Essencia Jiu Jitsu

Essencia Jiu Jitsu in Trumbull, Connecticut, was founded by Professor Marcello Lima, who began training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2011 and earned his black belt in 2022. Professor Marcello brings a wealth of experience both on and off the mats, having competed and medaled in high-level tournaments and serving as a United States Army veteran, police officer, and defensive tactics instructor. He is joined by Professor Carlos Fani Machado, a third-degree black belt with more than two decades of experience, who received his black belt in 2003 from Master Joao Eugenio De Jesus (Kaxambu), a pioneer of Jiu Jitsu in Minas Gerais, Brazil. The academy is a proud affiliate of the Jiu Jikan Team, connecting its students to a lineage that traces back through Master Kaxambu and Master Helio Gracie. Training at Essencia is rooted in the traditional values and technical depth of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The academy offers instruction for both children and adults, with programs designed to guide students from their very first class through every stage of rank development. The kids’ program emphasizes discipline, respect, and self-confidence, aiming to instill these qualities from an early age. Adult classes balance fundamental and advanced techniques, with opportunities for those interested in competition as well as those focused on personal growth and fitness. Essencia Jiu Jitsu operates with an emphasis on safety, family, and personal development, making the academy accessible to a broad range of students. Classes run Monday through Friday from morning to evening, and the facility is wheelchair accessible. The teaching philosophy extends beyond technical skill, encouraging resilience, patience, and the application of Jiu-Jitsu principles to life outside the academy.

Amenities