OUR SCHOOL
GB Westalke School: Where Families Thrive Through Jiu-Jitsu
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Founded in October 2020 by Professor Alexandre “Dande” Santos, GB Westalke School has quickly become a cornerstone of the Westalke Community. Our mission is to foster health and unity among families, using the art of Jiu-Jitsu as a transformative tool for personal growth, discipline, and stress relief.
At GB Westalke, we believe in Jiu-Jitsu for Everyone! Our programs cater to all ages, welcoming children as young as 3 years old through to teenagers. For adults, we offer comprehensive training that accommodates everyone—from beginners with no prior experience to advanced students and expert competitors.
Our highly qualified staff is certified by Gracie Barra, with thorough background checks and CPR certifications to ensure a safe learning environment. As part of a global network of over a thousand schools, we teach a proven curriculum that has been successfully training students for nearly 40 years, producing more black belt world champions than any other Jiu-Jitsu organization worldwide.
Under the guidance of our Head Professor, a fourth-degree black belt with nearly three decades of training experience and over eighteen years as a black belt, students are empowered to achieve their goals. Professor Dande is not only an exceptional instructor but also a world-class competitor with an impressive record in prestigious tournaments such as IBJJF, ADCC, and Abu Dhabi Pro.
*Professor Dande’s Major Titles Include:*
– Panamerican Champion
– Brazilian National Absolute Champion
– American National Absolute Champion
– Second and Third Place at the Worlds Masters Black Belt
– 4-Time Austin Open Champion
– Abu Dhabi Pro Trials Second Place
– ADCC OPEN Austin TX Third Place
As a coach, Professor Dande has led his teams to victory, claiming first-place trophies at the Austin Open International of IBJJF for five consecutive years in both Gi and NoGi categories. His teams have also triumphed at the American Nationals of Compnet Global and secured the NAGA Austin TX Team Trophy.
Join us at GB Westalke School and experience the incredible benefits of Jiu-Jitsu while building lasting connections within our vibrant community!
ORGANIZED LIKE A TEAM
FIGHTING LIKE A
FAMILY
MEET OUR TEAM
All of our CPR certified instructors are officially certified instructors by Gracie Barra.
Alexandre “Dande” Santos
Head Instructor
4th Degree Black Belt
Professor Alexandre Santos (Dande) has been teaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for over 10 years, both in Brazil and in the USA. As a competitor he has achieved prestigious titles at Worlds, Pan-American, Brazilian Nationals, and the Brazilian State Championships. Prof. Dande’s dedication, skills and passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) – combined with his back ground in physical therapy makes him one of Gracie Barra’s most sought after instructors.
Professor “Dande” was born and raised in Brasilia, the capital of Brazil, where he founded one of the first Jiu-Jitsu schools. He has overseen the growth of schools around the US and students still come from all over the country to train with him in the Austin area.
David Davis
GB1 and NoGi
Black Belt
Professor David Davis is a distinguished Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt and a proud U.S. Marine Corps veteran, whose journey through martial arts and life has been nothing short of inspiring. With a rich background in Hwa Rang Do, a Korean traditional martial art where he achieved Black Belt rank, Professor Davis first entered the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as a dedicated parent in the GBK Program, eager to introduce his son, Mateo, to the sport.
What began as a supportive role quickly transformed into a personal quest for growth and mastery. Captivated by the art and community, he decided to join his son on the mats, embarking on an exhilarating journey toward earning his own Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt. After a decade of hard work and dedication, Professor Davis proudly achieved this milestone and now serves as an esteemed instructor at Gracie Barra Westlake, where he has been teaching since its inception.
His classes, especially popular on Fridays, are known for their engaging atmosphere and effective techniques that have captivated numerous adult students. Beyond the dojo, Professor Davis is deeply committed to supporting fellow veterans. He actively participates in initiatives aimed at assisting veterans dealing with PTSD and offers his expertise as a financial adviser to help them navigate their post-service lives.
As a father and mentor, Professor Davis not only leads by example but also fosters an environment where his son Mateo is on track to become the second Black Belt Professor in their family. With his passion for martial arts and unwavering dedication to his community, Professor David Davis embodies the spirit of resilience and camaraderie that defines both the military and martial arts worlds.
Ryan Gossen
GB1 and GB2
Black Belt
Professor Ryan Gossen’s journey in the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a testament to perseverance, dedication, and the power of family. After more than a decade of committed training and impactful coaching, he has proudly achieved the distinguished rank of Black Belt, earning the esteemed title of Professor Ryan.
His remarkable path began at the inaugural Gracie Barra South Austin location on South Lamar, where he was among the last group of founding members to attain professorship. This milestone not only reflects his hard work but also his deep-rooted connection to the school and its community.
Beyond his martial arts accomplishments, Professor Ryan is a devoted husband and a loving father. His passion for nature and outdoor activities, particularly rock climbing, has played a significant role in his Jiu-Jitsu progression. The agility and focus developed through climbing have helped him navigate both the physical challenges of Jiu-Jitsu and the mental hurdles he faced along the way. His exceptional writing skills have further enriched his journey, allowing him to articulate his insights and discoveries in a way that inspires others.
A pivotal moment in Professor Ryan’s story came when his daughter decided to join him on the mats. After a period of questioning whether Jiu-Jitsu was right for him, her enthusiasm reignited his passion for the sport, propelling him back into training with renewed vigor. Since that turning point, he has embraced every challenge with determination and enthusiasm.
Congratulations to Professor Ryan Gossen! His unwavering commitment to Jiu-Jitsu and his ability to inspire those around him make him not just an exceptional instructor but also a role model for students and families alike.
Jeff Erickson
GB1 and GB2
Black Belt
Professor Jeff Erickson’s journey into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu began twelve years ago, but his foundation in sports and exercise runs deep. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science from Texas Lutheran University and a Master’s Degree in Clinical Exercise Physiology from Texas A&M University, he brings a wealth of knowledge to the mats. His credentials as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS-NSCA), Certified Personal Trainer (NSCA), and Certified Golf Fitness Instructor (Titleist Performance Institute) further highlight his expertise in physical training.
With 25 years of training and coaching experience, Professor Jeff has dedicated his career to developing athletes at all levels, from professional to amateur. His background as a football player, combined with his extensive education, has allowed him to excel in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu both as an athlete and a coach.
As the leader of the GB2 Advanced Classes on Thursday nights, Professor Jeff plays a crucial role in the technical development of many beloved students. His commitment to excellence is evident in every class he teaches. Whether you’re attending one of his group sessions or taking a private lesson, he is known for pushing students to become the best versions of themselves.
Professor Jeff Erickson is not just an instructor; he is a mentor who inspires growth and resilience in everyone who steps onto the mat with him.
Jiu-Jitsu for Everyone
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512 820 4440
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