About Narvaez Jiu-Jitsu
We started in 2016 with a simple idea: jiu-jitsu should be for everyday people, not just fighters. A firefighter-owned academy where a nervous first-timer is greeted by name.
Narvaez Jiu-Jitsu has been part of the Corpus Christi community since 2016, training alongside Weapons At Hand MMA Academy. What started as a small group of students has grown into a full program for kids, adults, and families across South Texas.
Owner Roger Narvaez is a full-time firefighter who built this gym around a simple belief: jiu-jitsu is everyone. Whether you're looking to get in shape, relieve stress, learn self-defense, or find a new community, you'll find it here.
Ten years in, our mission remains the same — build better people, on and off the mats.
Our Mission
Building Better People On and Off the Mats
Our mats are clean, bright, and welcoming — a calm place to learn, not a fight gym. Whether you are five or fifty-five, you will find room to grow at your own pace, surrounded by people who want you to succeed.
9929 S Padre Island Dr, Corpus Christi, TX 78418
A few simple expectations keep our mats safe, respectful, and welcoming for everyone.
Come in with an open mind and positive attitude. Always find who is coaching and introduce yourself before class starts.
Keep fingernails and toenails trimmed short to keep training safe for everyone.
Wear a clean gi or rashguard to every class — good hygiene keeps the whole gym healthy.
Shoes stay off the mats at all times.
Listen closely and follow instructor direction during technique and live training.
Tap early, tap often — there's no shame in tapping, and it keeps training safe for training partners.
Treat every training partner, from white belt to black belt, with respect.
You are in good hands with every coach on our mats — not just the owner.
Purple Belt
Coach Sabryna is the newest addition to our coaching staff, assisting with kids’ classes. Her patience and kindness help each student feel supported while learning and growing on the mats. As a seasoned competitor, she brings valuable experience and a passion for jiu-jitsu to every class.
Black Belt
Coach Phil received his black belt in 2019. He is a long time jiu jitsu practitioner who has not only competed in jiu jitsu but has fought as a professional in mixed martial arts. Coach Phil brings a diverse skill set and unique ability to teach people of various ages and skill levels.
Black Belt
Coach Mike is a Corpus Christi transplant and former D1 wrestler who spent his collegiate career wrestling at the University of Michigan. After his college career he began training and competing in jiu jitsu. He joined the coaching staff in 2023 and has been a valuable asset to our team.
Black Belt
Nabila is a fierce competitor with over a decade of experience in Judo and Jiu Jitsu. She holds the rank of Brown Belt in Judo and Black Belt in Jiu Jitsu. She has a passion for empowering women and leads from the front by competing at a high level.
Black Belt
Coach Jamie is the first purebred Narvaez Jiu Jitsu black belt. He has been a main stay assisting with kids Jiu Jitsu program since its inception. He has a be intricate part of our kids programs success.
Brown Belt
Coach Josh has been a member of the Narvaez Jiu Jitsu team since 2018. He has assisted with our kids program for the past 5 years. He holds the rank of brown belt has coached many of our competitors to their success in local and regional tournaments.
Black Belt, 3rd Degree — Owner & Head Instructor
Roger is the owner and head instructor of Narvaez Jiu-Jitsu, training and teaching in Corpus Christi for over a decade. When he's not on the mats, he serves the community as a full-time firefighter. Roger built the gym around one goal: helping everyday people become better versions of themselves, on and off the mats. He leads the Adult and Kids Jiu Jitsu programs for the gym.
The best way to understand our academy is to visit. Your first class is on us.