About Us
Fairfax Jiu Jitsu Academy was founded in May of 2007 by three friends and long-time training partners, David “The Rock” Jacobs, Mark Jones, and Sam Kim. Through their passion for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and an iron determination, they realized their vision of building a modern martial arts and combat sports training center in Northern Virginia like no other. FJJ’s unique culture of Team, Collaboration, Growth, Skill Building, and, above all, Character, permeate everything inside of the academy.
In 2008, the FJJ Kids Jiu Jitsu program was developed and introduced, accepting children ages six through thirteen. Coach Mark Jones is the head instructor of the Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu program. Also in 2008, a unique martial art from Brazil was introduced called Capoeira. This program was started for adults and children, headed by Mestranda Yara Cordeiro, blending acrobatic martial art moves with instruments, music, culture, and dance. In 2010, Coach Matt Nielsen joined our staff of accomplished instructors and began teaching authentic Muay Thai at the academy.
Fairfax Jiu Jitsu Academy offers highly effective and engaging martial arts programs with classes six days a week. FJJ boasts a highly successful competition record at the amateur and professional levels and offers classes to adults and children regardless of experience. Today, Fairfax Jiu Jitsu Academy is one of the largest and most successful modern martial arts schools in the region. Original founding members Mark Jones and Sam Kim continue to lead the Fairfax Jiu Jitsu Academy and guide students to maximize their potential and realize their goals.
FJJ PHILOSOPHY
At Fairfax Jiu Jitsu Academy, our mission is to deliver the highest quality instruction and coaching to each individual student so that they not only improve their understanding of these complex arts, but are able to take that understanding and then channel and transform it into actual, tangible skills. The overall atmosphere here is one of mutual respect and collaboration. We have created and maintain a truly unique culture in which our students have a strong desire to help each other improve. A Fairfax Jiu Jitsu Academy student’s number one job is to be an excellent training partner, providing the right energy and resistance to his or her partner to maximize the training experience. Even though these are individual sports in competition, we treat practice like it is a team sport. This creates an environment of low ego across all our programs and ensures everyone can learn freely and in a safe manner. At the same time, classes are still rigorous and intense, giving students a great workout while they master new techniques.
The FJJ Student Code was born out of the founders’ values and principles and it sets high expectations of respect, hard work, commitment, character, and accountability for ALL students. Our FJJ Kids Jiu Jitsu students receive access to Forged Character™, a positive life skills and character building program developed collaboratively with a licensed teacher and curriculum specialist that, alongside the martial arts training, improves a child’s self-esteem, confidence, humility, discipline, and helps kids develop into strong, capable, respectful young adults.
Some students start training for the fitness and health benefits while others have competitive goals. Our students come in all shapes and sizes and with all different fitness and experience levels. At this academy, we believe every student’s goals are important and we work hard to help meet them regardless of their background. In the beginning, students learn and work at their own pace as their fitness level improves. The only prerequisite is a desire to work hard and to learn new things.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, Capoeira, and all other modern martial arts are constantly evolving. New innovations are always being developed and refreshed perspectives on fundamentals are introduced. Every one of our instructors at Fairfax Jiu Jitsu Academy, regardless of rank, remains a student, committing themselves to continuous study of their respective art to expand their knowledge and stay abreast of the latest developments, ultimately improving the training experience for our students. You will not find a more dedicated group of instructors and coaches anywhere.
FACILITY
Located in Chantilly, Virginia, Fairfax Jiu Jitsu Academy is headquartered in a modern 10,000 square foot facility with nearly 5,000 square feet of mat and training space. Three training rooms allow for simultaneous classes and an expanded schedule. The Academy features high quality grappling mats, Muay Thai heavy bags, cage wall, padded wall mats, locker rooms with showers, a weight room, conditioning equipment and much more.
The best way to learn more about our academy and find out how FJJ can improve your strength, confidence, and skills is to join us for a free trial class. Schedule yours today.
