, I can't recommend Rafael Formiga Jiu-Jitsu Academy enough!

My son and I visited from Australia and did a morning class with Ryan coaching. great friendly place to train. Do yourself a favour and call in for a roll!

This gym offers world-class training in a welcoming, family-friendly environment. My whole family trains at Rafael Formiga Jiu-Jitsu Academy and we could not be happier with the quality of training nor with the owners and other members whom we are lucky enough to call friends!

The jiu jitsu training you receive here is by far the best in the area. Professor Formiga is incredible with everyone. He is very patient with the little kids, while still having them learn. The teens class has some great kids in it at all levels of experience. The adult classes are great - you can do either the beginners or advanced or both! The atmosphere here is very refreshing, no egos!

Dropped in for beginner and advanced classes. Great atmosphere, great instruction, and great rolls. Definitely one of the top gyms around. Highly recommend!

I’ve trained full time at the Rafael Formiga Jiu-Jitsu Academy for two years now and it has completely changed my jiu jitsu experience. The academy has something for everyone, regardless of skill level or objective in training. For the competitor, you’ll be pushed by world-class instruction and training partners. For the hobbyist, you’ll have an abundance of training partners who will help you reach your individual goals. We have 25 year old professional athletes and 50+ year old executives who are just looking to get in shape and develop a new skill. This is a real family environment and it’s not uncommon at all for husbands, wives and kids to share the mats together. There are dozens of practitioners at all levels from white to black belt and wherever you’re at in your jiu jitsu journey there’s inevitably somebody there to train with and help you get to the next level. The camaraderie and friendships developed at this school have been priceless – everyone truly cares about each other and routinely checks in on and off the mats. If you’re new to the martial art or if you’re a long time practitioner, I unhesitatingly recommend this academy for you.

In town for work and stopped by for the 6:30am class. The school is super clean, students and professors were very welcoming, the class was technical, and the rounds were awesome! I look forward to coming back soon. Highly recommend Rafael Formiga Jiu-Jitsu Academy.

Not only is Professor Formiga a BJJ legend, but he is a humble, kind and patient teacher. Can’t imagine a better place to train and introduce your kid to this great sport. The gym members are very respectful and accommodating to new members that may be trying it for the first time.

Best Jiu jitsu gym, EVER!! Coach Rafael is an amazing and incredibly knowledgeable instructor!! He makes you feel included and intricately teaches every move, step-by-step! Everyone here is very inviting and encouraging. Love my Jiu Jitsu family. Highly recommend training here!!

Rafael Formiga Jiu-Jitsu Academy is a great gym with the highest quality instruction in DFW. There is no financial drama with long term contracts. There are many classes to fit your schedule. Beginner and advanced classes are available. And you will have lots of fun. Come train.

Formiga is one of the best jiu jitsu competitors in the world. It’s an absolute honor to have him land here in Highland village. Phenomenal coaching with a family atmosphere is hard to find in a gym and I wouldn’t train anywhere else. Looking forward to my kids starting in the summer!