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Element Academy of Jiu-Jitsu is a martial arts academy in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Our team is led by former UFC fighter and 3rd-degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Mackens Semerzier, and we are proud members of the Luiz Palhares Jiu-Jitsu Association — led by 8th-degree white & red belt Master Luiz Palhares, promoted to black belt in 1984 by Master Rickson Gracie and Grand Master Helio Gracie.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai are powerful tools for stress relief, personal fitness, and building a great community. They offer an active, engaging way to challenge yourself while learning a lifelong skill. From the complete beginner looking for a fun way to stay in shape and learn self-defense, to the experienced martial artist on the path to black belt — our supportive team has you covered.
ELEMENT ACADEMY OF JIU-JITSU
Mackens Semerzier
UFC Veteran | BJJ Black Belt
Martial Arts Instructor
Professor Mackens Semerzier is a lifelong martial artist, UFC Veteran, and 3rd Degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt who has taught, competed, and coached at the highest levels of the sport. Originally from Miami, Florida, Mackens proudly served for eight years in the United States Marine Corps, reaching the rank of Sergeant and serving as an Operation Iraqi Freedom combat veteran and Military Combatives Instructor. His deep martial arts pedigree blends extensive experience in Wrestling, Boxing, BJJ, Muay Thai, Mixed Martial Arts, and military defensive tactics. In 2009, he achieved a #10 World Ranking in the MMA featherweight division, and he is a multiple-time WKA Champion and regional BJJ Gi and No-Gi Champion. He earned his BJJ Black Belt in 2013 and was promoted to 3rd Degree in 2022 by 8th Degree White and Red Belt Master Luiz Palhares, anchoring his lineage directly to Master Rickson Gracie and Grand Master Helio Gracie. Known for his lighthearted personality, sharp technique, and passionate commitment, Professor Mackens welcomes students of all skill levels to the mat.
IT ONLY TAKES A FEW CLICKS TO CHANGE YOUR LIFE FOREVER
WELCOME TO ELEMENT ACADEMY IN VIRGINIA BEACH
Designed for ages 5–13, our Youth Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Program teaches essential self-defense, concepts, and techniques adapted specifically for young students. Taught by certified expert instructors in a clean, safe, and friendly environment, our classes build confidence, discipline, teamwork, and physical fitness while ensuring students are always paired by age, size, and experience level. We utilize an online rank tracking system for seamless progression and belt updates. No prior experience or special gear is needed to start, and the first week is completely free—just come in, make friends, and have fun!
Designed for ages 14 and older, our Adult Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Program welcomes everyone from complete beginners to advanced practitioners, with no prior experience required. Every week features dynamic Gi and No-Gi training that covers all major positions while introducing the latest functional innovations in the sport. Each class concludes with situational training, giving you the perfect opportunity to practice newly learned techniques against a resisting partner in a controlled setting. Optional open rolling sessions follow every class, allowing you to hone specific positions, build your knowledge, and train at your own pace.
Designed for ages 14 and older, our Muay Thai Kickboxing Program welcomes everyone from beginners to advanced students looking for a premier striking experience. Led by experienced instructors in a clean, friendly environment, this class covers all aspects of Thai Boxing, concluding each session with situational sparring and conditioning. It serves as an excellent fitness tool and accountability group, building supreme confidence, wellness, and practical self-defense skills while offering fantastic stress relief. Whether you want to train exclusively or add striking to your BJJ journey, we offer flexible membership options to fit your goals.
Youth Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Monday - 5pm
Wednesday - 5pm
Friday - 5pm
Adult Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Monday - 6pm
Wednesday - 6pm
Friday - 6pm
Muay Thai Kickboxing
Tuesday - 5:30pm
Thursday - 5:30pm
Saturday - 10:30am
Adult NoGi Grappling
Tuesday - 6:30pm
Thursday - 6:30pm
Kickstart your martial arts journey with our 8-Week Adult BJJ Beginner Course for only $149! Specifically structured for complete beginners with zero prior experience, this all-inclusive, one-time payment program features focused Gi fundamentals training every Tuesday and Thursday at 7:30 PM. You will train in a clean, safe, and welcoming environment led by expert instructors who prioritize your safety and growth as you master the foundational positions, concepts, and core movements of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Your package has no contracts or hidden fees and includes an official high-quality white Gi and belt. Spaces are limited to ensure personalized attention for every student on the mat—secure your spot today and earn your stripes!
EVERY EXPERT WAS ONCE A BEGINNER WHO DECIDED TO TRY SOMETHING NEW
WELCOME TO ELEMENT ACADEMY IN VIRGINIA BEACH
Answer: Absolutely not! Our programs are specifically designed for all fitness levels and backgrounds. Whether you are stepping onto the mats for the very first time or are an experienced martial artist, our structured curriculum and expert instructors ensure you can learn safely and progress at your own comfortable pace.
Answer: For your first class, just wear comfortable, athletic clothing without any zippers or pockets (like a T-shirt and shorts or sweatpants). Bring a water bottle and a positive attitude! If you are joining our 8-Week Beginner Course, your official team uniform (Gi and belt) is fully included in the package price.
Answer: Safety is our absolute highest priority on the mats. All students are carefully paired and separated by age, size, and experience level to maintain a controlled, friendly environment. Our instructors closely supervise every session, emphasizing controlled movements, proper technique, and mutual respect.
Answer: Gi training involves wearing the traditional martial arts uniform (kimono), which allows you to use grips on the fabric for control and submissions. No-Gi training is done in standard athletic wear (like a rash guard and shorts) where you rely on body mechanics, hooks, and speed. We proudly offer both styles every single week!
Answer: We offer flexible membership options tailored to fit a variety of training routines, including Single-Month passes, Auto-Pay memberships, Punch Cards, and Drop-In rates. We believe in earning your business month-to-month, which means any recurring membership can be easily canceled at any time with a simple 30-day notice. Full details and specific terms will be provided directly in your membership agreement.
Easy to access, welcoming to all, and trusted by families across the area.
A year from now, you will wish you had started today
No experience needed. No ego allowed. Just a supportive community dedicated to helping you grow.
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Monday - Friday
5:00PM - 9:00PM
Saturday
10:30AM - 1:00PM
Sunday
Closed