About Us
Our training goes beyond the mat. We have provided Gracie United Jiu Jitsu in Baton Rouge to help students become their best selves as people more so than as martial artists. Our two gyms have a very strong family foundation, built on the Jiu Jitsu structure created by the Oubre family. Every day here is an opportunity to become 1% better, relieve some stress, build self-confidence, and deepen your bond in our community. Through teaching backgrounds, competitive experiences, and a love of the art, we use all our knowledge to optimize the training experience on and off our mats. We look forward to having you join us and take part in a special experience at Gracie United Baton Rouge!
Sign up for a FREE class!
Come join us at Gracie United Baton Rouge for a FREE Muay Thai or Jiu Jitsu class! It is a great opportunity to try us out and see if we are the right fit for you!
Who We Are at
Gracie United Baton Rouge
Our School
Gracie United Baton Rouge is a Jiu Jitsu gym built on making every day better for our students. The moment they walk in through our doors, they are welcomed with a positive, uplifting energy. Once we get into training, it is all about the students. Our instructors work to guide students on how to achieve their personal goals and get better, 1% at a time, working toward your “Aha!” moment. We’ll help you find your self-defense, competitive, or fitness inspiration to work hard during the entire session. But the fun doesn’t stop there! Off the mat, we also have social gatherings, holiday parties, and more! There isn’t anything you can’t do, accomplish, or work on with the Gracie United Baton Rouge family!
History
Gracie United Baton Rouge has grown tremendously since our opening. Owner Steven Oubre was inspired by his professor at Gracie United – who received his black belt from Carlos Gracie Jr – to open a Baton Rouge location. In February 2017, Steven and his wife, Piper, opened their first location in Tiger Bend. With the growth of our strong community, Steven and Piper opened a second location in Highland in April 2022. Both locations have received upgrades throughout the years, with additional mat space.
In a short time, Steven and Piper have built a special environment for Jiu Jitsu in Baton Rouge. The two school teachers and IBJJF medalists have two locations for families, hobbyists, college students, and everyone interested in training to call home!
Our Jiu Jitsu
Instructors
Our team meets every day with a great attitude for students. Their experience as teachers themselves allows them to understand what an encouraging, positive mindset can do for students. The structure they provide in kids Jiu Jitsu classes and the upbeat energy during adult training places students in an environment suited for their needs. Take a look at the team to see who can help you through martial arts!
Professor Steven & Piper
Owners & Co-Head Instructors
Tiger Bend and Highland Location
Professor Steven started training BJJ in September of 2011 under Professor Robbie Gautreaux. He received his Black Belt from Professor Rafael Ellwanger in April of 2022. Piper received her Black Belt in October of 2023 and has been training since 2013.
He and his wife opened their first location on Tiger Bend Road in Baton Rouge in 2017 and just recently opened their second location on Highland Road in June of 2022.
Professor Brady
Lunch Class Instructor
Tiger Bend and Highland Location
Coach Brady has been Training Jiu Jitsu since 2015. He is currently a black belt and head instructor for lunch classes at both locations. As of Apr 12, 2025 and handles all Adult lunch classes and Sunday night fundamentals.
Professor Matt
Certified Instructor
Tiger Bend and Highland Location
Professor Matt has been training Jiu-Jitsu since 2009. He is a 1 degree black belt. He owns the Walker location and helps teach at Highland on Monday night Adults
Coach Ellis
Assistant Instructor
Tiger Bend and Highland Location
Coach Ellis has been Training Jiu Jitsu since 2018. He is currently a brown belt and assistant instructor for kids’ classes at both locations.
Coach Bella
Assistant Instructor
Tiger Bend and Highland Location
Coach Bella has been Training Jiu Jitsu since 2012. She is currently a blue belt and assistant instructor for kids’ classes at Highland Road and Tiger Bend.
Professor Dinesh
Head Fundamentals Instructor
Highland Location
Dinesh began training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 2017 under Master Renato Tavares of the Renato Tavares BJJ Association in Vero Beach, Florida. Under Master Tavares, Dinesh developed a strong foundation in technique, discipline, and the traditional values of the art. He was promoted to blue belt on June 15, 2019, and to purple belt on December 15, 2020. In 2022, Dinesh relocated to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where he continued his training under Professor Steven Oubre at Gracie United Baton Rouge, Team Jucao BJJ Academy. His dedication, consistency, and passion for the art led to his promotion to brown belt on December 4, 2023, and ultimately to black belt on April 12, 2025. Today, Dinesh continues to train, teach, and share the benefits of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with students of all ages, focusing on technique, personal development, and building a strong martial arts community.
Coach Devon
Muay Thai Instructor
Tiger Bend and Highland Location
Coach Devon teaches technical striking with attention to detail, safety, and progression for all levels. Devon has 15 plus years of coaching experience in Muay Thai, K!, Kickboxing, Taekwondo, and Boxing.
Coach Zyler
Homeschool Coach
Tiger Bend Location
Coach Ashton
Assistant Coach
Tiger Bend and Highland Location
Coach Laden
Assistant Coach
Tiger Bend and Highland Location
Level Up with the
Gracie United Baton Rouge Team
Gracie United Baton Rouge is a place for anyone to get started and shine. Whether you are starting Muay Thai or Jiu Jitsu classes for self-defense, competition, or as a hobbyist, there is something for everyone! Make sure to take a look at our memberships and special offers to see how you can join our training community!
Don’t Take Our Word for It
Are you wondering if Gracie United Baton Rouge is the place for you? Interested in what students have said about our Jiu Jitsu classes and community? Then be sure to check out their testimonials. Hear from members of our community on why they chose Gracie United Baton Rouge—Tiger Bend or Highland—as their home for training!
“Watching my son thrive over the past three years has been a joy, and I credit all involved with Gracie United for providing such a positive experience.”
“This is the ideal place for you and your kids to come and safely conquer your fears and build a whole new level of confidence! Definitely try them out, you won’t regret it!”
“I am so thankful we found Gracie United! My family has experienced so much growth in skills, confidence, and friendships. I highly recommend visiting and trying a class.”
“I recommend this place to anyone that is struggling with finding an after school activity for their child that they and their child both love!”
Find a class that fits your schedule!
Check out our full class schedule for Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai at both our Tiger Bend and Highland locations. With options for everyone, it’s easy to find a class time that works for you and your family.
Gracie United Tiger Bend
Hours
Monday: 5:15-8:30 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM-12:30 PM | 5:15-7:00 PM
Wednesday: 6:00-7:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM-12:30 PM | 5:15-8:30 PM
Friday: Closed
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: 6:00-8:30 PM
Gracie United Highland
Hours
Monday: 11:30 AM-12:30 PM | 5:00-9:00 PM
Tuesday: 6:00-7:00 AM | 6:00-8:30 PM
Wednesday: 11:30 AM-12:30 PM | 5:00-9:00 PM
Thursday: 6:00-7:00 AM | 6:00-8:30 PM
Friday: Closed
Saturday: 11:00 AM-12:30 PM
Sunday: Closed