JIU-JITSU
Discipline.Leadership.Community
Join The Movement
30 South Water St. Greewich, CT 06830
C O M I N G S O O N
Try a Free CLASS TODAY!
Looking for the best Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Connecticut?
Join our Gracie Jiu-Jitsu community and experience the life-changing benefits of BJJ!
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced practitioner, our supportive environment helps you build confidence, improve fitness, and master self-defense.
Start your journey today—schedule your first class now!
BJJ Programs
Intro
Core
Blue Belt
Advanced
Kids
GRACIE JIU JITSU
in Connecticut
Train with the best Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructors in Connecticut! Our world-class team has years of experience in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and is dedicated to helping you learn in a safe, comfortable, and supportive environment. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, we welcome all levels—no experience needed! Start your BJJ journey today!
FIFTH ELEMENT ACADEMY
DISCILPINE.LEADERSHIP.COMMUNITY
Join Our ACADEMY.
Our Family.
Experience authentic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Greenwich, CT! Rooted in the techniques developed by Carlos Gracie in the early 20th century, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu has become one of the most effective and widely practiced martial arts in the world. Now, you can learn directly from expert instructors in a supportive and welcoming environment.
Our classes are open to all ages and skill levels—adults, kids, families, and friends are all invited to train with us! Whether you want to master self-defense, improve fitness, or embrace the Jiu-Jitsu lifestyle, you’ll gain valuable skills while having fun. Join our BJJ community today and start your journey!
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Featured Programs
Start your Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey in Connecticut today! Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is more than just a martial art—it’s a lifelong path to self-improvement, confidence, and discipline. Join our supportive community, where your progress is our priority. No experience needed—schedule your first class now and take the first step toward a stronger, more confident you!
KIDS BJJ
Your child will gain discipline and self-confidence in a safe and fun environment where they will learn valuable life lessons.
BLUE BELT BJJ
Begin your journey into our world-class & proven training methodology that is suitable for people of all ages and physical abilities.
CORE BJJ
Learn the principles & most efficient techniques of Gracie / Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to overcome size and strength differences in self defense.
JOÃO PEREIRA
João Pereira, the head instructor at Fifth Element Academy in Connecticut, is a highly accomplished Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu expert with over 18 years of experience under the legendary Gracie family’s, Master igor Gracie. Specializing in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, João has competed at the highest levels, earning titles such as NY BJJ Pro IBJJF Champ, Boston Spring International Open Champ, and multiple IBJJF gold medals. His passion extends beyond competition, as he is dedicated to transforming lives through Jiu-Jitsu, instilling confidence, discipline, and self-esteem in students of all ages. He also focuses on enhancing motor skills in children on the spectrum, ensuring that the benefits of Jiu-Jitsu are accessible to everyone.
João’s commitment to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu goes beyond the mats—he fosters a strong, supportive community where students develop strength, respect, and resilience. As a mentor and father, he understands the profound impact martial arts can have on personal growth. Whether training beginners or seasoned athletes, Joao’s expertise in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu makes him a sought-after instructor in Connecticut. His goal is to empower students through the principles of hard work and perseverance, helping them achieve excellence both in Jiu-Jitsu and in life.
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Testimonials
“No words can do true justice to this awesome coach but I’m going to try it anyway. Do you know when you meet a teacher that is so charismatic and has their self esteem in such good place that the only next thing they do is increase their students self esteem and make them look forward to their next class? That sums up Coach Joao. He’s been a crucial part in my autistic son’s healing and functioning in society. He genuinely loves children and meets all of his students where they are. He is also the one responsible to bring my husband back into jiu-jitsu practicing and the whole family agrees that he is just this natural talented teacher we all want to find in our lives.”
“Our family has been training with Professor Joao for five years now, and each of us couldn’t be more grateful for the experience. Professor Joao is nothing short of an encyclopedia of jiu jitsu knowledge—his depth of expertise is remarkable as is his ability to translate his knowledge to impactfully teach at every level.
He has an incredible way of breaking down complex techniques so that even the youngest students can grasp and apply them.
Our three children (currently ages 7, 8, and 9) have not only developed a strong foundation for technique, but they have also – and perhaps of equal importance- grown in confidence, discipline, and character under his guidance. At the beginning of each class, Professor Joao welcomes each student and parent with a polite greeting and accompanying eye contact and sets the tone for a warm and education-filled session. He is kind, thoughtful, and endlessly motivating, making each class both challenging and inspiring.
For adults, his classes are equally engaging and educational. No matter your experience level, his students learn, grow, and are motivated. We highly recommend training under Professor Joao for anyone looking for jiu jitsu instruction in a welcoming and supportive environment.”
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Academy H0urs
Monday-Friday: 12pm – 9pm
Tuesday-Thursday: 6am – 9pm
Friday: 6am – 8pm
Saturday: 9am – 3pm
Sunday: 10am – 1:30pm