How Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Came to Downtown LG

The next time you drive by the old Hallmark Store in La Grange, look through the window. You’ll probably find folks young and old locked in combat. The store is now home to La Grange Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, which offers training in this unique form of martial arts.

How Jiu Jitsu got to Brazil is a long, complicated story, but how it got to La Grange is a little easier. Alex Henley, the lead instructor, opened a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gym in Bastrop a few years ago. Quite a few La Grange folks started attending his classes, so he decided to open a second location in La Grange. Henley held a grand opening three weeks ago.

Henley first learned the martial art over a decade ago. He said he sought out a trainer after watching some mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters employ the art in their fighting style.

“Growing up, I liked roughhousing a lot,” he said. “This is all about rough-housing, but doing it safely and smarter.”

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu emphasize ground fighting and submission holds. Instead of punching and kicking, fighters aim to bring their opponent to the ground and place them in holds until they submit.

“Here, we focus a lot on the competitive sport, but there’s obviously a self-defense aspect to it,” Henley said.

Henley said Brazilian Jiu Jitsu offers much more than self denfense and physical excercise.

“It’s changed me as a person,” Henley said. “It gave me confidence. I never have anxiety anymore. It made me into the person I always wanted to be. I feel comfortable in my own skin.

“You’ll also build bonds with people,” he added. “I’ve made many friends through this sport. My son and I are super close, and I think it’s mostly because of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.”

Henley offers a free week of instruction to anyone who is interested. He accepts students ages four and up. His oldest student is an 83-year-old man. The gym offers ladies-only classes as well. Visit lagrangebjj.com to learn more.