Roy Cantu – Owner & Head Instructor – Black Belt with Blue Bar, 2nd Dan
Born and raised in Northwest Houston, I started jiu-jitsu not long after its introduction into the US. Always having an interest in athletics and problem solving, jiu-jitsu presented both with a lot more to offer. It wasn’t until I met Mr. Valente that I learned the true meaning of Jiu-Jitsu and what it truly represents which was not just a self-defense martial art, but also a lifestyle. I found something that made me feel alive and energetic. I was working a very stressful job and jiu-jitsu gave me an outlet, gave me tons of energy and made me feel strong and confident. I’m in the best shape of my life and Jiu-Jitsu is my passion. I am also a dedicated family man. I married my high school sweetheart and together we have 2 wonderful children. Roy, Jr. “R.J” who is currently enrolled at the Bauer Business School at the University of Houston and majoring in Finance. Our beautiful daughter, Skylar who is currently a freshman and is currently enrolled at Lonestar Community College and hoping to soon be a Coog!
Ken Gruller – Asst. Instructor – Black Belt
Kenny has known Roy since middle school and considers him a great friend and mentor. His interest in martial arts started as a child and he has trained in Tae Kwon Do, Chayon Ryu, Tang Soo Do, Kung Fu, and Shotokan. He began training jiu-jitsu with Roy in 2003, achieving his black belt in 2015. Kenny is a professional land surveyor and started his own company, Gruller Surveying, in 2002. Kenny is also a Licensed State Land Surveyor for the State of Texas. Kenny is married and his son Kyle is a Houston Astros player and his daughter, Courtney will be graduating from Sam Houston University in Huntsville, TX in the fall.
Clyde Toval – Asst. Instructor – Brown Belt IIII
Clyde has been a student of Valente Brothers Jiu-Jitsu since 2010. Mr. Toval received his Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on Special Education at the University of Houston. He’s currently a physical education teacher at Emery Elementary. We’re so fortunate to have Clyde because besides being an excellent practitioner – our kids love him! You can definitely tell he teaches elementary education! Clyde is married and he and his wife, Tara (also a teacher at Birkes Elementary) are blessed with 2 children, son Reid and daughter Riley!
Ryan Shiang – Asst. Instructor – Brown Belt
Ryan was born and raised in Alief, Texas. He began training jiu-jitsu and jeet kune do in 2013. In 2015, he joined Cantu’s and thanks to Mr. Roy he has found a deeper meaning and passion for jiu-jitsu. Ryan is a medical billing specialist in northwest Houston. He’s married with 4 beautiful daughters, Kaylinn, Riann, Phoenix and Kiana and his interests are in marine biology, philosophy and history.
