About
Fairfax Jiu Jitsu Academy Programs offers training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, and Capoeira. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at this program is a grappling martial art that includes takedowns, reversals, and submissions and is described by the academy as the single most-effective martial art for self-defense. Muay Thai at this program is described as an authentic style that includes kicks, knees, elbows, punches, sweeps, and the clinch, and Capoeira is described as 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. With classes six days a week, the program welcomes both adults and children to train, compete, and thrive.
• Ages: 6–18 years old
• Schedule: Classes offered six days a week
Founded in 2007, Fairfax Jiu Jitsu Academy introduced its Kids Jiu Jitsu program for ages 6–13 in 2008 and, by 2010, expanded to offer authentic Muay Thai. The program later added Capoeira taught by Mestranda Yara Cordeiro. The leadership team includes Mark Jones (Owner / Jiu Jitsu Instructor | 4th Degree Black Belt), Matt Nielsen (Muay Thai Instructor | BJJ Brown Belt; Head Muay Thai Instructor at FJJ since 2010), and Yara Cordeiro (Capoeira Instructor | Mestranda). Instructors at the academy remain lifelong students, staying at the forefront of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, Capoeira, and other martial arts.
Mark Jones began training Jiu Jitsu in 1999, earned his black belt in 2007, is a two time Pan American Gold Medalist, and earned a Gold Medal at the International Masters Championship in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. He is a U.S. Army veteran who served during Desert Shield and Desert Storm and works with youth and families in Loudoun County through the public school system and courts. Matt Nielsen has been the Head Muay Thai Instructor at Fairfax Jiu Jitsu Academy since 2010, brings over 30 years of experience in martial arts, began traveling to Thailand in 2004 to train at various Muay Thai camps, has trained at Fairtex Gym, Sor.Vorapin Gym, True Bee Gym, Kaewsamrit Gym, and Sinbi Muay Thai Camp in Phuket, and trains in Thailand every year for several weeks. He is a career educator who has worked with primary school youth in Fairfax County for over 15 years.
Yara Cordeiro has been practicing Capoeira since 1982 and teaching since 1996, holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and physical education, two post-graduation specialization degrees in sports psychology and Capoeira, and a master’s degree in psychology. She is a published author of three books on Capoeira and its influence on identity and adolescence development and self-esteem, and has held workshops and given lectures about Capoeira throughout Brazil, the United States, and other countries. The academy states that it has a proven record of competition success and that instructors and students train in an environment guided by the FJJ Student Code, which emphasizes respect, hard work, character, and accountability. The mission statement explains that the culture at Fairfax Jiu Jitsu Academy is built on respect, collaboration, and teamwork, that training balances rigorous workouts with a focus on safety, low ego, and mutual improvement, and that the Kids Jiu Jitsu program fosters self-confidence, discipline, and practical self-defense skills.
Last updated January 9, 2026.
• Ages: 6–18 years old
• Schedule: Classes offered six days a week
Founded in 2007, Fairfax Jiu Jitsu Academy introduced its Kids Jiu Jitsu program for ages 6–13 in 2008 and, by 2010, expanded to offer authentic Muay Thai. The program later added Capoeira taught by Mestranda Yara Cordeiro. The leadership team includes Mark Jones (Owner / Jiu Jitsu Instructor | 4th Degree Black Belt), Matt Nielsen (Muay Thai Instructor | BJJ Brown Belt; Head Muay Thai Instructor at FJJ since 2010), and Yara Cordeiro (Capoeira Instructor | Mestranda). Instructors at the academy remain lifelong students, staying at the forefront of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, Capoeira, and other martial arts.
Mark Jones began training Jiu Jitsu in 1999, earned his black belt in 2007, is a two time Pan American Gold Medalist, and earned a Gold Medal at the International Masters Championship in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. He is a U.S. Army veteran who served during Desert Shield and Desert Storm and works with youth and families in Loudoun County through the public school system and courts. Matt Nielsen has been the Head Muay Thai Instructor at Fairfax Jiu Jitsu Academy since 2010, brings over 30 years of experience in martial arts, began traveling to Thailand in 2004 to train at various Muay Thai camps, has trained at Fairtex Gym, Sor.Vorapin Gym, True Bee Gym, Kaewsamrit Gym, and Sinbi Muay Thai Camp in Phuket, and trains in Thailand every year for several weeks. He is a career educator who has worked with primary school youth in Fairfax County for over 15 years.
Yara Cordeiro has been practicing Capoeira since 1982 and teaching since 1996, holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and physical education, two post-graduation specialization degrees in sports psychology and Capoeira, and a master’s degree in psychology. She is a published author of three books on Capoeira and its influence on identity and adolescence development and self-esteem, and has held workshops and given lectures about Capoeira throughout Brazil, the United States, and other countries. The academy states that it has a proven record of competition success and that instructors and students train in an environment guided by the FJJ Student Code, which emphasizes respect, hard work, character, and accountability. The mission statement explains that the culture at Fairfax Jiu Jitsu Academy is built on respect, collaboration, and teamwork, that training balances rigorous workouts with a focus on safety, low ego, and mutual improvement, and that the Kids Jiu Jitsu program fosters self-confidence, discipline, and practical self-defense skills.
Last updated January 9, 2026.
Is this your business? There is no cost, but you will be asked to sign up or log in.