About
About Professor Manny Galvan
Professor Manny Galvan (Emmanuel Jose Galvan) is a lifelong martial artist, instructor, school owner and mentor from Brownsville, Texas. He has dedicated his life to martial arts and to helping people become stronger, more confident, disciplined and capable, both on and off the mat.
In his own words
“I’m the owner and Head Master of Galvan’s Martial Arts and the director of our Gracie Humaitá Jiu-Jitsu program. Over the years, I’ve trained and taught in multiple martial arts disciplines, developed instructors, built competitive programs, and helped thousands of students and families experience the benefits of martial arts.”
“Martial arts is at the foundation of everything I teach. My primary disciplines are Traditional Tae Kwon Do, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, and Kickboxing, with an emphasis on practical self-defense first. But what I teach goes beyond techniques and physical training. I teach discipline, confidence, leadership, perseverance, responsibility, respect, and the mindset required to continually improve.”
“My philosophy is simple: martial arts should prepare you for life, not just for competition.”
Why “Professor”?
“People call me ‘Professor’ because teaching is at the heart of what I do. To me, being a Professor isn’t simply about rank or a title. It means being a lifelong student, teacher, mentor, and leader who passes knowledge on to the next generation.”
He goes by Manny, Master Manny and Professor Manny.
A lifelong student
Training jiu-jitsu in Brazil with Dr. Carlos Sanchez Moctezuma and Master Paulo Brandao. 
The Galvan brothers training with Carlson Gracie Jr. 
The Galvan brothers with Ricardo Liborio, getting certified as MMA instructors at American Top Team in Miami, Florida. 
Competing in a grappling match.
Rank and credentials
- Traditional Tae Kwon DoSenior Master, 7th Degree Black Belt
- Gracie Jiu-JitsuProfessor, 4th Degree Black Belt
- Kickboxing & MMACertified Instructor
- Fugakukai Aikido3rd Degree Black Belt
- Knife CombativesLevel 2 Instructor
- NRA Firearms InstructorBasic Pistol · Personal Protection Inside the Home · Personal Protection Outside the Home · Basic Rifle · Texas License to Carry
Martha Galvan
Martha Galvan is Manny’s wife, and a huge part of who he is and what he does. She is the highest-ranked female BJJ black belt in the Rio Grande Valley, and the second highest-ranked in Texas.
- Traditional Tae Kwon DoMaster, 4th Degree Black Belt
- Gracie Jiu-JitsuProfessor, 4th Degree Black Belt
- Aikido1st Degree Black Belt
- NRA Firearms InstructorBasic Pistol · Personal Protection Inside the Home · Personal Protection Outside the Home · Basic Rifle · Texas License to Carry
Where to train with Manny
Galvan's Martial Arts
Owner and Head Master
Gracie Humaitá Brownsville
Director of the Gracie Humaitá Jiu-Jitsu program
The Firearms Academy
NRA firearms instruction
GMA Coach
Online courses
Bring Professor Manny to your group
Tell him who your group is, what you want them to learn, and where. He takes it from there.