Our program consists of teaching the life skills of following basic rules, definig boundaries, and following directions. MMA is a full contact combat sport that commonly uses a wide variety of fighting styles and skills to be used in competition. It is a motivating, full body workout that utilizes the explosive techniques of kickboxing, boxing, jiu-jitsu and wrestling all set to music.
Urban Jungle Self Defense is dedicated to the highest quality of Martial Arts Classes and Fitness in Harris Country, which is only minutes away from Houston Heights. We are continually enhancing our programs to address techniques, drills, exercises and safety tips that require a realistic approach to self-defense.
Urban Jungle Self Defense is dedicated to the highest quality of Martial Arts Classes and Fitness in Harris Country, which is only minutes away from Houston Heights. We are continually enhancing our programs to address techniques, drills, exercises and safety tips that require a realistic approach to self-defense.
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Deep in the Heights at the MMA gym, Urban Jungle, you will learn more about yourself than you could know, from the inside out, to your sweat covered gloves. Owners Tony and Michelle Torres-Aponte have poured their knowledge and spirit into this gym for the last 13 years, but the story behind their success has been in the making for over two decades.
Jiu-Jitsu means 'the gentle art' and it is truly a complete martial art. This discipline teaches complete self defense in that it uses not only physical preparation, but also trains you in the mental aspect of combat and conflict. The application of traditional Gracie Jiu-Jitsu transcends the application of chokes, joint locks, immobilizations, throws and strikes.
Our space is specifically designed to accommodate a variety of training techniques and martial arts. It was also exclusively planned for maximum comfort and efficiency while training. The recent build-out both updated the space and increased the training options for students, making Urban Jungle a well rounded space for anyone to train, no matter your current level of fitness or expertise in the arts.
Urban Jungle's tiny tot program in Houston Heights provides students with the guidance to attain self-confidence which leads them down the road to independence. At this young age, little ones are learning to differentiate between things that are safe and familiar and the things that are unknown and intimidating.
Voted "Best MMA Studio" in the city by the Houston Press, Urban Jungle's Mixed Martial Arts Program in Houston, focuses on five main components: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Muay Thai Kickboxing, boxing and wrestling, creating a flow that lets the student experience the full benefit derived from each individual art.
Reviews (10)
John Burns
Jan 03, 2022
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Maria Galvan
Jul 13, 2021
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Marie Dominguez
Jan 12, 2021
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Enrique Martinez
Nov 23, 2019
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Fantastic training center all around, very welcoming - Top tier JiuJitsu and Fitness. If you're looking to get fit and learn self-Defense/fighting look no further.
I came to Tony and Michelle looking to learn basic martial arts with zero prior experience and I've now been with them for more than 3 years and will continue to do so as long as I'm in Houston.
Not only have I gained a better knowledge of fighting, but I've also gained tons of friends and a group of people that push me to improve every single day.
Do yourself a favor and sign up for their trial classes, you won't regret it.
I came to Tony and Michelle looking to learn basic martial arts with zero prior experience and I've now been with them for more than 3 years and will continue to do so as long as I'm in Houston.
Not only have I gained a better knowledge of fighting, but I've also gained tons of friends and a group of people that push me to improve every single day.
Do yourself a favor and sign up for their trial classes, you won't regret it.
Eric Barton
Oct 05, 2019
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I’ve been attending Urban Jungle for 4 years now and I can honestly say I’m happy to call it home. I’ve been practicing JiuJitsu for about 10 years and have been to several gyms and I felt right at home once I started at Urban.
Tony and Michelle are fantastic owners and Tony is one of the most knowledgeable instructors I’ve ever seen. I learn something new every week and it’s always challenging. Also I lost 30 pounds so that’s a plus.
I don’t have children but I’ve been there enough to see countless kids classes. They are always patient and kind to the children. In fact some of
Tony and Michelle are fantastic owners and Tony is one of the most knowledgeable instructors I’ve ever seen. I learn something new every week and it’s always challenging. Also I lost 30 pounds so that’s a plus.
I don’t have children but I’ve been there enough to see countless kids classes. They are always patient and kind to the children. In fact some of
John Baker
Oct 04, 2019
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This place and the people there taught me how to exercise, be fit and hold my head up high with confidence. I was never much of an athlete and never had a lot of confidence around athletics and never knew how to work out. Now some of my best friends are my gym partners. Urban Jungle is a wonderful environment that truly changed my life in a way I did not expect. The teachers there are amazing people and masterful in their ability to teach. I'm proud to call this place home and the people there family.
Kfree
Aug 29, 2019
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I've traveled to many different gyms over my 12 years of jiu jitsu experience and I can truly say Urban Jungle is my home. Tony is truly a master of jiu jitsu and more importantly to that an amazing person and mentor to many. When it comes to the friendly atmosphere, high skill level of the students, and coaching provided Urban Jungle is second to none.
Daniel
Jul 13, 2019
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If you are looking for a positive environment to learn legit self-defense, compete in Jiu jitsu or MMA, or just increase your fitness level and meet some great people, you won’t find a better place than Urban Jungle.
The owners, Tony and Michelle Torres-Aponte are amazing instructors and fantastic people. With their many years of experience, they can connect and teach to individuals from all backgrounds. From kids to adults, elite athletes to average Joes.
My son and I have trained here for years and I cannot overstate the benefits we have reaped from being a part of this community. If you
The owners, Tony and Michelle Torres-Aponte are amazing instructors and fantastic people. With their many years of experience, they can connect and teach to individuals from all backgrounds. From kids to adults, elite athletes to average Joes.
My son and I have trained here for years and I cannot overstate the benefits we have reaped from being a part of this community. If you
Jim Stern
Oct 01, 2018
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Excellent gym! Great group of training partners and instruction. I have taken jiu jitsu at Urban Jungle for six years and kardio kickboxing the past two years. Tony and Michelle are super knowledgeable and genuinely care about their members. The black belts - Aaron, Jesse, Alex, and Jerome - are excellent teachers. The focus on "in the street" techniques gives confidence to handle whatever situation one may be confronted with. Michelle pushes hard in kardio, drawing out of you what you were not sure was there! No need to look any further...
Xi Caveman Ix
Jul 05, 2018
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This is the BEST gym I have ever trained in and I have trained all around the world (military). Tony and Michelle are as close to perfect as you could wish for. All of the instructors (especially Jessie) are super cool and knowledgeable. I could honestly go on and on and on but my advice is get in this gym ASAP because you won't regret it!!