Business Details
22 Years
experience
Your Premier Martial Arts Academy in Rochester, MN
Founded in 2004, the Mario Roberto Jiu-Jitsu Academy (MRJJA) is the largest and longest-operating Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai school in Southeastern Minnesota. Our mission centers on helping students achieve personal and martial arts excellence through a structured curriculum and a supportive community. With a team of highly qualified instructors, including the highest-ranking BJJ practitioner in Minnesota and former physicians, athletes, and educators, we provide unparalleled expertise.Our gym has produced multiple world champions and UFC competitors, demonstrating our commitment to proven results. We prioritize flexibility with over 30 weekly classes, catering to all skill levels from youth to professional athletes. Our no-contract policy reflects our confidence in customer satisfaction, ensuring members return by choice. Located in Rochester, MN, we foster a family-friendly environment that builds lifelong friendships alongside physical and mental discipline.
Services
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Muay Thai
Youth Martial Arts
No-Gi Grappling
Open Mat Sessions
Strength & Conditioning
Private Training
Family Classes
Competition Preparation
Self-Defense
Details
- Year established: 2004
Highlights and features
- We are the largest and longest-operating BJJ and Muay Thai school in SE Minnesota
- Our head instructor is the highest-ranking BJJ practitioner in Minnesota
- We follow a structured curriculum with over 30 weekly classes for all skill levels
- Our gym has produced multiple BJJ world champions and UFC competitors
- We offer flexible scheduling with a no-contract membership policy
What people say
World-class instructors
Supportive community
Proven competition results
Flexible scheduling
Family-friendly atmosphere
Services
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Structured Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instruction for all levels, from fundamentals to advanced competition techniques. Our curriculum develops technical proficiency, physical conditioning, and strategic thinking. Students train under certified black belts with professional fighting experience.
Muay Thai
Technical Muay Thai classes focusing on strikes, clinch work, and defensive techniques. Instructors emphasize proper form, conditioning, and practical application. Suitable for both self-defense enthusiasts and competitive fighters.
Youth Martial Arts
Age-appropriate martial arts programs for children aged 3-17. Combines self-defense instruction with character development, discipline, and physical fitness. Classes include specialized youth BJJ and Muay Thai curricula.
No-Gi Grappling
Intensive no-gi grappling sessions focusing on takedowns, submissions, and positional control. Designed to complement traditional BJJ training while emphasizing real-world application and competitive readiness.
Open Mat Sessions
Unstructured training periods for drilling techniques and sparring. Provides opportunities for skill refinement and peer-to-peer learning under instructor supervision. Available multiple times weekly for all experience levels.
People
Mario Roberto
Head Instructor
6th-degree BJJ black belt and former professional MMA fighter. Highest-ranking BJJ practitioner in Minnesota with over 20 years teaching experience. Former physician and UFC coach with a MD degree from Brazil.
Jason Mullholand
BJJ Instructor
2nd-degree BJJ black belt with rugby MVP background. Combines athletic expertise with technical instruction. Holds MBA degree and teaches both adults and youth students at MRJJA.
Victor Mahaffey
BJJ Instructor
1st-degree BJJ black belt with collegiate wrestling experience. Specializes in technique instruction and competition preparation. Holds MBA degree and manages operations at Mayo Clinic.
Dan Goodson
BJJ Instructor
Black belt with NCAA DII wrestling background and Taekwondo competition experience. Focuses on youth development and behavioral counseling. Currently pursuing Marriage and Family Therapy license.
Zach Curry
Strength & Conditioning Coach
Certified personal trainer and BJJ black belt. Specializes in athlete preparation for competition and functional fitness training. Holds NCSF certification and associates degree in fitness training.
Questions
What martial arts styles do you teach?
We specialize in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai, offering structured programs for all skill levels.
Are there classes for beginners?
Yes! Our curriculum includes dedicated beginner classes and progressive instruction for new students.
What should I wear for my first class?
Wear comfortable athletic clothing. We provide loaner gis for BJJ classes and require no special equipment for Muay Thai.
Do you offer trial periods?
Yes! We provide a free one-week trial with no commitment required to experience our programs.
Are there family discounts available?
Yes, we offer family discounts for multiple members training simultaneously in our programs.
What experience do your instructors have?
Our instructors include world champions, former physicians, collegiate athletes, and certified fitness professionals with decades of combined experience.
Reviews (4)
William Barry
Jan 26, 2021
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I recall the first day I walked into MRJJA now going on ten years! Mario and the instructors are world class, the facility and equipment are contemporary and the members are simply amazing! Everything you'll need, regardless of age and your personal goals (personal development, fitness, martial art defense, competition grappling/BJJ or pro MMA), is at Mario's!
Evan Getchell
Dec 24, 2020
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If you have any doubts, been on the fence about making the commitment, or anxious about joining a Martial Arts Gym, look no further. The Mario Roberto Jiu-Jitsu Academy has provided me a place to learn something new and challenge myself mentally and physically while living in Rochester during my son's Cancer Treatments. Everyone training at MRJJA from Beginners to Advanced and all the coaches are inviting and especially Respectful. The MRJJA Coaches and Students provide a phenomenal environment built for everyone. All of the coaches have experienced great accomplishments in their personal, training
Tom Fischer
Dec 17, 2020
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At Mario Robertos Jiu-Jitsu Academy - Mario and all of the Coachs at this academy from the kids classes to the adults do an amazing job of teaching and demonstrating BJJ techniques. They're friendly, professional, and encouraging to everyone at MRJJA. There are many different classes here from a mix of conditioning, Jiu Jitsu (fundamental, progressive and advanced technique), Muay Thai and take-down class, etc. My son and I are very grateful to have joined two years ago and have met amazing like-minded individuals. Everyone at Marios can become the best version of themselves by learning
Adam Dzbikowicz
Nov 24, 2020
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Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,Value
The guys over at Mario fitness Jiu Jitsu are great. I recently signed up my daughter to the Academy and shes loving it. Its a great class for kids development but dont forget great for adults too. They keep the gym Very clean and disinfect between groups. Im glad I found this place.
The guys over at Mario fitness Jiu Jitsu are great. I recently signed up my daughter to the Academy and shes loving it. Its a great class for kids development but dont forget great for adults too. They keep the gym Very clean and disinfect between groups. Im glad I found this place.
