About Us
Welcome to Marcos Cerqueira Jiu-Jitsu, the ultimate destination for high-quality BJJ in Houston! Our family-owned and operated business is dedicated to the and development of our students, both on and off the mat. We take pride in creating a safe, welcoming environment that fosters personal growth and development. Our academy is built on the values of honor, respect, discipline, and dedication, and we use these principles to help our students reach their full potential. With programs all ages and skill levels, our classes are designed to promote discipline and hard work, and our passionate instructors are committed to helping our students succeed in a supportive motivating environment. Whether you're looking to learn self-defense, improve your physical fitness, or compete at the highest level, Marcos Cerqueira Jiu-Jitsu Houston has everything you need to achieve your goals!
“For me Jiu-Jitsu is everything. It is the foundation of my life. It’s a pleasure to be able to teach and pass forward the art that that has giving me so much and has changed my life for better."
-Professor Marcos Cerqueira
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Marcos Cerqueira Lineage:
Mitsuyo Maeda > Carlos Gracie > Helio Gracie > Francisco Mansur > Carlos Henrique > André Terencio > Marcos Cerqueira
Professor Marcos Cerqueira is a distinguished fourth-degree Jiu-Jitsu black belt, trained under the renowned Professor André Terencio. His martial arts journey began in 1994 at the prestigious "Atletica da Tijuca" academy in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. There, he encountered Master Carlos Henrique, who would become his mentor and guide for the next 14 years.
Under Carlos Henrique's expert tutelage, Marcos honed his skills and progressed through the ranks, earning his blue, purple, and brown belts. His dedication and exceptional talent culminated in 2007 when he received his black belt from André Terencio, a milestone that marked the beginning of a new chapter in his Jiu-Jitsu career.
Throughout his journey, Professor Marcos enjoyed successful competition years, demonstrating his prowess on the mat and earning numerous accolades. Although he has since hung up his competition gi, his passion for Jiu-Jitsu remains undiminished. Interestingly, he has not discarded the idea of returning to the competition mats, leaving the door open for potential future challenges.
In 2008, Professor Cerqueira took a bold step by establishing his own school in South Texas, USA. This move not only showcased his entrepreneurial spirit but also demonstrated his commitment to spreading the art of Jiu-Jitsu. Today, his academy stands as a beacon for aspiring martial artists, where Marcos continues to inspire, educate, and train the next generation of Jiu-Jitsu practitioners.
While his competitive focus has shifted, Professor Marcos' priorities now lie in running his business, helping students reach their goals, and focusing on developing comprehensive programs. Through his teaching, he imparts not just technical skills, but also the core values of discipline, respect, and perseverance that are central to the Jiu-Jitsu philosophy.
Our Professor Marcos Cerqueira
One Day or Day One
Joining a new Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy is a big decision. You likely have plenty of questions at this stage. What can I expect as a new student? How do I choose the right academy for me and my goals? Is this a place where I'll feel comfortable and supported?
We want to eliminate any uncertainty. That's why we offer introductory trials for all prospective students - whether you're brand new to Jiu-Jitsu or an experienced practitioner seeking a new home.
Attend a trial class or two so you can experience our academy culture firsthand. Get your questions answered during a personal consultation. Check out our range of membership options to find one tailored to your budget and training frequency.
Safety, personal growth and mutual respect are central to our philosophy. Students form life-long bonds on the mats. Take a look at our programs page to learn more about class offerings for everyone from ages 3 and up.
When you're ready to take that first step, we'll be here with a warm welcome. Try a class risk-free and see if our academy feels like the right fit. We can't wait to have you join our team!