Business Details
19 Years
experience
Premier Martial Arts Training in Waldorf, MD
The Jiujitsu Academy Of Southern Maryland has been dedicated to martial arts excellence since its founding in 2007. Our program combines centuries-old Japanese and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu techniques with modern self-defense strategies, empowering practitioners to overcome physical disadvantages through striking, throwing, and grappling. We serve a diverse community of adults and juniors aged 6+, offering structured training that emphasizes safety, discipline, and practical combat effectiveness. Our instructors hold advanced black belts in multiple disciplines, including Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Tae Kwon Do, and have competed successfully at national levels. Affiliated with the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation and United States Judo Association, we maintain rigorous safety standards through U.S.Center for SafeSport certification and CDC concussion training. Students benefit from flexible class schedules, open mat sessions, and personalized instruction tailored to individual goals. Our proven system has produced champions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, and MMA competitions while maintaining a welcoming environment for all skill levels. With locations in Southern Maryland, we combine military-grade combative training with accessible community programs. Our commitment to quality instruction and student development has made us a trusted leader in martial arts education for over 15 years.
Services
Jiu-Jitsu Classes
Judo Training
Mixed Martial Arts
Children's Programs
Competition Preparation
Self-Defense Workshops
Private Lessons
Open Mat Sessions
Black Belt Certification
Combatives Instruction
Details
- Year established: 2007
Highlights and features
- We offer 15+ years of proven martial arts instruction experience
- Our instructors hold 4th-5th degree black belts in multiple disciplines
- We've produced national champions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo
- Our system combines traditional and modern combat techniques effectively
- We provide age-appropriate training for juniors and adults
Services
Jiu-Jitsu Classes
Our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program develops ground fighting proficiency through structured curriculum. Students learn positional control, submission techniques, and strategic transitions. Classes emphasize practical self-defense applications and competitive tournament preparation for all belt levels.
Judo Training
Comprehensive Judo instruction covers throws, takedowns, and groundwork. Certified black belt instructors teach traditional techniques with modern adaptations. Program includes competition preparation and self-defense applications for practitioners aged 13+.
Children's Programs
Age-appropriate martial arts training for children aged 6-12. Focuses on fundamental techniques, discipline, and safety. Curriculum builds coordination, confidence, and respect through structured Jiu-Jitsu and Judo instruction.
Competition Preparation
Specialized training for tournament competitors. Covers point fighting strategies, submission grappling, and MMA rulesets. Includes sparring sessions, technique refinement, and mental preparation for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, and cage fighting events.
Self-Defense Workshops
Practical self-defense courses teach real-world protection techniques. Curriculum addresses common attack scenarios, weapon disarms, and multiple assailant situations. Training emphasizes situational awareness and de-escalation strategies alongside physical techniques.
People
John Coller
Senior Instructor
4th degree black belt in Jiu-Jitsu (USJA) and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (IBJJF). Tae Kwon Do 2nd degree black belt from Kukkiwon. Completed seminars with Eddie Bravo and Saulo Ribeiro. Former US Navy member with 25+ years martial arts experience.
Jeff Mathews
Instructor
4th degree black belt in Jujitsu with 15+ years teaching experience. Holds Masters in Education. Specializes in technical breakdown of grappling and throwing techniques. Competed in local and regional tournaments.
Bill McElhaney
Senior Judo Instructor
Judo Nidan (2nd degree black belt) with 30+ years experience. Competed in Jr. Olympics and national events. Trained under 7th degree black belt Edwin Takemori. Focuses on traditional Judo techniques and competition preparation.
Beau Perrizo
Instructor
5th degree black belt in Jujitsu. Professional MMA fighter with TKO victory in 2006. Specializes in fundamental techniques. Coaches Saturday classes and black belt testing sessions.
Dillon Hill
Instructor
MMA specialist with expertise in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and boxing. Developed comprehensive training programs combining multiple martial arts disciplines. Focuses on modern combat sports techniques and competition strategies.
Questions
What martial arts styles do you teach?
We teach traditional Japanese Jiu-Jitsu, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, and mixed martial arts. Our curriculum combines striking, throwing, and grappling techniques from these disciplines.
What age groups can participate?
We offer programs for children starting at age 6, teens, and adults. Juniors' classes focus on fundamental techniques and safety, while adult classes include advanced combat applications.
Do you offer competition training?
Yes, we provide specialized competition preparation for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournaments, Judo events, and MMA competitions. Our instructors have produced multiple national champions.
Are your instructors certified?
All instructors hold advanced black belts in their respective disciplines and have completed U.S. Center for SafeSport certification and CDC concussion training programs.
What should I wear for my first class?
For Jiu-Jitsu classes, wear comfortable workout clothes. Judo students need a judogi. We provide loaner uniforms for first-time participants and can advise on proper gear.
How often should I train?
We recommend attending 2-3 classes weekly for steady progress. Students may participate in up to 12 classes monthly with our flexible schedule including weekday evenings and Saturday sessions.
