Black Wolf Jiu Jitsu
There is No Losing in Jiu Jitsu. You Either Win or You Learn.
Welcome To Our
Jiu Jitsu School
Welcome to Black Wolf Jiu Jitsu, a community-driven Dallas Jiu Jitsu school! Our academy thrives on providing an inclusive, friendly environment where anyone in the area can train. We are dedicated to serving the east side Dallas community (with our new facility). It doesn’t matter your age, experiences, skill level, or physical condition—the martial art is for everyone. Our Jiu Jitsu classes are a fun, educational experience. Students learn how to handle themselves physically and emotionally. It is also a great social experience for kids. Everything is here for you to succeed with us at Black Wolf Jiu Jitsu!
Get started with our
FREE class trial!
Join us with a FREE Jiu Jitsu class! Sign up and discover a supportive community, high-level training, and a fun environment!
Who We Are at
Black Wolf Jiu Jitsu
Our School
Black Wolf Jiu Jitsu is a home for anyone looking to get started in Jiu Jitsu in Dallas. We want to make training a fun, productive experience for everyone in our school. Jiu Jitsu classes are structured but not rigid. We strive for creativity and personality to shine, bringing out each person’s individual best. While we have students train for competition, not everything is about winning. We make sure everyone feels comfortable and welcome in our community. This includes fun events with holiday parties, group activities, volunteer work to give back, and so much more. At the end of the day, we want students to leave more confident and know they are making strong progress toward their personal goals. Come join our community and discover what you are truly capable of in a supportive training environment at Black Wolf Jiu Jitsu!
The historic building at 4422 Live Oak Street began its life in the early 20th century as Dallas Fire Station No. 8, serving the East Dallas neighborhood and standing as a symbol of public service and community protection. In later years, the space transformed into a vibrant ballet folklórico studio, where culture, movement, and tradition continued to bring people together. Today, Black Wolf Jiu Jitsu is proud to carry that legacy forward. Our goal is to honor the building’s rich history by preserving its authentic character while creating a space where discipline, community, and the art of jiu jitsu can thrive for years to come.
Our History
Coach Johnny Rodriguez has been the driving force behind our academy’s vision and leadership from the very beginning. His martial arts journey began in 1999, immersing himself in a wide range of disciplines including Kenpo, Judo, Okinawan Karate, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, catch wrestling, Muay Thai, close-quarter hand-to-hand combat, and kickboxing. Over the years, Coach Johnny has earned multiple black belts across these systems, building a well-rounded foundation rooted in both traditional and modern combat arts.
At the blue belt level in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Coach Johnny partnered with the legendary **Carlos Machado**, dedicating himself to studying and training under his mentorship. Through years of disciplined training, competition, and service to the art, Johnny earned his black belt in 2014. He currently holds the rank of third-degree black belt and continues to uphold the high technical standards and philosophy instilled in him. Throughout his career, Coach Johnny has partnered with martial arts schools across the DFW area to bring high-level Brazilian Jiu Jitsu instruction to their students, helping grow strong, respectful, and technically sound programs throughout the community.
Kelley, the gym’s Kids Instructor and Program Director, began her Brazilian Jiu Jitsu journey nine years ago and hasn’t looked back. Her passion for youth development, structured programming, and building confidence in young students has become a cornerstone of the academy’s culture.
When the opportunity presented itself, Johnny and Kelley combined their shared vision and complementary strengths to open their first location on Lemmon Avenue. As the community grew, so did their mission—leading them to expand and establish their new home in East Dallas. Together, they continue to build an academy rooted in tradition, discipline, and family, providing world-class Jiu Jitsu instruction to students of all ages.
Check Out Our
Our School Schedule!
Make sure to take a look at our Jiu Jitsu schedule. We have classes 7 day a week (kids train Saturday and Sunday) for you to get started on our mats!
