Our Instructors

Professor Shawn Kennedy
Third-Degree Black Belt

Professor Shawn Kennedy is a third-degree black belt under Master Vinicius “Draculino” Magalhaes (a coral belt [red/black belt] under Master Carlos Gracie, Jr.). Shawn is a native Houstonian and proud United States Marine Corps Combat Veteran, who served in the Gulf War. After the Gulf War, he became a Marine Corps Cadre, training the U.S. Navy Auxiliary Force (ASF) and government base police in unarmed self-defense.

After leaving the military, Shawn found himself at a crossroads in life.

“At 38, I was out of shape. I always worked out and stayed fit but somehow, I just fell off track. I wanted an activity that would challenge me mentally and physically — that’s when I found Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.”

“When I took my first class, my goal was just to make it through the class! But after that one class, I was hooked! It started to change me — both mentally and physically — and my health, stress and overall wellbeing began to improve.”

Positively impacting lives.

Jiu-jitsu was making such an impact on Shawn’s life that he enrolled both of his kids.

“At the time, my daughter was 11 and my son was 6. I knew jiu-jitsu would teach them self-defense and instill key disciplines and values that would impact them throughout their lives. My daughter learned self-defense techniques that she later used to protect herself against an assault. Jiu-jitsu was key in my son’s high school wrestling success. Now, he’s a black belt, works as a jiu-jitsu instructor and is a successful competitor.”

“Jiu-jitsu has enriched our lives in more ways than I can count. I want to help others have that same experience — that’s why I started Gracie Barra Conroe.”

The Gracie Barra difference.

Gracie Barra academies span across the globe, with over 1,000 schools worldwide. The curriculums used at each school — for both adults and children — include proven, tried-and-true methods and techniques, created and taught by some of the most renowned jiu-jitsu competitors and professors around the world.

You’re never too old, you’re never too young.

Shawn not only got through that first class but went on to win multiple medals. He received his black belt at age 46 and recently received his third-degree black belt.

“I’m living proof that it’s never too late to start. We have boys and girls starting as early as 18 months old to men and women well into their 70s. It’s incredible to watch the journey of both. If you’re someone who’s looking for an outlet for yourself or your kids, come train with us! If you’ve gotten off track in life, like I had at 38, come train with us! Let us help you become the person you were destined to be. We have classes for all fitness and skill levels and all ages. We can’t wait to welcome you into the Gracie Barra family.”