Our Instructors
Our Instructors
Sensei Will
The Dragon Behind the Flame
Will Esparza is more than a Karate Combat professional fighter—he’s a global force in martial arts. As a coach, writer, promoter, and media powerhouse, Will has carved his name into the combat sports world by elevating Muay Thai, Karate, and MMA on an international level. His dojo, House of Dragons (H.O.D.), isn’t just a gym—it’s a movement. Fueled by anime-inspired storytelling, elite-level training, and viral fight moments, it’s become a combat sports empire rooted in Houston, Texas and known around the world.
House of Dragons: The League of Shadows Reborn
Under Will’s leadership, House of Dragons has taken Houston by storm, producing champions across multiple combat sports and promotions. His team, known as the Dragon Clan, is often compared to the League of Shadows from DC Comics—disciplined, dangerous, and led by a mastermind coach with a vision. The dojo has quickly become one of the most feared and respected martial arts programs in the region, boasting a culture built on mystery, aura, and domination.
The Nick Saban of Youth Combat Sports
Sensei Will is widely known as “the Nick Saban of kids martial arts”—building one of the most dominant and respected youth martial arts teams in the southern United States. With a reputation for developing young talent into champions, his system blends traditional martial arts discipline with modern coaching and competitive edge. His youth fighters consistently win at the highest levels, and more importantly, leave the dojo with confidence, leadership, and purpose.
Global Ambassador of Martial Arts
Having traveled to over 30 countries, Sensei Will has trained, taught, and cornered fighters on every level—from local tournaments to the UFC spotlight. He’s led seminars worldwide and built strong partnerships with elite brands like Fairtex and Yokkao, while collaborating with icons such as Rodtang, Saenchai, Superlek, Jonathan Haggerty, Sean Strickland, Bas Rutten, and Georges St-Pierre. His global reach has made him one of the most well-connected figures in modern martial arts.
Media Veteran & Combat Sports Storyteller
Outside the cage, Will Esparza is a respected writer, journalist, and media producer, covering the fight world at its highest level. His work spans UFC, Karate Combat, ONE Championship, RWS Fights in Thailand, and more—capturing the untold stories of legendary fighters, gyms, and events around the world. He’s a rare blend of insider and artist—someone who doesn’t just report on the fight game, but who lives it, breathes it, and gives it voice.
From telling the stories of underground Thai gyms to profiling UFC champions, Will’s writing and coverage has shaped the narrative of combat sports for fans and fighters alike.
Martial Arts for Mental Health
One of Will’s deepest missions is to use martial arts as a tool for healing. He’s a passionate advocate for mental health awareness, creating safe spaces where students—from kids to adults—can find structure, belonging, and growth. House of Dragons isn’t just about winning—it’s about overcoming, and Will uses his platform to remind the world that martial arts can change lives, inside and outside the ring.
A Dojo Like No Other
The House of Dragons dojo is a creative fusion of anime aesthetics, traditional martial arts, and pop culture. Inspired by vintage manga, 80s comic books, and cyberpunk energy, Will has created an immersive training environment complete with badge systems, original artwork, and storytelling that motivates students to train like they’re living in their own saga.
It’s not just a gym—it’s a living legend in the making.
Marketing Genius with Global Reach
Will’s viral fight moments, storytelling, and bold branding have brought worldwide attention to Houston’s fight scene. With a deep understanding of content, hype, and media, he has turned his dojo and fighters into household names. Whether through cinematic promos, live activations, or his fight night presence, Sensei Will has mastered the art of making moments that matter—and moments that spread.
Will Esparza is a fighter, a storyteller, a mentor, and a visionary. He’s bridging cultures, generations, and platforms to redefine what martial arts can be. Whether it’s training with legends, building champions, or creating the next viral fight story, Sensei Will stands at the intersection of passion, power, and purpose.
Welcome to the House of Dragons—where warriors are made, legends are born, and the fire never dies.
Senpai Marco Esparza
Captain of the Dragon Clan Fight Team | Elite Striking Specialist | Multi-Sport Champion
Senpai Marco Esparza is a dominant force in Texas combat sports and one of the most respected strikers in the region. A two-time Houston MMA Champion at 125 lbs and Kickboxing Champion at 135 lbs, Marco has cemented his reputation as the best striker in Texas—a title widely recognized by fighters, coaches, and fans across the state.
As the Captain of the Dragon Clan fight team and the first coach to stand alongside his brother, Sensei Will, Marco has played a pivotal role in building the top youth competitive martial arts team in Texas. Together, they’ve transformed countless young fighters into champions, leading them to victory across disciplines and proving that iron sharpens iron inside the House of Dragons.
