fairfax
jiu jitsu
Forge: Skills. Strength. Character.
Founded in 2007, Fairfax Jiu Jitsu Academy (FJJ) has become one of Northern Virginia’s premier martial arts training centers. Built on a strong foundation of teamwork, growth, and character, FJJ fosters a unique culture that empowers students of all levels to succeed.
In 2008, FJJ introduced its Kids Jiu Jitsu program for ages 6-13, led by Coach Mark Jones, followed by the addition of Capoeira, a dynamic Brazilian martial art combining acrobatics, music, and culture, taught by Mestranda Yara Cordeiro. By 2010, the academy expanded further, offerings authentic Muay Thai under the expertise of Coach Matt Nielsen.
With classes six days a week and a proven record of competition success, FJJ is proud to welcome both adults and children to train, compete, and thrive. Under the guidance of Mark Jones, the academy continues to inspire its students to achieve their goals and become the best version of themselves.
At Fairfax Jiu Jitsu Academy, we aim to transform students' understanding of martial arts into practical, tangible skills. Our culture is built on respect, collaboration, and teamwork, creating an environment where students support each other’s growth. Training here balances rigorous workouts with a focus on safety, low ego, and mutual improvement, ensuring every class is a positive learning experience.
The FJJ Student Code embodies our core values—respect, hard work, character, and accountability—guiding all students to excel on and off the mats. Our Kids Jiu Jitsu program fosters self-confidence, discipline, and practical self-defense skills, helping young students develop into capable, respectful individuals. We welcome students of all backgrounds, fitness levels, and goals. Whether training for competition, fitness, or self-improvement, every student works at their own pace while progressing toward their goals.
At FJJ, learning never stops. Our instructors remain lifelong students, staying at the forefront of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, Capoeira, and other martial arts to provide the best possible training experience.
our programs
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brazilian jiu jitsu
A grappling martial art that includes takedowns, reversals, and submissions. The single most-effective martial art for self-defense.
muay thai
The most effective striking art in the world. We teach an authentic style complete with kicks, knees, elbows, punches, sweeps, and the clinch.
capoeira
Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian martial and self-defense art form that brings together fighting techniques, acrobatics, dance, percussion, and songs, in a rhythmic dialogue of body, mind, and spirit.
Mark Jones
Owner / Jiu Jitsu Instructor | 4th Degree Black Belt
Coach Mark is a co-founder and the head instructor for FJJ’s Brazilian Jiu Jitsu programs, both kids and adults. He began training Jiu Jitsu in 1999 and earned his black belt in 2007. Mark is a two time Pan American Gold Medalist, and earned a Gold Medal at the International Masters Championship in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. Coach Mark brings humor and boundless joy to the mat on a daily basis. Outside of FJJ, Coach Mark works with youth and families in Loudoun County through the public school system and courts. He is a U.S. Army veteran having served during Desert Shield and Desert Storm.
Matt Nielsen
Muay Thai Instructor | BJJ Brown Belt
Coach Matt has been the Head Muay Thai Instructor at FJJ since 2010. He brings 30+ years of experience in martial arts. Matt began traveling to Thailand in 2004 to train at various Muay Thai camps. He has trained at Fairtex Gym, Sor.Vorapin Gym, True Bee Gym, Kaewsamrit Gym, &, most notably, Sinbi Muay Thai Camp in Phuket. He trains in Thailand every year for several weeks bringing back authentic Muay Thai to our students at FJJ Academy.Coach Matt is a career educator working with primary school youth in Fairfax County for over 15 years.
Yara Cordeiro
Capoeira Instructor | Mestranda
Mestranda Yara Cordeiro has been practicing Capoeira since 1982 and started teaching in 1996. She holds a bachelor's degree in psychology & physical education and holds two post-graduation specialization degrees in sports psychology & Capoeira), and one master’s degree in psychology, dedicating her academic studies toward understanding the unexplored aspects of the relationship between Capoeira and sports psychology. She is a published author of three books on Capoeira and its influence on identity and adolescence development, and self-esteem. Mestranda Yara has held workshops and given lectures about Capoeira all over Brazil, the U.S., and around the world.