AON Jiu Jitsu

AON Jiu Jitsu in Richmond, Texas is led by Professor Thomas Pless, a 4th degree IBJJF black belt whose lifelong dedication to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu shapes the academy’s approach on and off the mats. Alongside Professor Cliff Vaz and a team of coaches, Pless brings decades of experience to a modern, family-focused school built on the belief that individual progress is tied to the strength of the team. The academy’s teaching roots run deep, with students and instructors who have tested themselves everywhere from the IBJJF World Championships to top MMA events. The academy’s programs are structured to support students from their very first class through advanced training. Children as young as three are welcomed into age-specific gi classes, starting with Little Kids (3–4), then progressing to Kids (5–8) and Juniors (9–13), each group following a curriculum designed to develop coordination, resilience, and confidence. For adults, AON offers both traditional gi and no-gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, with classes that emphasize fundamentals, technical growth, and practical application. The instruction is hands-on and personalized, adjusting to each student’s pace while maintaining a challenging environment. Day-to-day, the school operates in a modern, wheelchair-accessible facility, and welcomes drop-ins for those interested in joining a class or training with the team. The culture at AON is shaped by a passion for Jiu-Jitsu as a lifelong pursuit and a commitment to helping students of all ages build skills that reach far beyond the mats.

Amenities