Meet Our Instructors

Torres Jiu-Jitsu

Professor Michael Torres

Owner & Head Instructor

My name is Michael Torres, I am currently a 1st degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiujitsu under Travis Tooke and the head instructor at Torres BJJ. I teach Kids and adult Brazilian jiu jiujitsu. I began my Journey when I was 20 years old while serving in the United States Army, what started as a hobby quickly became an obsession. It is my wish that everything I did in life to revolve around Jiu Jitsu.

While serving in the Army, I received my level 4 Combatives certification, and have been able to train and certify soldiers in the Modern Army Combatives System. I have also been able to cross-train in the Marine corps combative system, being one of the few U.S Army soldiers to hold multiple certifications in more than one branch of the U.S. Forces. The skills I learned while serving helped me to develop strong leadership skills that have been invaluable in my own academy.

In addition, I gained the ability to help our current and future students to become confident in their capability to defend themselves if they were ever to encounter a situation where self-defense was needed. I am a very active competitor , competing in national and international competitions.

One of my favorite things about Brazilian Jiu jitsu is that the learning never ends and no matter how long you’ve been training or how great you are at Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, you become a student for life.

I have turned my past experience and winning mentality into a well-developed training regime. It is my promise that I will push you hard, maybe harder than anyone has ever done before. However, I will also encourage and support you as you unlock your full potential.

Torres Jiu-Jitsu

Professor Maggie Torres

Owner, Leadership & Women’s Instructor

Maggie Torres is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt and one half of Torres Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. She is the head instructor for the women’s team She played International rugby in Scotland and Korea for many years before transitioning to Jiu Jitsu. She started her journey in Seoul, South Korea after a rugby team mate brought her along to training. 10 years later she is a Master World Champion, Pan American Champion, No Gi Pan American Medalist, 5 time Houston Open Gold medalist , multiple times IBJJF open Gold medalist, Brajik Seoul Open Gold medalist and an active competitor.

She was a public school teacher for over a decade, and has worked with students of all ages and backgrounds with an emphasis in ESL and At Risk Youth. She is passionate about Jiu Jitsu, the art and creating an environment where everyone is comfortable and successful in training. Her coaching philosophy is firmly rooted in the belief that if you have knowledge, you pass it on to those who do not.

Torres Jiu-Jitsu

Professor Cody Owens

Head Kickboxing Instructor

My name is Cody Owens and I am currently a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Professor Mike Torres.

I started training seriously when I was 22 years old to help stay out of trouble, learn how to defend myself, and have something that would give me direction. I quickly fell in love with the art and all that came with it. Jiu Jitsu has given me structure, discipline, family and much more. These are some of the principles that I take pride in with my teaching and hope to pass them along to you.

Before turning to a coaching role, I was a Professional MMA fighter here on the local circuit in Houston. I amassed an undefeated record before choosing to retire due to injury. I incorporate the skillset, mental fortitude, and training regimen I learned while fighting, into my daily training and teaching habits.

With my focus on teaching in the Jiu Jitsu and striking arenas, I hope to share the mats with you one day!

Torres Jiu-Jitsu

Professor Ashley Kelley

Women & Adults & Kids Essentials Instructor

Ashley is a black belt who has been doing jiu jitsu since 2012. Ashley is a counselor, a former military brat who has lived all over the world, and an advocate for those with disabilities. Originally beginning training with her husband and two sons as a family activity and for self-defense, she continues to enjoy these aspects as well as the connections with others, the physical and mental health benefits, the self-confidence it brings to all areas of her life, and the growth that comes through competing and helping others prepare for competition and learn the art.

While seemingly quiet at first, her love of brightly colored spats/leggings is only rivaled by her desire to smash her training partners legs together and pressure past their guard.

As a former special education teacher who has been working with and teaching students of all ages and levels since 2000, Ashley loves that she has the opportunity to share her knowledge of jiu jitsu with both children and adults and is passionate about helping women feel comfortable and confident on the mats.

Torres Jiu-Jitsu

Professor Matthew Kelley

Adult & Kids Essentials Instructor

Hello, my name is Matthew Kelley. I am a husband, father, veteran, and counselor. I am a black belt at Torres Jiu-Jitsu. In class I will teach our adult essentials class and our kids program. My jiu-jitsu journey is unique since I started later. At 33, out of shape, I worked hard to become fit. I then began jiu-jitsu, realizing I should have used it to get fit.