Meet the
Black Wolf Jiu Jitsu Team
Professor Johnny Rodriguez
Head Instructor
Third Degree Black Belt
Professor Johnny Rodriguez is a third degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He received his Black Belt from Master Carlos Machado and his 4 brothers in October 2014. He started his Martial Arts journey in Aikido as a teenager and continued on to earn his Black Belt. Throughout the years, Professor Rodriguez has studied and practiced Kenpo Karate, Judo, Muay Thai, Catch wrestling and Shōrin-ryū. He currently holds a Brown Belt in Judo, Black Belt in Kenpo Karate, Black Belt in Aikido and a Black Belt in Shōrin-ryū Karate. Having served in law enforcement for over 20 years, Professor Rodriguez’s journey into Jiu Jitsu was not only a natural progression but a transformative one. His practical knowledge of self-defense and situational awareness, honed through years of service, enriches his teaching style.
Kelley Herold
Kids Coach & Gym Director
Purple Belt
Kelley is a dedicated Jiu Jitsu practitioner, who embarked on her martial arts Journey at the age of 26 with a passion for empowering individuals through the art of self-defense. Drawing on her extensive experience in education, specifically serving those with disabilities, spanning over 15 years, Kelley brings a unique perspective to her role as an instructor. Her commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment has made her a favorite among students and parents. In addition to her education experience, Kelley has a strong passion for supporting women in martial arts and actively works to create an inclusive experience, where women feel empowered to participate and excel. Kelley’s kids programs are designed to cater to diverse skill levels, ensuring that each student has a place on the mat. Students leave Black Wolf Jiu Jitsu not only inspired to master the techniques on the mat, but also to apply principles of discipline, respect, and perseverance.
Join us with our 21 day challenge!
Come join us with this special offer. Train for a limited time and receive a full refund if you want to stop or a discount if you want to continue! It’s a can’t-miss opportunity!
Black Wolf Jiu Jitsu
Programs
Jiu Jitsu is a great opportunity for anyone looking to reach their personal goals. In our programs at Black Wolf Jiu Jitsu, we tailor each class to our students’ needs. Looking to compete? Learn self-defense? Improve your health and fitness? It is all available for you as you work to be the best version of yourself!
Kids Jiu Jitsu –
Pups (ages 4-5)
This class is all about setting up the foundational skills. We work with preschool and Kindergarten kids to help them develop their gross motor skills so they know how to move properly before learning complicated techniques. Simultaneously, students begin learning routines, which can help at home, school, and in everyday life.
Kids Jiu Jitsu – Wolves (ages 6-15)
This is where we build up on the foundational skills taught in our pups class. We dive into the nitty gritty of Jiu Jitsu, focusing on traditional techniques within the art. We begin to break down more complex chained movements and help prepare kids to begin competing. On top of that, your child will receive a thorough training experience that instills life skills such as discipline, respect, and focus.
Adult Jiu Jitsu (ages 16+)
It doesn’t matter where you are in your Jiu Jitsu journey, we meet the students at their level. They go through warmups and solo drills to help them nail down the correct movements for techniques, emphasizing position over submission. It’s a great program for those looking for self-defense training, physical activity for their health and fitness, or expanding their game for competition.
Standup
Our Standup training program teaches a wide variety of skills within martial arts. It encompasses lots of MMA, incorporating techniques from Kickboxing, Catch Wrestling, and Muay Thai. It’s a nice mix of both grappling and standup for an all-around game.
What Our Students Are Saying
Black Wolf Jiu Jitsu is a home for the entire Dallas Jiu Jitsu community to thrive in. We are invested in each of our student’s journeys, making sure we are tailoring their experience to their goals. The high-level instruction with our supportive culture makes it the perfect home for you. And don’t just take it from us. Check out what Black Wolf students are saying about why we have become their home for training!
“Joining Black Wolf has been a life changing experience for my 10 year old son. He was in need of structure and discipline, which he gets at BW in spades.”
“Passing through town and dropped in for a morning session. Everyone was so welcoming and made me feel at home. Would love to be able to come back in the future!”
“This is a great place for your training and learning of this art. Go and see what they have to offer you.”
Join us with our 21 day challenge!
Come join us with this special offer. Train for a limited time and receive a full refund if you want to stop or a discount if you want to continue! It’s a can’t-miss opportunity!
Contact Us!
We are proud to serve Dallas Jiu Jitsu students, and welcome everyone in Dallas at Swiss Avenue, Lakewood, the M Streets, East Dallas, and Junius Heights. You can find us right on Live Oak in the old East Dallas Neighborhood in the previous Anita N. Martinez Ballet Folklorico building!