- Bryan Lane, pro MMA fighter
We are no ordinary martial arts school. Since 2007, Fairfax Jiu Jitsu Academy in Chantilly has offered the highest level of instruction in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), Muay Thai and Capoeira in Northern Virginia. Internationally recognized, full-time Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belts and professional coaches with over 100 years of combined experience oversee every aspect of your development and help you achieve your goals. FJJ students come from all over the area including Fairfax, Herndon, Manassas, Vienna, Sterling, Ashburn, Centreville, Oakton, Reston, and Loudoun County. Whether you are looking to lose weight, compete in the ring or the cage, learn practical, effective self-defense, or just want to get into the best shape of your life, Fairfax Jiu Jitsu is in your corner. Join us today!
Natalie B. – Muay Thai Student
I joined the Muay Thai program at Fairfax Jiu Jitsu in late 2011. I initially went once or twice a week and found the program challenging but fun from the start. I slowly increased my attendance frequency and I'm now on my fourth month of consistently training Muay Thai three times a week. The coach Matt Nielsen is a true asset to the gym. He's dedicated to the program and to the sport in general and keeps things fresh and fun. He's great at pushing his students and motivating them to do their best without putting any stressful pressures on them. I learn something new every time I go to his class either from him or from his top Muay Thai student who I've found to be another great asset to the program. The program is simply addictive and has helped me to get in the best shape of my life. As a female student, I initially had doubts about whether doing something like Muay Thai was suitable for me. I am now really glad I decided to try it out because it has benefited me in so many ways and has made me strong both physically and mentally. I have not tried any of the other programs offered by the gym and so cannot comment on them -- but I cannot say enough good things about the Muay Thai program at FJJ.
Derek C. – Jiu Jitsu Student
I have been an athlete all of my life playing just about every sport involving some sort of ball, but in terms of martial arts, I am a newbie.
This gym was my second (and probably final) attempt at getting into Brazilian jiu-jitsu. I had previously taken a handful of introductory lessons at another gym in the area, but my experience was not great. When you are an absolute beginner, the social anxiety of drilling with strangers who are also much more experienced than you can be daunting. While I felt like an outsider at my first gym, Fairfax Jiu Jitsu has always been a friendly and welcoming environment.
Coaches Mark Jones and Sam Kim are both extremely friendly, charismatic, and knowledgeable. They really make the experience fun, while emphasizing growth and determination. Jiu-jitsu can be stressful, but it's easier to push through frustration and difficulty when you feel part of a team. The colored belts are also very friendly and helpful. There are students of just about every age, gender, and ethnicity. If you're a competitive person, students from FJJ perform very well in tournaments and the Coaches take a very structured approach to preparing students for them.
In terms of the facility, it is much larger than other gyms I have visited. This allows for a large number of students to train at the same time. There is always someone to drill/spar with, allowing you to really dive deeply into jiu-jitsu if that is your desire. They have a weight room, multiple large mats, and striking areas as well. Everything is well maintained and hygienic. In addition to jiu-jitsu they also offer Muay Thai, and Capoeira classes. Additionally, I believe they are moving to an even larger/improved facility in the near future.
I highly recommend jiu-jitsu to anyone. The benefits are far greater than simply learning how to defense yourself. While that is reason enough for many people to start, the personal growth opportunities, both physical and mental cannot be understated. There are social benefits as well. As a 30 year old who works full time in an office setting, it becomes increasingly difficult to make new friends. Jiu-jitsu is the perfect way to expand your social circle, while improving yourself in every way. If you struggle with depression, there is no better cure than jiu-jitsu. Intense cardio leading to increased dopamine production, novelty through learning new techniques on a continuous basis, and a sense of community.
If you're a friendly person, I highly recommend Fairfax Jiu-jitsu as a great place to start.
Alexa C. – Jiu Jitsu Mom
My son joined the Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program at FJJ in 2010. He has spent more time at FJJ than any other place besides home and school, so his coaches have played an important role in his development, not just as an athlete, but as a person. FJJ has become such an integral part of Nick’s life, that even after moving farther away, we never had a second thought about where he should continue to train and grow.
The facility is big and clean with a lot of air circulating which I appreciate as a spectator not participating in the training. The parents are friendly and well behaved; you won’t see parents yelling from the sideline at their children or other children. If they come in yelling in the beginning, they quickly learn that FJJ doesn’t promote or tolerate that type of environment. But what impresses me the most is how the instructors manage the balance of discipline, challenge, and fun in the classes. You won’t see kids running around screaming and out of control, except for after class when they have some free time to play, but in class they are focused and working hard, even the little ones. They promote mentorship which helps the older kids feel responsible for helping the younger kids and the younger kids look up to the older kids. It creates an environment where the children learn that it is not just about themselves, but about helping each other grow.
Since the first day Nick joined FJJ, BJJ has been his passion. It has taught him to win and lose gracefully, be respectful, stay humble, work hard, and set priorities. The skills he has learned on the mat has transferred to life outside of FJJ. He is competitive on the mat and just as competitive in his class to get good grades, he is respectful to his parents and his teachers, and he stands up for kids who can’t stand up for themselves without getting in a physical altercation. Over the past five years, he has grown physically and mentally strong. He cares about his team mates and FJJ has become more like a family than a place to train.
The dedication and commitment from the Instructors grow stronger every year as does the program. We are very satisfied parents and are extremely glad to have found Fairfax Jiu Jitsu.
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14119 Mariah Ct, Chantilly, VA 20151 | 703.435.9899
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