Urban Jungle Self Defense

I started my training here at UJ and learned plenty from Tony Torres-Aponte. I've trained with other instructors here in Houston, Chicago and Miami and have seen the difference that Urban Jungle has to offer. Tony has a great set of guys that train at this gym and offers top notch BJJ. He is a black belt under Royce Gracie and focuses on technique. This is a great place. Looking forward to seeing the new space. Pros: Tony Torres-Aponte more

I've been at Urban Jungle for about a year and a half, and absolutely love it. Tony and family run an excellent business, are truly interested in teaching their students and are very knowledgeable instructors. I leave town often and everytime I come back I can't wait to get back into the gym to train. Pros: Awesomeness Cons: None that I can think of. more

I've been training at Urban Jungle for approximately 1 year now, and I couldn't be happier. I'm in the best shape of my life, and the skills that you learn in martial arts carry over into every aspect of your life. Tony, Michelle, Victor, and all the student/teachers all are more than willing to help you with anything you need, be it further instruction with technique or maybe how to eat better! You get out of an experience what you put into it, so if you really want to learn a new skill, give it your best shot. I guarantee you that people at Urban Jungle will take notice and help guide you on your journey. What else can I say? I'm glad I found the gym, and if you come try it, you will be to. Pros: great facility, great instructors, great skills to learn Cons: wish i had more time to spend there more

I've been working out at Urban Jungle for about a year and half now and I'm not planning on leaving anytime soon. Tony and Michelle are super friendly people and have made me feel at home there from the very first lesson. Tony is a Brazilian Jiujitsu blackbelt and the instruction is top notch. They just expanded the academy, adding a cage and a second floor so there's more room to roll. If you want a great workout and are interested in learning about personal self defense, I would highly recommend checking out Urban Jungle. You won't be disappointed. Pros: Awesome instruction and friendly staff Cons: Parking more

I was overweight and embarrassed to go to a gym. I knew I needed to lose weight. I not only wanted to lose weight, but I also wanted to learn how to defend myself. In addition, I wanted to be surrounded by people who had similar goals. I saw that Urban Jungle gave Cardio Kickboxing classes. I entered the building reluctantly because I was thinking, ?all of these people are going to be super-fit and I do not know what I am doing here.? I entered and I was welcomed right away by Michelle with a smile. She gave me information about coming to a class for free to see if I liked it. I felt a sense of relief and encouragement after I met her. I came to the class and it was phenomenal! Like I told you, I was overweight and out-of-shape. Michelle instructs the class so well. She gives you the novice level of a work-out and the more experienced level of a workout. She does not exclude anyone!! The owners, Michelle and Tony, are married a couple with children, therefore, they have family values that is shown in their establishment. They have an after-school program for children that their own children are involved in. It is a family affair! They are down-to-earth, light-hearted, extremely kind, generous, and genuine in wanting to help others. They don?t treat you as customers, they treat you as friends. Michelle even organized a baby shower for one of our kickboxing classmates. She was not asked to; she did it out of the kindness of her heart. It is unfortunate on how egotistical some people can be and leave fraudulent comments. There are obviously more positive comments than negative. If you are interested in Urban Jungle you need to go and make the judgment yourself and become aware of what a noble establishment Urban Jungle truly is. Pros: Michelle and Tony are there for you when you need them. Very Dependable! more

First I want to say that I've been in the MMA scene for over 6 years, have fought in the Saul Soliz's Houston Renegades, competed in the Worlds Jiu Jitsu Championships, and have trained with UFC veterans like Ricco Rodriguez. When I say that Jiu Jitsu instructor Tony Aponte-Torres gives world class instruction, I'm speaking from experience. Tony is a black belt under Royce Gracie and has trained many top MMA/Jiu Jitsu athletes. As far as the business, they are very family friendly...they hold children class, yoga, cardio and many other services. Tony and Michelle even have occasional fight night parties at their house for us to enjoy Pride and UFC fights. Pros: World class instruction, kid friendly Cons: Parking more

This is a great place to be a part of for whatever fitness goals you have. If you are looking to just get fit or looking to be a competetive martial artist this is the place. The gym is expanding and will be even greater. I have my kids also training in BJJ and would not think of having them anywhere else. Pros: Great instruction for fighters, great fitness for others, expanding soon more

This wasn't my favorite gym. more

Michelle and Tony are very down to earth and helpful. Their self-defense class is excellent. I recommend it to women of all ages. They are extremely knowledgeable and willing to answer all questions. Their gym is very clean and the staff is extremely nice. I'd recommend this gym to anyone interested in martial arts/ kickboxing. Pros: clean, friendly, good location, excellent instruction Cons: parking could be an issue if the gym were crowded, but other than that, nothing. more

This gym has to be Houston?s best kept secret! The instructors are very welcoming and super friendly I remember walking in to view a class and Tony (instructor) came to greet and introduce himself to me even though there was a class in session. They generally cared about your wants and needs whether it be self defense, getting in shape, or competing. Most schools I?ve been to the instructor resemble pushy used-car sales men or are completely indifferent to you or what you?re personal goals are. I?m so glad I found this place because quite frankly I was growing tired of not being able to find a good school with all the martial arts Mac Dojos on every corner. At most of the gyms I've been to in Houston and the surrounding area the instructors have very limited knowledge in Brazilian ju jitsu, Thai kickboxing, or mixed martial arts. Tony was a professional Thai kickboxer and is a Royce Gracie blackbelt in Houston, so he KNOWS his stuff. If you want to get in shape, learn to defend yourself, or want to compete this is one of the finest gyms there is around. more

This is a very good gym for martial arts, basic to intermediate cardio, and general fitness. After my first day, I was very sore(which is a good thing). My flexibility and endurance has grown an extensive rate due to the classes that I have taken. I highly recommend this place to anyone that doesn't want to experience the typical and bland environment of a regular gym. more

The cardio kick boxing on Mon/Wed nights is basically a dance class, no actual contact. The gym is VERY small, its 1 room. Cons: parking, size, staff more

I would not consider this school to be a top school as they claim. They are a good school, bringing in big names in jui jitsu. With close to $300 down payments & well over a hundred dollars($130-$185) a month after that, there are better school for much better prices. Cons: expensive, must sign contract, more

This is a great facility for both fitness and martial arts. If you want a great personal feel, a community environment, and excellent classes, this is your place. Their cardio kickboxing class is great, better than any other I've tried. I also do their self defense workshops for women and their personal training program for women and it's been a great way to lose weight and meet some great people. I highly recommend it. Pros: Inexpensive, Great Instructors, Personal Service more