Gracie Humaita
Corpus Christi
One team, one family, one legacy
Welcome To
Gracie Humaita Corpus Christi!
At Gracie Humaita, we are dedicated to providing a welcoming and authentic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu experience. Led by Master Dulciney Matos and his son, Professor João Matos, our academy brings the true teachings of BJJ straight from Brazil.
Our programs focus not only on self-defense and competition skills but also on fostering discipline, leadership, and personal growth. We take pride in offering a supportive and empowering environment for all students, including our growing women’s-only class designed to build confidence and strength led by Professor Samantha Matos.
No matter which class you choose, you can expect genuine, high-quality Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instruction rooted in tradition and excellence. Join us and experience the legacy of Gracie Humaita!
Our History
Located on the south side of Corpus Christi, TX, Gracie Humaitá Corpus Christi was established in 2016 with the mission of providing the community with an exceptional martial arts learning experience. The academy emphasizes a structured approach, offering meticulously designed curriculums that combine high-level training with a professional, clean, and welcoming environment.
Master Dulciney Matos moved to the United States from Brazil in 2016 to fulfill his dream of opening a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu school in Texas. He quickly opened Gracie Humaita Corpus Christi doors, alongside his son, Black Belt Professor Joao Matos. Throughout years of training, the father and son have accumulated countless BJJ national and international titles, including Master’s prestigious Red and Black Belt. They have taken their experience to continuously improve Gracie Humaita and teach the best BJJ lessons possible. This has also included the growth of our kids program and our women’s Jiu-Jitsu class, led by Joao’s wife, Black Belt Professor Samantha Matos. The family business will continue to grow with authentic BJJ teachings.
Meet the team at
Gracie Humaita Corpus Chritsi
At Gracie Humaita Corpus Christi, our instructors bring
the highest level of expertise straight from Brazil.
Master Dulciney Matos
(Red and Black Belt 7th Degree)
Master Matos, born in Teresópolis, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, began his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey at the age of 12. In 2016, he moved to the United States with his family to fulfill his dream of opening a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy in Texas.
He earned his black belt in 1985 and achieved the prestigious red-and-black belt in 2019 under the mentorship of Masters Royler Gracie and Rolker Gracie in San Diego, California.
Throughout his career, Master Matos has dedicated himself to training, competing, and excelling in the sport. He holds an impressive record of accomplishments, including:
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2x IBJJF Worlds Masters Champion
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2x IBJJF Pan-American Champion
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IBJJF Brazilian National Champion
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IBJJF International Masters Champion
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Rio de Janeiro State Champion
His commitment to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu continues to inspire and shape the next generation of practitioners.
Professor Joao Gabriel Matos
(Black Belt 1st Degree)
João Gabriel Matos, the son of Master Matos, began training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at the age of 4 in Teresópolis, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. His unwavering passion and dedication to the art have kept him committed to training ever since.
By the age of 14, João started assisting his father in teaching children’s classes, demonstrating a natural talent for instruction. Over the years, he has grown into one of the head professors at the family’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy.
An accomplished competitor, João has been actively participating in tournaments since the age of 6, earning numerous national and international Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu titles. His extensive experience and success on the mats, combined with his teaching expertise, make him a valued leader in the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community.
Professor Samantha Marie Matos
(Black Belt)
Samantha Matos has been dedicated to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for over 12 years. As the wife of Professor João Matos and a proud mother, she has seamlessly balanced her personal life with her passion for the art.
Throughout her Jiu-Jitsu journey, Samantha has competed periodically, achieving notable success. In 2023, she reached a significant milestone by earning her black belt. With plans to focus on competing more actively in 2025, Samantha continues to embody the competitive spirit of the sport.
As the Women’s Head Coach at the academy, Samantha is deeply committed to fostering a strong and supportive community for women in Jiu-Jitsu. She is passionate about empowering, inspiring, and teaching women how to defend themselves while building confidence on and off the mats. Her mission is to bring more women into the Jiu-Jitsu community, leaving a lasting impact through her dedication and leadership.
What Our Students Are Saying
At Gracie Humaita Corpus Christi, our students are at the heart of everything we do. From young children learning confidence and self-defense to adults discovering the transformative power of Jiu-Jitsu, we are proud to help our students achieve their goals. See what our members have to say about their journey with us!
Contact Us!
Gracie Humaita Corpus Christi welcomes everyone in Corpus Christi and the surrounding areas. We are located on the south side of Corpus Christi right off Staples and Holly.