The MATS

My son joined The MATS a few months ago and Coach James Cardo at The MATS Jujitsu Club is undoubtedly top-notch. His extensive knowledge, expertise, and passion for the art of jujitsu is evident in every class. He takes the time to break down techniques, ensuring that my son understands the principles and mechanics behind them. Coach Cardo is patient, approachable, and always ready to provide guidance and encouragement, which greatly enhances the learning experience. Thank you so much Coach for all your dedication with my son.

I can’t recommend this gym enough. I’ve been doing Jiu-Jitsu on and off for several years, and have never progressed as fast as I have at the Mats. Coach Cardo’s ability to break down and drill moves are unlike any coach I’ve worked with. Additionally, his emphasis on movement, mobility and conditioning have kept me healthy and able to train hard without injury. If you’re looking for a clean gym to train hard and grow through your bjj journey definitely check out the Mats!

I’ve been practicing jujitsu for just over three years and my experience with Coach James has been fantastic! He is an extremely knowledgeable coach and communicates his expertise in fun and understandable ways. The conditioning sessions will also kill you in the best way possible!

The new kid on the Texas block shouldn’t be ignored. Transplanted Dan Covel Black Belt James Cardo is an extremely proficient grappler with 15+ years of experience. His encyclopedia of grappling knowledge and mat experience has been honed under black belts Ailson “Jucao” Brites, Luis Gerena, Marcelo Garcia, Paul Schreiner, Romero “Jacare” Cavalcanti and Dan Covel. Beginners and experience grapplers will learn from his clear instruction and ability to breakdown the most complex concepts and principles.

The Mats provides a safe but challenging training environment. Classes are technical but fun. Professor’s Cardo’s interest and goal is not to just prepare you for your experiences on the mat but for being better in life overall.

I’ve been training with Cardo for my whole jiu jitsu life and he’s a trusted training partner and friend who’s always been interested in my growth.

I have trained with Cardo for years. He’s extremely knowledgeable and ever expanding his game. He’s great to work with if you are new to the sport or have been doing it for years. Being a knowledgeable black belt, he knows how to push you hard during live rolls but still emphasize teaching. He’s a great teacher and over the years has become a great friend.