About Our School

We at Cville BJJ strive to bring the best training and detailed instruction to our students. Our Martial Arts training facility features top-of-the-line grappling mats, a brightly lit training area, as well as excellent equipment for students to use. Our mats are cleaned thoroughly daily and our entire facility is cleaned top to bottom on a weekly basis. Cleanliness is a top priority at Cville BJJ.

Cville BJJ brings a friendly and relaxed environment in which to train Martial Arts. The detailed instruction and class atmosphere is why most people sign-up as well as continue to train at our school. The camaraderie at our school has grown into a big family, all helping one another to make progress in martial arts as well as in life.

We have trained and continue to train many local law enforcement and military personnel who wish to enhance their skills in unarmed combat. We have also hosted many woman’s self-defense seminars, raising awareness and empowering women to protect themselves in the Charlottesville area.

What is a Typical Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class like at Cville BJJ?

Each Jiu-Jitsu Class begins with a warm-up routine aimed at increasing speed, flexibility, balance, and endurance. We then move into a detailed technique section; the instructor demonstrates a series of techniques, and then students partner-up and practice the techniques shown. The last half an hour is designated for sparring or “rolling”. This is the time when students learn how to use their Jiu-Jitsu in real time against a resisting opponent. Emphasis is placed on correct technique rather than brute force.

We are very beginner friendly at Cville BJJ. We offer Basic classes that focus more on detailed technique with no sparring at the end of the class. Check the schedule page for more information.

What is a Typical Muay Thai class like at Cville BJJ?

Muay Thai classes also include a warm-up and technique section, focused on various aspects of the art (punches, kicks, knees, clinch, etc…). Partner work helps to reinforce techniques learned, and sparring allows students a real-time situation to utilize and demonstrate their skills. For both classes, sparring is done in a supervised and controlled environment at the discretion of the student. No one is ever pressured or forced to spar.

The School’s History

Charlottesville Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was first started as a two-day-a-week program at the local YMCA in 2004, headed by Lamonte Tyler. It was originally named The Academy of PHAT Jiu-Jitsu. After Lamonte’s departure from Charlottesville in July 2007, Gordon Emery, an assistant instructor at the time, officially took over and renamed the program with the affiliation of the BJJ Revolution Team. The affiliation has brought the school into a larger community of great Jiu-Jitsu talent from the Carlson Gracie style. Gordon brought with him a true desire to strengthen the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training in Charlottesville. Under his management, the school has undergone major developments, including a new training facility with top-of-the-line equipment, the addition of a comprehensive Muay Thai program, and a six-day training week and a focus on improving all students abilities in the Martial Arts.

Gordon is committed to providing the best instruction possible for all students. He is constantly looking to improve his programs to be more comprehensive for all students. He regularly attends seminars and competitions in order to bring new technique details and training ideas back to the school. Gordon firmly believes that martial arts training (especially Jiu-Jitsu!) can have a tremendous positive impact on the lives of those who study it. Whether you are focusing on fitness, self-defense or sport he strives to help all students achieve their goals.