Senpai Marco is not only a multi-division and multi-discipline champion—excelling in Wrestling, BJJ, Muay Thai, Kickboxing, and Karate—but also one of the most sought-after instructors at HOD. His technical precision, championship mindset, and unmatched ability to elevate fighters at every level make him the pride of the Dragon Clan.
Whether he's coaching up-and-coming amateurs or cornering elite competitors, Senpai Marco leads with excellence, loyalty, and the relentless fire of a true martial artist. His presence at HOD represents the gold standard of what it means to be a fighter, a coach, and a leader.
Coach Angel “The Arcangel” Pulido
Top Striking Coach | Champion Fighter | First Class Fight Team Member of the Dragon Clan
Known on the mat as “The Arcangel,” Coach Angel Pulido is one of the most feared and respected fighters in the Southern fight circuit. Holding simultaneous 125 lb championship titles in both Florida and Texas, Angel is a decorated martial artist with a competitive background in MMA, Muay Thai, and Kickboxing.
More than just a fighter, Angel leads by example—both in the dojo and in life. He brings discipline, humility, and relentless work ethic to every session, setting the tone for our students and fighters alike.
Angel trains alongside his close friend and fellow top-tier striker, Senpai Marco. Together, they form one of the most dangerous striking duos in the region, sharpening each other through high-level training and unwavering dedication.
Coach Angel Pulido is not only a champion in the cage, but a true embodiment of the Dragon Clan spirit—diciplined, focused, and fearless.
Coach Melanie Villalon
The Rising Star of House of Dragons
Meet Coach Mel — musician, undefeated fighter, sign language virtuoso, and the dynamic leader of our Little Dragons program — all at just 18 years old! A true renaissance warrior, Coach Mel embodies the heart and spirit of House of Dragons, proving that greatness has no age limit.
Her journey began humbly, walking through our doors in search of a little exercise and self-defense. What we didn’t know then was that we had just welcomed a future legend. From day one, Mel displayed a spark — constantly asking questions, eager to learn, and hungry to grow. Though not ready for advanced classes, she would stay late just to hit the bag and shadow the experienced students, showing a dedication far beyond her years.
Through relentless hard work and sheer determination, Mel earned her place among the elite — becoming our first Lady Dragon and a dominant force in the women’s division across the entire southern region. Her path wasn't handed to her — it was carved through sweat, sacrifice, and an unwavering spirit.
Now on the verge of graduating high school, Mel’s future is bright and boldly mapped out. As a student-athlete — a requirement for all rising stars at HOD — she continues to train, compete, and most importantly, lead. As head coach of our beginner classes, she’s shaping the next generation of martial artists with patience, purpose, and power.
Coach Mel is more than just a fighter; she’s a trailblazer. In a world that’s still finding its footing in women’s combat sports, Mel is paving a path for young girls to find strength, confidence, and community through martial arts. She’s a beacon of mental and physical wellness, proving that with heart and hustle, anything is possible.
From student, to fighter, to coach — Coach Mel has become one of the most respected and inspirational figures at House of Dragons. Her journey is far from over, and we can’t wait to see where her fire leads next.
Coach Tariq "Coach T" Hickman
The Heartbeat of House of Dragons
If you've ever stepped onto the mat and felt an instant surge of motivation, there's a good chance Coach T was leading the class. One of the most inspirational and dynamic coaches at House of Dragons, Coach Tariq Hickman is the energy source that keeps our dojo fired up and focused.
A local tournament superstar, Coach T has earned his reputation through hard work, passion, and a relentless drive for excellence. He leads our youth competitive team with fierce dedication, shaping young warriors into confident competitors. He’s also the go-to coach for new adults starting their martial arts journey—guiding every student with patience, clarity, and infectious positivity.
What makes Coach T truly special isn’t just his skill or accolades—it’s how he connects with people. Every class with him is more than just a workout—it’s a full-on experience. He knows when to push, when to encourage, and how to break down techniques so you actually get it. Whether you're struggling with a new combo or catching your breath mid-drill, Coach T is right there with words that uplift and empower.
For new students and trial members, Coach T is the perfect introduction to what makes House of Dragons unique: passionate teaching, powerful technique, and a community that lifts each other up.
Step into class with Coach T, and leave stronger, sharper, and more confident—every time.
Some of the Areas We Serve:
- Klein
- Spring
- Tomball
- Louetta
- Westfield