About Gustavo Machado BJJ
Learn about our passionate team behind Fairfax's premier BJJ academy at Gustavo Machado BJJ Fairfax
Our Story
"At Gustavo Machado Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, we strive to provide our student family with the highest level of BJJ education in a safe, positive, and uplifting environment."
Our Mission At GMBJJ, we focus on traditional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Gi and No-Gi training for children, teenagers and adults. Our instructors are ready to help you achieve your individual goals, whether it is self-defense training, physical fitness or if you are wishing to engage in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competition. At Gustavo Machado Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, we strive to provide our student family with the highest level of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu education in a safe, positive, and uplifting environment.
Whether your goal is self-defense, physical fitness, or competition, our instructors are ready to help you achieve your individual goals. We're committed to maintaining a respectful, ego-free training environment where practitioners of all levels can thrive.
Head Instructor
Samuel Romanzo
Black Belt, 28 Years Experience
Samuel began his martial arts practice in 1987 with traditional Tae Kwon Do and Japanese Jiu-Jitsu. After graduating college, Samuel relocated to Tokyo, Japan to continue with his martial arts study and once there he was introduced to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. His passion for BJJ led him to open his first martial arts school in Chantilly, VA in 1999, and he has been dedicated to teaching and developing champions both on and off the mats ever since.
He has run schools in Virginia and New York and has worked extensively with both military and law-enforcement personnel both in the US and the Middle East. This experience brings a practical, real-world approach to his instruction that emphasizes both the sport and self-defense aspects of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Along with his 29 years of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu experience under Gustavo Machado, Samuel also holds the rank of 5th dan in Tae Kwon Do and 2nd dan in Han Guk Mu Sool.
"The focus of my instruction is to bring out the very best in each one of my students. Training with us improves your quality of life on multiple levels while having a great time!"
Sam on the Right
Sam's Training Affiliations
Embark on transformative physical and mental challenges designed to push your limits and discover your potential.
Training Philosophy
Samuel's approach to teaching emphasizes technical precision, practical application, and creating a supportive environment where students can develop at their own pace. His classes are structured to challenge practitioners of all levels while maintaining a positive, encouraging atmosphere.
Whether your goal is self-defense, competition, or physical fitness, Samuel tailors his instruction to help you achieve your individual objectives and discover your full potential on the mats.
Gustavo Machado Association
Sam with Gustavo Machado
We are proud to be part of the Gustavo Machado BJJ association, a prestigious lineage in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. There are 16 Gustavo Machado affiliate academies along the East Coast creating a strong Gustavo Machado Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Team Association. The Gustavo Machado Team has become both nationally and internationally renowned with many champions on the mat.
- ✓Occasional expert sessions with high-level instructors
- ✓Standardized curriculum and promotion standards
- ✓Competition support and coaching
- ✓Access to a global network of Gustavo Machado academies
This affiliation ensures our students receive instruction that adheres to the highest technical standards and time-tested methodology that has produced countless champions at all levels of competition.
Our Gustavo Machado BJJ Family
Gi Training
We offer traditional Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu focusing on technique, leverage, and strategy in the iconic kimono.
No-Gi Training
We also train No-Gi grappling, emphasizing practical techniques applicable to MMA and self-defense scenarios.
Train With Us
At Gustavo Machado BJJ Fairfax, we're more than just training partners—we're a family. Our community is built on mutual respect, support, and a shared passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. We learn together, grow together, and celebrate each other's achievements both on and off the mats.
Join Our BJJ FamilyJoin Our BJJ Family Today
Experience the transformative power of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in a supportive, professional environment.
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