Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for kids, adults, and families in Cross Roads, TX. Searching for BJJ near you? You've found your home. Start with a free trial week.
COMBATE ACADEMY
5.0★ on Google · 5.0★ on Yelp · 110+ active members · Founded 2023 · A Soul Fighters–affiliated academy · Cross Roads, TX
WELCOME TO
COMBATE ACADEMY!
Combate Academy is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Cross Roads, TX, serving Aubrey, Denton, Little Elm, and the surrounding Highway 380 corridor. Founded in October 2023 by head coach Matt Falavinha and Daniel Motta, we teach kids (ages 4–13), teens, and adults of every skill level, from total beginners to competitors, in a clean, supportive, family-first facility. We're a Soul Fighters–affiliated school, and every new student starts with a free trial week.
Don't worry if you've never trained before, most of our students started exactly where you are. Our coaches and training partners guide you every step of the way, so you'll never feel overwhelmed walking in. Beyond the physical skills, you'll build real confidence, mental toughness, and self-defense ability that helps protect you and your kids against bullying and everyday danger. Come see why our community keeps growing, on and off the mat.
FREE TRIAL!
Combate Academy invites you to experience our world-class training with a Free Trial!
OUR
HISTORY
Combate Academy is led by head coach Matt Falavinha, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Bruno "Tank" Mendes with 10+ years in the Soul Fighters lineage and a 3rd-place finish at the IBJJF American Nationals. Alongside Program Director and World Champion Igor Paiva, our staff brings high-level, competition-proven instruction to Cross Roads, TX. More than a grappling art, Jiu-Jitsu builds confident, well-rounded people, and whether you're a hobbyist or chasing a world title, we'll help you get there through real technique and the confidence that comes with it.
MEET YOUR COACHES
Owner & Head Coach · BJJ black belt, Soul Fighters lineage · IBJJF competitor (3rd, American Nationals)MATTHEW FALAVINHA
Program Director · BJJ 3rd degree black belt, Soul Fighters lineage · IBJJF competitor (World Champion)IGOR PAIVA
PROGRAMS
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu delivers benefits that reach far beyond the mats, better fitness, more energy, sharper focus, and steady weight management. But what truly sets it apart is self-defense: BJJ is one of the most effective, real-world self-defense systems anyone can learn, for any age or size. At Combate Academy, we offer programs for kids, teens, and adults. Explore what fits you below.
ADULTS JIU-JITSU
Adults of every level train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at Combate Academy in Cross Roads, TX, just minutes from Aubrey, Denton, and Little Elm. Whether you're starting from zero or refining a competition game, our Fundamentals and Advanced tracks build real-world self-defense, fitness, and confidence, no experience required.
KIDS JIU-JITSU
Kids ages 4–13 learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at Combate Academy in Cross Roads, TX, split into Little Kids (4–7) and Big Kids (8–13) so every child trains with peers their own age and size. Beyond self-defense and anti-bullying skills, BJJ helps children build confidence, focus, discipline, and respect, while making friends in a fun, supportive community.
WHY FAMILIES CHOOSE COMBATE ACADEMY
-
Come as you are, no experience needed - We built Combate Academy to feel like a second home, not an intimidating fight gym. Everyone here started somewhere, so there's no ego on the mats and no wrong way to begin. Whether you're a nervous first-timer or bringing your whole family, you'll be welcomed by name and supported from your very first class.
-
A safe space to train at every level - Our space is fully matted, well-maintained, and cleaned regularly, because the room you train in matters. You can drill, roll, and learn without worrying about your footing or your health. It's a safe, comfortable environment whether you're five years old or stepping back on the mats after years away.
-
A clear path from white belt forward - You'll never wonder what to work on next. Our curriculum is built in clear stages, starting with the fundamentals so you understand each movement before adding position and strategy on top. That structure means steady, visible progress, whether you're chasing your next belt or just want to feel more capable every week.
-
Kids train with peers their own size - Kids and adults learn differently, so we keep them in their own classes. Children train with peers their own age and size in a fun, focused setting, while adults get a pace and intensity that fits them. Everyone gets instruction made for where they are, not a one-size-fits-all room.
