We had the good fortune of connecting with Coach Dennis “Ko’ox” “El Travieso” Thomas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Coach Dennis “Ko’ox” “El Travieso”, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
Street Jitsu helps the community by building healthier bodies and stronger minds. Our training keeps people active, out of the doctor’s office, and able to show up for work and life. We believe healthcare should be proactive, not reactive.

Beyond physical fitness, we teach resilience, discipline, loyalty, teamwork, problem-solving, goal-setting, and self-defense. Every class is a lesson in respect, honor, and commitment. We prepare our students to handle pressure, overcome challenges, and thrive—not just on the mats, but in everyday life.

This is Street Jitsu. And Street Jitsu is evolving.

We’re not just building athletes — we’re building warriors. Artists. Protectors. Leaders.

This is the strategy. This is the vision. And if you’re here, you’re a part of it.

So stay focused. Stay sharp. Respect the process. And trust that you’re standing shoulder-to-shoulder with a team that’s going places most people only dream of.

Let’s get it.

Much love and respect,
– Coach Dennis El Travieso
Founder, Street Jitsu USA & Mexico
Jiu-Jitsu | Boxing | Muay Thai | Wrestling | MMA | Self-Defense | Yoga

What should our readers know about your business?
Street Jitsu isn’t just a gym, it’s a movement. We’re building warriors, not just athletes. What sets us apart is our culture. We train people to be strong in body, mind, and spirit. It’s not just about winning fights or earning belts, it’s about becoming the kind of person who can handle life under pressure, who lives with loyalty, honor, and discipline.

I’m most proud of the family we’ve built. Students come here for Jiu-Jitsu, boxing, Muay Thai, wrestling, self-defense, or even yoga, but they stay because they find a home. We’ve watched kids grow into leaders, parents regain their confidence, and competitors turn into champions. That’s legacy work.

Getting here wasn’t easy. I started this journey with a dream and a grind. Like every small business owner, I’ve faced setbacks, COVID shutdowns, financial stress, and even doubt from people who didn’t see the vision. But we overcame every challenge with faith, consistency, and a refusal to quit. Every closed door was just a push to build our own.

The biggest lessons I’ve learned? Stay loyal to your mission. Be patient but relentless. Invest in your people because your team is everything. And most importantly, faith over fear. God’s timing is undefeated.

If the world remembers anything about me or Street Jitsu, I want it to be this: we turn ordinary people into warriors. We give people the tools to fight for their health, their confidence, and their life. Street Jitsu isn’t just a brand, it’s a brotherhood, a sisterhood, and a home for anyone willing to put in the work to become their best self. -Roll with the punches!

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.
If my best friend visited DFW, here’s how I’d give them the best week ever:

Day 1 – Welcome to the Tribe (Roanoke/Justin • Dallas night)

Morning: Light yoga warm‑up at Street Jitsu, then our morning Jiu‑Jitsu class to set the tone.

Brunch: Breakfast Club 51 (Roanoke) for a proper Texas start.

Midday: Noon class at Double Five Jiu‑Jitsu (Highland Village)—iron sharpens iron.

Afternoon: Recovery walk at Klyde Warren Park and a quick cruise through the Dallas Museum of Art.

Evening: Rooftop vibes at Waterproof at The Statler—sunset, skyline, and good conversation.

Nightcap: Hot tub + prayers, then lights out.

Day 2 – Grind & Refuel (Haltom City • Deep Ellum)

Morning: Yoga flow + Jiu‑Jitsu at Street Jitsu.

Lunch: Big Joe’s Pizza (Haltom City)—NY slice, Texas heart.

Afternoon: Stroll the Deep Ellum murals, quick espresso, a little shopping.

Evening: Black Swan Yoga reset, then Jiu‑Jitsu/Boxing/Muay Thai back at Street Jitsu.

Dinner & Music: Queen of Sheba (Addison) for Ethiopian flavors, then live jazz and dancing at The Free Man Cajun Café & Lounge (Deep Ellum).

Day 3 – Fort Worth Day (Stockyards • Culture)

Morning: Mobility + open mat at Street Jitsu.

Late Morning: Head to the Fort Worth Stockyards—Mule Alley, longhorns, and western grit.

Lunch: Joe T. Garcia’s patio session.

Afternoon: Kimbell Art Museum or Fort Worth Modern—world‑class art, world‑class calm.

Evening: Optional rodeo at Cowtown Coliseum or a quiet recovery night and hot tub.

Day 4 – Lake & Trail (Grapevine • Recovery)

Sunrise: Breathwork and stretch, then North Shore Trail (Grapevine Lake) run/hike.

Brunch: Harvest Hall (Grapevine) for a food‑hall feast.

Afternoon: Paddleboards on Grapevine Lake or float therapy/cold plunge for recovery.

Evening: Technique rounds at Street Jitsu, then family‑style dinner close to home.

Day 5 – Big City Energy (Downtown Dallas • Arts & Eats)

Morning: Strength + Jiu‑Jitsu at Street Jitsu.

Day: Perot Museum of Nature & Science—hands‑on and high‑energy.

Late Afternoon: Walk the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge into Trinity Groves for snacks.

Evening: Waterproof encore or AT&T Discovery District for lights, screens, and a stroll.

Day 6 – Bishop Arts & Chill (South Dallas • Community)

Morning: Black Swan Yoga + Street Jitsu drills.

Brunch & Browsing: Bishop Arts District—boutiques, dessert, and people‑watching.

Afternoon: Optional service/mentorship hour—giving back is how we live.

Evening: Neighborhood dinner, family hang with the Street Jitsu crew, then hot tub + prayers.

Day 7 – Championship Sunday (Rest • Reflection • One More Roll)

Morning: Light yoga, gratitude, and one last roll at Street Jitsu—close the loop strong.

Brunch: Your pick from the week’s favorites (you’ll have a list by now).

Afternoon: Spa time or nap time—recover like a pro.

Evening: Sunset walk, plan the next visit, give thanks, and sleep like a champion.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First off, all glory to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! He’s the author of every win in my life. Shoutout to my ride-or-die wife Carolina, my blood family, my Street Jitsu family, my students, coaches, and the squad that believed when nobody else did. Y’all turned grind into greatness and dreams into destiny.

Website: https://www.streetjitsu.com

Instagram: @streetjitsu

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BrzcyVcrZ/

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@streetjitsuroanoke

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.