Meet Dennis Thomas | Head Warrior Chief

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dennis Thomas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dennis, what are you inspired by?
What are you inspired by?

I’m inspired by everything and everyone around me. My God first and foremost — He’s the source of everything I have and everything I am. I’m inspired by my wife, Princesa Carolina Isabel, who stands by me and believes in me through it all. My children, family, and friends push me to keep growing and never stop learning.

My coaches remind me where I came from. My staff and students inspire me every single day — watching people show up, train hard, overcome fear, and transform their lives through martial arts keeps me going.

Honestly, I find inspiration in the struggle, in the fight, in the everyday moments. I see God’s hand in all of it.

What should our readers know about your business?
Please tell us more about your business.

My main brand is Street Jitsu, and our slogan says it all — “Roll with the punches.”

We teach Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Boxing, MMA, Yoga, and Self-Defense at our locations in Justin and Roanoke, Texas, and what really sets us apart is our culture. We’re not just a fight gym — we’re a family, a ministry, and a movement. People come to us for different reasons — some to compete, some to heal, some just to find themselves again — and we meet them where they’re at.

I started this journey from the ground up. It wasn’t easy. I’ve been through every kind of obstacle you can think of — financial, emotional, personal. I’ve rebuilt gyms from scratch after COVID, lost coaches, lost students, but also gained stronger ones along the way. I learned that business isn’t about chasing people or money — it’s about building real community.

What makes Street Jitsu different is that everything we do comes from experience, not theory. I’ve lived this life — from being that 14-year-old kid court-ordered to a boxing program at Kingsville Boxing Club, to standing on podiums as a black belt Jiu-Jitsu champion and to having my hand raised every single time I stepped foot inside of the MMA cage, to running my own gyms and teaching the next generation. I’ve seen how martial arts can save lives — mine included.

I’m most proud of how far we’ve come since the pandemic. We rebuilt the Street Jitsu tribe stronger than ever. We’ve created champions on and off the mats. We’ve opened doors for other businesses like Princesa Parties by Princesa, Ropa Lucha streetwear, Coffee 23, and RQS Merchant Services — all tied together with the same mission: to build people up.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned along the way? Never stop teaching. Students, staff, and even business partners will come and go, but the lessons you share last forever.

What I want the world to know about me and my brand is simple — I’m not here to be perfect. I’m here to serve, lead, love, and leave something behind that outlives me.

Street Jitsu isn’t just about fighting — it’s about faith, family, and fortitude.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Favorite Spots in the City

If my best friend was visiting for a week, I’d make sure they experienced the real mix of culture, training, music, and soul that makes this area special.

First stop — Street Jitsu Justin and Street Jitsu Roanoke. That’s home base. We’d hit the mats, roll a few rounds, meet the team, and feel the energy that built this whole movement. From there, we’d grab a coffee at Coffee 23 — it’s more than just caffeine, it’s community.

At night, we’d slide down to Deep Ellum and catch some live music at The Freeman Jazz Lounge. That spot always has the right vibe — smooth, soulful, and full of talent. I’d also take them to The Love Mic at Sundown at Granada Theater, where artists pour their hearts out. I love being around that raw creative energy.

During the day, we’d chill at Lake Grapevine — maybe a little swimming, maybe a little reflection. That’s where I find peace. When it’s time to eat and vibe out, I’d take them to Baboosh for the food and atmosphere, then over to Atlas Cocktail Lounge for something a little more upscale and international.

We’d end one of the days in Bishop Arts, stopping by La Reunión for great food and conversation, then close out with a yoga session at Black Swan Yoga — a perfect way to reset body and mind before heading back into the chaos of life.

To me, that’s the perfect Dallas-Fort Worth experience — a balance of discipline, art, faith, and fun.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shoutouts

First and foremost, I want to give all glory to my God, Jesus Christ — without Him, none of this would be possible.

Big shoutout to my beautiful, sexy, talented, and wise-beyond-her-years wife, Princesa Carolina Isabel — my queen, my partner, and my biggest supporter.

To my mother, Isabel Christina, my sister, Amanda, my brothers, and my entire family — thank you for your love and strength.

To all my friends, coaches, staff, and students, I appreciate every single one of you. You’re the reason I keep pushing forward.

And even to my haters and enemies — God bless you too. You motivate me in ways you’ll never understand.

Website: https://www.streetjitsujustin.com

Instagram: @streetjitsujustin

Twitter: https://x.com/streetjitsujustin

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/17mXq7S2Qq/

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@streetjitsujustin?si=0eaA5M5WxY2U7xVR