In offering our members the highest level of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Mixed Martial Arts and personal training in a positive, safe and nurturing environment. Our programs are designed to motivate, encourage and challenge each individual, helping them to achieve their own personal goals. Jitsu Academy is located in Wallingford, CT.
With the support and backing of his uncle, Danilo started training at age 14. His first instructor was Andre "Dede" Pederneiras, a black belt instructor under Master Carlson Gracie. Andre Pederneiras is the founder of the Nova Uniao Academy in Flamenco, Brazil. His Brazilian Jiu Jitsu school and team is considered to be the best team in the World in lightweight in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and MMA.
With the support and backing of his uncle, Danilo started training at age 14. His first instructor was Andre "Dede" Pederneiras, a black belt instructor under Master Carlson Gracie. Andre Pederneiras is the founder of the Nova Uniao Academy in Flamenco, Brazil. His Brazilian Jiu Jitsu school and team is considered to be the best team in the World in lightweight in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and MMA.
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Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is not just a sport, it's a martial art whose guiding principle proves that a much smaller and weaker person can defend themselves against a larger opponent by utilizing leverage, angles, and techniques. BJJ will change your life! The classes teach mind and body awareness, self-defense tactics, all while building lasting relationships with teammates and instructors.
While we all operate under Danilo Cherman Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (DCBJJ) there are many components that make up this team. As a member of Jitsu Academy we offer you the opportunity to train in the GI, No-GI, Wrestling, Women's only BJJ and MMA. While some people choose to train in all disciplines, others prefer to concentrate in only one.
Congratulations to Danilo and Jess, as they are opening a second Jitsu Academy location in Irmo, South Carolina, within the next two months. Construction is well underway, and we can't wait to see what they have in store! Also, as we celebrate Jitsu Academy's 4 years here in Wallingford, we'd like to introduce the new coach of Jitsu Academy CT, Oswaldo Jurema.
Bullying is every parent's worst nightmare. It happens at school, in the backyard, on the playground and everywhere in between. Thousands of kids suffer from being bullied every day. Jitsu Academy can help Make Your Child Bully-Proof by teaching them techniques that will neutralize an opponent without using punches or kicks.
Reviews (13)
Tim McLaurin
Dec 27, 2021
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Michael Rodriguez
May 05, 2021
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Jitsu Academy is the premier training facility in Connecticut. You’d be hard pressed to find better instructors than Danilo and Jess. The best part is that they treat you like family and make sure you’re comfortable. All of the students are very friendly, welcoming, and most importantly, ego-less. It’s a fantastic and clean facility for seasoned grapplers to complete beginners. PLEASE stop in sometime. You won’t regret it!
Matthew Duncan
Jun 14, 2019
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I live in New Hampshire and reached out to train as a guest at Danilo Cherman’s gym while I was in CT for work. Danilo and everyone at the academy was very friendly. The gym is very clean. I attended the Advanced Gi class. Class consisted of instruction, drilling, and live rolling. Mr Cherman is a very knowledgeable and great instructor. Great atmosphere! Very technical and talented students. The advanced students will push you hard, but everyone was conscious of safety and helping each other grow and improve as martial artists. I would highly recommend anyone in the area to try a class. Grateful
Hip Vega
Feb 02, 2019
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I've been at this BJJ Academy for about 4 months now, and I've enjoyed every minute of it. Our Coach Danilo Cherman is very knowledgeable in the BJJ Arts. His laid back style combined with his expert knowledge, make the classes fun but challenging.
The school itself is very clean, the mats and facilities are well taken care of. I've gone to a couple of other schools with friends, but this is the first gym that i felt welcomed, safe, and happy to be at.
The school itself is very clean, the mats and facilities are well taken care of. I've gone to a couple of other schools with friends, but this is the first gym that i felt welcomed, safe, and happy to be at.
Andrea Sunseri
Jan 03, 2019
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I have never stepped foot into a gym with a more positive vibe! Danilo and Jessica Cherman have created a five-star academy where the coaches and members are extremely welcoming. The instructors here are world class, highly motivating, seasoned competitors who give members personal attention, and genuinely care about each students individual goals. I’ve been training / competing in BJJ and taking fitness classes with Danilo and Jess for the past 4 years and at age 46 I have never felt better! Whether you are stepping onto the mat for the first time, are an avid competitor or just want to get
Frank L.
Dec 07, 2018
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The only reason I got better at Jiu Jitsu was because of Danilo Cherman and the team. At 42 years old I continue to challenge myself and the team is there to help. Such a great group of woman and men that assist each other at getting better and that's what's important about competition training, being around those that will help you. Kids classes are great, adults too. A great environment I call my second family.
Carter'S. Mike Family
Dec 03, 2018
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Amazing atmosphere. All the members are friendly. The coach is great at what he does, dedicated to teaching you and guiding you to accomplishing your goals. Very impressed with his patience working with my son and the other kids on that mat. I wouldn’t want to train or send my children anywhere else!! This academy is a staple to the jiu-jitsu community. Perfect place to start for beginners.
Joy M.
Nov 28, 2018
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This school is the best. I started with no knowledge and coordination, and slowly I have learned so much that keeps me coming back. The owners are fantastic, and make you feel so at home. They truly care about every single student. I have a five year old who joins the kids class, and it's amazing to see the confidence jujitsu has given him.
Lori P.
Nov 18, 2018
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I've been a practicing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Jessica Cherman (Brown Belt) & Danilo Cherman (4th Degree Black Belt) for about 4 years now. Jess founded the Women's only Class. We (the original group of women) all started knowing absolutely nothing about Jiu Jitsu to now being 3 stripe Blue Belts. We've all come a long way & we have Jess & Danilo to thank. Men & women also train together & everyone is very respectful towards each other. It's really been an incredible experience. The members are all really great people with different levels of experience
Frank Latina
Oct 05, 2018
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Great Instructors! Comfortable lounge area for the parents to sit and watch their kids train. Experienced instructors with many years of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu experience competing in tournaments around the world. Mixed martial arts instructors with years of competing in local and professional fights. Great environment with great leadership and the team to prove it!
Paul Melluzzo
Jul 09, 2018
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I started at Jitsu Academy two months ago and I'm addicted. It's a very welcoming atmosphere, which is great considering that I hadn't grappled since High School wrestling and was new to BJJ. There are no egos and the instructors are great. Everyone takes the time to make sure you understand everything being drilled, but at the same time push you to put 100% effort in and grow. The facilities are clean as well. I definitely recommend swinging by and trying it out. Worth every penny.
Kelly In Ct
Jul 04, 2018
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If you're looking for a fun atmosphere for your child to learn a useful martial art, look no further! My son loves his classes with Danilo and Jess, his self confidence, respect for himself and others has grown exponentially since he started training with them. The community they have created at Jitsu Academy is like a second family!
David Capella
Jun 15, 2018
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I have been training with coach Danilo and team for approximately a year and a half. The team is very welcoming and friendly. All the upper belts help push me to improve my game which is fantastic. Jiu Jitsu is a great means to get in shape too. If you want to learn a new art and get in shape, this is definitely the place to do it.
