Professor Vincent Anzelone - Owner/Head Instructor
- Gracie Humaitá Black Belt
- Pan-American Champion (IBJJF)
- MO State Champion (FUJI/KOZEN)
- Chicago Midwest Champion (NAGA)
- Self-Defense Certification from Master Royler Gracie
- Co-Founder: FUJI Jiu-Jitsu Championship Series
- Safe Sport Certified
Professor Vincent Anzelone is the Co-Owner and Head Instructor for Gracie Humaitá in Willis and Montgomery, TX. He began his martial arts journey as a young child in Pittsburgh, PA studying Tang Soo Do under Grand Master CS Kim. Before finding Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, Vincent has also briefly studied Taekwondo, wrestling, and Budō Tai Jutsu.
In October of 2010, Vincent began training Gracie Jiu-Jitsu under black belt and Pan American Champion, Professor JW Wright at Gracie Humaitá STL, MO. Vincent trained directly with Professor JW at his academy in St. Louis for over 8 years becoming proficient in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, the Self-Defense System and competing in multiple events across the United States.
In November 2012, Vincent Anzelone founded the KOZEN Fighter Competition Series along with his Professor JW Wright, Krista Anzelone and Laura Taff. The KOZEN Fighter Competition Series hosted successful jiu-jitsu competitions throughout the MidWest until 2015 when they partnered with FUJI Sports and re-branded to The FUJI Jiu-Jitsu Championship Series. Since 2015, The FUJI Jiu-Jitsu Competition Series has grown to become one of the largest competition series of any kind in the entire world, hosting hundreds of events in over 40 states each and every year.
In October 2018, Vincent and Krista Anzelone moved to the Rio Grande Valley with the sole purpose of opening their own jiu-jitsu academy in order to teach the art they had been studying and promoting for so long. After moving over 1,100 miles from home and investing an enormous amount of time, work and resources they opened Anzelone Jiu-Jitsu in Brownsville, TX. Anzelone Jiu-Jitsu is on Ruben Torres Blvd in Brownsville less than one mile from the Southern Border. The academy is currently operated by Juan Cardenas (Brown Belt) with Vincent and Krista Anzelone visiting frequently in order to teach, train and visit with the members there.
Since 2012, Vincent Anzelone has organized, hosted, promoted, coached, and refereed literally hundreds of jiu-jitsu competitions across the United States. As a competitor, Vincent has participated in events at multiple organizations in many different states. He has won the Chicago Midwest Championships (NAGA), the Missouri States Championships (KOZEN/FUJI) and the Pan American Championships (IBJJF).
Krista Anzelone - Owner/Instructor
- Gracie Humaitá Brown Belt
- Jiu-Jitsu Instructor
- Master World Silver Medalist (IBJJF)
- Co-Founder: FUJI Jiu-Jitsu Championship Series
- United States Air Force Veteran
- Bachelor's Degree: Early Childhood Development
Krista Anzelone began training Gracie Jiujitsu in 2012 under black belt and Pan American Champion, Professor JW Wright at Gracie Humaitá STL, MO. Krista trained directly with Professor JW at his academy in St. Louis for over 6 years becoming proficient in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, the Self-Defense System and competing in multiple events across the United States.
In the academy, Krista is an invaluable asset for the children's class. With a degree in Early Childhood Development and a strong background as a tenured first grade teacher, Krista is an absolute wizard with the kids. She is fantastic at not only teaching jiu-jitsu to the children but also implementing incredible classroom skills (wait in line, raise your hand, be a good partner) that will serve them well in school and in life for years to come.
Christopher Fisher - Instructor
- Gracie Humaitá Black Belt
- Jiu-Jitsu Instructor
- PHD in Education Leadership from Sam Houston State University
- 5 Years Patrol and Investigations for South Houston PD
Christopher is a black belt, whose experience in both Brazilian juijitsu and MMA that spans nearly two decades. As Texas native and practitioner, Brazilian Jujitsu has been a companion through his diverse personal and professional live of service, ranging from law enforcement to NGO humanitarian work, to education. His philosophy of teaching emphasizes a positive, collaborative, and constructive learning environment as the platform for growth, skill development, and access to BJJ despite age, race, gender, sexuality, or nationality, Chris believes that BJJ is a life long journey with no ending point and that there is no mastery whether in life or juijitsu without patience, discipline, kindness, and respect.
Children who train jiu-jitsu develop a high level of confidence and control. Jiu-Jitsu is a full-contact, combat sport and martial art. Kids who train with us practice this each and every day and are better equipped to handle real life altercations when they arise. We also teach them how better to avoid such situations and how to navigate difficult scenarios that they may encounter throughout their lives.
