About Us
Our team is built of strong competitors and accomplished Jiu Jitsu competitors. We use our experience on the mat to help our students build themselves up in the gym and outside in life. This has built up our competitive team, GFTeam, to become one of the most dominant competitive Jiu Jitsu teams in the world. This success is used to help all types of students – from those looking to join our Jiu Jitsu competition team to those looking to learn self-defense. We are here for everyone!
Our Story At
WDC Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
& WDC Jiu Jitsu Academy
Our School
Both our locations (Takoma Park and Hyattsville) make WDC BJJ/GF Team DC a place for everyone to train. This starts with our strong leadership team of 5 instructors and coaches, plus several class assistants and a gym manager. Everyone brings in a warm energy, built on discipline and helping students on and off the mats. We truly embody the values of a family-owned school. Still, we make sure to be the best there is. The GFTeam is a top-5 team in the world, led by a National champion who pushes everyone to be their best. We want to provide every opportunity to become better. This includes our summer training camps – IN RIO DE JANEIRO – providing training from the home of BJJ. So, whether you want to train for self-defense, fitness, community events, or to compete, we have it here for you at WDC BJJ!
History
We opened our first Jiu Jitsu school in 2015 to create a safe space for families, kids, and adults to learn real BJJ from a professional, passionate team. Our goal was to bring Brazilian values of respect, effort, and community to the D.C. area. These values have led school owner and professor, Deivid Dias, to take our one mat space to two locations (Takoma Park and Hyattsville). Before opening in 2015, Deivid began training in the early 2000s in Brazil. The guidance he received led him to become a dominant competitor, winning championships in IBJJF, American Nationals, and AJP. After winning himself, Deivid hopes to build more leaders through BJJ and continues to coach others to winning championships at WDC BJJ.
What Sets Us Apart
WDC BJJ is truly a special place to train at for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes. Everything we do comes straight from Brazil, with how we treat each other to our on-the-mat style and success. Take a look at what makes us different and why you should join us!
Our school follows the Brazilian values of respect, effort, and community. All our students and instructors are taught to follow these as we make WDC BJJ the best place it can be.
Led by Professor Deivid Dias, our team is filled with instructors who have experienced it all. With lessons straight from Brazil, our Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes will teach you to grow and dominate amongst the best around.
As a family-run BJJ school, family truly is everything. We make sure each student is treated with respect and feels at home with us.
We don’t just want our students to become great BJJ students – we want them to be healthy. That’s why we have designated a recovery room for students with modern facilities to make our training experience safe and productive.
We have a special offer to train where BJJ began. Once a year we take our competitive team to train, surf, and make lifelong memories in Brazil while learning from the best.
Hear From The Community That Makes Us Great
“As a female martial artist it’s important to have a clean safe environment to train in and this is the best space in the DMV for that.”
“Coach Deivid is more than just a great coach but also a great mentor and friend.”
“Deivid & Nilxon have been working with me since the beginning, the always push me to my limits . Amazing environment and Mats”
“Professor Deivid and Charlene are super supportive and know just how to challenge you. Everyone is extremely welcoming and kind. Highly recommend trying out a class.”
“Very welcoming atmosphere near the Arts District in Hyattsville. It is very spacious with plenty of mat space. “
Explore What Makes Us Different
Visit Us At
WDC BJJ Takoma
Check out our Takoma location and meet our team of friendly, experienced instructors! Learn more about WDC BJJ and find the perfect class for your schedule today.
We can’t wait to help you start your journey!
Visit Us At
WDC JJ Academy
Check out our Hyattsville location and meet our team of friendly, experienced instructors! Learn more about WDC JJ Academy and find the perfect class for your schedule today.
We can’t wait to help you start your journey!
Check Out Our
Jiu Jitsu Schedules
We have two different Jiu-Jitsu class schedules. One for Takoma Park and one for Hyattsville. Be sure to look through the school you want to join and find the right time for your training!
Check out our
Jiu Jitsu programs!
We have a vast variety of Jiu-Jitsu classes for students to join!
Are you a Jiu Jitsu beginner? Experienced? Interested in competition? No matter what your reason for joining us, we have the right class for you to get started today!
Meet the WDC Team
Our Instructors
GFTeam is one of the top-5 BJJ teams in the world. Our high-quality expertise and personable coaches create an environment for students to grow and become their best selves. Take a look at our group of instructors and see which makes each one great!
Deivid Dias
Head Coach
Black Belt
IBJJF Pan American Champion, American Nationals Champion, AJP Grand Slam Winner. Brings over 10 years of coaching experience and leads with intensity, clarity, and heart.
Professor Charlene Dixon
Black Belt
A technical powerhouse and role model for women in martial arts. Known for her patient instruction and dedication to detail.
Professor Marcio Carvalho
Black Belt
A calm, strategic instructor with a sharp eye for technique and student development. Beloved by students of all levels.
Nilxon Ventura
Gym Manager / Blue Belt
The heartbeat of our operations. Keeps everything running smoothly while supporting new students and parents with warmth and professionalism.
Omar Gonzalez
Purple Belt
Omar Gonzalez, by way of El Salvador, is a proud purple belt under Professor Deivid Dias. He began his Brazilian Jiu Jitsu journey in 2017 and has been dedicated to the art ever since. As a father of four, Omar finds joy in seeing all of his children train and grow through BJJ.
Outside of training, you’ll find Omar spending time with his family, playing soccer, working out, or reading. His passion is to share the beauty of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with the world and help others experience the confidence, discipline, and community that come with it.
Coach Keith Cowdrey
Purple Belt
Energetic and motivational, Keith brings strong fundamentals, competitive experience, and a gift for connecting with beginners.
Coach Kate Parrish
Purple Belt
Encouraging and focused, Kate helps guide newer students with clarity and compassion. A strong presence in both adult and youth programs.
Meet Our
Kids Class Assistants
These young leaders help guide our younger students through drills, build confidence, and model the values of respect, teamwork, and perseverance.
David Rivas | Soren Yarrow | Angel Almedarez | David Goulding
Check the Schedule
Check out our class schedule and get started with your journey TODAY at either of our Takoma or Hyattsville locations! Come see what makes our community great!
