JIU-JITSU
MUAY
Discipline.Leadership.Community
Join The Movement
30 South Water St. Greewich, CT 06830 (203) 455-0166
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Looking for the best Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai program in Connecticut?
Join our Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai community and experience the life-changing benefits of of elitemartial arts training!
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
MUAY THAI Programs
Core
Kids
GRACIE JIU JITSU
AND MUAY THAI in Connecticut
Train with some of the best Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai instructors in Connecticut! Our world-class coaching team brings decades of experience in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and elite-level striking, providing students with authentic martial arts instruction in a safe, supportive, and professional environment. Whether you’re stepping onto the mats for the first time or looking to sharpen your competitive edge, our programs are designed to help you reach your goals. No experience is necessary—just the willingness to learn and grow.
FIFTH ELEMENT ACADEMY
DISCILPINE.LEADERSHIP.COMMUNITY
Join Our ACADEMY.
Our Family.
Experience authentic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai training in Greenwich, CT. Our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program is rooted in the principles and techniques developed by Carlos Gracie and refined through generations of world-class practitioners. Complementing our grappling curriculum is an elite Muay Thai program that teaches the powerful striking art known as the “Science of Eight Limbs,” blending technical precision, conditioning, and practical self-defense. Together, these disciplines provide one of the most complete martial arts training experiences available.
Our classes are open to all ages and experience levels—adults, kids, families, and aspiring competitors are all welcome. Whether your goal is self-defense, fitness, competition, personal growth, or simply becoming part of a positive and driven community, Fifth Element Academy offers a path for everyone. Build confidence, improve your physical and mental resilience, and train alongside dedicated instructors and teammates who are committed to helping you succeed. Join our community and begin your martial arts journey today.
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Featured Programs
JIU-JITSU
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!
MUAY THAI
At Fifth Element Academy, our Muay Thai program is built on authentic techniques, proven training methods, and a commitment to technical excellence. Students learn proper striking mechanics, footwork, defensive skills, clinch fighting, and ring strategy while developing strength, endurance, discipline, and confidence. Every class is structured to provide challenging, high-level instruction in a safe, supportive, and team-oriented environment.
KIDS BJJ + MUAY THAI
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 + MUAY THAI
Learn the principles & most efficient techniques of Gracie / Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai to overcome size and strength differences in self defense.
BJJ
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.
MUAY THAI
LUIS GONZALEZ
Born in the Dominican Republic and raised in The Bronx, Luis Gonzalez is proof that dedication beats a late start every time. After discovering martial arts at age 21, he quickly carved out an elite amateur career, becoming a 3-time New York MMA Champion (holding titles across ACC, NYFE, and KTFO) and earning a BJJ Brown Belt .
Luis has traveled to Thailand to sharpen his striking at the source, bringing authentic, world-class experience back to the gym. Today, his passion is focused on coaching. Whether he is helping beginners build confidence and reach their personal goals, or grinding on the mats to build the next generation of competitive fighters, Luis is dedicated to elevating everyone who steps under his guidance.
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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