Fairfax Jiu Jitsu Academy Programs
Fairfax Jiu Jitsu Academy, 4315 Walney Road, Suite B, Chantilly, VA 20151
About
Fairfax Jiu Jitsu Academy Programs offers Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Kids Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, and Capoeira. Kids Jiu Jitsu is offered specifically for children ages 6–13. Capoeira is presented 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, and Muay Thai is presented as an authentic style that includes kicks, knees, elbows, punches, sweeps, and the clinch. Classes are offered six days a week.
• Ages: 6–18 years old
• Schedule: Classes six days a week
Fairfax Jiu Jitsu Academy was founded in 2007, and its Kids Jiu Jitsu program for ages 6–13 was introduced in 2008. By 2010, the academy expanded to offer authentic Muay Thai, and Coach Matt has been the Head Muay Thai Instructor at Fairfax Jiu Jitsu Academy since 2010. Coach Mark began training Jiu Jitsu in 1999 and earned his black belt in 2007, and he is a two time Pan American Gold Medalist who also earned a Gold Medal at the International Masters Championship in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. The academy describes having a proven record of competition success and welcomes both adults and children to train and compete.
The leadership team includes Mark Jones as Owner and Jiu Jitsu Instructor with a 4th Degree Black Belt, Matt Nielsen as Muay Thai Instructor and BJJ Brown Belt, and Yara Cordeiro as Capoeira Instructor with the title of Mestranda. Mark Jones is a U.S. Army veteran who served during Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Matt Nielsen has been the Head Muay Thai Instructor at Fairfax Jiu Jitsu Academy since 2010 and brings over 30 years of experience in martial arts, including yearly training trips to Thailand at camps such as Fairtex Gym, Sor.Vorapin Gym, True Bee Gym, Kaewsamrit Gym, and Sinbi Muay Thai Camp in Phuket. Mestranda Yara has been practicing Capoeira since 1982, started teaching in 1996, holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and physical education, two post-graduate specialization degrees in sports psychology and Capoeira, and a master’s degree in psychology, and has published three books on Capoeira and its influence on identity, adolescence development, and self-esteem, as well as leading workshops and lectures in Brazil, the U.S., and other countries.
The program states that its culture is built on respect, collaboration, and teamwork, and that it fosters a unique culture that empowers students of all levels to succeed. It states that training balances rigorous workouts with a focus on safety, low ego, and mutual improvement, and that the FJJ Student Code embodies core values of respect, hard work, character, and accountability. The mission statement explains that Fairfax Jiu Jitsu Academy aims to transform students’ understanding of martial arts into practical, tangible skills, and that instructors remain lifelong students who stay at the forefront of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, Capoeira, and other martial arts. The Kids Jiu Jitsu program is described as fostering self-confidence, discipline, and practical self-defense skills, and the academy states that it welcomes students of all backgrounds, fitness levels, and goals, with each student working at their own pace.
In terms of community involvement, Coach Mark works with youth and families in Loudoun County through the public school system and courts, and Coach Matt is a career educator who has worked with primary school youth in Fairfax County for over 15 years.
Last updated July 18, 2026.
• Ages: 6–18 years old
• Schedule: Classes six days a week
Fairfax Jiu Jitsu Academy was founded in 2007, and its Kids Jiu Jitsu program for ages 6–13 was introduced in 2008. By 2010, the academy expanded to offer authentic Muay Thai, and Coach Matt has been the Head Muay Thai Instructor at Fairfax Jiu Jitsu Academy since 2010. Coach Mark began training Jiu Jitsu in 1999 and earned his black belt in 2007, and he is a two time Pan American Gold Medalist who also earned a Gold Medal at the International Masters Championship in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. The academy describes having a proven record of competition success and welcomes both adults and children to train and compete.
The leadership team includes Mark Jones as Owner and Jiu Jitsu Instructor with a 4th Degree Black Belt, Matt Nielsen as Muay Thai Instructor and BJJ Brown Belt, and Yara Cordeiro as Capoeira Instructor with the title of Mestranda. Mark Jones is a U.S. Army veteran who served during Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Matt Nielsen has been the Head Muay Thai Instructor at Fairfax Jiu Jitsu Academy since 2010 and brings over 30 years of experience in martial arts, including yearly training trips to Thailand at camps such as Fairtex Gym, Sor.Vorapin Gym, True Bee Gym, Kaewsamrit Gym, and Sinbi Muay Thai Camp in Phuket. Mestranda Yara has been practicing Capoeira since 1982, started teaching in 1996, holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and physical education, two post-graduate specialization degrees in sports psychology and Capoeira, and a master’s degree in psychology, and has published three books on Capoeira and its influence on identity, adolescence development, and self-esteem, as well as leading workshops and lectures in Brazil, the U.S., and other countries.
The program states that its culture is built on respect, collaboration, and teamwork, and that it fosters a unique culture that empowers students of all levels to succeed. It states that training balances rigorous workouts with a focus on safety, low ego, and mutual improvement, and that the FJJ Student Code embodies core values of respect, hard work, character, and accountability. The mission statement explains that Fairfax Jiu Jitsu Academy aims to transform students’ understanding of martial arts into practical, tangible skills, and that instructors remain lifelong students who stay at the forefront of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, Capoeira, and other martial arts. The Kids Jiu Jitsu program is described as fostering self-confidence, discipline, and practical self-defense skills, and the academy states that it welcomes students of all backgrounds, fitness levels, and goals, with each student working at their own pace.
In terms of community involvement, Coach Mark works with youth and families in Loudoun County through the public school system and courts, and Coach Matt is a career educator who has worked with primary school youth in Fairfax County for over 15 years.
Last updated July 18, 2026.
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