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Element Academy of Jiu-Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 30 Google reviews · Muay thai gym in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Plan your first class
- Free trial or intro class most gyms welcome new members with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
- Beginner-friendly all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
- Kids & youth classes kids and youth muay thai classes (ages 5–14) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Fight team a competition team for members who want to test themselves as amateur fighters
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule elementbjj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (757) 515-0231
Hours
| Monday | 5–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 5–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 5–9 PM |
| Thursday | 5–9 PM |
| Friday | 5–9 PM |
| Saturday | 12–1 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Element Academy provides a comfortable and welcoming place to train no matter if you are a beginner or veteran of the arts.”
“My son has been attending for over a year now, and the growth we've seen -- both in his skills and his confidence -- has been amazing.”
“Having an extensive professional experience with MMA under his belt, this is the best academy to start learning self-defense in general or if you're looking into MMA seriously.”
Other martial arts here
“The impact these instructors have goes beyond Jiu-Jitsu—they’re shaping confidence, resilience, and teamwork in every student.”
“Having an extensive professional experience with MMA under his belt, this is the best academy to start learning self-defense in general or if you're looking into MMA seriously.”
What members say
“Fantastic experience everytime, great instructors and great people overall.”
“There is a great welcoming culture the students and instructors make you feel like family while also teaching high quality technique and pushing you to work hard!”
“They create a supportive and encouraging environment where students are challenged to push their limits while also learning respect, discipline, and perseverance.”
“There is a great welcoming culture the students and instructors make you feel like family while also teaching high quality technique and pushing you to work hard!”
“My child loves Jiu Jitsu here.”
“My son has been attending for over a year now, and the growth we've seen -- both in his skills and his confidence -- has been amazing.”
From the reviews
Amazing instructors! Today’s class was a perfect example of why I’m so glad my son is part of this program. With 15 kids—half under five—things could have easily spiraled when a couple different pairs and sibling started bickering and squabbling, tears were shed, and the overall mood felt off.
Absolutely incredibly academy! My son has been attending for over a year now, and the growth we've seen -- both in his skills and his confidence -- has been amazing. The instructors are not only talented and knowledgeable, but they also take the time to teach valuable life lessons in every session.
Mackens Semerzier is one of the best instructors in this area. Element Academy provides a comfortable and welcoming place to train no matter if you are a beginner or veteran of the arts. If you are in the VA. Beach area and looking for a place to train I highly recommend dropping in and checking it out.
I’ve been training under Professor Mackens for a little over a year. Signing up for BJJ was one of the best decisions I have made in my life. I’m grateful that I found such a solid place like Element. Professor Mackens and Coach Gino are always friendly and helpful. I’ll be here for many years to come!
New to muay thai? Start at Element Academy of Jiu-Jitsu
Element Academy of Jiu-Jitsu comes up as a beginner-friendly gym — noted on their own site. If you've never thrown a punch or a kick, that's exactly who a good beginners program is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and coaches scale the conditioning to you. Second, you won't be thrown into sparring — reputable gyms build fundamentals (stance, footwork, and the basic strikes of the "art of eight limbs") for weeks before any contact, and sparring stays optional. Third, all levels really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners or fundamentals class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out. Most gyms are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.
Your first muay thai class at Element Academy of Jiu-Jitsu
Nervous about walking into a muay thai gym for the first time? Almost everyone is, and good coaches expect beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, then drilling the basics on pads and bags — not fighting. Rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: shorts or athletic wear and a t-shirt; you'll train barefoot on the mats. What to bring: water and hand wraps if you have them — many gyms lend gloves for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own gloves, wraps, a mouthguard, and shin guards. Sparring is optional and comes later, once your fundamentals are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the coach. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.
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