About
Essence Jiu-Jitsu Danville offers Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Jiu-Jitsu classes that include self-defense and anti-bullying instruction. The program also features Jiu-Jitsu and self-defense games, team-building activities, and events that may include holiday crafts, pizza, fruits, treats, and a movie. Some events at the academy include Kid’s Night Out: Holiday Party, Kid's Night Out Halloween Party, Back to School Anti-Bullying Events, and a New Year, New Me Workshop.
• Ages: 3+
• Schedule: Kid’s Night Out and workshop events typically run 3 hours, with one workshop listed at 1 hour 30 minutes; regular academy hours are Monday and Wednesday 6am–7:20pm, Tuesday and Thursday 5pm–8pm, Friday 9am–5pm, and Saturday 9am–12pm
• Price: $45 per child for Kid’s Night Out
Head Instructor Vini Nunes is a black belt who received his Black Belt in 2013 and is listed in the lineage Mitsuyo Maeda > Carlos Gracie > Helio Gracie > Armando Wridt > Ataíde Junior > Vini Nunes.
The academy states that its purpose is to revive the original values of Jiu-Jitsu, describes Jiu-Jitsu as embodying honor, respect, and perseverance, and bases its teaching on the 7-5-3 code inspired by the samurai’s philosophy or Bushido code, established by the Valentes brothers. The program description notes that the schools offer Jiu-Jitsu and self-defense, that programs are suitable for everyone, and that instruction extends beyond technical martial arts or competitive sports to focus on the core essence of Jiu-Jitsu.
Community events such as the Kid’s Night Out: Holiday Party and Kid's Night Out Halloween Party are open to members and non-members, and the Back to School Anti-Bullying event and New Year, New Me workshop are described as free for the community, with members and non-members welcome and bringing a friend highly encouraged for the anti-bullying event. Events are described as being limited to 25 kids or participants, and the environment is described as safe, clean, and family-friendly. A free trial class is offered.
Parents in testimonials describe the facility as modern, spacious, clean, beautiful, and one of the most beautiful and clean academies they have visited. They state that their daughters and sons love the classes, that the professors are great with children and keep kids engaged, and that the classes are structured and fun with teachings that are easy to follow. Several parents and visitors mention feeling welcomed by staff such as Vini Nunes, Jason Butcher, Camilo Mejia, Brian Epstein, Pedro de Oliveira, Ryan Henriques, Bryan Olegue, Gabriela and describe Essence BJJ as a great community that encourages discipline and respect while learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Last updated January 1, 2026.