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Element Academy of Jiu-Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 30 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Plan your first class
- Free trial or intro class most gyms welcome new members with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
- Beginner-friendly all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
- Kids & youth classes kids and youth BJJ classes (ages 5–14) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- No-gi no-gi grappling classes — training in a rashguard and shorts, with faster scrambles and a natural bridge to MMA
- Open mat open-mat rolling sessions for members to practice live — always optional and at your own pace
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves at tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule elementbjj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 757-515-0231
Hours
| Monday | 5–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 5–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 5–9 pm |
| Thursday | 5–9 pm |
| Friday | 5–9 pm |
| Saturday | 12–1 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“My son has been attending for over a year now, and the growth we've seen -- both in his skills and his confidence -- has been amazing.”
“Having an extensive professional experience with MMA under his belt, this is the best academy to start learning self-defense in general or if you're looking into MMA seriously.”
“Element Academy provides a comfortable and welcoming place to train no matter if you are a beginner or veteran of the arts.”
Other martial arts here
“Whether looking for BJJ or Muay Thai, this is your go-to spot with expected growth in the foreseeable future.”
“Having an extensive professional experience with MMA under his belt, this is the best academy to start learning self-defense in general or if you're looking into MMA seriously.”
What members say
“Fantastic experience everytime, great instructors and great people overall.”
“There is a great welcoming culture the students and instructors make you feel like family while also teaching high quality technique and pushing you to work hard!”
“They create a supportive and encouraging environment where students are challenged to push their limits while also learning respect, discipline, and perseverance.”
“My child loves Jiu Jitsu here.”
“My son has been attending for over a year now, and the growth we've seen -- both in his skills and his confidence -- has been amazing.”
From the reviews
Amazing instructors! Today’s class was a perfect example of why I’m so glad my son is part of this program. With 15 kids—half under five—things could have easily spiraled when a couple different pairs and sibling started bickering and squabbling, tears were shed, and the overall mood felt off.
Absolutely incredibly academy! My son has been attending for over a year now, and the growth we've seen -- both in his skills and his confidence -- has been amazing. The instructors are not only talented and knowledgeable, but they also take the time to teach valuable life lessons in every session.
Element Academy is a true community of people looking to better themselves in some shape or form. Not only does Professor Mackens come with an extensive knowledge base, but he's passionate about teaching and wants to see you become your best self.
Mackens Semerzier is one of the best instructors in this area. Element Academy provides a comfortable and welcoming place to train no matter if you are a beginner or veteran of the arts. If you are in the VA. Beach area and looking for a place to train I highly recommend dropping in and checking it out.
New to BJJ? Start at Element Academy of Jiu-Jitsu
Element Academy of Jiu-Jitsu comes up as a beginner-friendly gym — noted on their own site. If you've never rolled or set foot on a mat, that's exactly who a good beginners program is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit or flexible to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and coaches scale the intensity to you. Second, you won't be thrown into hard rolling — reputable gyms build fundamentals (positions, escapes, and basic submissions) for weeks, live rolling eases in gradually, and tapping early keeps every roll safe. Third, all levels really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners or fundamentals class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out, and leave your ego at the door. Most gyms are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.
Your first BJJ class at Element Academy of Jiu-Jitsu
Nervous about walking into a BJJ gym for the first time? Almost everyone is, and good coaches expect beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, then drilling basic positions and escapes with a partner — not hard sparring. Rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: athletic wear you can move in (or a gi if you have one); you'll train barefoot on the mats. What to bring: water and a mouthguard if you have one — many gyms lend a loaner gi for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own gi (or a rashguard and shorts for no-gi) and a mouthguard. Live rolling eases in gradually, once your fundamentals are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the coach. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.
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