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Phil Riggs

Phil Riggs photo Phil Riggs
  • Purple Belt - 4 Stripes

Phil Riggs – Co-Founder & Purple Belt, Gracie Humaita Huntsville

Phil began his Jiu-Jitsu journey at the age of 55, stepping onto the mats out of shape and weighing 205 pounds. Despite the odds, he committed to the discipline, training consistently at Gracie Humaita Conroe. After earning his blue belt, he recognized a need for quality Jiu-Jitsu in his hometown—leading to the formation of Huntsville Jiu Jitsu LLC in 2021. In 2022, he partnered with Professor Ryan Reed to establish Gracie Humaita Huntsville.

Today, Phil is a proud Gracie Humaita purple belt and an active competitor. In September 2023, he became an IBJJF Masters World Champion, winning gold as a blue belt at the prestigious World Masters in Las Vegas. Shortly after, he was promoted to purple belt in recognition of his achievement and dedication.

Recent Accomplishments:

  • 2025 IBJJF Austin Winter Open – Gi

  • 2025 Jiu Jitsu World League Houston 13 – Gi Gold Medal

  • 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

Beyond the gym, Phil and his wife Sharla are local business owners, operating Texan Scuba and The Blue Lagoon in Huntsville, along with their small business, Bee Excellent Honey.

Phil is a 1990 graduate of Tarleton State University, where he earned a B.S. in Physical Education and a Minor in Military Science. After commissioning into the U.S. Army Reserve, he served honorably until 2002.

Coaching has always been a part of Phil’s life—whether in youth sports, dogs, or now Jiu-Jitsu. One of his greatest joys has been watching his family take to the mats, introducing both his son and son-in-law to the art, and seeing his wife begin training as well. For Phil, Jiu-Jitsu truly is a family affair.

“Jiu-Jitsu has transformed not only my physical health, but my entire mindset. As President Theodore Roosevelt once said, ‘The art of Jiu-Jitsu is worth more in every way than all of our athletics combined.’” – Phil