Business Details
Your Premier Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Vermont
Founded by world-renowned Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu master Julio Cesar Foca Fernandez Nunes, Vermont BJJ Academy delivers authentic, high-quality instruction rooted in traditional techniques. Our programs emphasize character development, self-discipline, and practical self-defense skills for students of all ages and experience levels. With a legacy of producing champions and a curriculum certified by leading global organizations, we combine decades of expertise with a commitment to safety and personalized growth.Our team of elite instructors fosters a supportive environment where students build physical strength, mental resilience, and lifelong confidence. Recognized as a top-ranked academy in North America, we serve as a hub for martial arts excellence in Vermont and beyond.
Services
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Classes
Kids Martial Arts Programs
Adult Competition Training
Modern Boxing Instruction
No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu Sessions
Family Jiu-Jitsu Classes
Private Lessons
Corporate Self-Defense Training
Military Fitness Programs
Youth Kumite Tournaments
Highlights and features
- Ranked #1 BJJ school in the Northeast by IBJJF
- Led by a 7th-degree coral belt 5-time Brazilian National Champion
- Offers kids, adult, and military-specific self-defense programs
- Certified curriculum combining traditional and modern techniques
- Proven track record producing world championship competitors
Associations and certifications
- IBJJF
- USBJJF
- CBJJP
What people say
World-class instructor
Best training experience
Positive environment
Confidence development
Professional teaching style
Services
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Classes
Our core Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program teaches technical proficiency in grappling, submissions, and positional control. Students develop physical fitness, strategic thinking, and self-defense capabilities through structured curriculum. Classes incorporate traditional techniques from Carlson Gracie lineage with modern competition strategies for comprehensive skill development.
Kids Martial Arts Programs
Specialized programs for children aged 4-15 build discipline, confidence, and physical coordination. Curriculum includes age-appropriate self-defense techniques, character education, and foundational martial arts skills. Classes promote respect, perseverance, and teamwork in a safe, engaging environment designed for young learners.
Adult Competition Training
Advanced training program prepares competitors for IBJJF and NAGA tournaments. Focus includes guard passing, advanced submissions, and match strategy. Participants receive personalized coaching to refine technical skills, physical conditioning, and mental resilience required for championship-level competition.
Modern Boxing Instruction
Boxing classes develop striking techniques, footwork, and defensive maneuvers for all skill levels. Training emphasizes cardiovascular conditioning, reflex development, and practical self-defense applications. Students learn proper punching mechanics and movement patterns in a structured fitness environment.
No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu Sessions
No-gi training focuses on grappling techniques applicable to mixed martial arts and real-world self-defense. Curriculum covers takedowns, positional control, and submission holds without traditional uniform grips. Classes emphasize adaptability and technical precision in dynamic combat scenarios.
People
Julio Cesar Foca Fernandez Nunes
Head Instructor
7th-degree coral belt under Carlson Gracie Sr., 5-time Brazilian National Champion, and 2-time IBJJF World Champion with 40+ years of martial arts instruction experience.
Robert Hugus
5th Degree Black Belt
Senior instructor with extensive competition experience and decades of teaching expertise in traditional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu techniques.
Questions
What age groups do your programs accommodate?
We offer classes for children aged 4-15, adults of all experience levels, and family sessions combining parents with children.
What should I wear for my first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class?
Beginners can start in athletic wear; official uniforms become required after introductory sessions. Rental gis are available for trial students.
Do you offer trial classes for new students?
Yes, we provide a free 30-minute private introductory session to experience our training environment and teaching methods.
Are there competition opportunities for students?
We host annual youth Kumite tournaments and prepare competitors for regional and international IBJJF events through specialized training programs.
What safety measures are in place during training sessions?
Instructors emphasize controlled technique practice with progressive intensity. All classes maintain strict supervision and enforce safety protocols for drills and sparring.
Reviews (7)
Eric Weiss
Jan 05, 2022
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Ever wanted to feel like you have super powers? That's what Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is like.
Julio is an incredible instructor; he always goes the extra mile for his students in welcoming them to class, showing technique details, and creating a warm and friendly training environment. His gym is a fantastic place to train, you'll learn a lot about self defense, resiliency, patience, and being comfortable with the uncomfortable. I've been training here since 2018 and it's been a blast every class.
10/10 would recommend this gym.
Julio is an incredible instructor; he always goes the extra mile for his students in welcoming them to class, showing technique details, and creating a warm and friendly training environment. His gym is a fantastic place to train, you'll learn a lot about self defense, resiliency, patience, and being comfortable with the uncomfortable. I've been training here since 2018 and it's been a blast every class.
10/10 would recommend this gym.
Izzi Nolan
Dec 23, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality
I have been training at the academy now for a couple months. I have fallen in love with both the people and the sport and would recommend this academy to all! Julio gave a wonderful introduction and I look forward to continuing my training!
I have been training at the academy now for a couple months. I have fallen in love with both the people and the sport and would recommend this academy to all! Julio gave a wonderful introduction and I look forward to continuing my training!
Grace Lapointe
Nov 16, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Value
Ive had the privilege of being able to train with Julio hes an incredible instructor who always goes above and beyond with his students. I immediately felt welcomed by not only him but my fellow students as well. If youre wondering where you should train I absolutely recommend this school.
Ive had the privilege of being able to train with Julio hes an incredible instructor who always goes above and beyond with his students. I immediately felt welcomed by not only him but my fellow students as well. If youre wondering where you should train I absolutely recommend this school.
Nicholas Martin
Oct 01, 2021
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I have been training at Vermont Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for 8 years, it is a wonderful place to train. It is an honor and a privilege to be able to learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu from Julio, who is not only a world champion but also a Coral Belt. Jiu-Jitsu can change lives and Julio is helping change lives everyday. Not only is Julio a great teacher, he is also a great person who cares about his students. Everyone can benefit from training Martial Arts, Men, Women, and Children. Dont hesitate to come and try a class.
Owen Dumais
Aug 02, 2021
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Julio runs a great school and teaches classes with enthusiasm and poise. I immediately felt welcomed by both him and the fellow practitioners. I feel like I am really learning a valuable skill, from a world class instructor. The sheer number of classes offered also helps keep a flexible schedule. Overall, an amazing place to learn jui jitsu.
Borofsky
Jul 22, 2021
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Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,Value
I've worked with Julio for 15 years. I started as a white belt and I now help teach when time allows. I have two sons and Julio's safe, professional teaching environment is a place that my family and I will continue to frequent for as long as we can. It's very rare to find this quality of BJJ instruction in Vermont.
I've worked with Julio for 15 years. I started as a white belt and I now help teach when time allows. I have two sons and Julio's safe, professional teaching environment is a place that my family and I will continue to frequent for as long as we can. It's very rare to find this quality of BJJ instruction in Vermont.
Nate Thomas
Jul 19, 2021
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Julio is the most inspiring teacher Ive ever had the pleasure of learning from. He is an absolute master of his craft. BJJ gives you an opportunity to learn a skill, while also learning about life and yourself. Julio ties all these concepts together each and every time we train together. Ive truly become a better version of myself through the time Ive spent with him. I will be a lifelong student of BJJ because of the support and encouragement Julio has offered me. This man brought Brazil, and the Gracie lineage, to Vermont. Take advantage of this opportunity and come train with us!!
