Cantu's Jiu Jitsu Self Defense

Cantu’s Jiu Jitsu Self Defense has been a part of northwest Houston’s Copperfield neighborhood since 2008, founded by Roy Cantu, a black belt with deep roots in the area. Roy started training Jiu-Jitsu in 1998 and opened his own school after years of teaching at TNT and sharing space with other martial arts programs. With guidance from the Valente Brothers in Miami, the academy follows the self-defense-focused curriculum of Grand Master Hélio Gracie, emphasizing practical skills that work in real-life situations. Classes at Cantu’s center around the F27™ Fighting Foundations program, a 27-lesson system designed to give students a strong base in self-defense. The academy offers adult classes, a dedicated kids’ program for ages five and up, and a junior program for students aged 11 to 15, which introduces more advanced sparring and grappling. Women’s self-defense seminars are also a regular part of the schedule, focusing on realistic techniques for dangerous situations. Private lessons are available for students looking for personalized instruction, and the school runs popular summer camps for children each year. The facility itself is nearly 2,400 square feet, with about 2,000 square feet of mat space, private locker rooms, showers, and stadium seating for visitors. Cleanliness is a point of pride, with mats disinfected daily. The teaching team includes assistant instructors Ken Gruller, Clyde Toval, and Ryan Shiang, each bringing years of experience and their own backgrounds in both martial arts and education. Cantu’s welcomes new students and visitors, asking drop-ins to arrive early so they can get set up for class.

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