Meet Our Instructors

Master Carlos Gracie Jr. is a man ahead of his time. Son of Grand Carlos Gracie Sr., he used his unique visionary skills to create two of the world’s largest BJJ organizations: the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) and Gracie Barra. As founder and Chairman of both institutions, he has taken the sport to the next level, allowing thousands across five continents to experience the ‘Gentle Art’ as students, instructors, and competitors.

Founded in 1986, Gracie Barra was built on the vision that Jiu-Jitsu is a tool to help any person reach their full potential. On Gracie Barra mats, world champions were made alongside doctors, engineers, lawyers — all inspired by Master Carlos Gracie Jr.’s ideals of healthy living, discipline, and great community.

Professor Vinicius Draculino Magalhaes is the head instructor of Gracie Barra Texas and Gracie Barra–BH Schools. With over 20 years of teaching experience, his personality, enthusiasm, integrity and leadership define GB Texas. His competition résumé is elite: 4-time Pan American Champion, No-Gi Pan Am Champion (2008), 2-time Brazilian National Champion, 2-time Silver Medalist at the BJJ World Championships, MMA Lightweight Champion in Brazil, Strike Force Featherweight Winner, and Abu-Dhabi veteran.

Beyond the mats, Professor Draculino holds a Law degree from UFRJ — one of Brazil’s top law schools — and has produced 100+ black belts, world champions, and grappling competitors spread across the globe.

Professor Leo Cantu is the first Gracie Barra Black Belt in Corpus Christi. His journey began in 1993 after watching Royce Gracie win the inaugural UFC — the smallest competitor defeating all others through technique and leverage. Leo trained under Carley Gracie in San Francisco, then spent months at a time at Gracie Barra BH in Belo Horizonte, Brazil under Professor Draculino. He also trained with BJJ World Champion Alberto Crane.

“I am grateful for all the opportunities I had while achieving my Black Belt. I show my students and academy the same dedication I showed throughout the years of achieving my Black Belt and will continue to share my knowledge of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu through my teachings here at Gracie Barra Corpus Christi.” — Professor Leo Cantu