In my sports and martial arts life, I’ve adjusted to overcome injuries. This led me to see jiu-jitsu as a puzzle. I use my opponent’s lapel against them, entangling and frustrating them. Using my favorite submissions, shoulder locks, is fun and amusing to me.

I have competed many times over the years. As I advance, it’s fulfilling to invest in my students and teammates. Jiu-jitsu empowers the weak, builds confidence, and demands discipline. Training with a high-quality team is inspiring and broadens horizons. Come train and start a journey with valuable life lessons.

Torres Jiu-Jitsu

Coach Jeremy Owens

Advanced Kids Instructor

My name is Jeremy Owens, and I am a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Professor Michael Torres. I teach the leadership kids’ class at Torres Jiu-Jitsu. My journey began almost five years ago at 19, right after high school. Having only known football, martial arts was a whole new world for me. I quickly became obsessed with jiu-jitsu and everything that came with it, eager to compete and train as much as possible. Reflecting on my start at Torres Jiu-Jitsu, I am incredibly grateful for that decision. Jiu-jitsu has profoundly transformed my life mentally, physically, spiritually, and emotionally. At Torres Jiu-Jitsu, we are a family and would love for you to join us. Come train with us!

Trial Class

Sign up today and to join us for an amazing trial class!

About Us

Our Team & We Defy

The We Defy Foundation’s mission is to provide combat veterans coping with military-connected disabilities a long-term means to overcome their challenges through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and fitness training. Torres Jiu-Jitsu in Spring, Texas, is honored to serve as a Training Facility for the We Defy Foundation.

In addition to their technical expertise, our instructors are also excellent teachers who know how to create a supportive and challenging learning environment. They understand that every student is unique and tailor their approach to meet the needs of each individual.

Our instructors also prioritize safety, ensuring that all students learn and practice techniques in a safe and controlled manner. They are committed to helping our students build strong foundations in Jiu-Jitsu, and are always available to answer questions and provide feedback.

Torres Jiu-Jitsu

Code of Conduct & Etiquette

Code of Conduct:

  1. All uniforms should be clean, washed, dry, and free of rips and tears.
  2. We require that students refrain from training when sick or infectious to avoid imposing risk on others. This includes colds/fevers/flu/viruses, as well as fungal rashes/ringworm/other infections on the skin. This is for the safety of everyone. Thank you for your cooperation.
  3. Please use the bathroom to change
  4. Please wear shoes/sandals throughout the academy, especially in the restrooms. We will be barefoot on the mats at all times. Feet should be clean prior to stepping on the mats.
  5. Avoid wearing jewelry and other accessories while training. These may cause minor injuries/abrasions to the skin.
  6. Keep walkways clear of items; we have cubbies available for storage.
  7. Please do not directly coach children or other students during class. This will interfere with the student’s ability to problem solve on their own, and it is disruptive to the instructors and to all students participating.
  8. Toe nails and finger nails MUST be kept clean and neatly trimmed at all times. No exceptions. This is for your safety and that of your training partners.
  9. Respect for yourself, for your instructors, and for your teammates will be expected at all times.
  10. Please feel free to take photos and videos inside the academy! However, please respect your teammates, use common courtesy and ask them or their parent guardian before posting.
  11. Please don’t talk while an instructor is demonstrating a technique. Sit upright and attentively.
  12. Athlete benches should only be used by the students on the mats. If you are watching the class, you need to be in the spectator seating area.
  13. Children are not allowed in the weight area whether supervised or unsupervised

Etiquette:

  • Black belt instructors should be addressed as Professor, while instructors carrying a blue, purple, or brown belt should be addressed as Coach.
  • Bow when entering and leaving the mat, as a sign of respect and gratitude.
  • Welcome new students, and be helpful to them when you can be. We have ALL experienced our first day of jiu jitsu, and giving one another this respect is expected at Torres Jiu Jitsu

Cancellation Policy:

We don’t do contracts but we require 30 day notice for all cancellations on accounts sent to memberships@torresjiujitsu.com. If given less than 30 days, upon cancellation your final payment will be charged.

Class Schedule!

Stay up to date on class times! Contact us if you have any questions about our classes.

Torres Jiu-Jitsu

Get Started Today

Torres Jiu-Jitsu invites nearby communities, including Woodlands and Tomball, to train Jiu-Jitsu in Spring. Join us beside Klein Collins High School today!