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Phil Riggs

Phil Riggs photo Phil Riggs
  • Purple Belt

Phil is currently a Gracie Humaita Purple Belt. 

Phil started training Jiu Jitsu at the age of 55 and being out of shape and overweight, weighing 205 pounds.   After training for two years at a Gracie Humaita gym in Conroe TX,  and earning his blue belt, he realized that Huntsville, Tx needed a Jiu Jitsu gym.  In 2021, Huntsville Jiu Jitsu LLC was formed and  Professor Ryan Reed became his partner in 2022 in the current Gracie Humaita Huntsville gym.  Phil enjoys competing and just recently in September 2023 became a World Champion Blue Belt,  at the IBJJF World Masters tournament held annually in Las Vegas Nevada. Upon returning home he was awarded his purple belt.    

Recent Accomplishments:

  • 2024 IBJJF Houston Open Gi Gold Medal
  • 2024 Jiu Jitsu World League Houston 9 Gi Gold Medal
  • 2023 IBJJF Masters World Championship Gi Gold Medal
  • 2023 Grappling Games Houston Spring Gi Gold Medal

Phil along with his wife Sharla also own Texan Scuba and The Blue Lagoon located here in Huntsville as well as a small honey farm, Bee Excellent Honey! 

Phil is a 1990 graduate of Tarleton State University and holds a B.S. in Physical Education and a Minor in Military Science. Upon graduating from  Tarleton, Phil received his commission in the United States Army Reserve receiving his honorable discharge in 2002. 

Phil has always been involved in coaching  some type of sports involving his kids, be it softball, dogs, baseball and now Jiu Jitsu,  he has always enjoyed teaching and watching others learn. One of his proudest accomplishments was introducing his son and son in law to Jiu Jitsu and watching his wife Sharla realize Jiu Jitsu is for everyone,  as she recently stepped on the mat and started training.  It truly is a family affair! 

Phil says Jiu Jitsu has changed not only his physical outlook on life, but his mental outlook too.  One of his favorite quotes you will see posted on our website is “The Art of Jiu-Jitsu is worth more in every way than all of our athletics combined” – U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt