# Aon Jiu-Jitsu > Richmond, United States ## Overview **Name:** Aon Jiu-Jitsu **Description:** AON Jiu Jitsu Academy is a family-friendly martial arts school in Richmond, Texas, offering world-class Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instruction in a modern facility. Founded by lifelong friends Professor Thomas Pless and Professor Cliff Vaz, AON represents their collective knowledge and passion for Jiu-Jitsu, bringing together decades of experience to serve students throughout the Fort Bend region. The academy is led by Professor Thomas Pless, a 4th Degree IBJJF Black Belt with over 33 years of martial arts experience and 24 years of teaching experience. Professor Thomas's students have won close to 25 IBJJF World and Masters World Titles over the past eight years, and several have competed on major UFC fight cards. His teaching philosophy emphasizes personalized instruction and technical mastery, developed through years of coaching both sport Jiu-Jitsu and MMA competitors. Professor Cliff Vaz, an IBJJF Black Belt with over 20 years on the mats, brings his own expertise to the team, having earned all his belts under Professor Alberto Crane at one of the first established Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu schools in the southwestern United States. AON's positive school culture revolves around growing together, where the strength of the individual comes from the strength of the team. The academy offers specialized programs for children as young as 3 years old through adults, including Kids BJJ (ages 3-8), Juniors BJJ (ages 9-13), and Adult BJJ + No-Gi classes. The curriculum challenges students to grow in both physical ability and mental dexterity, building confidence and providing the tools needed to succeed on and off the mat. AON Jiu Jitsu serves Richmond, Sugar Land, Aliana, Fulshear, Rosenberg, Pecan Grove, and surrounding Fort Bend County communities. **Status:** Active ## Contact Information **Address:** 9825 Mason Rd Ste 160, Richmond, Texas, United States of America Richmond, LA 77406, United States **Phone:** 713-885-6595 **Email:** aonjiujitsu@gmail.com **Website:** https://aonjiujitsu.com **Social Media:** - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aonjiujitsu/?hl=en - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aonjiujitsu/ ## Instructors ### Cliff Vaz - Black **Role:** Head Instructor **Bio:** Professor Cliff Vaz began his Jiu Jitsu journey in 2000 at The Santa Fe Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy under Professor Alberto Crane. He earned his Black Belt in 2014, and has over 20 years on the mats with 6+ years as an IBJJF Black Belt. After completing his MBA from The University of Texas at Austin, he continued training under Professor Pablo Silva at PSBJJ HQ in Bellaire, TX, adding IBJJF tournament competition experience to his skill set. AON represents his lifelong dream of working with Professor Thomas Pless. ### Thomas Pless - Black **Role:** Head Instructor **Bio:** Professor Thomas Pless is a true martial arts veteran with 33+ years of training experience, 24 years of teaching experience, and 14 years as a martial arts business owner. His students have won close to 25 IBJJF World and Masters World Titles over the last 8 years. He is the first black belt under Professor Alberto Crane, who was the first American to earn a black belt from Gracie Barra. Professor Thomas has developed students from age 3 to UFC competitors, and previously earned his IBJJF Pans title without giving up a single point. ## Programs ### Kids BJJ (3-8) **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** kids **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Supportive, educational, and fun Brazilian Jiu Jitsu program for young children. Designed to develop coordination, physical fitness, mental strength, and valuable social skills through positive reinforcement. ### Juniors BJJ (9-13) **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** kids **Gi Requirement:** Gi required **Description:** Brazilian Jiu Jitsu program for pre-teens and young teenagers, focusing on building character, leadership qualities, discipline, and confidence. Structured classes help develop coordination, physical fitness, and mental strength. ### Adult BJJ + No-Gi **Skill Level:** All Levels **Age Group:** adults **Gi Requirement:** No-Gi **Description:** Comprehensive Brazilian Jiu Jitsu program for adults covering both gi and no-gi training. Learn practical self-defense, get in excellent shape, and build confidence in a fun and supportive environment. Suitable for all experience levels. --- **Last Updated:** March 01, 2026 **Data Source:** BJJ.Space (https://bjj.space/gyms/united-states/louisiana/richmond/aon-jiu-jitsu)