-
Try us before you commit - We're confident you'll feel the difference, so your first week is on us with zero pressure to sign up. Come in, take real classes, meet the coaches and the community, and see if it's the right fit. No contracts, no hard sell, just an open invitation to try it for yourself.
-
Black belt and World Champion instructors - You'll learn from coaches who've tested their skills at the highest levels, including head coach Matt Falavinha, a black belt under Bruno "Tank" Mendes, and World Champion Program Director Igor Paiva. That experience translates into clear, detailed instruction for every student. You get real, proven technique, taught by people who've lived it.
WHY IS JIU-JITSU SO IMPORTANT?
COMMUNITY
Everyone at Combate Academy sees your full potential. We honor teamwork and push our peers to do their best.
COMPETITIVE
We foster competitive spirits balanced by camaraderie, and hard work. Loss is just as valuable as success on the mat!
DISCIPLINE
Martial arts training will bring out the best in you by improving your perseverance, patience, and character.
CONFIDENCE
Self-Defense allows you to carry on with your life with comfort and ease. Wherever you go you’ll feel self-assured thanks to your BJJ knowledge.
PROBLEM SOLVING
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes aren’t just grappling and strength. It is about effectively working under pressure in order to succeed.
TESTIMONIALS
My 6 year old daughter has found her happy place. I can not say enough good things about the owners, Coach Matt and Coach Danny. Ericka is amazing too! Good vibes - great people - awesome place!
TONY L - Kids Jiu-Jitsu - Aubrey
Returning to Jiu Jitsu after many years, I couldn't have found a better place. The warm ups and training are done solidly and the atmosphere is great. Beginners or fighter athletes can both feel fulfilled here as their journeys will be appropriately tested and enhanced.
ART K - Adult Fundamentals - Little Elm
Combate Academy is a great gym whether you are brand new to jiu jitsu or looking for a place to take your training to the next level. The gym is clean with plenty of mat space and world class instruction from professors Mathew and Igor.
JAMES H - Adult Advanced - Prosper
Ive been part of Combate Academy since they opened. Coaches are very knowledgeable and atmosphere is very welcoming. One of the best cultures I’ve experienced in a martial arts gym. All members are friendly and helpful and all around great. I’m happy to be part of this team.
IVAN S - Adult Advanced - Aubrey
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
-
Combate Academy is at 8800 US 380, Suite 800, Cross Roads, TX 76227, just east of Walmart on Highway 380. We serve Cross Roads, Aubrey, Denton, Little Elm, Prosper, and Providence Village.
-
Yes. New students get a free trial week to attend classes before committing. Just call (940) 548-5487 or book through our Contact page.
-
We teach kids ages 4–7, kids/teens ages 8–13, and adults 14 and up, with separate classes for each age group and skill level.
-
No. Most students start as complete beginners. Our Fundamentals classes are built for first-timers and you train at your own pace.
-
Just wear comfortable athletic clothing, like shorts and a t-shirt or rashguard. During your free trial week we'll provide a gi so you can jump right in, no gear needed. Once you sign up, your registration fee covers a full gi, belt, and no-gi gear (rash guard and shorts), so you're set to train both gi and no-gi classes from day one.
-
Membership pricing varies by program (kids, adult, and family options). Contact us at (940) 548-5487 for current rates and to claim your free trial.
-
Yes. BJJ is one of the most effective self-defense systems because it lets a smaller person control and neutralize a larger opponent using leverage and technique rather than strength.
We proudly teach self-defense to nearby communities including Celina, Whitesboro, Pilot Point, Little Elm, Tioga, Denton, Prosper, Lincoln Park, Oakpoint, Cross Oak Ranch, Lakewood Village, Paloma Creek, Savannah, Union Park, Krugerville, Cross Roads, Aubrey, Providence Village, and more! Come visit our academy off of Highway-380 just past Walmart!
CONTACT US TODAY!
WE RISE BY LIFTING OTHERS