Train Inside a Real Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Lineage in Spring, TX
At Ground Dwellers you learn the Carlos Machado system from the source, under 4th-degree black belt Professor Eddie Avelar. A direct lineage, not a marketing one. Your first class is free.
Why It Matters
In Jiu-Jitsu, Who You Learn From Is Everything
Anyone can hang a belt on the wall. What you cannot fake is where the knowledge came from. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was built and pressure-tested over generations, and the closer you train to that source, the more real your training is.
Ground Dwellers is not a franchise running a printed curriculum. It is a direct Carlos Machado academy, so the system you learn is the genuine article, passed hand to hand, not photocopied.
An Unbroken Line to the Mat
From the founders of the art to your first class.
- 1
The Gracie Family
Founders of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was built and proven by the Gracie family in Brazil, refined against real resistance over generations.
- 2
Carlos Machado
Coral Belt Master · CMJJ
One of the five legendary Machado brothers, cousins of the Gracie family who helped bring Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to the United States. He built the Carlos Machado Jiu-Jitsu Association (CMJJ).
- 3
Eddie Avelar
4th-Degree Black Belt · Spring, TX
Professor Avelar earned his rank directly under Master Carlos Machado over more than 22 years, and is a CMJJ ambassador who still rolls live with students every week.
- 4
You
On the mat at Ground Dwellers
When you train at Ground Dwellers, you step into that same unbroken line. The real system, taught from the source.
The Source
Master Carlos Machado
Carlos Machado is one of the five legendary Machado brothers, cousins of the Gracie family who helped carry Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu from Brazil to the United States. A coral belt master, he has spent decades developing black belts and refining the art.
His Carlos Machado Jiu-Jitsu (CMJJ) Association carries that standard forward through affiliated instructors around the country. Professor Eddie Avelar in Spring, TX is one of them.
Your Instructor
Professor Eddie Avelar
4th-Degree Black Belt Under Master Carlos Machado
Professor Avelar has trained Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for more than 22 years and earned every degree directly under Master Carlos Machado. He specializes in gi-based techniques, including the Broken Butterfly series and the Pro Guard positions, and is a CMJJ ambassador who runs seminars and mentors students around the country.
He is over 54 and still an active sparring partner, on the mat with students every week. When you train here, you train under the real thing.
More About Professor AvelarWhat a Real Lineage Means for You
The Real System, Not a Copy
You learn the techniques the way they were built and tested, not a diluted version passed down through a franchise manual.
Promotions That Mean Something
Belts here are earned on the mat and recognized within a genuine lineage, not handed out on a schedule to keep members paying.
A Coach Who Still Rolls
Professor Avelar teaches hands-on: drilling, live demonstration, and open dialogue, so you actually understand why a technique works.
What Our Members Say
Real reviews from real people on the mat.
The best all around place to train Brazilian jujitsu and grappling in Houston. Great training, good people to work with and a great facility. Eddie knows more about grappling than anyone I've ever met and I feel safe even having my kids train here.
This is an awesome gym! My husband and I joined to get fit, learn something new, and have fun and we have certainly enjoyed our experience here. Everyone we have met is very welcoming and friendly. Whether you're new or experienced, this gym is a great place to start or continue your martial arts journey. Highly recommend
Have trained at Ground Dwellers for years and never get tired of the community and vast knowledge! Does not matter what skill level or reason for wanting to train. Hobbyist, competition, or whatever. You can find what you need here and have fun doing it. The best gym and highly recommend
Coach Eddie is a fantastic instructor. Very knowledgeable and gave me a lot of valuable advice including tips on how to train off the mat. I was only visiting but would definitely come back next time I'm in town.
Awesome place. Made my pilgrimage to HQ. Had some great rolls with a variety of folks at all skill levels. Attended their open mat on a Saturday.
Questions About the Machado Lineage
What is the Machado Jiu-Jitsu lineage?
Is Ground Dwellers a real Carlos Machado academy?
Who is Carlos Machado?
Why does lineage matter when choosing a gym?
Can beginners train the Machado system at Ground Dwellers?
Train Under the Real Thing
The best way to feel the difference a real lineage makes is to step on the mat. Your first class is free. No contracts, no sign-up fees.
Try a Free Class